Classic Scary Movies You Can Watch with Your Teenager

Hey Dads. Looking for a few good, classic scary movies to watch with your teenager? Check out this list of some spooktacular options that are sure to deliver a fright. Chances are, your teen won't have seen these classics, since you are so damn old. So you can impress them with your old-school spooky film knowledge while connecting over a shared love of the jump scare. Plus, it's a great way to teach your teenager how to handle fear and anxiety in a healthy way.

From haunted VCRs to good old ghosts doing ghostly stuff, there's something here for everyone who loves to freak themselves out. And while these movies are scary for sure, they aren't the goriest or the most in-your-face frightening, making them suitable to share with that teen in your family who loves to geek out on horror. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a thrilling night in with your brood as you revisit some of the best classic scary movies.

The Ring (2002)

The 2002 film The Ring is a super-creepy joint about a cursed videotape that kills anyone who watches it within seven days. The movie follows Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts), a journalist who is investigating the death of her niece, Katie (Amber Tamblyn). Katie's boyfriend, Aidan (David Dorfman), had watched the tape just before she died, and Rachel discovers that the tape is connected to a mysterious girl named Samara (Daveigh Chase), the original "scary hair girl".

As she tries to uncover the secret of the tape, Rachel races against the clock to save her own life. "The Ring" is a suspenseful classic that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you think twice about ever watching a VHS again.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

The Sixth Sense is a 1999 American supernatural horror film written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film tells the story of Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a young boy who sees dead people, and Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), a child psychologist who tries to help him overcome the everyday trauma that accompanies his morbid talent.

The Sixth Sense was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $672 million worldwide on a budget of $40 million. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. The film also won five Saturn Awards, including Best Horror Film and Best Director. Osment's performance as Cole earned him a Young Artist Award and widespread critical acclaim, and the chemistry between Osment and Willis anchored this film right up til the famous twist ending. The Sixth Sense is widely considered one of the best horror films ever made.

The Others (2001)

The Others is a scary PG-13 movie that came out in 2001. The movie is about an exceedingly-stressed-out mother, Grace, who is living in an old house with her two kids, eagerly awaiting the return of her husband from military service. Every day is a struggle in this creepy household— the kids have a rare affliction that makes them allergic to sunlight. Desperate for help, Grace hires some new servants to help take care of the kids...

But strange things start happening in the house. The servants say that they see "the others" - people who are not really there. Grace starts getting even more tweaked out than usual, and things really take a ride when she starts seeing "the others" herself. The movie is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and it doesn't have much gore or violence, making it suitable for horror fans who don't like the blood n' guts stuff.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The Blair Witch Project is a 1999 American supernatural horror movie. It was written, directed, and edited by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez. The movie tells the story of three student filmmakers who go to the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland in 1994 to make a documentary about a local legend known as the Blair Witch. Soon after, they disappear and are never seen again. A year later, their camera gear is discovered in the woods. The movie is presented as if it were recovered footage from their camera.

The Blair Witch Project was a breakout commercial success. It became one of the most profitable movies of all time, earning about 248 million dollars worldwide on a budget of just 60 thousand dollars. The movie also popularized the "found footage" genre of horror movies, making it a must-see for aficionados of suspense.

28 Days Later (2002)

2002's 28 Days Later is one of the most successful scary movies ever made. Not only did it gross over $85 million dollars worldwide, but it also helped to revitalize the zombie movie genre. The film tells the story of a group of people who are trying to survive in a world that has been overrun by zombies.

28 Days Later is notable for its fast-paced action and scary, suspenseful scenes. It also features some solid performances, including one from lead actor Cillian Murphy. If you're looking for a scary movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, "28 Days Later" is definitely worth checking out.

The Wicker Man (1973)

The Wicker Man is a 1973 British horror film directed by Robin Hardy. The film tells the story of Sergeant Neil Howie, who travels to the remote island of Summerisle in search of a missing girl. There, he starts to suspect that the island's inhabitants are pagans who practice human sacrifice. Turns out, he might be the one in the most danger.

