After viewing so many horror movies over the years, I have a few tips about surviving a horror-movie situation. There are the obvious solutions, such as being a ninja and calling the police in time, but there are also others concepts that no one in horror movies seem to grasp.
1. Don't walk around in the dark
Why are you walking around in the dark when a psycho is walking around your house? Have some common sense. If you really don't want to turn the lights on or can't due to power failure, then use a flashlight. I know almost everyone has an app on their phone for it. Walking around in the dark almost always screams, "Look at me!" because you're fumbling around and making too much noise.
2. Don't call out someone's name or "hello?"
If someone has gone to check something on their own during the horror-movie situation, and hasn't come back within a few minutes, then they're dead. Don't go look for them. That usually gets a couple more people killed along the way. That lone person shouldn't have been so curious about whatever they went in search for.
3. Don't trip and fall when running away
Now, this isn't always possible, but most of the time it is. If you're trying to get away from the murderer stalking you, you're going to run as fast as possible. Tripping is not on your list of thing to do. If you do trip, you're getting left behind by everyone else because of natural selection; you chose to trip and fall, ultimately deciding to sacrifice yourself for the greater good of the group. Nobody smart is turning around to help you.
4. Don't stand there staring at the killer
I hate when people do this in horror movies. It's obvious that the killer is standing right in front of you. Why are you not running? Why are you staring at them? Are you communicating through telepathy? Do you think his vision is based off of movement and he won't see you if you don't move?
5. Don't go into the woods
Nothing good ever comes from running into the woods. Some examples would be "Evil Dead," "Friday the 13th" (1980), and "Rose Red." Characters were not smart in these films because they ran into the woods, thinking it was a good idea. Well, it's not. Don't do it.
6. Don't go upstairs
You will never escape if you go upstairs. Find a place on the ground level to hide and be quiet until you can get away. It's simple.
7. Don't go into dark, creepy basements
Again, ground level is the best option, especially since the killer will be searching the entire house at some point, which will give you enough time to make a quiet getaway. Plus, basements are creepy, especially in the dark.
8. Don't scream or make noise
Unless you want to attract the psycho who is attempting to murder you. I know that you're facing a tremendously difficult situation, but if you wish to survive, be quiet. Screaming only makes things worse.
9. No graveyards
This is when zombies come into play or something dead is stalking you. Only bad can come from this situation. Who in their right mind would enter a graveyard filled with creepy fog at night?
10. Don't waste bullets
Save them for when they can really count, especially if you do not possess any firearm experience. Sometimes, it's best to just be inventive when it comes to weapons.
11. Sex should be the last thing on your mind
Almost always, couples who have sex in horror movies die during the act or right after. Neither are pleasant. Survive, then celebrate.
12. Don't read from books that have warnings about opening them on the cover
Just heed the warning. That's what they should've done in "Evil Dead," but no. They had to read from the book and bring the woods to life.
13. Killers always come back, so just keep unloading bullets into its face
This is so true. Killers always come back when the victim lowers their guard, thinking that they finally killed the one thing that had been terrorizing them. Horrible Mistake. Make sure the killer is dead. Completely and utterly dead.
14. Don't buy huge houses that are really cheap...there's almost always something wrong with it
So many movies portray this concept of a happy family buying a cheap home that had something horrific and tragic occur inside or on the property. Supernatural occurrences are in your future if you do this.
15. Never split up. If someone suggests this, vote them off the island quickly
This is never a good idea. Power in numbers. Buddy system. These concepts need to be considered unless you're stuck with someone who will ultimately get you murdered. When groups split up, they end up going to look for each other, a couple people die in the process, and then the killer finds you. It's never smart.