5 horror movies that every kid of the ’90s definitely watched way too early
Horror cinema has always evoked incredible fascination, especially for those who grew up in the ’90s. There were years when this sector was particularly prolific and when the foundations of all those subgenres that today take us to the cinema in search of that extra thrill were laid.
Those were different times: between a secretly passed VHS tape, the television schedule that aired everything in prime time, and older siblings or cousins suggesting to break the rules, every millennial born in the 90s inevitably found themselves in front of the screen long before they were old enough to watch certain movies. Among monsters, killers, and supernatural creatures, these feature films gave us sleepless 90’s or small traumas. Which one terrified you the most?
5 horror movies that every ’90s kid definitely watched way too early
The Blair Witch Project
Before the release of this film, no one was afraid to enter a forest for a walk. After? A noise among the trees was enough to convince us that the end was near. Describing the impact of The Blair Witch Project to those who did not experience the years of its release and the extensive media campaign that accompanied it is practically impossible. At the time, word of mouth had convinced many viewers that it was a real documentary. Needless to say, many kids of the ’90s, even tho they weren’t old enough, still found a way to take part in this mass phenomenon. And if you are among them, you probably avoided camping trips and school outings for a few years.
The Sixth Sense
On paper, it was “just” a psychological thriller with elements of supernatural horror. In reality, it was that film that made us stare at the hallway of our house with a little too much apprehension. Centered on a child psychologist dealing with a young patient who claims to be able to talk to the dead and ghosts, The Sixth Sense is one of the most well-known horrors of the 90s, remembered especially for its incredible final twist. Even in this case, many children of the time managed to see it before they were ready, taking advantage of the fact that it wasn’t technically a horror film and thus found themselves facing themes and atmospheres that were quite dark and heavy for their young age.
The Ring
Another incredible success, this time from the early 2000s. The cursed videotape, the phone call, and Samara emerging from the screen traumatized an entire generation, making this remake of a Japanese work one of the most recurring nightmares of those years. The film took everyday objects and turned them into something terrifying, proving that you didn’t need monsters or stunning special effects to instill fear. Not exactly the kind of cinematic experience a kid should have.
IT
Coulrophobia is the irrational fear of clowns, triggered especially by the perception of heavy and unnatural makeup, which distorts the human figure, making it grotesque and almost “monstrous.” A phobia that for many began precisely in the 1990s, with the clown Pennywise, masterfully portrayed by Tim Curry. Considered one of the scariest characters in all of horror cinema, he has terrified and kept millions of children awake at night. Since then, we have not looked at manhole covers, balloons, and birthday parties with the same eyes.
Candyman
Long before the internet turned urban legends into viral phenomena, Candyman had already taught an entire generation that some stories are better left untested. The plot revolves around the legend of a hook-wielding killer who is summoned whenever his name is spoken five times in front of a mirror. With its dark atmosphere, the disturbing interpretation of Tony Todd and a hypnotic soundtrack, Candyman is one of those horrors that got into your head without the need for exaggerated special effects. We bet that, as children, you also tried the mirror trick at least once…
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