8 Magical Movies That Turned Out Unsettling

Beautiful and poignant fantasy adventure Bridge to Terabithia is based on the book of the same name, and stars a young Josh Hutcherson as protagonist Jesse Aarons.

Jesse feels all alone in the world, at least until he meets new neighbour Leslie Burke, and the two construct their own fantasy world in the nearby woods.

Crossing over a creek using an old rope swing, they enter their world day after day, cementing their friendship in a way that Jesse never thought possible.

Then comes the day when Jesse goes on an impromptu trip to an art museum. Returning home to his usually oblivious parents, he is told that while he was out, Leslie went into the woods alone, fell from the rope swing and drowned in the creek.

It's sudden and unceremonious, and we then have to watch uncomfortably as Josh Hutcherson gives us a brilliant display of childhood grief for the remainder of the movie.

The tonal shift was so unexpected for members of the audience unfamiliar with the book that many cite the film as being one of the most upsetting cinematic experiences of all time.