Early horror films in the 1970s and 1980s primarily targeted young male audiences by featuring female characters who were terrorized by male monsters. However, modern horror films now have their main audience as women, with heroines as the main characters who must overcome terrifying situations. Filmmakers integrate topics relevant to women such as pregnancy and relationships to attract more female audiences. Contemporary horror films appeal to teenagers, middle-aged adults, and young women through realistic scenes and intense music and effects.