Diving into the superhero realm with a horror twist, The New Mutants features a group of young mutants held in a secret facility, discovering their powers while facing terrifying visions and threats. Among the ensemble are young women like Illyana Rasputin (Magik), whose powers involve teleportation and mystic energy, and Rahne Sinclair (Wolfsbane), who can transform into a wolf. While not solely focused on one young girl, the film explores the horror inherent in uncontrollable powers and institutional confinement through characters like Rahne, who struggles with her abilities and religious beliefs. Interesting tidbit: This film faced numerous release delays, adding to its unique production history within the X-Men franchise.

Let the Right One In is a Swedish horror gem that offers a unique take on the young protagonist with powers trope, though in this case, the powers stem from vampirism. The film centers on the friendship between a bullied young boy, Oskar, and his new neighbor, Eli, who appears to be a young girl but is actually a centuries-old vampire. Eli possesses supernatural strength, speed, and other vampiric abilities. The horror in this film is atmospheric and often brutal, focusing on the grim reality of Eli's existence and the moral complexities of their bond. It's a poignant and genuinely chilling film that transcends typical vampire narratives.

From Norwegian director Joachim Trier comes Thelma, a fascinating and unsettling horror film about a young woman discovering she possesses terrifying, uncontrolled psychokinetic powers tied to her repressed desires and strict religious upbringing. While Thelma is college-aged, her journey of self-discovery and the emergence of her powers mirrors the themes often found in stories about younger protagonists with similar gifts. The film is less about jump scares and more about atmosphere, psychological tension, and the disturbing physical manifestations of her abilities. It's a beautifully shot and deeply unnerving exploration of faith, sexuality, and supernatural power.

Continuing the saga of The Shining, Doctor Sleep introduces us to Abra Stone, a young girl with a powerful form of 'the shine' – psychic abilities that far surpass even Danny Torrance's. This film, directed by Mike Flanagan, expertly weaves together elements from Stephen King's novel and Stanley Kubrick's iconic film adaptation. Abra finds herself targeted by the terrifying Rose the Hat and her group, who feed on the shine of innocents. Kyliegh Curran is fantastic as Abra, portraying a character who is both gifted and resilient, facing off against truly sinister forces. It's a compelling blend of supernatural horror and a story about facing past trauma.

Bringing the classic tale to a new generation, the 2013 adaptation of Carrie offers a fresh take on Stephen King's story. This version sees Chloë Grace Moretz as the titular Carrie White and the always brilliant Julianne Moore as her deeply disturbed, fanatically religious mother, Margaret. The film delves into the psychological torment Carrie endures, enhanced by modern effects that make her telekinetic abilities feel raw and powerful. While it walks in the footsteps of a legendary film, this adaptation stands on its own by focusing on contemporary bullying and the intense mother-daughter dynamic. It's a potent horror film that reminds us that some stories about unleashed power are timeless.

Get ready for some serious pyrokinesis with 1984's Firestarter! Another fantastic Stephen King adaptation, this film brings the story of Charlie McGee to life. As a young girl with the terrifying ability to start fires with her mind, Charlie is hunted by a shadowy government agency known as 'The Shop'. The incredible Drew Barrymore, fresh off E.T., gives a captivating performance as Charlie, balancing innocence with immense, destructive power. The film features a cool synth score by Tangerine Dream, which adds a unique atmosphere. Fun fact: The special effects for Charlie's powers relied heavily on practical effects, using real fire and clever camera work to create the illusion of her pyrokinesis, making the scenes feel genuinely intense and dangerous.

Stepping into the world of Carrie (1976) is experiencing a horror landmark. Directed by the masterful Brian De Palma, this adaptation of Stephen King's debut novel is a chilling exploration of religious fanaticism, bullying, and burgeoning telekinetic power. Sissy Spacek delivers a performance that is both heartbreaking and terrifying as Carrie White, a sheltered teenager pushed to her absolute breaking point. The film builds expertly to its infamous climax, a prom night sequence that remains one of the most shocking and iconic scenes in horror history. Did you know that Sissy Spacek insisted on using her own hand for the moments when Carrie's power is shown close up, giving the effect a raw, personal intensity? It's a truly powerful and unsettling watch that solidified King's place in horror and showcased De Palma's visual flair.