Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Guillermo del Toro-produced horror that brings those nightmare-fuel book illustrations to life—gateway scary for brave teens.

6.2/10

78%

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Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

movie

PG-13, 2019

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Guillermo del Toro-produced horror that brings those nightmare-fuel book illustrations to life—gateway scary for brave teens.

6.2

78%

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6.2/10

78%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is competent, atmospheric horror that successfully translates those deeply unsettling Stephen Gammell illustrations into moving pictures. If your teen loved the books or is ready to graduate from Goosebumps into real horror, this is a solid entry point—scary enough to feel like 'real' horror without being gratuitously violent or gory.

The 1968 setting adds texture, and there are actual themes about facing trauma and consequences. But let's be clear: this is designed to frighten. The creatures are disturbing, the atmosphere is creepy, and younger or sensitive kids will be genuinely scared.

It's not a masterpiece (6.2 IMDb, 2.8 Letterboxd), but it's well-made gateway horror that respects its source material. If your 13-14 year old is asking to watch scary movies, this beats a lot of the alternatives. Just don't let your 8 year old wander into the room.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media says 14+, Reddit horror fans say 4th grade+ (ages 9-10). Reality check: this depends entirely on your kid's tolerance for scares. Brave 11-12 year olds who want to dip into horror will probably handle it; sensitive 14 year olds might have nightmares. Know your kid.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a horror movie designed to scare, featuring disturbing imagery, violence, and dark themes including racial epithets and bullying. While it has some positive friendship dynamics and characters facing their fears, the overall tone is deliberately unsettling and macabre. The PG-13 rating reflects 'terror/violence, disturbing images, thematic elements, language including racial epithets.' Not emotionally harmful, but definitely not warm or comforting.

Imaginative

Based on Alvin Schwartz's beloved horror anthology, the film brings iconic creepy stories and Stephen Gammell's nightmare-inducing illustrations to life. The 1968 setting, haunted house premise, and book-that-writes-itself concept are creative. It's atmospheric and visually inventive with its creature designs. However, it's more about executing existing horror tropes than breaking new ground—gateway horror done well, but not revolutionary.

Safe

This is a horror movie with exactly what you'd expect: jump scares, disturbing imagery, violence, terror, and creatures designed to frighten. The PG-13 rating explicitly warns of 'terror/violence, disturbing images' and 'racial epithets.' Common Sense Media recommends age 14+. Reddit parents suggest it's 'perfect for 4th graders and up' as gateway horror, but younger or sensitive kids will be genuinely scared. No nudity or sex, minimal profanity. Safe in that it delivers exactly what it promises (horror), but unsafe in that it's absolutely not appropriate for younger kids to stumble upon.

Enriching

As gateway horror for tweens and teens, it introduces the genre's conventions and teaches facing fears. The 1968 setting provides some historical context (Vietnam era, racial tensions), and the film explores themes of trauma, guilt, and consequences. Characters must be brave and work together. However, it's primarily entertainment—scary fun rather than deep life lessons. The literary connection to Schwartz's books is a plus for reading engagement. Decent RT scores (78% critics, 72% audience) suggest solid execution.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Perfect introduction to horror for teens ready to graduate from Goosebumps—scary but not traumatizing
Faithful to the beloved (and genuinely creepy) book series many parents grew up with
Strong production values and atmospheric 1968 setting create genuine tension without relying on gore
Themes of facing fears, friendship, and consequences give it substance beyond jump scares
Solid reviews (78% RT critics) suggest it respects the source material and delivers quality scares

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What to Watch For

Genuinely scary imagery and creatures designed to disturb—this isn't mild Halloween fun, it's real horror
Contains racial epithets reflecting the 1968 setting and themes of prejudice
Jump scares and disturbing visuals will be too much for kids under 13 or sensitive viewers
Some violence and dark themes including bullying, trauma, and people being harmed by supernatural forces

Conversation Starters

"What was the scariest part for you? What made it so effective?"
"The movie is set in 1968 during the Vietnam War—how does that time period add to the story?"
"Why do you think people enjoy being scared by movies? What's the appeal of horror?"
"The characters have to face their fears and past mistakes—what would you do in their situation?"
"Have you read any of the original Scary Stories books? How does the movie compare?"

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