Entertainment • Film Technique

Jumpscare

A jumpscare, also written as jump scare or jump-scare, is a horror technique used in films, television, video games, and other media to startle an audience with a sudden visual or auditory shock.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A jumpscare, also written as jump scare or jump-scare, is a horror technique used in films, television, video games, and other media to startle an audience with a sudden visual or auditory shock. It often uses a quiet buildup followed by a loud sound and a sudden image or event. The device is commonly associated with horror fiction and internet screamers and is familiar to Canadian audiences through horror films, video games, and online content, used in Canadian English in the same general sense as in other varieties of English.

Definition

A jumpscare is a scripted moment in media intended to frighten by surprise, usually through an abrupt visual change, a sudden appearance, or a loud noise. Dictionary definitions describe it as something that shocks and frightens the viewer so they suddenly move or jump.

Use in horror media

Jumpscares are widely used in horror films and games to create immediate fear or release built-up tension. They may appear after a period of silence or suspense, making the sudden event more effective.

A related online form is the screamer, or internet screamer, which uses a sudden image, sound, or application change to startle the user. These are often associated with prank content and viral internet culture.

Reception

The technique has a mixed reputation. Some viewers find it effective, while others regard it as a cheap or overused horror device.

Key facts

Jumpscares are designed to provoke a sudden startle response in the audience.
They are especially common in horror films and horror video games.
A typical jumpscare uses a quiet or suspenseful setup before an abrupt shock.
The shock is often paired with a loud sound effect or sudden visual change.
Internet screamers are a related form of jumpscare-like media used online.
The technique is sometimes criticised as overused or formulaic in horror.

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Canadian context

Jumpscares are familiar to Canadian audiences through horror films, video games, and online content, and the term is used in Canadian English in the same general sense as in other varieties of English.

Frequently asked questions

What is a jumpscare?

A jumpscare is a sudden, startling moment in media designed to frighten an audience, usually with an abrupt image, movement, or loud sound.

Where are jumpscares commonly used?

They are most common in horror films, television, and video games, but they also appear in online prank content.

What makes a jumpscare effective?

A quiet or suspenseful buildup followed by a sudden shock usually makes a jumpscare more effective.

Is jumpscare one word or two?

Both forms are used: jump scare, jump-scare, and jumpscare.

Are jumpscares always in horror?

They are most strongly associated with horror, but the technique can appear in other genres and media as a surprise tactic.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_scare
Supports: General definition, common media, related internet screamer, and spelling variants.
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/jump-scare
Supports: Definition as something in a movie that shocks and frightens you so you suddenly move or jump.
Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20scare
Supports: Definition as a scripted moment in a film or video game intended to startle the audience.
Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/jump-scare
Supports: Definition as a sudden movement, appearance, or loud sound meant to startle the viewer.