Halloween is just around the corner, and for many families, that means preparing for a spooky movie night. But for parents of 11-year-olds, finding a good scary movie can be a bit tricky. After all, you don’t want to traumatize your child with something too intense, but at the same time, you want to give them a fun thrill.
So what’s a good scary movie for an 11-year-old?
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that every child is different. What might scare one child may not have the same effect on another. With that said, there are some general guidelines you can follow when it comes to choosing age-appropriate horror movies.
Stick to PG-13 Ratings
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rates movies based on their content and assigns them a rating: G (General Audiences), PG (Parental Guidance Suggested), PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned), R (Restricted), or NC-17 (No Children Under 17). When it comes to scary movies for kids, stick to those with a PG-13 rating or lower.
The Best Scary Movies for Eleven-Year-Olds
Here are some great options that will give your child a scare without being too intense:
- Coraline: This stop-motion animated film tells the story of Coraline Jones, who discovers an alternate universe where her “Other” parents are much more fun than her real ones. However, things quickly take a turn for the creepy when Coraline realizes that her Other mother wants to keep her in this world forever.
- Monster House: Another animated film, Monster House follows three kids as they try to uncover the truth about the creepy old house in their neighborhood.
They soon discover that the house is alive and has a sinister plan.
- The Spiderwick Chronicles: Based on the book series of the same name, this movie follows the Grace family as they move into an old mansion and discover a hidden world of magical creatures. However, they soon realize that not all of these creatures are friendly.
- Goosebumps: Based on the popular book series by R.L. Stine, this movie follows a group of teens as they try to stop the monsters from Stine’s books from coming to life and wreaking havoc on their town.
Remember to Watch with Your Child
No matter what scary movie you choose for your child, it’s important to watch it with them. This way, you can gauge their reactions and stop the movie if it becomes too much for them. It also gives you an opportunity to discuss any fears or concerns they may have after watching.
In conclusion, there are plenty of scary movies out there that are appropriate for 11-year-olds. Stick to PG-13 ratings or lower and consider films like Coraline, Monster House, The Spiderwick Chronicles, or Goosebumps. And remember to watch with your child so you can both enjoy the spooky fun together!
