Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a horror film directed by André Øvredal, released in 2019. It is based on the beloved book series by Alvin Schwartz, which collected spooky folk tales and ghost stories. The movie stars Zoe Margaret Colletti, Gabriel Rush, Austin Abrams, Michael Garza, and Dean Norris, among others.
The plot unfolds in 1968 Pennsylvania, where a group of teenagers—Stella, Auggie, Chuck, and newcomer Ramón—explore the haunted Bellows house. Inside, they discover a book of terrifying stories written by Sarah Bellows. Soon, the fictional tales begin to manifest in frightening ways, putting the teens in danger.
When it first released in theaters, the film was marketed as a “YA horror” — i.e. a horror film aimed at young adults and older teens who enjoy chilling fantasy and supernatural elements.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark |
| Genre | Horror / Supernatural |
| Director / Writer | André Øvredal (Director) |
| Starring | Zoe Margaret Colletti, Gabriel Rush, Austin Abrams, Michael Garza, Dean Norris |
| Runtime | 1 hour 47 minutes (107 min) |
| Age Rating | PG-13 (for terror, violence, disturbing images, thematic elements, language, brief sexual references) |
| Release Date | 2019 (US theatrical release) |
| Distributor / Platform | Theatrical, Lionsgate |
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Age Rating
The film is officially rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association (MPA).
The rating is given because the movie has terror and violence, disturbing images, thematic elements, some stronger language (including a racial slur), and brief sexual references.
In general, a PG-13 rating means that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are advised to be cautious: the film may include scenes that are intense, scary or disturbing even if not extremely graphic.
Is Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Suitable for Kids?
While the movie is intended more for teens and young adults than for children, some younger viewers might handle it depending on their sensitivity. The film includes jump scares, frightening creatures, implied violence, and unsettling visuals. For younger children, these scenes may be too intense or upsetting. Many parents and reviewers suggest that the film is best suited for age 13 and older, and caution is recommended for those younger.
Age-by-Suitability Table
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3–7 | No / Not suitable for young children. Very intense and frightening. |
| Ages 8–12 | No / Not recommended for this age group. Scenes may be too disturbing. |
| Teens (13–15) | Not recommended / Viewer discretion advised. Some may enjoy; others may find it too scary. |
| Teens (16–17) | Yes, with caution. Older teens will likely be able to handle the content. |
| Adults | Yes, suitable for mature audiences. |
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Parents Guide
This film contains content that parents should be aware of:
- Sex & Nudity: There are brief sexual references and suggestive elements. For example, there is a fountain pen with imagery of a woman in underwear whose clothes appear to disappear when it’s turned. There is also a line about not having had sex yet. Hugging and holding hands are also present.
- Violence & Gore: The movie shows moderate to intense violence. Scenes include stabbing (e.g. a scarecrow stabbing someone with a pitchfork), blood, vomiting, severed body parts (eyes, limbs), and dismemberment. Supernatural creatures reassemble, drag victims, and there are scenes of implied torture and confinement.
- Profanity: There is mild to moderate use of coarse language. Words like “sh!t,” “@sshole,” “hell,” and a possible f-word are included. A racial slur is also used.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: A few characters drink alcohol (teen bullies are shown “getting drunk”). One’s mother confronts them about drunkenness.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: Many scenes are scary or disturbing. Jump scares, monsters, body horror (eyes, limbs), dismembering objects, creatures crawling, and ghostly phenomena appear. The film includes intense suspense, frightening imagery, and emotional distress.
Tips for Parents
Before letting a child watch, it can help to preview the trailer or watch a few minutes of the film to judge whether the content seems too intense. Discuss with your child that some scenes are meant to be scary, and talk about any fears or questions they might have after watching. It may also help to watch together and pause or skip parts that become too frightening, or to give the child reassurance when scary moments occur.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Official Trailer
You can watch the official trailer for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark on YouTube and here:-
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark?
A: The film is rated PG-13, due to terror, disturbing images, violence, some language, thematic elements, and brief sexual references.
Q: Is Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark suitable for teens?
A: Yes, for older teens (16–17) it is generally appropriate, though it may be intense. For younger teens (13–15), viewer discretion is advised because of scary visuals and disturbing content.
Q: Does the movie contain violence or gore?
A: Yes, it contains moderate to strong violence and gore, including stabbings, blood, body parts (eyes, limbs), creatures reassembling themselves, and torture or confinement elements.
Q: Is there any sexual content or nudity?
A: There is no explicit nudity, but there are brief sexual references and suggestive elements, such as a pen with an image of a woman whose clothes appear to disappear.
Q: Where and how can I watch Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark?
A: The film was released in theaters in 2019 and is now available via various streaming services and home video platforms depending on your region.