Guillermo Del Toro’s 78% RT Hit Remains the Most Overlooked Family-Friendly Horror Movie

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Guillermo del Toro is adding another chilling story to his collection with a new adaptation of *Frankenstein*, coming to Netflix on November 7, 2025. The film will delve into dark and mature themes intended for adult viewers. While known for impactful horror, del Toro doesn’t typically create films with graphic content. His previous successes include Netflix’s *Pinocchio* (2022), and he has also worked as a writer on…

Released in 2019, *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark* is a standout PG-13 horror movie that’s perfect for younger audiences getting into the genre. It’s also surprisingly well-received by adults, who appreciate its heartwarming themes and unsettling visuals – all while remaining appropriate for pre-teens and teenagers. This film is a great example of how horror can create movies the whole family can enjoy together.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Is Nostalgic

The movie *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark* is based on Alvin Schwartz’s famous collection of spooky tales, which have always been both popular and a bit controversial. While some people think the stories are too frightening for children—or even anyone—they remain a favorite among young horror fans. Director Guillermo del Toro combined some of the most well-known stories into a fun and creepy movie that many horror fans will enjoy.

The story follows a group of friends determined to uncover the source of a local haunting on Halloween night. Joined by Ramon, a new resident, they venture into the abandoned Bellows house, a place known for its terrifying history.

Mill Valley has a local legend about Sarah Bellows, who was cruelly treated because of her albinism and falsely blamed for sickening the town’s children. The story says she died by suicide after being exposed. When an aspiring writer named Stella finds Sarah’s old storybook – disturbingly written in what looks like blood – she and her friends discover Sarah’s spirit is still connected to it. Driven by the injustice she suffered, Sarah’s ghost now haunts Mill Valley, turning nightmares into reality and terrorizing today’s teenagers.

The abandoned Bellows mansion creates a truly unsettling and ominous mood that stays with you throughout the film, even in lighter moments. Because the main characters are children, the danger feels even more intense, especially when no one in town believes their frightening stories. This leaves them to face the monsters born from Sarah Bellows’ imagination on their own, highlighting their courage and the strength of their friendship.

The Scary Aspects Are Just Creepy Enough

Many horror fans prefer their scary movies to be rated R, believing the genre naturally deals with mature themes. But plenty of fantastic horror is made for younger audiences too, like the hugely popular *Goosebumps* books by R.L. Stine. These stories are meant to be fun and frightening for kids, and adults can enjoy them as well.

There are actually several well-regarded and widely enjoyed horror stories that have gained popularity and critical acclaim.

The story follows Stella as she witnesses Sarah’s ghost creating new, terrifying tales within a book stained with blood. This leads to a suspenseful escalation, with the stories coming to life to haunt the teenagers who dared to enter the unsettling basement of the deceased woman’s home. The film features genuinely frightening moments – like when Chuck’s sister, Ruth, is attacked by hundreds of spiders erupting from a growth on her face – that are sure to scare even experienced horror fans. These scenes aren’t just meant to frighten younger or less seasoned viewers; they’re designed to keep everyone gripped with fear.

Even though it has some scary moments, *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark* is generally suitable for kids around 10-12 years old. The monsters, like Harold the Scarecrow and the Pale Lady, are brought to life with surprisingly effective special effects that will impress both younger and older viewers. The movie manages to be truly frightening without resorting to a lot of blood or graphic violence, which is a refreshing change from many horror films.

The PG-13 Rating Makes the Movie a Spooky Family Film

Beyond just being scary, the movie *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark* offers a surprisingly thoughtful story. The talented young actors help tell a compelling coming-of-age tale that explores the challenges of growing up and making sense of the world. While the movie features supernatural horror, it also grounds itself in realistic fears and experiences, making the fantastical elements feel more impactful.

A key element of the movie *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark* is that the villain is also a victim. She directs her anger about her own past mistreatment toward innocent people. In a powerful scene, Stella points out to Sarah that she’s repeating the cycle of abuse by hurting others who don’t deserve it. This is a valuable lesson, particularly for young viewers, showing that it’s never okay to inflict pain on others, even if you’ve been hurt yourself.

The film also thoughtfully examines the loss of innocence in teenagers, illustrated by characters like Ramon, who flees to avoid the draft. It explores the challenges of growing up, showing how the initial excitement of adulthood clashes with the difficulties of independence. These deeper themes are woven into the story without overshadowing the horror, making the film both scary and profoundly meaningful.

Hollywood Needs to Make More Family-Friendly Horror

Lots of family-friendly, not-too-scary animated movies like *A Nightmare Before Christmas* and *Hocus Pocus* are perfect for younger kids. But it’s harder to find movies that older kids and parents can enjoy together – even some PG-rated horror films can still be pretty frightening! These movies might be too intense or scary for viewers who aren’t used to horror.

Unlike some PG-13 horror movies that might be too intense for teens, *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark* is a great choice for families looking for a spooky but not overly frightening film. It has a compelling story, a young cast, and visuals that are creepy enough to be interesting without being truly terrifying. Even those who regularly watch horror movies will find something to enjoy in its blend of scares and heartwarming moments, making it widely appealing.

I’ve always been impressed by how effectively these stories tap into what truly frightens us, drawing on real-life horrors from history and today. For me, *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark* is a standout – it really shows Guillermo del Toro’s talent for exploring how trauma, both old and new, affects us. What’s amazing is that the movie manages to deal with these heavy themes in a way that’s still accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from kids to adults. It’s not overly complicated or graphic, which makes it perfect for a wide audience.

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2025-10-11 02:16