Animated Movies Your Kids Have No Business Watching

Animated movies have long been a staple of children's entertainment, offering colorful visuals, memorable characters, and valuable life lessons. However, not all animated movies are suitable for young viewers. Some films tackle mature themes, contain intense scenes, or explore complex subject matter that may not be appropriate for children. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five animated movies that your kids have no business watching. From dark and gritty narratives to mature content, these films are better left for older audiences.

1. "Watershed Down" (1978)

Based on the novel by Richard Adams, "Watership Down" is a British animated film that follows a group of rabbits as they search for a new home. While the animation style may deceive parents into thinking it's a lighthearted adventure, the movie's content is anything but child-friendly. "Watership Down" tackles themes of death, violence, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world. Throughout the film, the rabbits face perilous situations, including graphic depictions of rabbit fights and encounters with predatory animals. The film's dark and intense tone, coupled with scenes that may be distressing for young viewers, make "Watership Down" a movie that is better suited for older audiences.

2. "Grave of the Fireflies" (1988)

Directed by Studio Ghibli's Isao Takahata, "Grave of the Fireflies" is a profoundly moving and heartbreaking animated film set in Japan during World War II. The story follows two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they struggle to survive amidst the devastation of war. While the animation is beautiful, the film delves into the harsh realities of war, including starvation, illness, and the emotional toll it takes on the characters. "Grave of the Fireflies" is a poignant exploration of the human cost of conflict, but its themes and depiction of suffering make it unsuitable for young children. The film's somber tone and emotionally intense scenes may be overwhelming for young viewers, making it a movie that should be reserved for more mature audiences.

3. "Sausage Party" (2016)

"Sausage Party" is an R-rated animated film that cleverly disguises itself as a lighthearted, raunchy comedy. However, the film's explicit content and adult themes make it entirely inappropriate for young viewers. The story revolves around anthropomorphic food items in a grocery store who discover the truth about their existence and embark on a quest for survival. Beyond the film's surface-level humor, "Sausage Party" tackles explicit sexual content, narcotics use, and profanity. Its satirical take on religion and social commentary may also go over the heads of young audiences. 

4. "Persepolis" (2007)

"Persepolis" is a critically acclaimed animated film based on the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi, depicting her own experiences growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. While the film's black-and-white animation may be appealing to younger audiences, its mature themes and depictions of violence and oppression make it unsuitable for children. The film explores complex political and social issues, including censorship, religious extremism, and the challenges faced by the Iranian people during a tumultuous time in their history. These themes, combined with scenes of war, torture, and adult content, make "Persepolis" a film that should be reserved for mature viewers who can fully grasp the context and appreciate the depth of its storytelling.

5. "Heavy Metal" (1981)

"Heavy Metal" is an animated anthology film that combines science fiction, fantasy, and heavy metal music. While it may sound like an enticing mix for young viewers, the film's explicit violence, rated R content, and use of narcotics make it wholly inappropriate for children. The movie features segments with graphic nudity, gory violence, and mature themes that are better suited for adult audiences. "Heavy Metal" explores themes of sexuality, power, and the dark side of human nature. Its adult-oriented content, combined with the high level of violence and raunchy imagery, make it a film that is definitely not meant for young eyes.