10 Deceptively Innocent Movies With Incredibly Dark Moments

Where to even begin with 2001's Shrek?

Chronicling a grumpy ogre's quest to return peace and tranquillity to his beloved swamp, DreamWorks' animated fantasy somehow managed to embrace traditional folklore while gleefully subverting all preconceived notions concerning the former at the same time. 

It's wickedly brilliant that, despite featuring essentially every fairytale character in history, Shrek manages to implement so many dark instances. Whether it be Gingee being sadistically tortured by Lord Farquad, or storybook characters being banged up in literal internment camps, there's enough grim material to leave children weeping.

Still, Shrek's crowning jewel in this regard is undoubtedly the fate of Mother Bear. Long before Puss in Boots: The Last Wish reimagined these characters, Shrek's take on this children's tale met the most morbid of ends. The family of three bears can initially be seen in cages after being rounded up by Farquad's soldiers. However, when the displaced fairytale creatures show up at Shrek's swamp, Mother Bear is mysteriously missing as Baby Bear weeps disconsolately.

Cut to a later sequence depicting John Lithgow's diminutive villain in his chambers, and a bear rug complete with Mother Bear's signature pink bow can be seen adorning the floor. Fairytales may traditionally be associated with innocence, but that's a preconception that dies swiftly after watching this iconic offering.