Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
We’re going to go out on a limb and say that both versions of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory were creepy as can be. Although Johnny Depp’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) can be discussed at length, we are going to focus on the 1971 original. Starring the great Gene Wilder, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is not the colorful, sweet movie that one has come to accept.
An argument can be made that Wonka permanently dispatched the contest winners and their parents at the end of his tour. On the boat ride, Wonka embraces his dark side while reciting a menacing poem to his guests. If those moments weren’t enough to scare the audience, the orange-faced Oompa Loompas certainly did the trick.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
oytopires/MovieStillsDB
Over the many years it has been in business, Disney has produced countless kid-friendly films. In 1996, Disney trotted out another movie that was supposed to join its kid-friendly catalog — The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Despite it being a Disney production, The Hunchback of Notre Dame was always destined to be a bit creepy. The film is centered around a deformed man, Quasimodo, who is quite literally forced to hide in the bell tower. As an infant, Quasimodo’s mother dies after falling down the steps of Notre Dame. The man who was chasing her, Frollo, attempts to drown Quasimodo in the aftermath due to his appearance. Quite the backstory for a Disney film.
James and the Giant Peach
grzegorz77/MovieStillsDBIf Tim Burton is involved in the making of a film, it is a safe bet that it will be somewhat creepy. Produced by Burton, James and the Giant Peach is no exception. Based on Roald Dahl’s 1961 novel of the same name, the 1996 film utilizes a mix of stop-motion animation and live-action to freak out its viewers. James, the titular character, is made an orphan when his parents are devoured by a rhinoceros.
After acquiring “crocodile tongues” from an old man, James grows a giant peach. Once inside the peach, James befriends human-sized insects including a grasshopper, spider, centipede, ladybug, earthworm, and glowworm. Despite their friendly nature, the huge insects look rather frightening — especially the spider and grasshopper.
The Rugrats Movie
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, IncRugrats is often considered one of the greatest animated television shows of all time. So, when The Rugrats Movie was announced in 1998, fans of the show were understandably excited. And while the show had always included some hidden moments geared towards adults, the film introduced something that may have been too creepy for youngsters — childbirth. Tommy’s mom, Didi Pickles, gives birth to Dil.
It takes Tommy a while to fully embrace his little brother…but the drama has just begun. Later in the film, Tommy and the rest of the Rugrats are confronted by a gang of circus monkeys. The monkeys are scared off by a wolf…who then represents an even bigger threat to the babies. Next time, Nickelodeon, take it down a notch.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure
Warner Brothers/Getty Images
Do you remember what we said earlier about Tim Burton? Pee-wee’s Big Adventure is directed by Burton. And to the surprise of absolutely nobody, the film is slightly unnerving. Released in 1985, Big Adventure stars Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman. While the film is meant to be a comedy, many adults don’t find anything humorous about the weird film. For starters, Herman is an inherently creepy character. From his voice to his facial expressions, Pee-wee is quick to creep people out. Pee-wee is supposed to be a role model for children. When considering some of the legal troubles Reubens faced in the years following Big Adventure‘s release, it may be safe to say Pee-wee isn’t the greatest role model for kids.
Pinocchio
LMPC/Getty Images
To sum up why Pinocchio is unquestionably a creepy movie, allow us to introduce New Arena’s Todd McCarthy:
“What could possibly be wrong with Pinocchio? Oh, where should we begin? For starters, Geppetto seems like a nice enough guy, but the old man comes off as a bit creepy. He makes a new wood carving and immediately wishes it were a real boy. Something is fishy about an elderly man living by himself and wanting to become a father to a literal child…
Don’t get us started on Pleasure Island — which already has one of the creepiest names of all-time. A place where boys go to smoke cigars and gamble, and eventually become child slaves working endless hours in a coal mine. It’s there where Pinocchio watches his buddy Lampwick get turned into a donkey.”
Watching Pinocchio may or may not lead to nightmares.
Georgia Rule
Jamie McCarthy/WireImage/Getty Images
In 2007, Georgia Rule was billed as a feel-good film. Instead, moviegoers expecting to watch a film centered around a group of women bonding were stunned by what actually took place. Starring Jane Fonda, Felicity Huffman and Lindsay Lohan, Georgia Rule is a tough watch due to its subject matter. In addition to a car crash being a plot-moving device, the film discusses heavy topics such as child sexual abuse, alcoholism, and splintered families. The alleged feel-good nature of the film is completely absent, and the comedic bits cannot cancel out the dark moments. Georgia Rule is emotionally draining.
