10 Surprisingly Dark Children's Movies From The 80s

10. The Dark Crystal (1982)

Released in 1982, The Dark Crystal was directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, and starred Stephen Garlick, Lisa Maxwell, Billie Whitelaw, and Percy Edwards. Interesting, the film was actually banned in Iran due to its depiction of ceremonial imagery, which authorities suggested was distasteful, and even blasphemous.

Receiving a mixed reception upon release, the film was praised for its gothic designs, practical effects and stunning visuals, but was criticised for its darker subject matter.

The primary antagonists in the movie are the Skeksis – a scary race of reptilian birds, sporting curved fangs and large robes – who deteriorate throughout the movie, their bodies becoming frail and decomposed like rotting corpses.

Besides Skeksis, there are some genuinely disturbing scenes scattered throughout the movie, the banquet scene standing out as especially horrific. The whole experience is rendered particular unnerving by Jim Henson’s puppetry, which is strangely realistic and detailed, making even the playful aspects of the film strangely uncanny.