Generally, moms and horror movies do not mix. (Unless you happen to have the coolest mom on the planet.. in which case, please adopt me.) The gore, the violence, the jumpscares – usually not mom’s cup of tea. But if there is anything all moms have in common, it’s wanting to spend more quality time with their grown, adult, weirdo children. (that’s us)
So invite Mom into your world by introducing us to some horror movies- that she’ll actually ENJOY.
You’ll probably have to convince her a bit, but I’m sure your mom will be eager to spend an afternoon with one of her favorite humans on the planet. Here are ten horror movies you can watch with your dear old mom, without fear of traumatizing her for life. Maybe this Mother’s Day?
1. The Others (2001)
Nicole Kidman stars in this psychological thriller about a woman who lives in a mansion with her two children who both have a rare photosensitivity condition. The family starts to experience strange happenings in their home, and things take a horrifying turn when three mysterious servants arrive. This movie is hauntingly beautiful and will surely be a new favorite of mom’s.
2. What Lies Beneath (2000)
Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer star in this supernatural thriller about a woman who begins to suspect that her neighbor’s wife has been murdered. As she starts to investigate, she begins to experience unexplainable events in her own home. This movie has a slow build-up, but the payoff is worth it. Plus, Mom won’t need much convincing to watch after she hears the cast.
3. The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist is a classic horror movie that every horror fan needs to see, even mom. This movie follows a young girl who becomes possessed by a demon and a priest who tries to exorcise her. The practical effects and sound design in this movie are still impressive to this day. Sure, mom may have heard this is one of the scariest horror films of all time and may be reluctant to watch, but if you tell her about the mother-daughter relationship at the film’s core, she may just be on board,
4. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
This horror-comedy stars Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer as three single women who wish for the perfect man to come into their lives. And he does. They soon realize that just so happens to be the devil. This movie is funny, creepy, and has a fantastic cast. Mom will definitely appreciate the big hair.
5. Housebound (2014)
This New Zealand horror-comedy follows a young woman who is placed under house arrest in her childhood home. As she spends more time in the house, she begins to realize that it may be haunted. This movie has great humor and scares, and the twist at the end will leave you and mom stunned. This is another film with a great mother-daughter relationship as its driving force.
6. Dragonfly (2002)
Kevin Costner stars in this supernatural thriller about a man who believes his dead wife is trying to communicate with him through a series of strange events. This movie is emotional, suspenseful, and has a fantastic twist ending. This one’s not too scary and has a lot of heart, so mom will surely love it.
StudioCanal
7. The Changeling (1980)
George C. Scott stars in this haunted house movie about a composer who moves into a new home after the death of his wife and daughter. As he starts to experience strange happenings in the house, he begins to investigate the history of the home and uncovers a horrifying past. This movie is atmospheric and has some great scares. It’s a classic ghost story, perfect for a mom who’s already dabbled in the horror genre.
8. Skeleton Key (2005)
Kate Hudson stars in this supernatural thriller about a hospice nurse who takes a job caring for a man in a remote mansion. As she explores the house, she discovers a secret room with a dark past. This movie has a fantastic twist ending that will leave you gasping. Mom will love it for the setting, deep in the heart of New Orleans’, and the strong female lead.
9. The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Sense is a masterpiece of horror cinema. Bruce Willis stars as a child psychologist who tries to help a young boy who claims to see ghosts. This movie is emotional, suspenseful, and has one of the best twist endings of all time. Plus, Toni Collette stars as one of the most compelling concerned mothers of all time, in a knockout emotional performance so early in her career.
10. Train to Busan (2016)
If your mom is a fan of action movies, then she will love Train to Busan. This Korean zombie movie follows a father and daughter stuck on a train during a zombie outbreak. Together, with the help of other passengers, they must fight to stay alive and get to Busan. This movie is thrilling, emotional, and has some fantastic zombie action. Mom will definitely need some tissues for this one.
So there you have it, ten horror movies you can watch with your mom without fear of traumatizing her for life (we hope). Whether your mom likes her horror movies with a touch of comedy, romance, or action- there’s something on this list for everyone.
Let us know what horror movies you’ve watched with your mom (and her reaction) over on Twitter and in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
