15 Movies That Traumatized Us As Kids

Movies have a special ability to enchant and terrify, leaving lasting impressions on their audiences. For most of us, childhood memories are peppered with films that did more than entertain—they traumatized. From strange animations to fierce fantasies, here are 15 movies that captivated and haunted young minds, etching unforgettable scenes into our lives forever.

“The NeverEnding Story” (1984)

This fantasy adventure enamored children of all ages worldwide, but the portion where Artax, Atreyu’s loyal horse, succumbs to the Swamps of Sadness left a lot of youngsters in tears. The emotional depth of this scene is hard to forget.

“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)

Steven Spielberg’s tale of a boy and his alien friend is heartwarming. Still, E.T.’s apparent death and the government intervention sequence were enough to induce bad dreams in juvenile viewers.

“Bambi” (1942)

Disney’s classic animated film takes a sad turn when hunters shoot Bambi’s mother. The harsh portrayal of loss and the stark reality of nature’s brutality etched an indelible mark on many childhoods.

“The Dark Crystal” (1982)

One particularly striking and unnerving fantasy epic is “The Dark Crystal” (1982). The movie introduced audiences to the Skeksis, a species whose eerie look and wicked activities gave unexpecting kids night terrors. Its vivid, imaginative setting, along with its dismal themes and the Skeksis’ menacing actions, made it stand out in the field of fantasy filmmaking.

“Return to Oz” (1985)

“Return to Oz” (1985) is an unofficial sequel to the first flick and takes a notably darker tone. Oz introduces viewers to intimidating new adversaries like Princess Mombi, renowned for her upsetting collection of interchangeable heads. These factors contribute to a much more nightmarish atmosphere than the original, creating a unique and chilling twist on the familiar Oz plotline.

“Watership Down” (1978)

An animated story about rabbits might sound adorable, but “Watership Down” is anything but. Its brutal depiction of violence and death in the animal kingdom was incredibly intense for its intended younger demographic.

“The Secret of NIMH” (1982)

Don Bluth’s gloomy animated picture “The Secret of NIMH” (1982) is notable for its rich details and complexity. It tells the tale of a brave mouse named Mrs. Brisby who must navigate a dangerous world to save her family. The premise deviates from conventional cartoony entertainment to examine concepts of bravery. Meanwhile, its grim mood and risky junctures raise the narrative to a compelling experience.

“Jumanji” (1995)

Though adventurous and fun, “Jumanji” had its fair share of frightening scenes. Who could ever forget the game’s threats of stampeding animals and monstrous plants? Even the giant spiders and monkey attacks were enough to unsettle the little ones at the cinema.

“Coraline” (2009)

A curious child finds a very different version of her world in Neil Gaiman’s novella, which is brought to life through stop-motion animation. The button-eyed Other Mother is quite haunting. The screenplay masterfully blends whimsical features with a deeply foreboding ambiance, offering a tale of courage and the importance of being careful about what you wish for.

“The Witches” (1990)

Roald Dahl’s story was adapted into a film featuring Anjelica Huston as the spooky Grand High Witch. The transformation and the witches’ actual forms were the stuff of nightmares. “The Witches” balances shocking elements with bits of fantasy and humor, staying true to the tone of Dahl’s original book.

“Gremlins” (1984)

An endearing Christmas tale soon gives way to a chaotic, perilous horror-comedy. Many young viewers were startled to see Gizmo’s fuzzy brood transformed into evil critters. This shift marks the movie’s descent into chaos and peril as these tiny Gremlins wreak havoc on the unsuspecting town.

“The Brave Little Toaster” (1987)

A seemingly harmless plot about household appliances, “The Brave Little Toaster” has surprisingly dark moments, including scenes of abandonment and existential despair that disturb children. Sequences depicting the appliances facing their mortality, such as the infamous junkyard scene where cars are crushed into cubes and a nightmare sequence involving a clown firefighter, are impactful.

“Poltergeist” (1982)

Though not typically for the younger population, many watched “Poltergeist” due to its PG rating. This accessibility led to kiddos watching the picture in theaters or at home, often not fully prepared for its terrifying content. Its ghostly hauntings and visuals gave endless sleepless nights in its wake.

“Labyrinth” (1986)

Starring David Bowie as the Goblin King, this fantasy film featured some genuinely unsettling creatures and scenarios. The creepy, twisted journey through the labyrinth was both magical and ghastly. It’s not for the faint of heart, indeed.

“The Black Cauldron” (1985)

This Disney offering diverged from the company’s usual light-hearted fare. Its supernatural settings and sinister villain, the Horned King, made it one of the scariest Disney films ever produced. Unlike most Disney villains who possess a flamboyant or charismatic demeanor, the Horned King is a figure of pure malevolence whose skeletal appearance and deep voice are horrifying in all aspects.