10 Must-Watch Thrillers Featuring Children

Description: While not exclusively about children, the film centers around the demonic possession of a young girl, Regan MacNeil, making it a seminal work in the thriller genre involving children.

Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its graphic content. It was the first horror film ever to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.

Description: A chilling tale of a diplomat's adopted son who might be the Antichrist. The film uses the child's presence to create an atmosphere of dread and suspense.

Fact: The film's release was surrounded by numerous reports of "cursed" events, including the death of several cast members. It was nominated for two Academy Awards.

Description: A young boy named Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) sees dead people, leading to a psychological thriller that explores themes of loss, fear, and redemption. This film is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling.

Fact: The famous line "I see dead people" was improvised by Osment. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Set in post-World War II, this film follows Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman) and her two children who live in a secluded mansion, only to discover they are not alone. The children's eerie presence adds to the film's chilling atmosphere.

Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the natural progression of the children's fear. It was a box office hit, grossing over $200 million worldwide.

Description: Set during the Spanish Civil War, this film tells the story of an orphan boy who encounters a ghost in an orphanage. The children's innocence juxtaposed with the horrors of war creates a haunting thriller.

Fact: Guillermo del Toro wrote the script in one night, inspired by his own childhood experiences. The film has been praised for its blend of horror and historical drama.

Description: This film delves into the chilling tale of a couple who adopt a 9-year-old girl, only to discover her dark secrets. It's a perfect blend of horror and thriller, with the child at the center of the mystery.

Fact: Isabelle Fuhrman, who played Esther, was only 12 years old during filming. The film's ending was changed after test audiences found the original too disturbing.

Description: A single mother and her young son are haunted by a sinister presence from a pop-up book. The film uses the child's perspective to heighten the horror, making it a standout in modern horror-thrillers.

Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its intense themes. It has since become a cult classic, praised for its psychological depth.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film follows a family banished from their Puritan plantation, where their youngest child is mysteriously taken. The film's slow burn and child-centric narrative make it a unique thriller.

Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialogue, adding to its eerie authenticity. It was critically acclaimed for its atmosphere and performances.

Description: A governess (Deborah Kerr) believes that the children in her care are possessed by the spirits of former employees. This classic film explores psychological horror through the eyes of children.

Fact: The film was based on Henry James' novella "The Turn of the Screw." It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Kerr.

Description: A family holiday turns into a nightmare when the children become violently ill and start attacking the adults. This film uses the innocence of children to create a terrifying scenario.

Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the natural progression of the children's behavior. It was praised for its unsettling atmosphere and realistic portrayal of family dynamics.