10 Movies That Are Darker Than They Appear

by

As a child of the 80s and 90s, I have to say that the movies we grew up with were quite the mixed bag! On one hand, we had these delightful, heartwarming films like “The Santa Clause” that filled us with holiday cheer. But on the other, there were some real dark horses – pun intended – like “Beetlejuice,” where a film marketed to kids started with the accidental death of Santa Claus!

There are many movies marketed as kids’ or family films, but upon closer inspection, some of these movies contain dark themes or surprising twists. These unexpected elements can sometimes tarnish the initial magical experience of watching them. For instance, you might have gone to see a seemingly light-hearted road trip movie featuring your favorite pop star, only to find it was more like Crossroads.

Many motion pictures marketed as horror flicks often conceal deeper, more ominous themes beyond their primary storyline. As time passes and we reevaluate these films, they can become even more intriguing. In some cases, it might leave you puzzled about how your parents allowed you to watch them in the first place. It’s not our intention to diminish the appeal of these movies, but rather to shed light on productions that may not have been as innocent or straightforward as we initially assumed. Here is a compilation of films that are significantly darker than most people realize.

10
‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002)

In a playful, animated style, “Lilo & Stitch” presents an unusual story about an alien landing in a Hawaiian village. This movie, often enjoyed by children, surprisingly tackles some very serious subjects. A significant part of the narrative revolves around Lilo’s fear of being separated from her sister due to the possibility of Child Protective Services intervention following the death of her parents – a topic rarely explored in films for kids. Despite this grim undertone, “Lilo & Stitch” effectively brings joy and laughter while still maintaining its emotional depth and realism, which is one reason it has become a classic.

Loss of Parents

Interestingly, many animated or children’s movies often revolve around the theme of lost parents. For instance, this is true for classics like The Lion King and Bambi. This has even developed into a distinct genre within cinema. Despite its somber undertones, Lilo & Stitch has been extremely popular, resulting in several sequels and a live-action adaptation scheduled for release in 2025.

9
‘Never Been Kissed’ (1999)

The 1999 movie titled “Never Been Kissed” features Drew Barrymore portraying an undercover reporter disguised as a high school student for a news assignment. As the story unfolds, we witness Barrymore revisiting her teenage years with newfound confidence compared to her actual high school self. However, the film takes a somber turn when it comes to the central romance. The character played by Barrymore, Josie Geller, develops feelings for her teacher, who unexpectedly returns those feelings towards someone he believes is still a teenager.

Problematic Relationship

The movie’s salvation comes from Barrymore’s usual charm and humor, yet the nature of their relationship remains uncertain even after twenty years. Despite being hailed as one of the defining romantic films of the ’90s, it is crucial to scrutinize how the relationship between her and her teacher is portrayed. Given that he perceived her as a high school student despite her age, the movie casts a problematic shadow.

8
‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)

“The Breakfast Club,” a classic movie from the 1980s, stands as an excellent representation of that era, offering a captivating glimpse into its culture. Despite its dated release, the film remains compelling due to its authentic portrayal of teenage worries and interactions. However, it contains mature themes such as suicide, sexual misconduct, and domestic abuse, which might make it more difficult for contemporary audiences if it were produced today. In fact, actress Molly Ringwald has publicly acknowledged the film’s challenging nature in today’s context.

Coming of Age in the ’80s

Even though our society now understands many sensitive issues more deeply, certain vestiges of the past like “The Breakfast Club” serve as a reflection of a questionable culture. Specifically, a scene involving the character John Bender hiding under Molly Ringwald’s desk draws attention to the problematic portrayal of female characters being harassed in films from that era. Despite its significance during its release and the numerous emotional connections it created, it’s challenging not to notice some troubling aspects that persist within it.

7
‘Chicken Run’ (2000)

The stop-motion animation movie, Chicken Run, was revolutionary with its advanced techniques and compelling narratives. However, what audiences might not have anticipated finding in this kid’s film were discussions on factory farming, confinement, and hints reminiscent of the Holocaust.

Dark Themes

“What sets Chicken Run apart is its unique blend of addressing weighty subjects with a light-hearted, charming approach, which is unexpected for a G-rated movie. Some mature themes in the film might not be noticeable or fully understood by children, but upon revisiting it as an adult, viewers may find themselves questioning and reevaluating their initial impressions of this cherished film.

6
‘Crossroads’ (2002)

In contrast to what was promoted as a light-hearted teenage road trip comedy, the movie “Crossroads” turned out to be much more somber than viewers anticipated. At the peak of her fame, Britney Spears, often seen as America’s sweetheart, shocked fans and parents with this film upon its release. The plot revolves around a group of estranged friends, but delves into darker themes when it is revealed that one character became pregnant due to sexual violence.

