Movies for Children from the '80s and '90s that Left Lasting Psychological Scars, and as a Millennial, I Firmly Endorse This Perspective

Movies for Children from the '80s and '90s that Left Lasting Psychological Scars, and as a Millennial, I Firmly Endorse This Perspective

Scary Children's Movies: A Look Back at Films That Terrified Audiences

For many, the magic of childhood is often associated with the enchanting world of children's movies. However, some films from this genre have left a lasting impression of fear and dread in the hearts of young viewers. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of these films that sent shivers down spines, both then and now.

• "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982) - Steven Spielberg's beloved sci-fi classic was so intense for some that it drove them to leave the theater in tears. The film's emotional depth and suspenseful moments made for an unforgettable cinematic experience, even if it was a little too scary for some young viewers.
• "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) - Roald Dahl's fantastical tale of a tour through a chocolate factory was not always as sweet as it seemed. Some children found the film's darker moments and the mysterious Mr. Wonka himself to be quite unsettling.
• "The Tower of Terror" (1997) - This made-for-TV movie about a haunted hotel was a scary experience for many children, causing a fear of elevators for some. The film's eerie atmosphere and supernatural elements made it a chilling watch, even for older audiences.
• "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" (1985) - The character Large Marge, with her bizarre and disturbing appearance, was a memorable moment for many viewers. Her scene, filled with grotesque imagery and a surreal sense of unease, left a lasting impact on those who watched it.
• "The Thriller" video (1983) - Michael Jackson's iconic music video was a scary children's experience for some. The video's dark themes and zombie-like dancers were too much for some young viewers to handle, creating a sense of fear and unease.
• "Bambi" (1942) - The forest fire scene in this Disney classic was a heart-wrenching and terrifying experience for many children. The loss of Bambi's mother to the flames was a poignant moment that left a lasting impression on viewers.
• "The Land Before Time" (1988) - The thought of parents dying in this film was scary for some children and left a lasting impact. The film's emotional moments and its exploration of loss resonated deeply with young viewers.
• "The Brave Little Toaster" (1987) - This film was a source of fear for some children, with its dark and eerie atmosphere. The film's strange twists and turns made it a somewhat unsettling watch for young viewers.
• "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) - The flying monkeys were a frightening sight for many children. Their menacing presence and their chaotic flight patterns made for a memorable and terrifying moment in the film.
• "The Dark Crystal" (1982) - This Jim Henson film was another film that terrified children. Its dark and mysterious world, filled with strange creatures and unsettling moments, made for a chilling watch.
• "The Secret of Nimh" (1982) - This animated film was also mentioned as a terrifying film for children. Its dark themes and disturbing imagery made it a memorable and frightening watch for young viewers.
• "Little Monsters" (1989) - A movie featuring Fred Savage and Howie Mandell was mentioned as being quite disturbing. The film's dark and twisted plot made it a memorable and unsettling watch for young viewers.
• "The Omen" (1976) - This horror classic featuring Damien, a child who is the literal Antichrist, was deeply unsettling and remains an iconic and frightening portrayal of malevolent children in cinema.
• "The Shining" (1980) - Stephen King’s adaptation features Danny Torrance, a child with psychic abilities who experiences terrifying visions. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror movies of all time and continues to be frightening to audiences of all ages.
• "The Ring" (2002) - Centered on a cursed videotape featuring Samara Morgan, a ghostly child who crawls out of a TV to kill viewers, the film's disturbing image and supernatural horror elements maintain a strong scare factor even for modern viewers.

These films stand out as children’s movies or movies featuring children that have had significant impact due to their frightening content and have maintained their reputation over time. They are known for relying on psychological horror, disturbing imagery, and supernatural elements rather than cheap jump scares, which contributes to their enduring scariness.

• "Bestofinternet-reddit: Unearthed TV Shows" - Exploring the evergreen appeal of classic TV shows, this online platform showcases abandoned series that offer a unique view into the past, blending childhood nostalgia with a hint of the unknown.
• "Movies-and-TV's 'Flipped' Episode" - Delving into the realm of contemporary entertainment, one particular episode of a popular series reflects the anxiety and dread one might have felt watching the mentioned terrifying children's movies, serving as a reminder of how entertainment influences our lifestyles.
• "The Best TV Shows Evergreen: A Look Back at Enduring Favorites" - Although not as chilling as the aforementioned films, these evergreen TV shows have left an indelible mark on audiences with their captivating storylines, characters, and settings, reflecting a more delightful and less fearful side of childhood.
• "Movies-and-TV's 'Best of Internet-Reddit' Collection" - This entertaining collection of viral videos, memes, and discussions about childhood memories often includes references to scary movies and their impact on viewers, drawing parallels between the fearsome content and our collective memories.

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