14 Shocking Movies Where Villains Target Children: Breaking the Taboo

1. Carrie 1976，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 209121, ID: 0074285
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Brian De Palma’s ‘Carrie’ is a haunting exploration of high school cruelty and supernatural revenge. Sissy Spacek’s portrayal of Carrie, a telekinetic teenager tormented by her peers and her fanatically religious mother, is both heartbreaking and terrifying. The film’s climax at the prom is a masterclass in building tension and delivering shocks, making it a standout in the horror genre. ‘Carrie’ not only breaks the taboo of targeting children but also delves into the psychological trauma that can result from such torment.
2. Children of the Corn 1984，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 57878, ID: 0087050
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Fritz Kiersch’s ‘Children of the Corn’ is a chilling tale of a small town where children, led by a sinister preacher, turn against the adults. The film’s eerie atmosphere and the unsettling performances by the young cast make it a memorable entry in the horror genre. The movie’s exploration of religious fanaticism and the loss of innocence is both disturbing and thought-provoking, breaking the taboo of children as villains.
3. Cujo 1983，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 51524, ID: 0085382
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Lewis Teague’s ‘Cujo’ is a gripping tale of survival as a mother and her son are trapped in a car by a rabid St. Bernard. The film’s strength lies in its realistic portrayal of fear and desperation, with Dee Wallace delivering a powerful performance as the terrified mother. ‘Cujo’ breaks the taboo by putting a child in extreme danger, making it a tense and emotionally charged horror film.
4. Firestarter 1984，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 37406, ID: 0087262
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Mark L. Lester’s ‘Firestarter’ follows a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities on the run from a government agency. Drew Barrymore shines as the titular character, bringing both vulnerability and strength to her role. The film’s exploration of the consequences of exploiting children with supernatural powers is both thrilling and poignant, breaking the taboo of targeting children in a unique way.
5. The Shining 1980，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1119578, ID: 0081505
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Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’ is a masterpiece of psychological horror, featuring Jack Nicholson’s iconic descent into madness. The film’s eerie setting and unsettling atmosphere make it a standout in the genre. The portrayal of young Danny Torrance, who possesses psychic abilities, adds a layer of vulnerability and fear, breaking the taboo of targeting children in a deeply disturbing way.
6. It 1990，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 142153, ID: 0099864
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Stephen King’s ‘It’ (1990) is a chilling miniseries that delves into the horrors of childhood fears, embodied by the malevolent clown Pennywise. Tim Curry’s unforgettable performance as Pennywise adds a layer of terror that is both psychological and visceral. The film’s exploration of a villain targeting children is both shocking and poignant, making it a standout in the horror genre. Despite some dated effects, ‘It’ remains a compelling and terrifying watch.
7. Pet Sematary 1989，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 116229, ID: 0098084
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Mary Lambert’s ‘Pet Sematary’ (1989) is a haunting tale of grief and the lengths one will go to reverse it. The film’s unsettling premise of resurrecting the dead, including children, creates a deeply disturbing atmosphere. The portrayal of the young Gage Creed as a resurrected, malevolent force is both heartbreaking and terrifying, making ‘Pet Sematary’ a memorable and chilling experience.
8. In the Tall Grass 2019，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 65891, ID: 4687108
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Vincenzo Natali’s ‘In the Tall Grass’ (2019) is a visually striking horror film that explores the disorienting and claustrophobic terror of being lost in an ever-changing maze. The film’s depiction of a villainous force preying on children adds a layer of horror that is both psychological and supernatural. While the narrative can be convoluted, the film’s atmosphere and tension make it a gripping watch.
9. Doctor Sleep 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 221282, ID: 5606664
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Mike Flanagan’s ‘Doctor Sleep’ (2019) is a masterful sequel to ‘The Shining’ that delves into the trauma of its characters while introducing new horrors. The film’s depiction of the True Knot, a group that preys on children with psychic abilities, is both terrifying and tragic. Ewan McGregor’s performance as an adult Danny Torrance adds depth to the film, making it a compelling and emotional journey.
10. Trick ‘r Treat 2007，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 105165, ID: 0862856
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Trick ‘r Treat is a masterful Halloween anthology that intertwines multiple stories, each more chilling than the last. The film doesn’t shy away from putting children in peril, with segments featuring a sinister school principal and a horrifying bus massacre orchestrated by a bus driver. The movie’s strength lies in its ability to blend dark humor with genuine scares, creating an unforgettable Halloween experience. The performances, especially by the young actors, are commendable, adding depth to the eerie narrative. This film is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts who appreciate a well-crafted story that breaks taboos.
11. Night of the Living Dead 1968，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 140437, ID: 0063350
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Night of the Living Dead is a groundbreaking horror film that redefined the genre with its stark portrayal of a zombie apocalypse. The film subtly breaks the taboo of children in danger through the character of Karen, a young girl who succumbs to a zombie bite and ultimately turns on her own family. The movie’s raw, black-and-white cinematography and intense performances create a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. This classic is a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of horror cinema.
12. The Brood 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 34742, ID: 0078908
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David Cronenberg’s The Brood is a disturbing exploration of the darker side of motherhood, featuring children who are literally born out of their mother’s rage. The film’s unsettling premise and grotesque imagery make it a standout in the body horror genre. Samantha Eggar’s chilling performance as the mother who births these monstrous children is both captivating and horrifying. The Brood is a thought-provoking film that challenges societal norms and leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.
13. The Crazies 1973，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 14981, ID: 0069895
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George A. Romero’s The Crazies is a tense, low-budget thriller that explores the chaos and paranoia of a viral outbreak. The film breaks the taboo of children in danger through its depiction of a town where everyone, including children, is at risk of succumbing to the virus. The movie’s gritty realism and social commentary make it a compelling watch, despite its modest production values. The Crazies is a testament to Romero’s ability to create thought-provoking horror on a shoestring budget.
14. The Crazies 2010，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 129812, ID: 0455407
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The 2010 remake of The Crazies updates Romero’s original with slicker production and more intense action. The film maintains the theme of children in danger, with scenes that highlight the indiscriminate nature of the viral outbreak. Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell deliver strong performances as they navigate the chaos and try to protect their loved ones. The Crazies is a thrilling ride that successfully balances horror and suspense, making it a worthy successor to the original.