Not Your Average Teen Flick

Although initially met with criticism upon release, it has since gained recognition for its thought-provoking approach to darker themes and Spears’ acting abilities. Twenty years later, one of the co-stars, Zoe Saldana, reflected on it as a beautiful production. Despite not achieving the intended lighthearted tone, it remains a worthwhile watch for fans seeking a deeper, more complex teen drama experience.

5
The Sound of Music (1965)

Rarely do family movies tackle the ascension of Nazism, yet that’s precisely what The Sound of Music achieved in 1965. Focusing on the true-life Von Trapp family, the film features many memorable musical performances by Julie Andrews. However, amidst the catchy tunes and lively dances, the ominous rise of the Nazi regime is a constant undercurrent, making it one of the most somber children’s films available.

A Dark Depiction

The five-time Academy Award-winning movie serves as a reflection of a period when the aftermath of World War II was deeply affecting global societies. Consequently, the film’s portrayal of one of humanity’s most dismal cultural episodes through music and dance sequences seemed fitting. Despite its somber undertones, it is challenging to conceive of another movie achieving such dramatic depth within the family genre.

4
‘The Shining’ (1980)

Generally regarded as one of the most, if not the most, terrifying films ever made, The Shining might seem puzzling to some when included in such lists. However, for those unaware, The Shining is even more chilling than it initially appears. Soon after its release, it was noted that the film serves as a metaphor for the massacre of Native Americans in the United States. At the outset of the movie, it’s hinted that the Overlook Hotel was constructed on a Native American burial site, and various visual cues throughout the film support this theory.

Countless Fan Theories

Beyond its symbolism and references to the tragic history of Native American extermination, the film “The Shining” has sparked numerous fan interpretations. In preparation for the movie’s production, Kubrick is believed to have delved deeply into Native American culture for several months, as documented in the film “Room 237.” Despite the creator of the story, Stephen King, expressing differing opinions, “The Shining” continues to send shivers down spines and remains one of the most haunting cinematic experiences ever, according to many viewers.

3
‘Pretty Woman’ (1990)

This romantic comedy revolves around a successful businessman attempting to win over a stunning streetworker, which might seem like another gloomy premise; however, it surprisingly succeeds. The film Pretty Woman offers an unusual portrayal of social class and culture, with the grimmer aspects being subtly masked thanks to the captivating performance of its lead actress, Julia Roberts.

A Dark Backstory

The initial draft of the movie “Pretty Woman” was a far more intense and realistic tale compared to its final screen version. It delved into topics like addiction and ended with Roberts’ character abandoned and isolated. Fortunately for viewers, studio heads intervened to give it a happier tone, but it retains an uncommon depth in romantic films. Despite this, it remains one of Julia Robert’s most remarkable performances.

2
‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

Initially released in 1988, the classic movie “Beetlejuice” was initially rated PG, with marketing efforts primarily aimed at children. However, given its theme centered around death, this rating seems unexpectedly light. The film’s characters meet a violent end in a startling car crash early on, and it explores numerous dark themes that might raise eyebrows when considering young audiences.

Questionable Rating

As a cinephile, I must confess that despite its peculiar low score, Beetlejuice continues to captivate me as a dark yet delightful flick. It masterfully infuses humor and music into its macabre tale, thanks to the comedic genius of Catherine O’Hara and Alec Baldwin. The film’s success was so profound that it graced our screens once more in a sequel, featuring Jenna Ortega. This time around, it’s rated PG-13, but don’t let that fool you – it still slips in discussions about death and reincarnation with the ease only Tim Burton could manage. It’s this unique blend of morbidity and charm that makes Beetlejuice an absolute must-watch, especially for adult viewers who appreciate a touch of the bizarre.

1
‘The Santa Clause’ (1994)

Tim Allen’s heartwarming Christmas story, “The Santa Clause,” is all about holiday joy. However, the movie starts off quite somberly. It begins with Tim Allen’s character unintentionally replacing the real Santa Claus after an unfortunate incident. Throughout the film, it explores themes such as work conditions in the North Pole (implicitly suggesting child labor) and how divorce can impact a family.

Down Goes Santa

In the 1994 movie and its follow-ups, Tim Allen does an outstanding job stepping into the role previously held by Santa, compensating for his absence. For ’90s kids, Tim Allen embodies the closest version of a real-life Santa Claus that we have. However, the manner in which he acquires the position in the film is quite emotional and tear-jerking.

Read More

2024-12-28 04:32