This curated list of family movies about evil provides a unique blend of entertainment and moral lessons. These films, while exploring darker themes, do so in a way that is accessible and educational for younger audiences, teaching about the nature of good and evil, the importance of choices, and the power of redemption. Each film in this collection offers a narrative where evil is confronted, often with a touch of humor or a heartwarming resolution, making them perfect for family viewing.

The Dark Crystal (1982)
Description: This dark fantasy film by Jim Henson and Frank Oz involves a world where the Skeksis, a race of evil vulture-like creatures, rule. It's a tale of prophecy, courage, and the restoration of balance in a world corrupted by evil.
Fact: The film was entirely performed by puppets, with no CGI, making it a landmark in puppetry and animatronics.


The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Description: This animated film tells the story of Mrs. Brisby, a field mouse, who must save her family from a farmer's plow, encountering a group of intelligent rats with a dark past. It's a story about courage, sacrifice, and the battle against evil forces.
Fact: The film was Don Bluth's first independent production after leaving Disney, and it features a darker, more mature storyline than typical children's animation.


The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: This fairy tale adventure features a mix of romance, humor, and swashbuckling action, where the concept of evil is personified by the villainous Prince Humperdinck and his henchmen. It's a story that teaches about true love, bravery, and the fight against tyranny.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by William Goldman, who also wrote the screenplay. It has gained a cult following for its memorable quotes and characters.


The Witches (1990)
Description: Based on Roald Dahl's book, this film follows a young boy and his grandmother as they uncover a convention of witches planning to turn all children into mice. It's a story about bravery, cunning, and the battle against evil with a humorous twist.
Fact: Anjelica Huston's performance as the Grand High Witch is widely acclaimed, and the film's special effects for the witches' transformation were groundbreaking at the time.


The Little Vampire (2000)
Description: A young boy befriends a vampire family who are trying to break a curse. The film deals with themes of friendship, acceptance, and the struggle against an evil vampire hunter, offering a light-hearted take on the vampire mythos.
Fact: The film was based on a series of books by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg and features a mix of live-action and animation.


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Description: The first in the Harry Potter series introduces us to a world where evil is personified by Voldemort, who seeks immortality. It's a story of friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil, suitable for family viewing.
Fact: The film was a massive success, spawning a franchise that became one of the highest-grossing in film history.


The Incredibles (2004)
Description: This animated film features a family of superheroes dealing with a villain, Syndrome, who embodies the misuse of power and technology for evil. It's a story about family dynamics, personal identity, and the fight against evil.
Fact: The film was Pixar's first to feature a family of superheroes and was followed by a sequel in


Coraline (2009)
Description: In this stop-motion animated film, Coraline discovers an alternate world behind a secret door where her "Other Mother" seems perfect but hides a sinister intent. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting what you wish for and the importance of appreciating what you have.
Fact: The film was directed by Henry Selick, who also directed "The Nightmare Before Christmas." It was the first stop-motion film to be shot entirely in 3D.


The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Description: In this adaptation of C.S. Lewis's classic, children enter a magical world ruled by the White Witch, an embodiment of evil. The film explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Fact: Tilda Swinton's portrayal of the White Witch was critically acclaimed, and the film's visual effects were nominated for an Academy Award.


The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Description: This fantasy adventure involves three siblings who discover a magical world filled with fairies, goblins, and other creatures, where an evil ogre seeks a magical book to gain power. It's a tale of family unity and the fight against dark forces.
Fact: The film was based on a series of books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. The CGI creatures were created by the same company that worked on "The Lord of the Rings."
