"Village of the Damned" is a classic horror movie because of its otherworldly, supernatural genre bending. It has severe, Cold War implications, as it deals with nuclear power, infiltration by a faction of likeminded invaders, and their arrival creates a feeling of paranoia and hostility among a small village's inhabitants. Not only is the link between the Cold War and these children subtle, but is also overtly stated when referencing the Soviet Union within the narrative of the film. The children's threat is most evident when people mysteriously start disappearing, or dying. Children are generally portrayed as the only innocent people in this world, but in this film their capabilities not only lend to them being ostracized, but feared. They are always questioned, and always feared by the small village, so the main concern of the film is whether or not they can be stopped. We never learn where these children come from, and exactly what they are planning to do with their powers. It's both overt science fiction as well as horror, and remains a classic if only because it balances evenly between the two.

Village of the Damned is an effective and creepy horror film that delivers effective chills. The film uses effective elements to build the horror. The film takes time to deliver its terror, and the buildup is slow, steady and it adds an eerie atmosphere to the film. The story is an effective horror tale which really does creep you out. The acting is terrific, and the story itself is well crafted to induce shock and dread into its viewer. For horror fans that are looking for a film with atmosphere, effective chills mixed with great acting, Village of the Damned is the film that you should see. This Sci Fi horror film is a classic of the genre, and still has the power to scare. The actors playing the kids are intense in their performances, and they deliver on-screen. Overall this is one of the most solid classic horror films of the 1960's. The pacing of the film is perfect for the unfolding horror halfway through the film. The films pacing is the key for the horror to work well. Mix that with the eerie atmosphere, and you have a memorable horror film. The actors that play the children are terrific, especially the actor who plays the leader, David. Martin Stephens is excellent as David and he brings such menace to the role. If you enjoy effective, chilling horror; Village of the Damned is the film to watch. A very eerie atmosphere and a great steady buildup make this an excellent unforgettable film that horror fans will love.