Why do women always run up the stairs?

Question

Ok in horror, slasher, films, why do people(typically) women run up the stairs? They always run up the stairs, and running to their bedroom or something? but why?

Answer 1

Because their 'boobs' throw them off-balance whenever they get excited like that ;P

Answer 2

You can look at it two ways:

In real-life events, people (both male and female) have a tendency to elevate themselves during moments of panic -- being chased by someone included -- when logic or hindsight would tell them to do otherwise. There is some research that says the fight-or-flight response in humans instinctually guides us toward higher ground, or above it, in a tree for example: this not only puts distance between you and the threat, but gives you the upper hand if the threat comes after you.

From a movie perspective, it's mostly for plot convenience: it traps them. If they run up the stairs, the killer can block off their only escape (down the stairs) forcing them to either (a) further trap themselves by going out onto the ledge/roof/balcony or (b) work up their nerve to outsmart or confront the killer in order to escape. It also helps establish the sense of claustrophobia that many horror movies try to achieve: if the character didn't run up the stairs, but ran out the back door, the sense of isolation and entrapment vanishes.

As for it being mostly women running up the stairs, women are usually the victims/potential victims in horror movies, regardless of stair-involvement: it's the damsel in distress idea. If it's a 6'5" 230 man running from the killer, he doesn't seem to be as outmatched and as a woman. It's stacking the odds in the killer's favor so that her plight seems all the more perilous.

Answer 3

Well, maybe because that's our threshold or safespot. And it's also where we feel the safest and where we keep all of our belongings! Also, we know where every single thing is located in our room whether it's neat or messy! So that may mean we know where a weapon is hidden! Anything from a gun in a closet or a razor on the nightstand. Lol but overall I would probably say because that's where we feel safest.
P.S. We're running to protect our Jimmy Choo's,True Religion's,Balenciaga's, and Rocawear!!!!

Answer 4

Because that is the great horror formula. It gives people a chance to yell at the screen saying "DON'T GO UP THERE!" Although the actors can't really hear them, you know, because the movie was already made.

Just watch "Scream". Jamie Kennedy's character knows all about the classic horror formula.

Answer 5

cuz probability of tripping falling is high while climbing down..and then it will rather look funny
and basically its harder to stair up in tention and horror than climbing down so it gives a better effect similarly coming down the stairs is very much seen in comedy scenes

Answer 6

Ahaha I don't know lol, thats a great question

cause i would run out the door,or jump out a window

not sit there and be killed lol

Answer 7

cause if they put it in the script for them to go out a window or door.it would be more likely for them to get away and then what would they do with the script, where's the excitement, when would the kill happen?

Answer 8

because that's how the script was written.