I like some horror a lot and have for a long time. I prefer supernatural horror and thrillers. I think they can get at certain truths better than regular drama because the story can rely on myth and archetype to get at dark human truths or comment on society. In a way they function like fairy tales which can comment on danger, familial situations, etc., and help people process fears,.uncertainty and evil. An example would be Rosemary's Baby (and really everything by Ira Levin).but even Godzilla can be seen as a social critique. Another recent movie with a social critique is Parasite.
I think a lot of filmmakers also like these movies and have figured out what makes them good and how to write and direct them to highlight the best aspects of the genre. More Hitchcock than William Castle. I take exception to splatterfest type movies and "murder porn." I don't think these are the same thing for the most part and they are limited in what they offer and don't have much of a point beyond the gore.