Halloween 2025 is filled with nostalgia, and one name keeps haunting conversations — Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. The iconic horror series that terrified generations is once again in the spotlight. Between fresh sequel news, anniversary celebrations, and a streaming resurgence, this spooky franchise proves that some nightmares never fade — they just grow stronger with time.
The Origin of a Legend
Before it became a movie or social media trend, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark was a trilogy of children’s books written by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell.
The first book debuted in 1981, followed by sequels in 1984 and 1991. Each volume compiled bone-chilling folk tales and urban legends, written in simple language that left a lasting mark on readers. Gammell’s surreal black-and-white illustrations gave the stories a visual terror few have matched since.
Although aimed at young audiences, the series often faced bans in U.S. school libraries throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Critics called it “too disturbing for children.” Yet that controversy only deepened its appeal. The more adults warned against it, the more kids secretly read it under the covers.
The 2019 Film That Revived the Fear
Fast-forward to 2019 — the franchise found new life on the big screen. Produced by Guillermo del Toro and directed by André Øvredal, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark was not just an adaptation but a love letter to the books.
Instead of retelling each story separately, the film wove together iconic tales — Harold, The Big Toe, The Red Spot, and The Jangly Man — into one continuous narrative. Set in 1968 Pennsylvania, it followed teenager Stella Nicholls (played by Zoe Colletti) as she discovers a mysterious book that writes new horrors in real time.
The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning over $104 million worldwide on a modest budget. Horror fans praised it for using practical effects instead of heavy CGI, capturing the eerie tone that defined Schwartz and Gammell’s work.
More importantly, the film introduced Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark to a whole new generation who had never opened the books.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Sequel: Everything Known in 2025
Fans have been waiting years for the next chapter, and now, in 2025, there’s finally real movement.
Director André Øvredal recently confirmed that the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark sequel is officially in advanced development. During a Collider interview in October 2025, Øvredal said the script is complete and approved, adding, “We are deep in pre-production discussions, and the story takes the mythology even further.”
Guillermo del Toro is returning as producer, promising that the sequel will explore darker and more psychological territory. He described the upcoming film as “a journey through America’s haunted folklore — both familiar and brand new.”
Though casting details remain under wraps, insiders say negotiations are ongoing with original stars Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, and Gabriel Rush. Production is expected to begin in early 2026, with a projected release window in late 2027.
Øvredal has hinted that fan-favorite tales like The Dream, The Haunted House, and The Wendigo may inspire new creature designs. He also confirmed the return of practical effects artists who worked on the first film — ensuring that the sequel keeps the same tactile horror style that made it stand out.
Where to Watch Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark This Halloween
If you’re looking to revisit the first film or experience it for the first time this Halloween, here’s where to find it:
- Netflix (U.S.) – Streaming through November 2025.
- Paramount+ – Available to all subscribers as part of CBS Films’ catalog.
- Amazon Prime Video – Rent or purchase in HD or 4K UHD.
- Apple TV+ Store – Available for digital purchase or rental.
For readers who prefer the original books, HarperCollins released a 40th Anniversary Edition in September 2025. This edition features remastered illustrations by Stephen Gammell and a new introduction exploring the books’ cultural impact.
Bookstores and libraries across the U.S. are spotlighting the release, often hosting themed readings and Halloween events for fans of all ages.
Why These Stories Still Terrify America
More than forty years after their publication, the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark tales remain powerful because they tap into something universal — fear of the unknown.
Unlike modern horror that depends on gore or jump scares, Schwartz’s stories rely on atmosphere. Each one feels like a whispered legend passed around a campfire, somewhere between truth and nightmare.
Psychologists and educators note that this kind of storytelling is valuable for children. It lets them experience fear in a safe way — learning to process anxiety and imagination through folklore.
Moreover, Stephen Gammell’s artwork remains an essential part of the terror. His ghostly figures and melting shadows are unforgettable. Many artists and filmmakers still cite Gammell as a major influence on their creative style.
The Cultural Revival of Folklore Horror
In recent years, the U.S. has seen a revival of folk and psychological horror — a genre that Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark helped popularize.
TikTok users create dramatic readings of the original tales, often adding eerie sound effects or real-life urban legend footage. On YouTube, horror channels analyze the moral lessons behind each story.
Meanwhile, the hashtag #ScaryStoriesToTellInTheDark has amassed over 80 million views, with fans sharing fan art, theories, and DIY costume recreations.
This resurgence isn’t accidental. In an era dominated by digital life, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark reconnects people with traditional storytelling — the kind that thrives on mystery, whispers, and imagination.
What to Expect from the Upcoming Sequel
So, what can fans expect from the next installment? Based on recent interviews and production notes, several key themes are emerging:
- A darker tone: The sequel will explore guilt, memory, and the blurred line between stories and reality.
- New monsters: Practical effects will bring new creatures from the books to life, possibly including The Drum and The Bride.
- Historical depth: The story may expand into different time periods, showing how urban legends evolve across generations.
- Expanded mythology: The cursed book at the heart of the first film will reportedly have a deeper origin story.
These elements suggest that Øvredal and del Toro are building not just another horror film, but a complete folklore universe rooted in American myth.
Scary Stories’ Lasting Influence on U.S. Horror
Few children’s books have had such a lasting impact on American pop culture. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark has inspired countless young writers, artists, and filmmakers.
Modern horror creators like Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) and Jennifer Kent (The Babadook) often reference the emotional simplicity of childhood fear — a legacy that began with Schwartz’s stories.
In classrooms, teachers use the stories to introduce creative writing and folklore. In libraries, the books often appear during October displays next to works like Goosebumps and Coraline.
Even after decades, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark continues to shape how Americans define “scary” — not through violence, but through imagination.
Events and Celebrations for 2025
This Halloween season, the franchise is being celebrated nationwide.
- The Charles M. Schulz Museum in California, known for hosting pop culture exhibits, is featuring a Halloween art show dedicated to classic horror illustrations, including pieces inspired by Gammell’s work.
- Los Angeles Comic Con (December 2025) has announced a Scary Stories panel featuring special guests from the 2019 film’s creative team.
- Bookstores like Barnes & Noble are offering signed copies of the anniversary edition, along with themed merchandise such as tote bags and posters.
These events reflect the series’ continued importance in American storytelling — bridging nostalgia, literature, and film in one shared cultural memory.
Why Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Still Matters
In an era when horror often relies on technology or complex plots, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark reminds us of something simpler. True fear comes from what we imagine, not just what we see.
Each story invites readers and viewers to step into the unknown — to face the things that go bump in the night and survive to tell the tale. That’s why these stories endure. They don’t just scare; they connect people through shared emotion and imagination.
As Halloween 2025 unfolds, the series feels more alive than ever — breathing through movie updates, anniversary celebrations, and the collective nostalgia of generations who once turned its pages in the dark.
Final Thoughts
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark isn’t just a set of tales — it’s a cultural touchstone that shaped American horror. From Alvin Schwartz’s haunting words to Stephen Gammell’s eerie art, its influence runs deep across literature and film.
With the sequel finally moving forward and the original film finding new audiences on streaming, this franchise stands as proof that some stories never die. They simply wait in the shadows for the right moment to rise again.
So as the pumpkins glow and the night grows quiet, maybe it’s time to pick up that old book once more. After all, every generation deserves to be scared — just enough to remember how much fun fear can be.