Netflix and thrill! Horror films can make you HORNY, scientist claims - and says these are top movies to get you in the mood this Halloween

When it comes to sexy films, blockbuster hits such as Magic Mike, Fifty Shades of Grey, or Eyes Wide Shut might spring to mind. 

But if you really want to set the mood, you should opt for horror movies instead, an expert has claimed. 

Jessica Leoni, a Sex and Relationships expert at Illicitencounters.com, claims that horror films trigger sexual arousal in humans.

'There is an intricate interplay of our bodies' physiological responses to fear and arousal,' she told MailOnline. 

'Elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels can trick the body into mistaking fear for sexual excitement.' 

With Halloween almost here, Ms Leoni has delved into the science behind what fear can do to our bodies when it comes to sex. 

This concept dates back decades, with several studies finding a link between fear and sexual arousal. 

For example, in 2009, psychologist Professor Arthur Aron conducted a study involving two bridges. 

Both bridges were 450ft-long and suspended over a 230ft drop, but while one was stable, the other was wobbly.  

Professor Aron asked 33 men to walk over the wobbly bridge, and 33 to walk over the stable one, with a beautiful female assistant at the end of both. 

The assistant asked each man a set of questions, and then gave him her phone number 'in case he wanted more information'. 

The results revealed that men who had walked over the wobbly bridge were significantly more likely to call the assistant and ask her on a date.  

This suggests that fear boost sexual attraction.  

'When we're terrified, our body directs blood to our extremities, preparing us for "fight or flight",' Ms Leoni said. 

'When we're turned on, blood flows to our naughty bits, triggering a similar fight-or-flight response.'

While anxiety and fear are usually emotions we try to avoid, Ms Leonis claims that we can approach them 'playfully' by watching horror films.

'Every horror film triggers unique bodily reactions in viewers,' she told MailOnline. 

'This can be attributed to our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, governing functions like heart rate and sexual arousal. 

'Suspenseful jump scares for instance, cause a sense of uncertainty in the brain. 

'This, in turn, will release endorphins and dopamine, which are often associated with pleasure and desire.'

Many screenwriters take advantage of the link between fear and arousal by adding sexual elements to their horror movies. 

'They purposely walk the fine line between fear and desire, which can be pretty blurry,' Ms Leoni said. 

'So, expect some steamy scenes to pop up right when you're least expecting it, adding an extra layer of excitement.'

If you're hoping to get frisky this Halloween, Illicitencounters.com has revealed the top 10 heart-pounding fims. 

Jennifer's Body claims the top spot, with the dark humour, teenage angst, and Megan Fox's seductive portrayal creating the 'perfect blend'. 

This is followed by Black Swan, with the romance between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis adding an 'erotic layer'. 

Other sexy horrors suggested by the site include It Follows, Hostel, Host, and Scream.