There’s no doubt that horror films today tend to rely heavily on jump scares to terrify audiences. Some fans may call it a cheap plot device, but jump scares can and have been effective. What makes a jump scare work is proper set-up, followed by a worthwhile pay-off. Nevertheless, there have been too many films that improperly set up a scene that ultimately has zero shock value. Whether through silent tension or a powerful and unexpected moment, notable horror films give equal attention to what comes before and after.