The Fourth Kind

Name: The Fourth Kind
Released: 2009-11-05

Released 5 November 2009

6.3out of 10

No. 421 on the Scare Scale

Based on 1 rating

Trailer

Where to stream it

Streaming data from JustWatch.

Since the 1960s, a disproportionate number of the population in and around Nome, Alaska, have gone missing. Despite FBI investigations, the disappearances remain a mystery. Dr. Abigail Tyler, a psychologist, may be on the verge of blowing the unsolved cases wide open when, during the course of treating her patients, she finds evidence of alien abductions.

How it scares

Each kind of scare is rated out of 10. Hover over a score, or use the info button, to see what it means.

Gore
4.8 out of 10,Strong
Blood, injuries and body horror shown on screen. Violence that happens off-screen barely counts.
Gore 4.8 is strong (5-6 on the scale):
- Bloody deaths and injuries shown clearly
- Happens fairly often, but doesn't linger
1. 1-2Mild
2. 3-4Moderate
3. 5-6Strong
4. 7-8Intense
5. 9-10Extreme
Creepy
4.9 out of 10,Strong
Unsettling images, atmosphere and things that feel wrong. Not sudden shocks (Jumpscares) or waiting for something to happen (Suspense).
Creepy 4.9 is strong (5-6 on the scale):
- Disturbing images and an atmosphere that feels wrong
- Comes back often, and some scenes stay with you afterwards
1. 1-2Mild
2. 3-4Moderate
3. 5-6Strong
4. 7-8Intense
5. 9-10Extreme
Jumpscares
2.8 out of 10,Moderate
Sudden shocks designed to make you jump, usually a fast movement or a loud noise. Not slow-building dread (Suspense).
Jumpscares 2.8 is moderate (3-4 on the scale):
- A handful of jumpscares that land
- Spaced out, with long gaps between them
1. 1-2Mild
2. 3-4Moderate
3. 5-6Strong
4. 7-8Intense
5. 9-10Extreme
Suspense
5.8 out of 10,Strong
Tension and dread while you wait for something to happen. Not the scare itself when it arrives (Jumpscares or Gore).
Suspense 5.8 is strong (5-6 on the scale):
- High tension that keeps you on edge
- Calm moments are short and don't last
1. 1-2Mild
2. 3-4Moderate
3. 5-6Strong
4. 7-8Intense
5. 9-10Extreme
Psychological
4.9 out of 10,Strong
Horror that gets in your head: paranoia, madness, doubting what's real and ideas that stay with you. Not how a scene looks (Creepy) or feels in the moment (Suspense).
Psychological 4.9 is strong (5-6 on the scale):
- Paranoia, madness or a story that makes you question what's real
- A big part of the film, and it stays with you afterwards
1. 1-2Mild
2. 3-4Moderate
3. 5-6Strong
4. 7-8Intense
5. 9-10Extreme

How the overall score of 6.3 is worked out

Scare weighting compares each kind of scare with other films, lifting what's stronger than usual and lowering what's weaker, so only the strongest get near 10. The Scare Scale score is the average of the three highest.