Is Nightbooks scary?

Nightbooks, a new Netflix original horror fantasy, has made its land on the streamer ahead of the Halloween season. If you’re looking to kick off the holidays early then this is the movie for you.

Listed as a family offering on the platform, Nightbooks is centered on a writer named Alex Mosher. After his birthday party goes horribly wrong, he’s determined to rid himself of what’s kept him ostracized from his peers: his horror obsession.

Alex plans to start with burning his stories but before he can, he’s lured into another apartment. There he meets Natacha, a witch who has no intention on letting him go. Either he reads her a new scary story each night or she kills him, those are his choices.

It’s a premise that will start ringing alarm bells for parents when it comes to just how scary or appropriate the movie could be for kids. But given its PG rating, it should be noted that this Netflix original does fit in the horror genre but it’s not on the same level as the Fear Street movies in terms of scare factor.

How scary is Nightbooks?

Spoilers ahead for Nightbooks

Nightbooks is suitable for older children. Blood, guts, and gore aren’t a focus of the film but rather intense and frightening sequences. A prime example is when Alex and his fellow captive, Yasmine, get attacked by Shredders. These nasty creatures have knife-like limbs and skulls for heads. They’re tiny in comparison to the kids but quick, violent, and capable of doing some serious damage if they get a hold of you.

There are also mild jump scares throughout the film whether it’s Natacha’s cat Lenore appearing out of nowhere and launching herself into an attack or other characters/objects seemingly poofing into frame.

The most disturbing parts of Nightbooks are Natacha’s threats against Alex and Yas’ lives. She isn’t all bark. The witch more than once accosts the children and makes good on her threats by holding them aloft with her powers and restricting their air flow. Not to mention she’s reduced her previous hostages down to figurines she keeps on a shelf.

Nightbooks is a kid friendly horror movie, however, young ones may find it too distressing. Check out our review of the film to learn more about its content!