Before the era of carefully curated family content, kids growing up in the ’90s were exposed to films that pulled no punches. Whether it was the death of a beloved animal, a parent lost too soon, or surreal, nightmare-fuel animation, these movies mixed magic with melancholy and wonder with real-world fear, but still became fan favorites.
Jumanji (1995)
The constantly evolving dangers within the game, along with the ever-increasing threat posed by the environment itself, made Jumanji a nightmare-inducing experience for many. The notion of being stuck in a world that endlessly fluctuates between turmoil and peril was deeply unsettling, and the intensity of these moments stayed with young viewers long after the film ended.
Tower of Terror (1997)
The premise of Tower of Terror revolves around a haunted hotel with ghosts, particularly the sinister presence of spirits trapped in the elevator. For many kids, the dark and unsettling atmosphere, combined with creepy ghost effects and tense moments, could be pretty frightening. Not just the ghosts, but there’s an overall sense of unease that pervades the movie, making it a bit too intense for some younger viewers. The film is based on the Disney theme park ride.
The Lion King (1994)
Although it is celebrated as one of Disney’s finest animated films, The Lion King has a number of intense scenes that left children feeling frightened. Mufasa’s death, in particular, was a jarring moment that left many in tears. The way it was portrayed—with the powerful music and the abrupt, violent stampede—made it an unforgettable and emotionally charged scene. For many, it was one of the first true encounters with loss and sorrow.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus follows a group of kids who accidentally revive three witches, Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, who are certainly not the kind of characters anyone would want to encounter. The witches, seeking to regain their youth, cause chaos and use dark magic to hunt down the children. While this film is a Halloween classic, it is also responsible for more than one nightmare.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s animated film became a holiday classic. The Nightmare Before Christmas features a gothic design, and some of its more unusual characters, such as Oogie Boogie, the villain made of bugs, frightened many children. The concept of a world where Halloween and Christmas blend together, paired with the unsettling imagery of characters like Oogie Boogie, made it a film that gave younger viewers many sleepless nights.
Matilda (1996)
Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, Matilda is a fantastical story about a brilliant young girl with telekinetic powers. However, the sinister presence of Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress, and the emotional abuse Matilda endures from her family add a dark, oppressive undertone to the film. Miss Trunchbull’s cruel punishments, terrifying appearance, and ability to physically intimidate the children are unforgettable for those who were kids when the movie was released.
Casper (1995)
While Casper is often remembered for its friendly ghost, the film does feature some unsettling moments, especially in its darker and more ominous scenes. The villain, Carrigan, and her group of malicious ghosts bring a sense of danger and suspense, which can be quite unnerving for younger audiences. Moreover, Casper’s backstory as a lonely ghost who died young adds an emotional depth that can feel surprisingly intense for kids.
The Addams Family (1991)
Turned into a classic, The Addams Family follows a gothic family with strange, macabre habits. While the film’s dark humor is playful, the family’s bizarre behaviors and creepy mansion created a sense of discomfort that likely gave more than one nightmare to kids. The intense romance between Gomez and Morticia, along with Uncle Fester’s eccentricities, added an underlying sense of unease, blending humor with elements of horror that left many kids feeling uncomfortable.
James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved story, James and the Giant Peach blends whimsical animation with dark fantasy elements. The terrifying moment when James’ aunts, Spiker and Sponge, trap him and cause harm creates an atmosphere of fear and desperation. The way the characters treat James adds to the unease, making the audience feel uncomfortable throughout the film.
The Witches (1990)
Don’t we all remember the exact scene that traumatized everyone? The Witches by Roald Dahl tells the story of a young boy who uncovers a secret society of witches that secretly despise children and plan to eliminate them. Disguised as ordinary women, these witches have horrifying features, such as claws and bald heads. Their ability to transform children into mice adds a chilling twist to the plot. The terrifying idea of witches blending into everyday life, combined with their cruel intentions, left both children and adults deeply unsettled.