By George Bate & Josh Bate
The likes of Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Chucky come to mind when thinking of some of cinema’s scariest villains. But some of the scariest villains who brought so much terror into the lives of so many were in children’s movies. Indeed, some of these children’s movie villains rival genuine horror movie villains for the terror and torment they evoke. Check out a list of the scariest children’s movie villains below.
Ivan Ooze in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie
The primary antagonist of the 1990s Power Rangers movie is terror personified. Played by actor Paul Freeman, Ivan Ooze looks terrifying from his first appearance on screen, emerging from a purple egg-shaped lock chamber. Ooze also has a comical and insidiously charming side to him, which just add to the creepy vibe of the character.
The Witches in The Witches
The Witches is based on Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name about a young boy named Luke and his grandmother Helga whose stay at a seaside hotel is interrupted by a coven of witches. The witches themselves are horrifying, taking delight in killing children and brought to life with elaborate makeup and prosthetics.
The Other Mother in Coraline
A villain worthy of any horror movie, the Other Mother in Coraline contributes so much to the creepy atmosphere of the animated film.
Judge Doom in Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Judge Doom’s reveal as a toon in Who Framed Roger Rabbit remains one of the most unnerving moments of any children’s movie.
Miss. Truchbull in Matilda
Another Roald Dahl villain, Miss. Trunchbull brings a level of cruelty rarely seen in children’s movies. The antithesis of the archetypal teacher figure, Truchnbull is aggressive, dominating, and intimidating.