Netflix and excitement! Horror films can make you HORNY, scientists claim – and say these are top films to get you in the mood this Halloween

When it comes to sexy movies, you might think of blockbuster hits like Magic Mike, Fifty Shades of Gray or Eyes Wide Shut.

But if you really want to set the mood, it’s best to opt for horror films, says an expert.

Jessica Leoni, a sex and relationships expert at Illicitencounters.com, claims that horror movies cause sexual arousal in people.

‘There is a complex interplay of our body’s physiological responses to fear and arousal,’ she told MailOnline.

‘Elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels can trick the body into mistaking fear for sexual arousal.’

With Halloween almost here, Ms. Leoni has delved into the science behind what fear can do to our bodies when it comes to sex.

This concept dates back decades, with several studies finding a link between anxiety and sexual arousal.

For example, in 2009, psychologist Professor Arthur Aron conducted a study involving two bridges.

Both bridges were 450 feet long and hung over a 230-foot drop, but while one was stable, the other was wobbly.

Professor Aron asked 33 men to walk over the wobbly bridge, and 33 to walk over the stable bridge, with a beautiful female assistant at the end of both.

The assistant asked each man a series of questions and then gave him her phone number “in case he wanted more information.”

The results showed that men who had walked over the wobbly bridge were significantly more likely to call the assistant and ask her out.

This suggests that fear increases sexual attraction.

“When we are terrified, our body sends blood to our extremities and prepares us for ‘fight or flight,’” Leoni said.

Although fear and anxiety are usually emotions we try to avoid, Ms Leonis claims we can approach them “playfully” by watching horror films (stock image)

“When we’re excited, blood rushes to our naughty parts, triggering a similar fight-or-flight response.”

While fear and anxiety are typically emotions we try to avoid, Leonis claims we can approach them “playfully” by watching horror films.

“Each horror film causes unique physical reactions in viewers,” she told MailOnline.

‘This can be attributed to our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which control functions such as heart rate and sexual arousal.

‘For example, exciting jump scares create a feeling of uncertainty in the brain.

‘This releases endorphins and dopamine, which are often associated with pleasure and desire.’

Many screenwriters take advantage of the connection between fear and excitement by adding sexual elements to their horror films.

“They purposely walk the fine line between fear and desire, which can be quite blurry,” Leoni said.

“So expect steamy scenes to pop up when you least expect it, adding an extra layer of suspense.”

If you’re hoping to get frisky this Halloween, Illicitencounters.com has revealed the top 10 heartbreaking movies.

Jennifer’s Body claims first place, with the dark humor, teen angst and Megan Fox’s seductive performance that creates the ‘perfect mix’.

This is followed by Black Swan, in which the romance between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis adds an ‘erotic layer’.

Other sexy horrors suggested by the site include It Follows, Hostel, Host and Scream.