15 Movies That Seemed Innocent—Until Parents Watched Them with Their Kids
Sometimes, a movie looks like it’s made for kids based on the colorful animation, fun trailers, or the fact that it’s labeled as “family-friendly.” However, as many parents have learned the hard way, not all films marketed to children are as innocent as they seem.
From unexpected dark themes to surprisingly mature humor, some movies can leave parents wide-eyed and questioning their choices. Here are 15 movies that parents thought were kid-friendly—only to be very, very wrong.
The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Don Bluth’s The Secret of NIMH looks like a charming animated film about a family of mice. However, this dark tale of animal experimentation, life-threatening danger, and eerie sequences can be terrifying for young children.
Its intense scenes leave many parents regretting their movie night choice.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
With its blend of animation and live-action, Who Framed Roger Rabbit looks like a fun, lighthearted film. But its noir-style plot, violent sequences, and adult humor make it a questionable choice for young kids.
Many parents were surprised by the film’s mature content and regretted showing it to their little ones.
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Gremlins (1984)
The adorable mogwai in Gremlins quickly turns into a nightmare for parents who thought it was a harmless kids’ movie. With its horror elements, dark comedy, and disturbing scenes, this film can easily give young viewers nightmares.
Parents learned the hard way that it’s not the family-friendly movie it seems to be.
Watership Down (1978)
While it features cute, animated rabbits, Watership Down is anything but lighthearted. The film is filled with graphic violence, brutal fights, and harrowing scenes that are far too intense for children.
Parents were caught off guard by its mature themes and regretted showing it to their kids.
Coraline (2009)
With its quirky animation and adventurous protagonist, Coraline appears to be a fun kids’ movie. However, the dark and eerie tone, combined with creepy imagery and disturbing moments, make it a nightmare-inducing film for younger children.
Parents were shocked by how unsettling the movie really was.
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Return to Oz (1985)
As a sequel to The Wizard of Oz, Return to Oz seems like a harmless continuation of the classic tale. However, its dark, twisted storyline and terrifying villains, like the Wheelers, left many kids (and their parents) horrified.
This movie is not the whimsical adventure many expected.
Labyrinth (1986)
Starring David Bowie and featuring fantastical puppets, Labyrinth initially looks like a whimsical adventure. However, the film’s unsettling undertones, strange themes, and occasionally creepy moments made it less kid-friendly than parents anticipated.
The dark fantasy elements were a bit much for younger audiences.
The Witches (1990)
Based on Roald Dahl’s book, The Witches is marketed as a family movie, but its disturbing transformations and frightening witches can be traumatizing for kids. The terrifying scenes of witches removing their human disguises shocked both children and parents.
It’s much scarier than its premise suggests.
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The Dark Crystal (1982)
With its puppetry and fantasy elements, The Dark Crystal looks like a kid-friendly adventure. However, its darker themes, eerie creatures, and intense moments can be frightening and unsettling for younger audiences.
Parents often find the film too heavy for children.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
At first glance, The NeverEnding Story seems like a magical fantasy adventure perfect for kids. But the film’s darker moments, including the heartbreaking death of Artax and the menacing villain The Nothing, make it a much more emotionally intense experience than expected.
Parents weren’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster.
Monster House (2006)
Although it’s animated and features kids as protagonists, Monster House is much scarier than its appearance suggests. With spooky scenes and intense horror elements, this film left many young viewers frightened and parents questioning the movie’s kid-friendly status.
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Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Though it features fantastical creatures and a young protagonist, Pan’s Labyrinth is not a children’s movie. The film is full of dark, violent themes and graphic scenes that are definitely not appropriate for kids.
Parents unfamiliar with the movie’s content were in for a rude awakening.
Matilda (1996)
While Matilda is based on a beloved children’s book, some scenes in the film are unexpectedly dark and intense. The cruelty of Miss Trunchbull and the harshness of Matilda’s home life are unsettling for younger audiences.
Parents were surprised by the darker moments of this seemingly fun movie.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
With its imaginative storylines and playful characters, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen looks like a lighthearted fantasy film. However, its surreal imagery, mature humor, and sometimes dark undertones make it less suitable for young children than expected.
Parents were caught off guard by the film’s bizarre tone.
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Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice might be a quirky comedy, but its dark humor, creepy imagery, and suggestive content are not exactly kid-friendly. Parents who expected a whimsical ghost story were met with some adult jokes and spooky moments that weren’t suitable for younger viewers.
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