Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- eerie
- oppressive
- foreboding
- late night horror viewing
- haunted house marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film atmospheric and initially frightening, but felt its remake ultimately failed to sustain its early skin-crawling tension.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Alex and Kim move into an old home they plan to renovate, only for its hidden history and cellar to expose the household to creatures.
Sally discovers the creatures and their connection to the previous owner, while the adults around her struggle to accept what she sees.
The film foregrounds monsters with teeth and concealed movements emerging from dark domestic spaces.
The previous owner's mysterious disappearance gives Sally a concrete historical clue to the home's hidden menace.
Films like Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, and why
The Haunting
shared haunted house setting, atmospheric supernatural menace, and escalating family-centered dread
The Babadook
shared child endangerment, domestic supernatural horror, and unseen creatures threatening a family
The Hole
shared old-house mystery, fantasy horror imagery, and a young protagonist confronting hidden beings
The Gate
shared remake tradition, gothic atmosphere, and small supernatural creatures emerging from an old home
Movie Details
- Director
- Troy Nixey
- Release Date
- 2010-11-06
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (1176)
Cast
- Katie Holmes
- Guy Pearce
- Bailee Madison
- Jack Thompson
- Alan Dale
- Emelia Burns
- Nicholas Bell
- James Mackay
- Eddie Ritchard
- Garry McDonald
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Don't Be Afraid of the Dark about?
- A neglected child uncovers miniature creatures beneath her father's renovated Rhode Island home, turning a fractured family refuge into a predatory haunted house.
- What is Don't Be Afraid of the Dark like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Don't Be Afraid of the Dark as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Don't Be Afraid of the Dark violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Don't Be Afraid of the Dark as moderate.
- What did critics think of Don't Be Afraid of the Dark?
- Critics broadly found the film atmospheric and initially frightening, but felt its remake ultimately failed to sustain its early skin-crawling tension.
- Which films are like Don't Be Afraid of the Dark?
- Films with a similar feel include The Haunting, The Babadook, The Hole, and The Gate.
- How long is Don't Be Afraid of the Dark?
- Don't Be Afraid of the Dark runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch Don't Be Afraid of the Dark?
- In United States, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
