As kids growing up in the 80s, we were exposed to adulthood at a very early age. Many of us were what was called “latchkey kids,” this meant that we were at home by ourselves more often than there were adults around. We learned to make judgement calls and do things for ourselves. As adults, we not often look back at those times and realize how dark things could be. This becomes even more evident when we look back at cartoons and movies we loved as kids and see them for the dark, twisted tales they actually were.
The 1980s were a golden age for kids movies, but not everything was sunshine and rainbows. Disney movies, in particular, had a darker side that many people might not have noticed when they were children. For example, The Little Mermaid features a sea witch who is willing to sacrifice anything to gain power, while Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs features a wicked stepmother who is willing to resort to murder to become the “fairest of them all.” Other movies such as The Black Cauldron and The Dark Crystal are downright terrifying, with monsters, death, and destruction. The darker side of Disney movies was a reflection of the society in which they were made, but they also served as an important reminder that not everything is as it seems. While they might have scared us as kids, these movies are classics for a reason, and they continue to entertain and captivate audiences of all ages.
The subversive messages in 80s family comedies
While 1980s kids movies were a staple of many childhoods, there is a dark side to some of these family comedies that is often overlooked. These movies, often marketed to children, contain subversive messages that can be troubling when viewed through an adult lens. For example, the movie “The Goonies” is a classic adventure movie about a group of kids searching for treasure. However, when viewed critically, one can see that it contains themes of classism, ableism, and racism.
Similarly, “Gremlins” appears to be a fun-filled fantasy movie, but it is actually a sharp satire on the American way of life and consumerism.
These movies are not necessarily “bad,” but their subversive messages should not be ignored. In fact, they are an important part of our cultural history and can tell us a lot about the values and beliefs of the time period in which they were made. By examining them critically, we can gain a deeper understanding of how our society has evolved over time. So the next time you watch an 80s kids movie, take a closer look and see what messages are hidden between the lines. You might be surprised at what you find.
The twisted plotlines of 80s kids movies
The 1980s was a decade filled with some of the most beloved children’s movies of all time. However, if you take a closer look at some of these films, you’ll find that they have some pretty twisted plotlines. Some 80s kids movies dealt with some pretty dark themes that were not always appropriate for young audiences.
“The NeverEnding Story” dealt with themes of depression, abandonment, and suicide. “The Goonies” showed violence and bullying. “Labyrinth” featured goblins that kidnapped a baby and were willing to do anything to keep it. Even “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” had themes of alcoholism and abandonment. It is quite surprising that these movies were made for children, yet they became some of the most popular movies of all time.
It shows that children can handle more than we think and appreciate more complex storylines. However, it is important to consider the messages that we are sending to our children through these films and to make sure that they are appropriate for their age.
My Top 9 Dark Kids Movies From The 1980s
The 1980s were a great time for kids’ movies. From E.T. to The Goonies, there was plenty of fun and adventure to be had. However, there were also some films that were surprisingly dark in nature. These movies dealt with death, mortality, and childhood trauma in a way that was not always easy for young audiences to handle. Here are some of the best examples of dark children’s movies from the 1980s.
1. The Dark Crystal (1982)
Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, The Dark Crystal is a fantasy film that takes place in a distant world where two races live in opposition to one another. The Gelflings, who are peaceful and kind, are threatened by the evil Skeksis, who are cruel and greedy. The movie features stunning practical effects, but it delves into themes of mortality and death that might be too heavy for some young viewers.
2. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
The NeverEnding Story is an ambitious film that follows the adventures of a young boy named Bastian, who reads a magical book about a young warrior named Atreyu. The film’s villain is “The Nothing,” a dark force that destroys everything in its path. While the movie is full of action and excitement, the underlying themes of grief and loss might be too much for some young viewers.
3. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
The Secret of NIMH is an animated movie that tells the story of a brave mouse named Mrs. Brisby, who seeks the help of a group of intelligent rats to save her family. The film deals with themes of mortality, experimentation, and escape that might be frightening for some young viewers.
4. Labyrinth (1986)
Labyrinth is a musical fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and starring David Bowie. The movie follows a young girl named Sarah who enters a magical maze to rescue her little brother from the clutches of the Goblin King. While the movie features some charming songs and memorable characters, it also deals with themes of betrayal, manipulation, and loss that might be too dark for some young viewers.
5. The Witches (1989)
The Witches is a movie based on the book by Roald Dahl. The film follows a young boy named Luke who discovers that a group of witches is plotting to turn all children into mice. The movie is full of memorable characters and dark humor, but it deals with the theme of mortality in a way that might be too heavy for some young viewers.
6. ET: The Extra Terrestrial (1982)
With Stephen Spielberg as director, how could any movie have a dark tone? “ET: The Extra Terrestrial” is filled with many adult themed topics. There are the effects of alcohol on children, parental neglect, the fear of being abducted by strangers, and encountering monsters. Those all seem to be less scary when you consider the mortality of youth. Towards the end, we find out that Elliott and ET share a link between them, as one starts to die, the other comes down with similar side effects. Then we are treated to strange men in uniforms invading the sanctity of the family home only to abduct them and take them to a tent filled with beeping and blinking hospital equipment. From there, both ET and Elliott are covered in electrodes to monitor their health. During this time, we watch both struggle to reach for one another and cry as they are separated. Kids already have a hard enough time understanding hospitals, this scene only increases that phobia.
7. The Last Unicorn (1982)
We all know Rankin and Bass for the light hearted Christmas and children movies, but it is surprising to many that they also wrote darker cartoons. Their animated version of “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” are very dark in nature. However, that is not the only one. “The Last Unicorn” centers on a lone unicorn who has been charged with finding the last of her species. Her species has all but been wiped out by the monstrous Red Bull, who is shrouded in flames. Her journey is fraught with peril as she seeks her own. Despite its whimsical nature, there are many dark themes in this book-turned movie. The largest of them is the battle of mortality. The unicorn must ultimately choose between a mortal life and that of immortal struggle.
8. Return to OZ (1985)
Taking a darker turn from its predecessor, “Return to Oz” plunges us into a nightmarish world inspired by L. Frank Baum’s novels. Dorothy returns to the Land of Oz, only to find it in ruins and under the tyrannical rule of the Nome King. This visually striking film blends fantasy and horror elements, exploring themes of resilience and the power of imagination even in the face of adversity. Despite its eerie undertones, “Return to Oz” offers a sense of empowerment to viewers of all ages.
9. The Black Cauldron (1985)
“The Black Cauldron” marked a departure from the traditional Disney animated films of the time, venturing into darker territory with its epic fantasy story. Adapted from Lloyd Alexander’s “The Chronicles of Prydain” series, the movie follows Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper, on his quest to prevent the evil Horned King from acquiring the titular Cauldron of Immortality. With its haunting imagery and intense sequences, the film captivates audiences while exploring themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the battle between light and dark.
It’s always darkest before the dawn
Exploring the dark side of 1980s kids movies can be a nostalgic and fascinating trip down memory lane. While many of these movies may have scared us as children, they served as a form of escapism and entertainment that we cherished. As we grow older, we can appreciate the deeper themes and messages that were woven into these films. It’s interesting to see how these movies have influenced our lives and how they continue to shape the world of cinema today. Whether we watched them for the first time in the 80s or are discovering them now, these movies have left an indelible mark on our childhoods and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
What about you, what movies from your childhood have a darker meaning than you remember? Did any of the ones I mention surprise you with their darker sides? Let me know in the comments below. Your answers could spark an additional post about our childhood memories of television and movies.
Gay in the CLE 