Within the horror genre, the concept of the evil child or the "creepy kid" has played a significant role. It stems from society's fear of children, who are supposed to represent purity and innocence, being corrupted. One of these horror films is Orphan, which follows the ordeal of the Coleman family after they adopt a Russian girl named Esther.
The family soon realizes that Esther is not all who she claims to be. Over the years, as social issues, as well as concerns surrounding children, have evolved, many horror directors/creatives have taken their own spin on what that might look like.
The Omen (1976)
When it comes to the trope of the "creepy kid," it's difficult to get any creepier than the Anti-Christ himself. The Omen follows the story of Damien, a young boy adopted by Robert and Katherine Thorn, shortly after their biological son dies at birth.
However, as more strange misfortunes befall the Thorns, it becomes very clear that Damien is not an ordinary child. The film went on to garner an Academy Award, a Saturn Award, and an Evening Standard British Film Award.
The Bad Seed
This horror-thriller from the late 1950s focuses on Rhoda Penmark, the eight-year-old daughter of Kenneth and Christine Penmark. Suddenly, their world is turned upside down when Rhoda is accused of murdering one of her classmates.
Her mother, Christine, then makes the horrifying discovery that her birth mother was a serial killer and that Rhoda may have inherited her evil streak. Based on the play of the same name, the ending upset audiences so much that, to get distribution rights on the film, the ending needed to be changed.
The Good Son
After the recent death of his mother, Mark Evans is sent to spend time with his aunt, uncle, and cousins. However, his cousin, Henry, begins to display some psychopathic and disturbing behavior. Mark must then protect his family as Henry's fascination with killing them increases.
Viewers get the opportunity to see Macaulay Culkin, who portrays Henry, demonstrate his range as he plays the antithesis of the adorable, comedic characters that he is known for.
Angela
This 1995 film follows the life of Angela, a young girl who tries to cope with her dysfunctional family. Her parents are two disillusioned ex-performers, and her mother shows signs of untreated mental illness. Because of the chaos in her home, Angela begins to turn to fantasy and religion to escape. As her mother's mental health deteriorates, the more Angela's religious mania increases.
Angela is not a film about an evil child possessed by any demons or inherently evil. Instead, it follows the downward spiral of a young girl who is corrupted by her environment and how desperately she tries to hang onto any semblance of normalcy.
Children Of The Corn
Based on Stephen King's short story of the same name, this film follows the children of Gatlin, Nebraska, as they form a religious cult that worships "He Who Walks Behind The Rows." Lead by Isaac Chroner, the adults of the town are ritualistically murdered to ensure a good harvest.
When couple Vicky and Burt come upon the town, they must escape the cult's clutches, as they plan to use them as sacrifices, as well. This film sparked a franchise, including nine sequels and a prequel.
Village Of The Damned (1995)
This sci-fi horror film takes place in Midwich, California where, after the entire town is rendered unconscious for a time, ten women are discovered to be pregnant. All of their children are born on the same day, with pale skin and strange supernatural powers.
After earning a bad reputation within the town, the children form their own colony while the adults decide what is to be done with them. The film is directed by legendary horror director John Carpenter and stars Christopher Reeves, who portrayed the original Superman.
Whisper
This 2007 horror film takes a unique spin on the "creepy kid" premise. When two convicts want a fresh start after getting out of prison, they resort to kidnapping a young boy named, David, to claim the ransom money.
However, throughout the film, David is revealed to be less—or perhaps more—than human as he begins to influence various characters to turn against each other. Director, Stewart Hendler, went on to direct the 2009 remake of 1983's The House On Sorority Row.
Pet Sematary (1989)
Pet Sematary is underscored by a disturbing premise and an adorable evil child. When Louis Creed, a doctor, moves his family to the town of Ludlow, Maine, he's made aware of the pet cemetery with a dark history. When tragedy strikes the Creed family, Louis does the unthinkable and his family pays dearly for it.
The 2019 remake veered away from the original by killing off the daughter, Ellie, instead of the son, Gage. Stephen King approved of the decision, stating that he "thought the change was O.K [...] Both versions [...]result in the same chain of events."
The Exorcist
The Exorcist is not only one of the most well-known and influential horror films of all time, but it is spear-headed by one of the most well-known "creepy kids." The film follows the story of Regan MacNeil, the daughter of actress, Chris MacNeil. After playing with an Ouija board, Regan begins to exhibit strange behavior. It quickly becomes apparent that she has become possessed.
Based on the novel by William Blatty, also the film's screenwriter, it is based on the 1949 account of an exorcism performed on a young boy known as "Roland Doe."
Better Watch Out
This film combines the elements of horror, as well as the #MeToo movement. It follows babysitter Ashley, as she looks after twelve-year-old, Luke Lerner. Her ordeal begins when an intruder breaks into the house. However, after it is revealed that Luke staged the intrusion with a friend to seduce her, that is when the true horror begins.
The film was well-received, with one reviewer calling it "an adorably sinister holiday horror film." The film was nominated for a Saturn Award for "Best Horror Film" in 2018.