International Review of Social and Cultural Studies
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): September

From Demons to Droids: A Comparative Study of Supernatural and AI Horror in Global Cinema

Jannatul Ferdous Himika (Department of Marketing, Daffodil International University, Bangladesh)
Sk. Sabbir Ahmed (Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Bangladesh)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Horror cinema has continually evolved to mirror society’s prevailing fears, shifting from supernatural narratives rooted in folklore and religion to technologically driven anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence. This study presents a comparative analysis of supernatural and AI horror by examining their narrative structures, visual aesthetics, audience responses, and theoretical underpinnings. Drawing on Noël Carroll’s concept of the supernatural as a violation of the natural order and Baudrillard’s notion of simulated realities, the research investigates films such as Annabelle, M3GAN, Tatya Vinchu (India), and Putuler Protishodh (Bangladesh) Supernatural horror often relies on chaotic, demonic forces and spiritual themes, resonating strongly in cultures with deep-rooted beliefs in the paranormal. In contrast, AI horror introduces humanlike yet emotionally detached antagonists, exemplified by the Uncanny Valley effect, which heightens unease through artificial realism. Findings reveal that while AI horror is gaining global prominence with the rise of digital technologies, supernatural horror retains its cultural significance, especially in regions where spiritual beliefs prevail. The study concludes that horror cinema remains a powerful lens through which societal anxieties are explored, continually adapting to reflect fears both ancient and modern.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

irscs

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

The International Review of Social and Cultural Studies (IRSCS) is a leading publication dedicated to promoting and sharing impactful research in the fields of social and cultural analysis. The journal acts as an essential resource for academics, researchers, and policymakers who seek to engage with ...