For as long as I can remember, my parents have insisted I watch specific “classic” movies with them. When I was younger these films often gave me nightmares due to the terrifying practical effects and spooky concepts. So, in honor of Halloween, here are my picks for the top 10 scariest children’s movies.

10. “Spy Kids” (2001)

While the “Spy Kids” franchise is considered a classic nowadays, the first movie was pretty scary. From the iconic Thumb Thumbs to all the creepily misshapen Floop’s Flooglies that appear throughout the film, it’s a wonder kids liked this movie enough to warrant multiple sequels.

9. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005)

It’s rare for a Johnny Depp movie to not absolutely rock, but this movie is one of the worst reboots of a beloved classic ever. I remember it vividly despite having only watched it once at the age of four. It’s movies like this that make me wonder if Roahl Dahl hated kids.

8. “The Neverending Story” (1984)

As much as I love this movie now that I’m older, the first time I watched it, I was pretty bewildered. The audience is forced to watch a beloved horse drown in quicksand, the land is being consumed by a mysterious force called “the nothing”, and even fan-favorite dragon Falkor creeps me out a little bit.

7. “Bambi” (1942)

Despite its unassuming appearance, this classic Disney film is full of numerous horrifying scenes. Bambi faces many threats such as a pack of hungry dogs, hunters, and a forest fire. It’s a wonder Bambi makes it out of this movie alive, especially considering that his mother doesn’t. (It’s okay if I spoil an 83 year old movie, right?)

6. “Snow White” (1937)

As the original Disney princess, one might imagine this to be a very tame movie, but this could not be further from the truth. The scariest scene is probably when the Evil Queen transforms into a hideous hag. Not to mention Snow White’s uncannily high pitched voice, the spooky forest she has to run through, or the freaky face that appears in the magic mirror. 

5. “The Dark Crystal” (1982)

This movie contains the creepiest puppets in the history of cinema. The antagonists, known as the Skeksis, are designed to look like they’re rotting. Even the puppets that aren’t supposed to be scary are giving major uncanny valley vibes.

4. “Pinocchio” (1940)

What makes “Pinocchio” the scariest Disney movie ever is the fact that none of the villains face any consequences for their actions. Poor Pinocchio gets kidnapped, turned into a donkey, sold as a slave, kept in a crate, whipped, swallowed by a whale, almost chopped into firewood, and even dies.

3. “Return To Oz” (1985)

If your favorite part of the original “Wizard of Oz” movie was everything my mom fast-forwarded through for me when I was little, you’ll love this nightmare fuel of a sequel. It’s certainly not the Oz most people are familiar with. Between threats of using electrotherapy to stop Dorothy’s “delusions”, several disturbing new characters, and the Deadly Desert that surrounds Oz, this film is certainly much creepier than the original Wizard of Oz movie.

2. “The Witches” (1990)

The idea of being hunted by evil women with square feet, claws instead of fingernails, purple eyes, and rashes on their bald heads from itchy wigs is pretty scary. The scenes where the witches take off their human disguises might just be the freakiest special effects in any children’s movie. I was definitely on the lookout for women wearing pointy shoes and gloves after watching this. 

1. “Coraline” (2009)

While “Coraline” is one of my favorite movies to watch around Halloween, I would not describe it as a children’s movie. I definitely was too young for this movie when I first watched it. I absolutely love it now, but I would not recommend this for anyone under the age of ten.