Buzz
While the estate of A.A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, might not be pleased, this weekend sees the release of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey in theaters. This horror film, born from parts of the Pooh universe entering the public domain, transforms the cuddly, honey-loving children’s book character into a savage killer. (It’s not entirely far-fetched; he was, after all, a bear.) Pooh isn’t the only cherished childhood figure to receive this dark twist. Below, we explore a dozen films that blur the line between bedtime tales and childhood terrors.
Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023)
In the conclusion of The House on Pooh Corner, Christopher Robin tells his trouserless bear companion Pooh that he’s heading off to school and may not return to the 100 Acre Woods. Blood and Honey explores the grim aftermath. Left to survive on their own, Pooh and Piglet become wild and develop a thirst for blood. Bikini-clad young women meet gruesome fates. Screams echo endlessly. And Eeyore’s fate? It’s best left unmentioned.
Where to watch: Currently in theaters.
The Banana Splits Movie (2019)
Originally a 1970s Saturday morning cartoon featuring a group of mascot-clad hippies, The Banana Splits were always a bit unsettling, even in their family-friendly form. Their bizarre behavior and unclear purpose—were they a band or just chaotic performers?—added to their eerie charm. The Banana Splits Movie dives into their dark side, reimagining Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky as animatronic stars of a children’s show. When the show is axed, they turn violent. While the film isn’t a masterpiece, it captures the strange energy of the original series. And yes, the theme song remains iconic.
Where to watch: Available for rental only.
Bambi: Reckoning (Release date to come)
Imagine Bambi seeking vengeance on hunters for his mother’s death—it sounds like a Saturday Night Live skit, and indeed, it has been one. This is also the premise of Bambi: Reckoning, a dark reimagining of the 1928 classic. Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the director of Blood and Honey, describes the film as a brutal take on the beloved story. Inspired by the creature design in Netflix’s The Ritual, Bambi becomes a ferocious predator lurking in the wild. Think of it as Bambi, but with a deadly twist.
Where to watch: Coming soon (?)
Arthur: Malediction (2022)
While many criticize horror adaptations of children’s characters as a betrayal of the original creator’s vision, this doesn’t apply to Arthur, Malédiction. Luc Bresson, the French director behind the beloved Arthur series of children’s books and films, wrote this horror movie himself, making it a true reflection of his intent. Despite this, Arthur, Malédiction didn’t get a U.S. theatrical release. The first animated Arthur film, 2006’s Arthur and the Invisibles, was poorly received in America, and the shock value of turning childhood icons into monsters loses its impact when the characters aren’t widely cherished.
Where to watch: Available for rental only.
The Mean One (2022)
This film almost features the Grinch as its central character, but legal boundaries prevent it from being a direct adaptation. Unlike other movies on this list that rely on expired copyrights, The Mean One exists thanks to parody laws. By tweaking names and details—like calling the protagonist “The Mean One” and setting the story in “Newville”—the film avoids copyright infringement. However, reviews suggest these changes are the extent of its creativity. The film lacks the depth and wit needed to stand out.
Where to watch: The Mean One premiered in theaters in December 2022 but isn’t currently available for streaming.
Christmas Evil (1980)
Santa Claus has been reimagined as a murderous figure in countless films, from Violent Night to Santa’s Slay. Yet, none compare to Christmas Evil, the crown jewel of holiday horror. Brandon Maggart (father of Fiona Apple) stars as Harry, a man with an unhealthy obsession with Christmas and Santa. When he dons the red suit, chaos ensues, but it’s the unique execution of his rampage that sets this film apart. With one of the most unforgettable endings in cinematic history, Christmas Evil remains a holiday classic for horror fans.
Where to watch: Streaming on AMC+.
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Perhaps Rare Exports is the ultimate Santa Claus horror film. This Norwegian gem has become a holiday staple in my home. Unlike other Christmas horror movies, it doesn’t rely on a man in a Santa suit. Instead, it presents Santa as a terrifying, ancient being freed from an icy prison, reminiscent of the creature in John Carpenter’s The Thing. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch this delightful yet chilling tale.
Where to watch: Streaming on Peacock.
Pinocchio’s Revenge (1996)
If you thought 2022’s Pinocchio: A True Story was the worst adaptation of the tale, you likely haven’t encountered Pinocchio’s Revenge. This 1990s low-budget horror film borrows heavily from Child’s Play, capitalizing on the era’s fascination with killer dolls like Puppet Master and Dolly Dearest. The story revolves around a Pinocchio puppet possibly possessed by a serial killer’s spirit. However, it lacks the wild energy and suspense of its inspiration, opting instead for an oddly serious tone that feels out of place for a movie titled Pinocchio’s Revenge.
Where to watch: Available for rental only.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1986)
Clowns, once symbols of joy and laughter, have become synonymous with evil over the decades, making it hard to imagine why they were adored by previous generations. The 1980s marked a shift, transforming clowns from cheerful entertainers to sinister figures in popular culture. Since then, evil clown movies have proliferated, rivaling even the number of killer Santa films. Killer Klowns stands out as one of the earliest and finest examples, capturing the unpredictable energy of horror-comedy and boasting surprisingly impressive makeup and effects.
Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video.
Freddy Krueger: Horror Icon Turned Kids’ Character
Freddy Krueger represents a fascinating reversal in horror: a character designed to scare children who instead became a beloved figure. Initially depicted as a child-murdering nightmare in the early films, Freddy inexplicably won over young audiences. Whether it was his iconic hat or his dark charisma, kids in the 1990s embraced him, leading to merchandise like dolls, lunchboxes, and even pillowcases featuring his likeness.
The Curse of Humpty Dumpty (2021)
The classic nursery rhyme about Humpty Dumpty leaves much to the imagination, and this horror adaptation takes full advantage. The film adds psychological depth by centering on a character with early dementia, blurring the line between reality and delusion. Is the terrifying Humpty Dumpty doll truly haunted, or is it a manifestation of the protagonist’s deteriorating mind? The mystery keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
Where to watch: Streaming on Tubi, FreeVee.
Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997)
The classic Snow White story is already filled with dark elements, but this adaptation amplifies the horror by delving deeper into its chilling aspects—poisoning, comas, and the eerie dwarves. Add in themes of miscarriage and a disturbing parent-child dynamic, and you get this grim TV movie that reimagines a beloved fairy tale as a haunting psychological thriller.
Where to watch: Streaming on Roku.
