Is it truly a horror movie if it has a happy ending?

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Not a “satisfying” ending, a happy ending where there’s a happily ever after kind of vibe

Yes

No

[Being_a_good_Indian]

Horror movies can still be considered horror even if they have a happy ending. The presence of a happy ending doesn't necessarily disqualify a movie from being classified as horror. What defines a horror movie is its ability to create a sense of fear, suspense, and dread in the audience. While many horror films have bleak or open-ended conclusions, some do incorporate happier endings to provide contrast or a sense of relief after the suspenseful elements. The key is the overall atmosphere and themes of fear and dread that the movie conveys.

[AviatorTom]

Could be.. envision two vampires riding off into the sunset together as the credits roll and the camera pans back to the small old west town they've just left, dead bodies in the street and blood everywhere

[provokeesmokee]

Definitely can be. Midnight Mass has a happy ending but it's still super horrific.

[MiddleAgedClimbee]

I think if you get scared and threatened or frightened during the movie, regardless of the ending, it can fall into the horror category.

[NathanDavis]

could have a happy ending for one or two people.. while still ending up being horrific and horrible for everyone else lol...

[Still-alive]

I'll say yes. the ride to get there can still be horrifying.

[Still-alive]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4AhTjaaDJE

But the precedent was very much in effect in the 80s as you see here lol

[Kingofkings1992]

I don’t think that disqualifies anything. What matters is presence of fear.