In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, students had to face their Kryptonite – the Boggart, an amortal non-being that shapes shift into the viewer’s worst fear. For Ron, it was a giant spider. Hermione, failure (in the form of Professor McGonagall telling her she failed her exams) and Harry, a Dementor.
We all have our own Boggarts, and like psychology suggests, one of the best way to overcome a fear is through facing it, as Harry and friends did through the Riddikulus charm. So to help you – our dear reader – overcome your fears, we’ve put together a list of movies best suited to a phobia. Hopefully (or not), yours is somewhere below!
#1. 127 Hours (2010)
For: Claustrophobia (fear of being closed-in and tight spaces)
Why? It’s actually a true story based on an adventurer who got his arm trapped under a boulder in an isolated canyon for well, 127 hours. That’s five days. Oh, and he had to amputate his own arm to free himself. Hopefully the brave story of Aron Ralston will help you learn the most important lesson – never get trapped under a boulder. Watch the trailer here.
#2. The Walk (2015)
For: Acrophobia (fear of heights)
Why? Also a true story, this biographical film has you on the edge of your seat as you follow the high-wire artist, Philippe Petit, walk on a tightrope between the World Trade Centre towers which was thereafter deemed the “artistic crime of the century”. For the brave ones, they have this movie in 3D too! Watch the trailer here.
#3. Jaws (1975)
For: Galeophobia and thalassophobia (sharks, and the sea/sea travel, respectively)
Why? A classic horror thriller, Jaws singlehandedly incited the fear of great white sharks across generations. Careful with this one, as some people reported being unable to be in their bathtub after watching this movie. Watch the trailer here.
#4. Child’s Play Collection (1988 – 2017)
For: Pediophobia (fear of dolls)
Why? Perhaps you know him as Chucky, the horror film franchise follows the story of a doll with the soul of a notorious serial killer. Or if you’d prefer, you could take a trip down to Dhoby Ghaut MRT. You know, where the creepy doll was found along the tracks earlier this year. Watch the trailers here.
#5. It (1990 & 2017)
For: Coulrophobia (fear of clowns)
Why? Because it’s all about an evil clown who kidnaps children. Based on the book by Stephen King, the film follows the cases of missing children linked to an evil clown named Pennywise. Oh and heads up, the reboot of the film will be released in Singapore theatres on September 7. Watch the trailer here.
#6. Nightmare on Elm Street 4 (1988)
For: Trypophobia (fear of shapes, more commonly of holes)
Why? Because you get to look at Freddie’s face the entire movie! Watch the trailer here.
#7. Joe’s Apartment (1996)
For: Entomophobia (aka insectophobia, fear of one or more classes of insect)
Why? Because what better way to feel better about cockroaches than a musical-comedy film showcasing the insect’s good nature? Watch the trailer here.
