Navigating the world of horror movies with kids can be tricky. When is the right time to introduce them to the classics? How can you ensure they have a spooky, fun experience without being scarred for life? This A Nightmare On Elm Street Parent Guide offers insights and recommendations for introducing age-appropriate horror to your children, from Scooby-Doo to (eventually) Freddy Krueger.
Like many families, we’re horror enthusiasts. However, we understand the importance of age-appropriate content. This guide will help you curate a Halloween movie night that suits your child’s emotional wellbeing and maturity level, steering clear of overly graphic or disturbing content.
Young Children: Gateway to Horror with Scooby-Doo!
For the youngest horror fans, animation is your best friend. Scooby-Doo is an excellent starting point. The franchise boasts countless iterations, from the original TV show to numerous animated movies. The monsters are never truly supernatural, and the humor is light and kid-friendly.
Consider these Scooby-Doo titles:
- Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island
- The Witch’s Ghost
- Legend of the Vampire
- Where’s My Mummy?
- Camp Scare
Other great animated options for young children include:
- Hotel Transylvania (series)
- Monster Family (Happy Family) 1 & 2
- Mad Monster Party (1967)
- Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, and Frankenweenie
Infant School Age: Retro Mania and Classic Cinema
As kids get a little older, you can introduce them to the wonders of classic cinema. Expose them to older movies with less reliance on CGI and a heavier emphasis on storytelling.
1950s B-movies are a fantastic choice. Think of the films playing in the background during Laurie Strode’s babysitting scene in Halloween. These movies offer a fun, retro vibe without being overly frightening.
Some 50s sci-fi shockers to consider:
- The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms
- Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956)
- The Day the Earth Stood Still
- Them!
- The Incredible Shrinking Man
Ray Harryhausen’s stop-motion fantasy and monster movies are another excellent option.
- The 7th Voyage of Sinbad
- Jason and the Argonauts
- Clash of the Titans
Junior School: From Dracula to Goosebumps
Around age 10, kids may be ready for early Hammer films and other classic horror. Kolchak: The Night Stalker makes a great transition due to its influence on shows like The X-Files.
Consider these options:
- Universal horror films from the 30s and 40s (Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolfman, etc.)
- Early Hammer Quatermass films
- Hammer Frankenstein films (up to Frankenstein Created Woman)
- American International ‘Poe Cycle’ films starring Vincent Price (The Fall of the House of Usher, The Pit and the Pendulum, etc.)
- Goosebumps (books, films, and TV series)
- The Goonies
- The Monster Squad
High School: Approaching the Classics and Beyond
As kids enter high school, the horror movie landscape opens up considerably. You can start to explore more modern films, but it’s crucial to vet them carefully and understand their content.
Here are some films we’ve deemed appropriate for high schoolers:
- The Haunting (1963)
- The Fog (1980)
- Poltergeist (1982) – with caution around specific scenes
- The Others (2001)
- Invaders from Mars (1986)
- Army of Darkness (1992)
- World War Z (2013)
This Halloween and Beyond: Pushing the Boundaries
With teens, you can start introducing some of the more intense titles, but proceed with caution and always consider your child’s individual maturity level. This is where A Nightmare on Elm Street might enter the conversation, but only if you feel they are ready for its themes and content.
Some final considerations:
- Consult the IMDB parent’s guides and Common Sense Media for reviews and content information.
- Always trust your instincts about what your kids can handle.
- Be mindful of violence, gore, menace, threats to children, adult material, drugs, and profanity.
Ultimately, creating age-appropriate Halloween movie nights is about balancing the spooky fun with your children’s emotional wellbeing. By following these guidelines, you can help them develop a love of horror in a safe and responsible way, perhaps even leading them to appreciate the classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street at the right time.
