This curated list of family films delves into the theme of evil in a way that is accessible and engaging for viewers of all ages. These movies not only entertain but also provide valuable lessons about morality, the nature of good and evil, and the importance of family bonds in overcoming darkness. Each film in this collection has been selected for its ability to blend dark themes with family-friendly storytelling, making it a perfect watch for a family movie night.

The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Description: Mrs. Brisby, a field mouse, seeks help from the mysterious rats of NIMH to save her son, uncovering a plot of evil experiments. It's a story of courage, family, and the fight against malevolent forces.
Fact: The film was directed by Don Bluth, who left Disney to create this film. It was inspired by Robert C. O'Brien's book "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH."


The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Description: Bastian enters the magical world of Fantasia to help save it from the Nothing, a force of evil that threatens to destroy all imagination. It's a tale about the power of stories and the battle against despair.
Fact: The film was based on Michael Ende's novel, though it only covers the first half of the book. The song "The NeverEnding Story" by Limahl became a hit.


The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: A fairy tale adventure where the hero, Westley, battles the evil Prince Humperdinck to save his true love, Buttercup. It's a blend of romance, comedy, and swashbuckling action with a clear message about the triumph of good over evil.
Fact: The film has a cult following and is often quoted for its memorable lines. It was adapted from William Goldman's novel of the same name.


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 plotting to turn all children into mice. It's a whimsical yet dark tale about the fight against evil.
Fact: The film was directed by Nicolas Roeg and features Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch. It was initially considered too dark for children by some critics.


The Incredibles (2004)
Description: This animated film follows a family of superheroes who must come together to defeat the villain Syndrome, exploring themes of family dynamics, identity, and the battle against evil forces.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It was Pixar's first film to feature an entirely human cast.


Coraline (2009)
Description: This stop-motion animated film tells the story of Coraline, who discovers an alternate world where her "Other Mother" seems perfect but hides a sinister secret. It's a dark fairy tale about the dangers of temptation and the importance of family.
Fact: The film was directed by Henry Selick, who also directed "The Nightmare Before Christmas." It took over three years to complete due to the intricate stop-motion animation.


The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
Description: This animated film tells the story of Despereaux, a brave mouse who sets out to rescue a princess from a dungeon, facing the evil rat Roscuro. It's a tale of bravery, light, and the fight against darkness.
Fact: The film features the voices of Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Watson. It was based on Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Medal-winning book.


The Lion King (1994)
Description: Simba's journey to reclaim his throne from his evil uncle Scar is a classic tale of betrayal, redemption, and the circle of life, making it a profound family film about the struggle against evil.
Fact: The film was inspired by Shakespeare's "Hamlet." It was also the first Disney animated feature to be an original story, not based on an existing tale or book.


The Dark Crystal (1982)
Description: In this fantasy film, Jen, a Gelfling, must heal the Dark Crystal to restore balance to the world, battling the evil Skeksis. It's a visually stunning exploration of good versus evil.
Fact: The film was directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, using advanced puppetry techniques. It was one of the first films to use CGI for some of its effects.


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Description: This film introduces us to the magical world of Hogwarts where young Harry battles the ultimate evil, Voldemort, with the help of his friends. It's a tale of good versus evil, friendship, and the power of love.
Fact: The film was the first in the Harry Potter series to be released, setting the stage for one of the most successful film franchises ever. The character of Voldemort was created using CGI and voice acting by Ralph Fiennes.
