Fear Street: 1978 (2021)

Kernel Score: 82% · 2,176 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Mystery

Released: 2021-07-08

Runtime: 111 minutes

Is Fear Street: 1978 worth watching?

Worth watching. The middle chapter of the Fear Street trilogy is a camp-slasher that plays like a good 70s throwback. It's bloody, tense and better than most slashers, though it works best after the first film.

Watch it if you

  • love summer camp slashers
  • like horror with a fun retro feel
  • enjoy trilogy-style binge watching

Skip it if you

  • can't handle gory violence
  • haven't seen the first film

Best for: Horror night with friends

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Fear Street: 1978

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

In 1978, two rival groups at Camp Nightwing must band together to solve a terrifying mystery when horrors from their towns' history come alive.

Fear Street: 1978 parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Fear Street: 1978 is an R-rated slasher horror film featuring a curse-driven killer stalking teenagers at a summer camp.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — R-rated slasher film featuring a curse and a killer stalking and murdering teenagers at a summer camp.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: A little — Some teen romance/relationship elements typical of the genre, no explicit content indicated in signals.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Fear Street: 1978

If you liked Fear Street: 1978, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Fear Street: 1666 (2021) — 81%: The first chapter of the same trilogy.
  • Friday the 13th (1980) — 65%: The original camp slasher that this one is modeled on.
  • Get Out (2017) — 88%: Modern horror with sharp ideas and tension.
  • The Others (2001) — 84%: Atmospheric, twisty haunting with a strong payoff.
  • The Thing (1982) — 93%: Tense, paranoid horror in an isolated setting.
  • Wet Hot American Summer (2001) — 60%: Spoof of the same summer camp setup, for laughs.

Director

Leigh Janiak

Cast

  • Sadie Sink as Ziggy Berman
  • Emily Rudd as Cindy Berman
  • Ryan Simpkins as Alice
  • McCabe Slye as Tommy Slater
  • Gillian Jacobs as C. Berman / Adult Ziggy
  • Kiana Madeira as Deena
  • Benjamin Flores Jr. as Josh
  • Ted Sutherland as Young Nick Goode
  • Meghan Packer as TV Anchor
  • Matthew Zuk as Mayor Will Goode

Fear Street: 1978 FAQ

Is Fear Street: 1978 worth watching?

Worth watching. The middle chapter of the Fear Street trilogy is a camp-slasher that plays like a good 70s throwback. It's bloody, tense and better than most slashers, though it works best after the first film.

Where can I watch Fear Street: 1978?

In the US you can stream Fear Street: 1978 on Netflix.

Is Fear Street: 1978 OK for kids?

Fear Street: 1978 is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Fear Street: 1978 is an R-rated slasher horror film featuring a curse-driven killer stalking teenagers at a summer camp.

What movies are like Fear Street: 1978?

If you liked Fear Street: 1978, try Fear Street: 1666, Friday the 13th, Get Out and The Others.