The Cat in the Hat
michaella92/MovieStillsDB
Released in 2003 and starring iconic funnyman Mike Myers, The Cat in the Hat did not come off as the studio intended. After How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Cat in the Hat became the second Dr. Seuss book to be adapted to the big screen. The book itself is a childhood classic. However, the film was far creepier than one could have imagined. Myers’ Cat is something straight out of a nightmare. Not only does he look terrifying, but the Cat’s actions throughout the film are far from kid-friendly. People of all ages left theaters with an uneasy feeling after watching The Cat in the Hat.
Return to Oz
Richard Blanshard/Getty Images
In 1939, the world was introduced to one of the most influential films of all time — The Wizard of Oz. 46 years later, in 1985, an unofficial sequel was released. In addition to being yet another example of an unnecessary sequel being created, Return to Oz turned the Land of Oz into a far creepier place than we knew it to be — and that’s saying something.
From the opening moments, it is clear that Return to Oz is a dark film meant for more mature viewers. Dorothy returns to Oz after the evil Norme King takes over the land. Dorothy is joined by a host of new friends including Jack Pumpkinhead, a talking chicken named Billina, a freak show named the Gump, and a robot named TikTok. People hoping for another feel-good story featuring Dorothy are in for a startling surprise.
The Golden Child
Paramount/Getty Images
The Golden Child was rated PG-13, and parents who brought their children along to watch the film likely wish they kept them at home. Starring Eddie Murphy, The Golden Child was Murphy’s first film to not receive an R rating. Perhaps that encouraged adults to bring youngsters with them to the theater. Unfortunately, the film was far from kid-friendly. In the film, a girl is sold for “her blood” and later turns up dead, a man suffers a burn during his dream, and a demon teaches someone how to kill a child. Oh, we can’t forget that the demon is capable of transforming into a giant bat. Demons and murder, talk about a creepy film.
E.T. the Extraterrestrial
Universal/Getty Images
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is iconic. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, E.T. tells the tale of a friendship involving a young boy and an abandoned alien. Elliott, the young boy, befriends E.T. The 10-year-old, his family, and friends are determined to help E.T. avoid detection and secure a safe journey home. That’s fine, but that doesn’t mean the film isn’t creepy. To start, Elliott is capable of “feeling” E.T.’s thoughts and emotions. If the alien drinks, Elliott feels drunk. When E.T. watches a kissing scene on TV, Elliott kisses a girl at school — not weird at all. Towards the end of the film, Elliott watches E.T. die…only for him to come back to life…and then must say goodbye as E.T. boards a spaceship to return home. Creepy and sad, an E.T. story.
Little Children
John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images
Let’s get this out of the way — Little Children is a good movie. Starring Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly and Patrick Wilson, the film was nominated for three Oscars including Best Actress (Winslet) and Best Supporting Actress (Connelly). While the title Little Children may hint at the film being wholesome, however, it is far from it. The story contains tales of adultery, porn addiction, and features a scene in which a convicted sex offender — who has recently been released from prison — is seen swimming in a pool with children. Throw in some potentially deadly events, and Little Children is far from kid-friendly.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/Getty Images
Did you miss reading about Tim Burton? We apologize for the delay — Burton is back for a third time with 2016’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
“When his beloved grandfather leaves Jake clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds a magical place known as Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children. But the mystery and danger deepen as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers – and their terrifying enemies.”
What this synopsis doesn’t mention is that Jake’s grandfather had his eyes removed before dying. If that image doesn’t creep you out enough, the two kids pictured above should do the trick. Be warned, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is straight nightmare fuel.
Alice in Wonderland
Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland/Getty Images
If you feel like you are on drugs while watching a movie, it is probably a sign that the film in question is weird, creepy, or terrifying. In this 1951 classic, Alice eats a bundle of mushrooms. Meanwhile, viewers are introduced to a monster caterpillar who constantly takes hits from a water pipe. How about the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat? Those two characters are on a short list of the creepiest characters of all time. You may not have watched the film in years, but Alice in Wonderland remains creepy as can be.
