If you’re a fan of horror movies, then you know that there’s nothing quite like the rush of fear and excitement that comes from experiencing a good scare. As we settle into the new year, what better way to get motivated and stay on track with our resolutions than by indulging in some of the best horror films out there?

Whether you’re a fan of classic monster movies or more modern, psychological thrillers, there’s a horror film out there that will not only entertain you but also serve as a reminder of the consequences of not sticking to your commitments.

So, if you’re looking to add a little extra terror to your new year’s resolution game plan, check out these horror films that are sure to inspire you to stick to your goals and make this year your best yet.

10. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992)

One of the things that makes Buffy The Vampire Slayer such a great movie to watch for workout motivation is the way it showcases Buffy’s physical abilities. Throughout the movie, we see her training and practicing her skills, always striving to be better. She runs through obstacle courses, practices her tumbling, and even works on her hand-to-hand combat. It’s clear that she takes her role as a Slayer seriously and is always working to improve her physical abilities.

In one particularly memorable scene, Buffy (Kristy Swanson) takes on a group of vampires in a high school gym. She flips, kicks, and punches her way through the bloodsuckers, all while maintaining perfect form and control. It’s a truly impressive display of athleticism that will have you wanting to hit the gym and work on your own moves.

9. Split (2017)

James McAvoy’s performance as Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with 23 distinct personalities, is a big wildly inspirational. In the film, we see Kevin’s various personalities exhibit a range of physical abilities and athletic feats. One of Kevin’s personalities, named “The Beast,” is particularly impressive. The Beast is a superhumanly strong and agile individual, able to perform feats of strength and agility that are both monstrous and surprising. In one scene, he scales a wall in a single bound and pulls himself up onto a roof with ease. In another, he takes down a group of armed guards with lightning-fast moves and brute force.

8. The Descent (2005)

The Descent is a horror movie about a group of friends who go spelunking (cave exploring) in the Appalachian Mountains and end up getting trapped underground. It’s a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat kind of film, but it’s also a great source of motivation for working out.

One of the things that make The Descent so motivating is the fact that the main characters are all incredibly athletic. These women are no slouches – they’re rock climbing, hiking, endurance athletes, and it shows in their physical abilities. They’re able to navigate through tight spaces and climb up steep inclines with ease thanks to their strength and agility. These women are faced with some of the most terrifying and challenging circumstances imaginable, and yet they never give up. They keep pushing forward, even when it seems like all hope is lost.

7. The Fly (1986)

The Fly might not be the first movie that comes to mind when you think of fitness inspiration but hear me out – this 1986 sci-fi horror film actually has some great motivators for hitting the gym. Before his tragic transformation into the “Brundlefly”, Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) was a brilliant scientist and quite the athlete. He’s agile and strong, able to climb up pipes and lift heavy equipment with ease. Even after he starts going through his metamorphosis, he still maintains a level of physical prowess that is truly impressive.

His character’s exploration of his newfound strength and energy might feel old hat next to today’s superhero films. But, in an early 80s western world that was still trying to make yoga and vegetarian diets mainstream, Goldblum’s performance feels holistic and grounded.

6. Suspiria (2018)

Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson), the main character of the story, is an exceptionally talented dancer with impressive physical skills such as strength, agility, and grace. Her control and precision in movement belies her youth. The other dancers at Susie’s academy are also in excellent physical condition, with lean and toned bodies and a high level of endurance. Even non-dancers like Dr. Josef Klemperer (Tilda Swinton) and his patient Sara Simms (Mia Goth) display impressive physicality in the film. If only it didn’t require witchcraft to stay so perfectly in-shape…

5. Resident Evil (2002)

The Resident Evil franchise is a great source of workout motivation, especially if you’re a fan of action movies. Alice (Milla Jovovich) is a former security operative who is incredibly fit and athletic. She’s strong, agile, and capable of handling a variety of weapons with ease. Watching Alice kick butt and take names is a great reminder of the dedication and hard work that goes into being physically fit.

But it’s not just Alice who is athletic in Resident Evil. The other characters in the franchise, like Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield, are also incredibly fit and capable of handling themselves in high-stakes situations. Even the villains, like Nemesis and Mr. X, are formidable opponents who require a high level of physical ability to take down.

4. American Psycho (1999)

Despite his, uh, extracurricular activities, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is actually incredibly fit. He spends hours at the gym every day, lifting weights and running on the treadmill. He’s got a chiseled physique and an impressive level of physical endurance.

Bateman is also extremely focused and committed to maintaining his fitness, and it shows in his dedication to his workouts. He’s the kind of guy who never skips a day at the gym, and that kind of discipline is something we can all strive for when it comes to our own fitness goals. *Bonus points for skincare representation.

3. Blade (1998)

If you’re in need of a little motivation to hit the gym and crush your workouts, look no further than the 1998 action-horror film Blade. The movie follows the titular character, a half-human, half-vampire hybrid who uses his super strength and fighting skills to take down bloodsuckers and protect humanity. From start to finish, Wesley Snipes’ portrayal of Blade is nothing short of impressive, with high-octane action scenes that require a high level of physical conditioning.

One of the best examples of Blade’s athleticism comes early on in the movie, when he takes down a group of vampires in a night club. The fight scene is fast-paced and intense, with Snipes executing a series of impressive acrobatic moves and martial arts techniques. It’s clear that he has put in a lot of hard work and training to be able to pull off these feats of physicality, and it serves as a great reminder that dedication to your fitness goals can pay off in a big way.

2. Saw (2004)

The Saw franchise is a series of horror films that have gained a massive following over the years. While the movies are known for their gruesome and twisted plotlines, they also have an underlying message that can inspire viewers to get in shape. One of the main themes of the films is the idea of survival. The characters are often put in situations where they must fight for their lives, and physical fitness plays a crucial role in their ability to do so. In the movies, we see characters pushing themselves to their limits, using their strength and endurance to overcome obstacles and outlast their enemies.

But the message of the Saw franchise goes beyond just physical survival. The movies also showcase the importance of mental and emotional strength. The characters must use their wits and determination to solve puzzles and make tough decisions, and this requires a strong mind and a healthy body.

1. Zombieland (2009)

Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) begins the film as a timid character, but by the end he becomes a formidable zombie hunter. His increased physical fitness, including improved cardio and agility, helps him navigate the zombie-ridden world. Seeing Columbus’s transformation from a meek individual to a zombie-slaying hero can serve as motivation for the viewer to prioritize their own fitness. If you’re seeking inspiration to get active, Zombieland is an entertaining and thrilling film that will surely get your heart pumping. Just be sure to have some snacks nearby, as the action-packed scenes may make you hungry.

“…using horror movies as a source of inspiration and motivation can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.”

Whatever your goals may be for your body in 2023, you can use your love of horror movies to your advantage. By incorporating physical activity into your movie nights, such as jumping jacks, push-ups, or squats during the scares, you can turn your movie night into a fun and effective workout session.

Remember to pay attention to your body’s limits and take breaks when needed, and don’t be afraid to switch up your routine to keep things interesting. With a little bit of determination and motivation, you can achieve your fitness goals and make this year your healthiest one yet. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or simply improve your overall health, using horror movies as a source of inspiration and motivation can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

Share your new years resolutions, and your horror movie workout routines with us over on Twitter, Reddit, Facebook, and in the official Nightmare on Film Street Discord. You can also hear us chat about all the movies above plus JonOnASrtring’s Top 10 of 2022 on the Nightmare on Film Street Podcast HERE.

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