Featuring Christopher Lee, famous for his more contemporary roles in the Star Wars prequels and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Wicker Man is widely considered to be one of the best spooky horror films ever made, and its impact can still be felt today in terms of pacing and mood. The movie was ahead of its time in many ways, and its creepy, atmospheric tone has been imitated by countless other films. Even though it was released over 45 years ago, The Wicker Man remains one of the most chilling and influential horror movies ever made.

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

An American Werewolf in London is a 1981 horror film directed by John Landis and starring David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, and Griffin Dunne. The film's plot revolves around two American tourists who are attacked by a werewolf while on vacation in England.

The film is notable for its scenes of graphic violence and its use of special effects to create the werewolf transformation sequence. And it introduced the famous "two guys walk into a creepy pub" scenario that would become ubiquitous in years to come. An American Werewolf in London was a commercial success upon its release and has since become a cult classic. It has been praised for its mix of humor and horror, as well as its highly effective use of practical effects.

Rosemary's Baby (1968)

One of the downright creepiest movies of all time, 1968's "Rosemary's Baby" is a scary movie that continues to hold up decades later. The plot follows a young couple, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, who move into an apartment building with a dark history. The film was shot in and based upon the real-life spooky NYC building The Dakota.

Soon after they settle in, Rosemary becomes pregnant and starts to suspect that her neighbors are plotting to harm her unborn baby. As her paranoia grows, she starts to fear for her own life. The film masterfully builds suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the shocking finale. Is Rosemary nutty, or is she in real danger? You'll have to watch the entire film to find out.  Although it was released over 50 years ago, "Rosemary's Baby" remains one of the best horror films ever made.

The Omen (1976)

The Omen is about a young boy named Damien, who is seemingly normal but just might actually be the Antichrist. Talk about a heavy burden to bear.

As Damien grows up, he begins to display more and more evil tendencies, leading to a series of gruesome murders. The film culminates in a climactic battle between Damien and his father, who is trying to save the world from Damien's reign of terror. The Omen is a classic horror film that is regularly referenced in pop culture to this day.

Let the Right One In (2008)

"Let the Right One In" is a Swedish film about a young boy named Owen who befriends a vampire girl named Abby. They form a close bond as they learn to navigate the dangers of being different in a small town.

The film explores themes of bullying, loneliness, and friendship. It also delivers some scary moments that are sure to send chills down your spine. "Let the Right One In" is a well-crafted film that is both scary and touching. It is definitely worth a watch if you're looking for a good horror movie.

The Grudge (2004)

The Grudge is a 2004 American supernatural horror film directed by Takashi Shimizu. The plot follows a young woman who is caught in the middle of a curse that causes death and hauntings. The film stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr, and KaDee Strickland.

The Grudge was produced by Sam Raimi and rewritten by Stephen Susco from an original script by Shimizu. The film grossed $187 million worldwide, and despite mixed reviews from critics, many horror fans consider it to be one of the seminal scary movies.

Psycho (1960)

Released in 1960, Psycho is the godfather of scary movies. This Alfred Hitchcock classic is about a young woman named Marion Crane who is on the run from the police. She ends up at a motel that is owned by a man named Norman Bates. That's where her problems get even worse.

The movie is full of suspense and it will keep you guessing until the very end. Psycho is rated R, but the rating hinges on the pure shock of the groundbreaking shower scene.  If you are looking for a scary movie to watch, then I highly recommend Psycho. This is a classic that set the stage for an entire genre.

Bonding with your Teen is a Good Thing

Watching scary movies with your teenager can be fun because it allows you to bond over a shared experience, laugh at the suspense, and enjoy the thrill of being scared together.

Plus, it's a great way to teach your teenager how to handle fear and anxiety in a healthy way. So next time you're looking for something to do with your teenager, consider renting a classic scary movie and popping some popcorn for a fun night in. Enjoy!