The Mask
New Line Cinema/Getty Images
Starring career funnyman Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in her first credited role, The Mask delighted most audience members upon its release in 1994. Carrey plays the role of Stanley Ipkiss — a banker who stumbles upon an ancient mask that possesses supernatural abilities. When Ipkiss dons the mask, he becomes an unearthly being. And while Carrey’s performance provides a fair amount of laughs, The Mask certainly has a creepy side, as well. The main antagonist is a mafioso named Dorian Tyrell. When he puts on the mask, he turns into a monster. Both Ipkiss and Tyrell are creepy when green, but Tyrell is also downright terrifying.
Labyrinth
TriStar/Getty Images
Have you ever wanted to watch a film starring David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King? Us either. Alas, director Jim Henson decided it was a good idea to create Labyrinth — a PG fantasy film that was allegedly for the kids. There isn’t much that has to be said about Henson’s creation. Imagine being an 8-year-old and sitting down with a big tub of popcorn expecting to watch a nice, relaxing fantasy story…and instead, you are greeted by the nightmare squad in the photo above. It doesn’t matter if you are 10 or 50, Labyrinth will freak you out for years to come.
All Dogs Go To Heaven
Doug Griffin/Toronto Star/Getty Images
If you thought Marley & Me was depressing, you might want to skip this slide. In 1989, a G-rated film titled All Dogs Go to Heaven hit theaters. The main character is a German Shepard named Charlie B. Barkin — voiced by Burt Reynolds. Charlie is murdered by his best friend, a Pitbull-Terrier mix named Carface Caruthers, and descends to hell. Remember, this film is rated G. It doesn’t matter that Charlie eventually goes to heaven before returning to Earth…the audience has seen enough. No dog movie should include murder or hell.
Jack Frost
pmv79/MovieStillsDBThere have been a few horror movies featuring the snowman — Jack Frost and Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman — in addition to the 1998 version starring Michael Keaton and Kelly Preston. In this PG take on Jack Frost, Keaton plays the titular role. He becomes Jack Frost only after he dies in real life…depressing. A year after dying in a car accident, the father/musician is brought back to life in the form of a snowman. Adding to Frost’s creep factor — his appearance. The snowman looks like he is up to no good. Some ideas are best left on the cutting room floor.
Little Monsters
Nofear6061/MovieStillsDB
Growing up everyone is scared of the invisible terrors that lurk under the bed. In 1989, Little Monsters took that concept and flipped it on its head. Starring Fred Savage — who had just begun his memorable stint on The Wonder Years — and Howie Mandel, Little Monsters introduced the idea that you can be friends with the monster under your bed.
Savage plays Brian, the young boy who discovers a blue monster named Maurice (Mandel) who had been causing havoc in Brian’s room. On several occasions, Maurice takes Brian under the bed and into the monster’s world. There, Maurice shows Brian that they can access other rooms belonging to little kids. Also, Maurice and another monster attempt to turn Brian and his friend into monsters. Good luck sleeping after watching this freak show!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
United Artists/Getty Images
There is only one thing you have to know about the Oscar-nominated film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: There is a character known as the Child Catcher. There is a town in which it is illegal to have children, so the Child Catcher is tasked with kidnapping any child that is known to be in town. As a result, parents hide their children beneath a castle. Somehow a film that involves kidnapping children is rated G. 1968 must have been wild. Imagine a film in 2022 with that concept earning a G rating.
The Land Before Time
Carlito/MovieStillsDBDoes the image above look like something a young kid should be seeing? We don’t think so. In 1988, The Land Before Time franchise made its debut. While the series was enjoyed by a ton of children, there is no denying that it comes with its sad and sometimes scary moments. In the original film, we watch a T-Rex named Sharptooth target the little dinosaurs. Shortly after, an earthquake causes the group to separate and results in Littlefoot’s mom being seriously injured. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, Littlefoot finds his mother in her final moments (above). Who thought it was a good idea to put a scene like that in a movie meant for kids?
Hocus Pocus
rljnunez/MovieStillsDB
Hocus Pocus (1993) is a classic Halloween treat. Nostalgia reigns supreme when it comes to this film. Centered around Max Dennison (Omri Katz), his little sister Dani (Thora Birch), and Max’s crush, Allison (Vinessa Shaw), Hocus Pocus introduces us to three powerful witches whom Max unfortunately brought back to life. The witches — played by Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy — are on a quest to become immortal. In an attempt to do so, they trap Dani. Three witches kidnapping a little girl is sketchy. Throw in a talking cat, a zombie, a book with an eye, and a few more kidnappings and you have yourself a creepy (great) movie.
