Recommend horror movies is a responsibility that some people take very, very seriously. Everyone has their own taste and not everyone will like the same thing. There’s an inherent risk you take on when you say, “I’ll take care of it,” and you begin to justify why complete strangers should see your favorite horror movie.
When it comes to recommending horror movies to people who are not very familiar with the genre, the risk is higher and it is certainly challenging as it can be a more dangerous mission. Usually these viewers are easily frightened, and they can even be young children. So, how can you come up with a horror movie that won’t be another nightmare for them?
The answer is: you can’t. But what you can do is try to make this journey more friendly and less stressful. Again, success is relative, so don’t be disappointed. We’re really going to help you. These are 15 of the best gateway horror movies for viewers taking their first steps in the genre.
15 Poltergeist (1982)
We kick off with a safe bet. Poltergeist by Tobe Hooper is why the rating system was tweaked and worlds somehow merged to show riskier movies to younger audiences. Even years after its release, it’s still a solid horror adventure that’s friendlier than you might think. The supernatural elements are heavy enough to scare when needed, but it’s also a movie that holds back from being graphic and disturbing. It’s a ghost story that takes its liberties to explore a family-friendly environment where strange things happen.
Key scene(s): The Real end of the movie and/or the “washing hands” sequence.
14 Return to Oz
This one is pure nightmare fuel, but technically it’s a kid’s movie. Return to Oz is an unofficial sequel to The Wizard of Oz, and it’s a horror fantasy movie no matter what anyone says. Made in 1985, Dorothy showed that she went back to Oz to restore order with some other friends. The good balance between the different shades of fantasy makes it a great introductory film for a younger audience that wants to venture into horror. If you’re using it for gateway purposes, look at their faces when the different “heads” are displayed.
Key scene: Wheelers show up and terrorize you for life.
13 Scare Night
Scare Night is not a film for children or families. It’s downright horror. However, it is framed under a set of rules that make its universe safer than we think. In any case, you should keep in mind that there is nudity and sensual dances. As the years passed, it got crazier, but not enough to be cheesy. Save this movie for last in a night of gateway horror.
Key Scene: When Evil Ed appears and laughs. It’s a great comedic relief that holds the mind to the end.
12 Gremlins
Gremlins by Joe Dante is the Christmas movie everyone should add to their list of movies to watch during the holiday season. Regardless of how obnoxious those little creatures are, it’s a fun movie that plays it safe for most of its running time. When the demons smoke, gamble and drink, the film can be dangerous for more modern audiences that are not used to it.
Those of us who grew up in the ’80s were used to Bugs Bunny doing all sorts of things that today would be offensive to say the least, and it worked out well. Gremlins take their recklessness and violent attitude one step further. Either way, it’s still family-friendly and a great way to introduce kids to the dark side of fantasy movies.
Key Scene: When Gizmo becomes a Gremlin Factory.
11 The gate
The gate is not as child friendly as you might think. In fact, it gets pretty heavy at one point with its references to satanic elements in heavy metal and the possible unexpected effects such music can have when trying to uncover messages through backmasking. Anyway, it’s cheesy enough to seem harmless, and the main character is just a curious little boy who discovers a portal in his backyard. This horror adventure comes from Canada and is a good choice for a night of gateway horror. Just pick a lighter film for the beginning and leave it for last.
Key Scene: All the scenes with the little demons are great. But Terry listening to heavy music is a classic that we will always look for.
10 Critters
Stephen Hereks Critters is Gremlins on steroids. There’s no other way to say it. Hairy, flesh-eating balls of absolute power come from outer space and terrorize a family with punchlines and constant hunger. Fortunately, there is also someone from space to defend us. The secret of Critters is his humour, reminiscent of a good midnight movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously and even offers subtitles for the critics when they talk to each other.
Main Scene: The scene in the barn house when the creatures appear is both hilarious and scary.
9 Monster house
Gil Kenan’s 2006 animated film, Monster house, is a great introduction to horror, designed especially for little kids. The concept of fear is well explained through the story of a group of children dealing with a haunted house. The creepy visuals are never overdone and the creature design is classic and elegant, making this a good movie for adults too.
