Back in the ’80s and ’90s, there were a wealth of creepy comedy-horror movies designed specifically to scare the heck out of kids. These days, however, the sub-genre has largely fallen by the wayside.
Sure, we have 2009’s The Hole and 2015’s Goosebumps, which were both *this* close to making the final list, but it’s fair to say that getting your mitts on scary movies aimed at a young adult demographic is getting harder and harder. With that in mind, then, here are our picks for the top 10 best scary movies for 13-year-olds. Let’s get into it, shall we?
10. The Witches (1990)
Yes, we know there’s a new The Witches film that came out in 2020, and it’s actually pretty darn good. That said, if we had the choice, we’d always opt for the original Nicolas Roeg-directed classic every time.
Based on the famous children’s novel by Roald Dahl, The Witches tells the eerie tale of a global society of child-loathing witches who prey on innocent children. Anjelica Huston’s dementedly evil turn as the coven’s High Witch is a highlight, while Jim Henson Productions’ disturbing practical effects are still a sight to behold.
Forever burned into my memory, though, are the poor children whose souls have been trapped in the paintings forever. *shivers*
9. The Woman In Black (2012)
Speaking of movies based on books, The Woman in Black is another top-notch adaptation of literary source material. This one, however, is inspired by Susan Hill’s eponymous 1983 novel.
Further, another parallel with Roald Dahl’s The Witches is the fact that this is one of two filmic interpretations of the famous gothic horror story. Sure, 1989’s rendition is excellent, too, but we’d opt for James Watkins’ modern take thanks to Daniel Radcliffe’s surprisingly nuanced performance and the pic’s spine-chilling atmosphere.
Interestingly, the production got into a little bit of hot water for being a bit too scary for its age rating here in the UK, so perhaps bear that in mind. Still, if your whippersnapper is made of tough stuff, this is a seriously creepy supernatural chiller that’ll have ’em reaching for the pillow in no time.
8. Tremors (1990)
Rather than the straight-up horror fare we’ve discussed so far, Tremors is undoubtedly more of a comedy-horror cocktail that’ll likely make you smile just as much as it makes you jolt in fear.
Indeed, Ron Underwood’s sci-fi creature-feature centers on a small town in the middle of Nevada that’s being hounded by giant killer extraterrestrial slugs that travel through the ground and can only “see” its prey through vibrations, hence the movie’s title.
With a charming ensemble cast, including the award-winning Kevin Bacon, Escape From Alcatraz’s Fred Ward, and Family Ties’ Michael Gross, Tremors has gone on to become a cult classic spawning an entire b-movie franchise. Still, we’d probably just recommend the first one if we’re being honest as the series takes a dramatic downturn with its many ill-conceived sequels.
7. Beetlejuice (1988)
Speaking of comedy-horrors, the batshit surreal and deliciously bonkers Beetlejuice wants to come and introduce itself.
Starring Batman’s Michael Keaton in a career-defining turn as a mischievous spirit with a penchant for chaos, accompanied by a fresh-faced Winona Ryder in one of her first ever film roles, Beetlejuice is a Tim Burton classic that eschews the traditional horror blueprint by delivering one of the most fiendishly unique pics that deals with life after death in ages.
In short, a must-watch for Tim Burton and Michael Keaton fans! Just make sure not to say his name three times, okay?