10 Babysitter Horror Movies You Probably Haven’t Seen

5. The Nanny (1965)

Better Watch Out
Warner-Pathé Distributors

A major part of horror history, Hammer Film Productions is home to countless movie classics, with Dracula: Prince Of Darkness and The Devil Rides Out being just some highlights.

However, one Hammer outing that’s likely passed you by is 1965 psychological chiller The Nanny.

Based on the novel of the same name by Marryam Modell (under the pseudonym Evelyn Piper) and directed by Seth Holt, this genre classic stars the immovable, two-time Oscar-winning extraordinaire Bette Davis as the titular nanny.

After returning from a children's home - becoming “emotionally disturbed” after allegedly drowning his younger sister in the bath - Joey (William Dix) harbours a deep suspicion and hatred towards his nanny. Rude, volatile, and aggressive, Joey suspects that the family’s long-term carer is trying to kill him while Nanny insists that she’s only looking out for the family’s best interests.

However, the reality behind the young girl’s death is more sinister than first believed. When the truth is discovered, the film transforms into more of a tragedy than horror. But thanks to another staggering performance from Davis, The Nanny never loses an ounce of its intrigue or momentum.

It’s never too late to see this horror classic from the genre's golden era.

Contributor
Contributor

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