Key scene: The old man chasing the girl on the tricycle is very, very effective.
8 The Monster Squad
The Monster Squad two worlds blended perfectly in what turned out to be an unexpected cult classic that transcended genre boundaries. People love the movie for various reasons, but one has to be the balance between horror and adventure in an environment that is safe for children. It doesn’t drop the ball with its set of rules and stays fresh until the end.
Key scene: The third act where the team fights the monsters in a version of Main Street is a beautiful thing.
7 The Lost Boys
Another one on the list that is admittedly a horror movie. Call it the presence of Coreys, Schumacher’s fresh direction, or the fact that it’s just a really cool movie, but The Lost Boys is a must for this list. Nothing horrifying actually happens in the movie, but the vampire sequences are scary enough to make kids cover their eyes. Fortunately, the moments of relief are constant.
Key Scene: All sequences involving the Frog brothers are essential. Teen vampire hunters? We’ll be right in.
6 Goosebumps
Goosebumps by Rob Letterman is a film that we can only love. Even with its flaws, we wouldn’t change it. The cast, creature design and pacing are reminiscent of the Amblin era, a movie era we miss every day. It tells the story of a city haunted by just about every monster present in the Goosebumps books. It’s still family-friendly, and it’s thanks to a tiny touch of humor that’s only possible because the cast allows it.
Key Scene: Every time Slappy the Dummy appears. The voice, the practical doll, the evil nature.
5 Tremors
If you’re a kid of the ’80s, chances are your parents rented Tremors simply because the cover looked great. Ron Underwood’s horror movie is basically a monster movie with a funny script, compelling characters and a great second act. It’s never scary, and it’s actually fun for the duration. The comedic balance is a good source of relief when giant squid monsters aren’t eating humans.
Key Scene: The pole vaulting scene is very well filmed and gives you a better idea of the power of Graboids.
4 Beetle juice
Everyone who says Beetle juice isn’t a horror movie, clearly hasn’t seen that “lost souls” space. It gives us goosebumps when we think about it. The Tim Burton film is a big contender in discussions of horror comedies because it has the necessary balance to remain funny most of the time. But the whole backdrop of dead souls trying to terrorize the living is just creepy. Just think of the title character: a continuously rotting creep who eats snot for snacks and thinks The exorcist is funny.
Key scene(s): Sandworms and snakes. Yuck!
3 The Witches (1990)
We can’t believe this one was actually promoted as a kids movie. The witches is Nicolas Roeg’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s work and a damn good horror movie for kids. It tells the story of a boy who, along with his grandmother, has to fight against a coven of witches. What’s especially good about the adaptation is that Roeg doesn’t follow any studio rules and wreaks havoc with disturbing visuals, great makeup effects, and an impressive performance from Anjelica Huston.
Key Scene: When witches show themselves as they really are, removing wigs and anything that makes them look like normal women.
2 Coral
A film by Henry Selick, inspired by the work of Neil Gaiman, and a debut for animation studio Laika. Wow. It seems eerie that many people still haven’t seen it Coral, the stop-motion animated film about a girl who discovers a secret door to a gruesome universe in her new home. A solid entry for the list considering it’s an animated feature. But be careful. This is not the “safest” movie ever. It’s just a good way to introduce kids to something twisted in a familiar environment.
Key Scene: Anything that depicts “Other Mother.” Imagine a doppelgänger for your mother who has buttons instead of eyes and behaves erratically, and has the ability to transform into a hideous spider.
1 Ghostbusters
Not many people think Ghostbusters is part horror. It’s just too funny. But we think otherwise, given the many horror elements found throughout the film (and increased in the sequel). From ghouls to ghouls, from demons to giant monsters, this one has a whole lot. But it packs in enough humor to make it easier for newcomers trying to get an early horror fix.
Key Scene: The one in the library with a ghost who doesn’t know he’s being watched. However, when the ghostly presence realizes that ghostbustin’ is going on, prepare yourself.