Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent, gory horror movie has some laughs, too.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Babysitter
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Based on 91 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a mix of horror and comedy, with an overwhelming amount of gore and bloody scenes that often play for laughs rather than real fear. While some viewers found it funny and entertaining, many also noted the excessive violence and crude humor, suggesting it's suitable for mature teens but not for younger audiences due to its graphic content and strong language.
- blood and gore
- horror comedy
- funny moments
- mature teens
- excessive violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
At 12 years old, Cole knows he doesn't really need THE BABYSITTER anymore, but Bee is so cool and so beautiful, and possibly the only person in the world who really gets Cole. So he doesn't really mind that she'll be staying over while his parents go for a weekend getaway. Things take a dark and violent turn when Cole sees Bee and a group of teens start a cult ritual that promises to make all their dreams come true. But one human sacrifice isn't enough, and the ritual also needs Cole in order to work. Can Cole survive the night against a bunch of teens out for blood?
Is It Any Good?
Loads of appeal here for teen horror-comedy fans: attractive teen characters, inept adults, comic hysteria, childhood nostalgia, extended kissing scene, and, oh yeah, buckets and buckets of blood. The Babysitter sits comfortably somewhere in between the smarter-but-less-gory Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the gorier-but-cheesier Evil Dead franchises. Absolutely not for kids because of the extreme violence. Also not for anyone who's not a fan of horror.
But mature viewers who are fans will enjoy this one. The story's well constructed, the actors are pretty good, and the action keeps things moving at a good pace. It doesn't break any new ground, but it's entertaining for those who enjoy a good, gross scare every now and then.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Babysitter. Is violence OK in horror movies where violence and gore are kind of the point? What about when it's played for comedy -- does that affect your reaction? How?
How much sexy stuff is OK in movies? When is it too much, and why?
What about all the strong language? Does it seem realistic in this movie?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 13, 2017
- Cast : Judah Lewis , Samara Weaving , Robbie Amell
- Director : McG
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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