My Favorite Films With Creepy Kids!

There’s something perpetually unnerving when children turn sinister. I believe it stems from the loss of innocence or innocence perverted. Perhaps it comes from the idea of ‘tabula rasa’ or the blank slate theory, and nurture into nefarious. Whatever the reason, horror often turns to children to provide the scares, and it is a tested, tried, and true motif. And so, as we creep closer and closer to All Hallows Eve, my favorite creepy kids movies… my favorite movies with creepy kids. 

Honorable Mentions

1. We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) Dir: Lynne Ramsay

2. The Orphanage (2007) Dir: J. A. Bayona

3. The Omen (1976) Dir: Richard Donner ***Classic***

4. Orphan (2009) Dir: Jaume Collet-Serra

5. The Devil's Backbone (2001) Dir: Guillermo Del Toro

1. Village of the Damned (1960) Dir: Wolf Rilla 

Village of the Damned is the mother of all movies featuring creepy kids. While the 1995 John Carpenter remake is fun, I suggest viewing the original from 1960; it’s somehow more chilling. An entire town falls into a strange sleep, and upon waking, all the women appear to be pregnant. The children born from this immaculate conception grow quick, honing a strange telepathic bond. The creep factor most certainly lies in the children’s peculiar appearance, glowing eyes, bleach blonde hand, and robotic mannerisms. 

2.The Brood (1979) Dir: David Cronenberg

A personal favorite of mine from the legendary filmmaker. The Brood stews in atmosphere and mystique, the tension built by Cronenberg is calculated and exact. This story of trauma and the cyclical nature of abuse is unlike any other ever told. I consider The Brood an essential film. 

3. The Good Son (1993) Dir: Joseph Ruben 

Wow… What a movie. The film stars a young McCauley Culkin (between Home Alone 2 and Richie Rich) and an equally young Elijah Wood. The premise involves American’s favorite child star systematically attempting to murder his entire family. The climax is simply unforgettable. It’s not a perfect movie and received less than favorable reviews from critics, but I can’t recommend it enough. 

4. The Childhood of a Leader (2015) Dir: Brady Corbet

Brady Corbet’s The Childhood of a Leader demands patience. It defies our expectations; instead of escalating the child’s deviant behavior, Corbet resolves to be reserved for a slow build. Many may find the film boring, but the pay off is worth it for those who get entranced by the film’s brooding aesthetic. Conceptually intriguing, and a poignant illustration of the world’s real monsters. 

5. Children of the Corn (1984) Dir: Fritz Kiersch

An admittedly biased selection, as I am obsessed with all things Stephen King. Children of The Corn contains some of the most laughable effects and dialogue put to screen, but it is not without merit. I find the concept, the setting, and the children legitimately creepy. Despite being universally panned by critics, and justly so, Children of the Corn remains a horror classic and undoubtedly worth mentioning.

6. Goodnight Mommy (2014) Dir: Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala 

Directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala have proven themselves capable and proficient in the art of atmospheric horror. The twists and turns all throughout the film and accentuated by lush cinematography and sound design. The ending, while perhaps predictable, is still incredibly shocking.