You thought that a Dr. Seuss movie would be in a light mood all the way? HA HA HA—No. Well, despite its comedic and wholesome moments, this movie is a bit darker than the book, with a few horror elements to boot!
- Old Man Once-ler when he's first seen peering through the window and reaching out at Ted, but he gets less scary from there.
- "How Bad Can I Be" is pretty fun and upbeat for a Villain Song...until the very end, which has a giant Once-ler looming over the entire forest which he is destroying, giving a Slasher Smile after shouting the last lyrics "HOW BAD COULD THIS POSSIBLY BEEEEEE?"Once-ler: WHO CARES IF A FEW TREES ARE DYING?
- At the start of the song, it's phrased like a legitimate question, but by the end, it almost seems like a challenge.
- If you think that's scary, listen to its Dark Reprise, Biggering
(complete with storyboard to tickle your imagination). There was a reason it was cut from the film.Once-ler: Who cares if some things are DYING? I DON'T WANNA HEAR YOUR CRYING!
- Ted nearly having his head cut off after running into that abandoned super-axe-hacker.
- O'Hare was able to spy on everyone, and no one seemed to notice. Or worse, they were so indoctrinated that no one cared.
- A more mundane but still saddening example is the emotional abuse Once-ler suffers from his own family.
