Scary Stories (2018)

Venture into the shadows of literary history with "Scary Stories" (2018), a gripping documentary that illuminates the chilling tales that once haunted a generation of young readers. This film masterfully navigates the murky world of the best-selling teen classic, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," a collection that sparked both fascination and fear, becoming one of the most controversial and frequently banned books of modern times. "Scary Stories" is not just a film; it's an immersive celebration and critique of this iconic piece of horror literature. The documentary artfully weaves together over 40 interviews, featuring a diverse cast of voices - from the family of the late author Alvin Schwartz to prominent figures in the realm of children's horror literature, like R.L. Stine of "Goosebumps" fame and Q.L. Pearce. Scholars, folklorists, and artists also lend their insights, discussing the transformative impact these macabre tales had on their lives and on the broader cultural landscape. But the film delves deeper than mere appreciation, delving into the unsettling times the books were labelled 'satanic' and deemed too grim for its intended teenage audience. Through the lens of parent and religious groups' campaigns against the collection, "Scary Stories" explores the darker side of children's literature and the societal tensions it can ignite. "Scary Stories" is a compelling journey into the heart of childhood horror, examining the legacy of a book that dared to disturb the comfortable world of children's literature and forever altered the landscape of fear and fascination.

Scary Stories is a documentary movie directed by Cody Meirick.

Scary Stories is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Darkmatter TV, Freevee, Tubi TV and VUDU Free.

It is also possible to buy Scary Stories on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.