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No longer glamour, but dust: "Mafia 4" and the harsh everyday life of Sicily around 1900
by Kim Muntinga
Scary but cute: the world of sweet horror in games
20/10/2025
Translation: machine translated
Horror doesn't have to be gory. Some games rely on childlike aesthetics, playful characters and thus unfold a special form of horror. Eight examples show how charming horror can be.
Not all horror is the same. In addition to blood-soaked shockers and gloomy survival games, there is a very specific niche that sounds contradictory at first glance: «cute horror». Games that combine scary topics, ghost stories or nightmares with a cute, often almost childlike presentation. Instead of splatter and panic, the focus here is on atmosphere, stylistic breaks and a twinkle in the eye.
With the release of «Little Nightmares III» and Halloween just around the corner, it's worth taking a look at this facet of the genre, which offers you an introduction to horror - without immediately depriving you of sleep. Here are eight games that show just how charming, morbid and sometimes even cute horror can be.
«Little Nightmares» (series)
The «Little Nightmares» series from Tarsier Studios has become a modern classic of atmospheric horror. You take on the role of small, vulnerable characters such as Six or Mono, who move through surreal and grotesque worlds. Instead of gory effects, the horror is characterised by an oppressive atmosphere, bizarre creatures and the feeling of constant helplessness.
The appeal lies in the contrast: childlike protagonists in an oversized, threatening environment in which every opponent seems overpowering. The oppressive atmosphere is not created by blood, but by surreal images and the persistent vulnerability.
With the release of «Little Nightmares III», the series returns and shows once again how effective sweet horror can be. The game seamlessly continues the dark fascination of its predecessors, but adds new environments, puzzles and a co-operative game principle. In my review of «Little Nightmares III», I describe why the game looks beautiful, but also has its rough edges and yet retains precisely this appeal: childlike fascination meets adult fears.
«Luigi's Mansion» (series)
While Mario usually takes on the role of the hero, Luigi traditionally remains the anxious brother in the background. In «Luigi's Mansion», however, he steps into the limelight as a ghost hunter of all things. Equipped with a torch and hoover, you stumble through mansions and hotels as Luigi, accompanied by nervous fluttering, tentative steps and quiet soliloquies.
If you want serious creepiness, you're in the wrong place. Instead, you'll get plenty of charm and slapstick. The ghosts are playfully animated, Luigi himself looks like a caricature of the involuntary hero. The series is a prime example of family-friendly horror.
From the GameCube debut to «Luigi's Mansion 3», the concept remains popular: horror with humour. The series shows that horror doesn't have to be bloody and serious, but can also work with a broad smile. If you want to delve deeper, my colleague Cassie has tested «Luigi's Mansion 2 HD» and concludes that it is the best part of the series to date.
«Cult of the Lamb»
A cute lamb as the leader of a sinister cult. This contradiction is the recipe for success in «Cult of the Lamb». The game combines set-up elements, roguelite battles and a cuddly comic book look. At first glance, the little animals look like characters from a children's book. But once you start playing, you quickly realise that it's all about rituals, sacrificial offerings and the worship of dark gods.
It is precisely this break that makes it so appealing. The cute presentation adds levity, while the topics are deliberately macabre. You build a settlement, collect followers and summon powers. Nevertheless, a lot of things seem charming, almost cosy.
«Cult of the Lamb» is one of the indie hits of recent years and a prime example of how black humour and sweet visuals can come together. Anyone who appreciates morbid humour will find this game hard to resist. And the world of the little lamb continues to grow: a separate comic special will be released in October 2025. You can find out more in my news.
«Among the Sleep»
In «Among the Sleep» you experience horror from a unique perspective: that of a toddler. With a teddy bear as your companion, you crawl through bedrooms, corridors and basements, while the surroundings increasingly turn into a surreal nightmare world. Even the simple action - waking up at night and looking for your mum - becomes an emotional adventure.
The horror is not created by monsters or splatter, but by the helplessness of the character. Everyday things seem threatening because they appear overpowering from a child's perspective: a fallen chair can become a barrier, a shadow can trigger a racing heart.
