The biggest influence, in my opinion, to horror movies' decline is that they are more accomidated for teens now. It seems its easier for teens these days to watch rated R movies than it was a few years ago. Since then it seems that a large percentage of horror movie goers are teenagers, note the character ages in the movies themselves as well. Teens don't want that much in movies: sex, gore, and special effects. They sadly could care less about the actually story, which sadens me.......(un-needed subject change.) Kids don't read enough anymore.