25 of the creepiest Disney movies ever made

The Black Cauldron (Image via Walt Disney Pictures)

12. The Black Cauldron

At the time of its release in 1985, The Black Cauldron was one of Disney’s darkest movies. Given that it was such a departure from many people’s conception of the studio’s work, it was also a financially shaky premiere. Since its release, The Black Cauldron has become something of a cult classic, thanks partially to its mythic themes and dark execution.

The story centers on Taran, an assistant pig-keeper who, you guessed it, gets wrapped up in an epic adventure. This particular quest revolves around defeating the Horned King, a monstrous villain intent on taking over the world. The Horned King has some creepy horns and a tattered robe, sure, but he also just… has no face. It’s a straight up skeleton face with pointed teeth and glowing red eyes. Even thinking about it has likely set up the germ of a nightmare somewhere within my psyche.

But even a mythical devil monster can’t work alone. At one point in The Black Cauldron, the Horned King has our heroes in his grasp. With those pesky Disney kids out of the way, he’s free to summon up a terrifying army of skeletal soldiers from the eponymous magical black cauldron. Such magic is difficult for anyone to control, however, and the Horned King is eventually consumed by a tunnel of fire and blood. Horrifying, but an appropriately metal end for someone who looks like he belongs on a Gwar album cover.