«Among the Sleep» deals with subliminally serious topics such as fear and family conflicts without ever leaving the child's perspective. The result is a short, emotionally intense film that shows how vulnerable and fascinating horror can be when you experience it through the eyes of a child.
«Doki Doki Literature Club»
At first glance, «Doki Doki Literature Club» looks like an ordinary visual novel. You join a literature club full of cheerful anime schoolgirls, write poems and experience little romances. Everything points to a harmless dating sim - until the facade slowly unravels.
With subtle hints, the game begins to subvert your expectations. Supposedly cute scenes become oppressive moments, romantic conversations turn into psychological abysses. By the time the narrative breaks through the fourth wall, it becomes clear: this is a horror game in the guise of a cosy anime world.
It's precisely because it fools you that «Doki Doki Literature Club» works so well. It uses its innocent visuals to lull you into a sense of security and makes the horror afterwards seem all the more violent. A cult title that takes the term «cute horror» to the extreme.
«Little Misfortune»
«Little Misfortune» tells the story of a little girl in search of «eternal happiness». She is accompanied by a narrator whose melodious but ambivalent comments never clearly reveal whether he is a helper or a manipulator. Even here, children's book aesthetics meet dark undertones.
The hand-drawn visuals appear playful and warm, but behind the façade lurk topics such as death, loneliness and manipulation. Time and again, harmless situations tip over into macabre episodes, accompanied by black humour that turns the game into a balancing act between childlike innocence and bitter seriousness.
It is precisely this contrast that makes «Little Misfortune» so remarkable. It always remains cute to look at, even if the story tells a dark, sometimes bitter reality. This makes it a prime example of sweet horror that touches you, disturbs you and still makes you smile at the same time.
«Yomawari» (series)
The «Yomawari» series from Nippon Ichi Software combines kawaii aesthetics with real horror. In the games, you control little girls who wander alone through Japanese towns and villages at night. With a torch and a beating heart as your only indicators, you move through dark streets where invisible ghosts lurk.
The visuals look like a picture book: big heads, small figures, pastel colours. But this cute style is deceptive. The game thematises loneliness, loss and childish fear. It uses the cute façade to make the threat seem even stronger.
«Yomawari» is more subtle than many western horror games. It does not thrive on shock effects, but on atmosphere and eerie silence. The series shows how powerful horror can be when it is told from a child's perspective - and that sweet style does not soften the horror, but intensifies it.
«Pumpkin Jack»
The journey through sweet horror concludes with «Pumpkin Jack»: a 3D platformer that is completely dedicated to the Halloween aesthetic. As the pumpkin-headed hero, you hop through colourful spooky landscapes, fight demons and solve small puzzles. The tone always remains playful, almost comic-like, even when skeletons and monsters appear on the screen.
The game is reminiscent of classics such as «MediEvil» or «Jak and Daxter», but offers its own flavour with its Halloween charm. Instead of horror, it focuses on action and humour.
As a conclusion to this list, «Pumpkin Jack» is a perfect fit. It shows that horror doesn't always have to be gloomy or dark, but can also be colourful, energetic and full of joy.
Between smiles and goosebumps
All the games on this list have something in common: they focus on cute aesthetics, charming characters and a playful approach to the topic of horror. Unlike classic genre greats such as «Resident Evil» or «Silent Hill», they don't want to overwhelm you with naked fear, but rather play with contrasts. They make you smile while giving you goosebumps at the same time. And that is precisely their appeal.
«Sweet horror» is therefore also a kind of gateway drug: perfect for you if you're not used to horror games. The titles are often shorter, more accessible and make it possible to experience horror without having to leave the lights on in your room afterwards.
When the scary makes you smile
This mixture of sweet and scary shows just how versatile the horror genre can be. It doesn't always have to be about splatter, blood and shock effects. Sometimes horror is at its strongest when it's lurking behind a cute façade or under your bed.
So whether you want to get in the mood for «Little Nightmares III» or are looking for a suitable game for Halloween, these eight titles will provide you with the perfect mix of charm and chills.
And now it's your turn: Which cute horror game has given you the biggest chills with a smile?
Header image: Nintendo
My interests are varied, I just like to enjoy life. Always on the lookout for news about darts, gaming, films and series.
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