Deadtime Stories: Grave Secrets

Four friends out playing near their neighborhood graveyard try to give a dead bird a proper burial, but their simple errand turns sour when their shovel hits a coffin that already holds something alive. As they pull back the dirt they stumble into a mystery tied to the reclusive old woman next door, and what began as a childish prank becomes a test of courage and quick thinking. The story follows the group, plus the babysitter who watches over them, as strange clues and eerie sounds ratchet up tension. The film keeps its scares aimed at younger viewers, so it favors suspense and spooky atmosphere over graphic violence or adult horror tropes.

Released in 2012, the movie was directed by David Hillenbrand and draws on the Deadtime Stories concept created by Annette Cascone and Gina Cascone. The cast includes Jennifer Stone as the babysitter, with Jadon Sand, Grace Kaufman, Taylar Hender, and Devan Leos among the young ensemble.

No widely reported box office figures are available for this title, and it did not register as a mainstream theatrical hit. Information on earnings is scarce, suggesting a limited theatrical run or distribution focused on home video and broadcast markets.

As an entry in the Deadtime Stories lineup, the film fits into a small niche of family-oriented horror aimed at preteens. It hasn't left major fingerprints on pop culture, but fans of child-friendly fright films and anthology-style horror sometimes mention it when compiling obscure or nostalgic picks from that period.

Critical response has been largely negative, reflected in very low user ratings on some sites. Viewers who dislike it point to thin plotting and uneven pacing, while supporters note its attempt to give kids a spooky, PG-leaning fright. The central themes are childhood curiosity, neighborhood secrets, and the ways small acts can uncover bigger, darker truths.