Ernest Scared Stupid
"A comedy so funny it's scary!"
On the doorstep of Halloween in a small, friendly town, Ernest P. Worrell once again stumbles into danger with a grin and a plan that ends in slapstick disaster. By sheer accident he releases an evil demon from a tomb that should have stayed sealed. The creature flexes its dark powers, turning... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: February 01, 2026
About Ernest Scared Stupid
On the doorstep of Halloween in a small, friendly town, Ernest P. Worrell once again stumbles into danger with a grin and a plan that ends in slapstick disaster. By sheer accident he releases an evil demon from a tomb that should have stayed sealed. The creature flexes its dark powers, turning the streets into a danger zone as chaos spreads and neighbors huddle in fear. Ernest, frightened and determined at the same time, refuses to back down. He teams up with a few wary townsfolk to stall the rampage while the curse binding the monster tightens its grip. The results are a string of goofy, high spirited misadventures that keep the mood light even as the threat grows today.
Directed by John Cherry, Ernest Scared Stupid brings back Jim Varney as Ernest, the bumbling hero. The film is built from concepts created by Coke Sams and Charles Gale, with a family friendly October vibe for kids and fans.
Box office information for the film is modest and not widely publicized, but it remains a part of the Ernest series that kept releasing family friendly adventures through the early 1990s, helping the studio sustain a pace of quirky comedy.
Over time the character of Ernest became a fixture of late 80s and early 90s pop culture, known for physical comedy and a string of goofy quips. This installment adds a spooky spin to that persona and fans remember its practical effects and the goofy monster design for generations ahead.
Critics offered mixed notes blending humor with light thrills, while audiences often embraced Ernest's earnest optimism. The film taps themes of courage and teamwork in the face of fear, anchored by Varney's energy that keeps things buoyant and invites families to laugh together warmly. It remains fondly remembered by fans.
Details
- Release Date
- October 11, 1991
- Runtime
- 1h 31m
- Rating
- PG
- User Ratings
- 205 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Comedy, Family, Horror
- Country
- United States
- Collection
- Ernest Collection
- Studio
- Touchwood Pacific Partners 1 +2 more
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Jim Varney
Ernest
Bill Byrge
Bobby Tulip
John Cadenhead
Tom Tulip
Austin Nagler
Kenny
Shay Astar
Elizabeth
Jonas Moscartolo
Trantor
Daniel Butler
Cliff
Larry Black
Mayor Murdock
Alec Klapper
Joey
Richard Woolf
Matt
Director: John Cherry
Written by: Coke Sams, Charles Gale