Emergence of Fury: Eight Key Horror Films Focused on Adolescence

      EJ Moreno examines the terrors of teenage life...

      What stands out in your memories of growing up? Were you frightened by the changes in your body or by navigating the complexities of high school? Many films depict these experiences across various genres, yet a genuine horror film about coming of age is quite rare.

      As a teenager, a horror film that portrayed youth was significant for me. It often made me feel less isolated, providing an outlet for the confusion and anger of that period. Whether it’s the ghost of a first love, the fear of not belonging, or the struggle to escape childhood, horror films centered on adolescence vividly highlight the vulnerabilities of youth.

      We will highlight eight horror films that take us back to these formative years, featuring works spanning eight decades and various horror sub-genres.

      Honorable Mentions:

      The Bad Seed

      – This classic of bad kid movies is crucial to this list, even though it doesn’t strictly focus on coming of age, which is why it only receives an honorable mention.

      Battle Royale

      – While it’s less about the growing pains of youth and more about the repercussions in a fascist society that seeks to teach kids a lesson, it still includes plenty of intense teen drama and a high death toll.

      Sleepaway Camp

      Navigating body image and self-expression is challenging enough as a teen, but dealing with that at a summer camp is particularly difficult. Most horror fans are aware of the twist in Sleepaway Camp, where our killer grapples with gender issues, seemingly taking vengeance on the unruly campers.

      Though the plot is bizarre and doesn't handle its themes delicately, it delivers a powerful impact, gaining a following among many in the LGBTQ community. In the aftermath of the Friday The 13th slasher wave, it could have easily fallen into the cliché of a holiday-themed fright or a nudity-laden escapade, but Sleepaway Camp defies those trends. It stands out as an audacious slasher that authentically portrays its young characters, mainly because the cast comprises actual teenagers whose experiences feel genuine.

      Jennifer’s Body

      The existence of this list is partially thanks to films like Jennifer’s Body, which epitomizes “coming of rage.” When the main character awakens her demonic side, she holds nothing back from unleashing the chaos a teenage girl fantasizes about. This bold vision from Diablo Cody and Karyn Kusama was remarkably ahead of its time.

      The narrative of the two young women and their responses to the demonic possession affecting their relationship is strikingly timeless, even with the specific genre elements that might seem entirely unique. Somehow, the film encapsulates much of girlhood within its monster narrative, reminiscent of how the Universal Monster Film The Wolf Man symbolized young adulthood for many young men. Even at its most terrifying, the film possesses a relatable core that resonates with many viewers.

      The Lost Boys

      Growing up, one of the greatest fears of parents was that we might associate with the wrong crowd. Such a group could corrupt us through wicked influences, or perhaps they are merely a gang of vampires. Regardless of who or what that crowd may be, we were advised to steer clear of these troublesome kids, though we understand how challenging that can be. The Lost Boys effectively portrays these anxieties with style.

      Before vampires were intertwined with teenage life in Twilight and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Lost Boys illustrated what transpires in youth when we encounter vampires and are captivated by their allure. Through Michael’s journey into the world of David and his alluring vampire crew, it tells a story of lost innocence amid the wrong company. The film is both seductive and perilous and also contains elements open to homoerotic interpretation, enhancing the teen angst and blood-sucking allure.

      Ginger Snaps

      As mentioned earlier, the classic Wolf Man narrative serves as a solid metaphor for puberty, and Ginger Snaps embodies that theme, bringing it to the forefront. Additionally, it shares an early motif seen in Jennifer’s Body, as the two central women experience their bond being tested by the horrors they face.

      It offers what could have been a standard late-90s/early-00s werewolf tale with deeper substance. The terrifying aspects of being a girl, undergoing bodily changes, and confronting toxic masculinity are all present here. We see these themes explored further in our subsequent entries, but there's something about this teen werewolf story that makes it both entertaining and chillingly accurate. The film skillfully navigates its narrative through its strong leads, providing an authentic experience.

      Cherry Falls

      Sexuality is a prevalent theme across these films; as we enter adulthood, our bodies change, and new feelings emerge. In terms of horror, youthful desires can be deadly, but they have never been more lethal than in the underrated 1999 slasher Cherry Falls. This film deserves your attention if you haven’t yet seen it among this list of hits.

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