R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead (2025) is a U.S. young-adult horror film with adventure elements. The movie was written and directed by Jem Garrard. The cast includes Bean Reid, Adeline Lo, Kevin McNulty, Bob Frazer, Matty Finochio, and Seth Isaac Johnson.
The plot centers on a teenager named Sam whose family has just moved to a mysterious new town called Redhaven. Sam’s world is turned upside down when his younger brother, Finn, suddenly vanishes. Making the situation terrifyingly worse, Sam soon discovers that no one else in town—not even their own mother—remembers Finn ever existed. In a desperate race against time before Halloween night ends, Sam teams up with his new friend Becka and the town’s eccentric outcast, Rusty, in an effort to solve the mystery, find Finn, and break a strange harvest curse.
R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead Age Rating
R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead is rated TV-14 for thematic elements, mild violence, and frightening images. This rating signals the film contains spooky scenes and mild peril suitable for teens with parental guidance. Expect jump scares, atmospheric tension, and a few tense peril sequences. The tone is spooky and adventurous rather than explicit or graphic.
Violence & Peril
The film shows mild to moderate peril typical of YA horror. Threats include a harvest-curse, chased scenes, and Halloween-themed scares. Physical harm is implied or brief, not graphic or gory. Overall, the mood is tense rather than gruesome.
Language
Language is light and age-appropriate for teens. Expect occasional mild profanity and colloquial teen speech. There are no persistent strong slurs or coarse adult language reported. Dialogue leans into character moments and spooky exposition.
Mature Themes
The film explores memory loss, family anxiety, and small-town secrets. Themes include grief, identity, and the fear of being forgotten. There are no explicit sexual scenes or substance-abuse storylines. The focus stays on mystery and Halloween-style supernatural elements.
Is R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead Suitable for Teens?
Ages 7–12: With Guidance. Younger children might find the premise scary and confusing. Watch with them and be ready to pause and explain spooky moments.
Ages 13–15: Yes, with guidance. Middle teens should handle the scares but may need reassurance for intense moments. Co-viewing helps discuss the themes and calm anxious viewers.
Ages 16–17: Yes. Older teens will likely enjoy the blend of mystery and spooky adventure. They can handle tension and the film’s emotional beats.
Final recommendation: Best for ages 13 and up, with parents available for younger viewers.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the trailer together before viewing to set expectations and ease worries.
- Prepare short explanations about memory loss and grief themes to answer questions.
- Be ready to pause and discuss tense scenes, and reassure children after scary moments.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official rating for R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead?
A: The film is rated TV-14 for thematic elements, mild violence, and frightening images.
Q: Is Pumpkinhead appropriate for kids and teens?
A: It is aimed at teens; ages 13+ are the best fit. Co-viewing is suggested for younger kids.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: Yes. The movie includes spooky peril, chase moments, and tense supernatural scares.
Q: Is there strong language or sexual content?
A: Language is mild and appropriate for teens. There is no reported sexual explicitness.
Q: Who wrote and directed the film?
A: Jem Garrard wrote and directed R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead.
Q: Where and when can I watch it?
A: The film streams exclusively on Tubi, premiering October 17, 2025.