14 Best Horror Movies For Kids

In this writer's humble opinion (admittedly not an unbiased one, as it's been my favourite film since childhood), there has never been a better kid's horror movie than this 1987 feature from director Fred Dekker. Reuniting the great Universal horror icons in a 1980s setting, and pitting them against a gang of kids not too far removed from The Goonies: how could any young imagination not be transfixed immediately? Small wonder, then, that while the film was sadly overlooked on release, it has long since become a confirmed cult classic.

A bunch of monster movie-obsessed pre-teen kids (plus their cool high school age buddy) spend their time hanging out in a treehouse reveling the joys of all things boyish and monstrous, until the time arises to put that knowledge to practical use. The kids learn that Dracula is in their town, along with a werewolf, a mummy, a gillman and the Frankenstein monster, who are working together to locate a mystical amulet with which they can conquer the world. Seeing no alternative, the kids arm themselves with stakes and silver bullets and head out to save the day.

Fast-paced, action-packed and bulging with content you'd never expect in a children's movie these days (the kids kill monsters, swear profusely, use sexist and homophobic slurs; the older one even smokes), The Monster Squad is very much a product of its era, and yet there's a timeless feel to it that makes it just as urgent and entertaining today as it ever was. It may be a bit much for the very little, but it's sure to see most youngsters fall head over heels in love with the classic monsters.