My strategy is to provide selective spoilers. I think the scary/violent parts of movies are easier on children when they are prepared emotionally that everything will be ok.
So for Spirited Away I warned them in advance, “It’s got scary parts-for example, her parents get turned into pigs! But it all turns out ok in the end. You’ll have to watch to see how.”
And for “Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro” something similar: “Just so you know, there’s one part where he gets shot with a gun and blood comes out. But don’t worry he doesn’t die.”
I dont know if this is valid, but i intentionally showed it to my kids super young hoping to normalize it so they wouldnt be afraid if it (they love it now).
So for Spirited Away I warned them in advance, “It’s got scary parts-for example, her parents get turned into pigs! But it all turns out ok in the end. You’ll have to watch to see how.”
And for “Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro” something similar: “Just so you know, there’s one part where he gets shot with a gun and blood comes out. But don’t worry he doesn’t die.”