10 Horror Movies You Shouldn't Watch With Your Parents

You'll have some explaining to do if you select any of these for a family movie night.

The Bunny Game
Death Mountain Productions

With all of their blood and gore, grim subject matters, and general unpleasantness, horror films aren't typically the first choice when it comes to selecting options for a family movie night with the parents.

While there are plenty of family-friendly affairs in the genre out there suitable for the whole family such as ParaNorman, The House With A Clock In Its Wall, and any of The Addams Family films which offer fun and creepy atmospheres with none of the shocks or frights of mainstream horrors, there are - conversely - just as many flicks out there that should never be viewed within a familial context.

Whether for their brutal and often extreme depictions of violence, uncomfortable subject matters, disturbing visuals, or risque content, some horror films are best suited for watching alone, ideally with the door locked and curtains closed so nobody can judge you for your evening's choice of entertainment.

Consequently, it goes without saying that if you brought any of these films along to your next family gathering, you will certainly have a lot of explaining to do to your poor parents who you've just subjected to the horrors that await them.

10. Excision

The Bunny Game
Monster Pictures

The thought of watching high school sex comedies like American Pie or Superbad sitting next to your beloved parents is enough to make you feel incredibly awkward. Just imagine, then, what it would be like to watch Excision with them, which takes the premise of a teenager seeking to sleep with someone for the first time and twists it into something much more menacing.

Winning a handful of awards on the festival circuit, this cult gem from Richard Bates Jr follows outcast Pauline (AnnaLynne McCord) on her aforementioned lustful quest. However, it soon materialises that Pauline's tastes revolve around blood and mutilation, something she fantasies about frequently in vivid detail, ensuring you'll never make eye-contact with your mum again.

In addition to Pauline's devious exploits, the high schooler aspires to be a surgeon, a dream she begins to pursue in a bid to impress her overly-controlling mother. We won't spoil how this manifests itself in the film to avoid spoilers, but it does make for a powerful and shocking climax.

Also featuring Malcolm McDowell and cult king John Waters himself in supporting roles, this grizzly flick is exactly what will get you off the Christmas card list this year.

Contributor
Contributor

Glasgow-based cinephile who earned a Masters degree in film studies to spend their time writing about cinema, video games, and horror.