Halloween just got out of hand — again. When R. L. Stine’s monsters break loose in small-town America, pumpkins, costumes, and even candy come alive in one wild night of spooky chaos. Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween unleashes the wickedly funny ventriloquist dummy Slappy and a brave new group of kids who must stop him before their town turns into a real-life nightmare.
A follow-up to the 2015 hit Goosebumps, this sequel is packed with family-friendly scares, throwback humor, and nostalgia for anyone who grew up on R. L. Stine’s iconic books. Directed by Ari Sandel and starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, Madison Iseman, Jeremy Ray Taylor, and Ken Jeong, the film is back on Netflix USA — just in time to light up your spooky-season watchlist. Here’s everything you need to know about Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween — from the plot and cast to reviews, streaming details, and more. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
All the key details about Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
- Title: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
- Format: Film
- Length: 90 minutes
- Genre: Family / Comedy / Fantasy / Horror
- Year of release: 2018
- Director: Ari Sandel
- Main cast: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Madison Iseman, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Ken Jeong
- Produced by: Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures / Scholastic Entertainment
What happens in Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween?
When best friends Sonny and Sam stumble upon an old manuscript in an abandoned house once owned by R. L. Stine, they accidentally release Slappy — a talking ventriloquist dummy with sinister plans to turn Halloween into chaos.
Soon, pumpkins, scarecrows, and costumes come to life across their sleepy town, forcing Sonny, his sister Sarah, and their friends to race against time to stop Slappy before every monster in Stine’s imagination becomes real.
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Who’s in the cast of Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween?
Madison Iseman (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) leads the cast as Sarah Quinn, the quick-thinking teen writer who must face her fears. Jeremy Ray Taylor (It) and Caleel Harris play Sonny and Sam, the curious boys who awaken Slappy. Wendi McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs) plays their overworked mom, while Ken Jeong (Community, Crazy Rich Asians) delivers comic relief as the eccentric neighbor. Jack Black returns briefly as R. L. Stine, linking the sequel to the original Goosebumps film universe.
Is Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween based on a true story?
No, the story is pure fantasy but inspired by the Goosebumps book series by R. L. Stine. While not adapted from a single novel, it draws elements from multiple stories and captures the series’ signature mix of humor and horror.
What are the reviews on Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween?
Critics were lukewarm but families enjoyed it. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 47% critics score and a 38% audience score, yet reviewers agree it’s harmless fun for younger viewers. The Hollywood Reporter called it “a sweetly spooky romp for kids,” while parents praised its Halloween atmosphere and colorful visual effects. Many noted that while it doesn’t match the original’s energy, it still captures that playful, slightly eerie tone that made the first film a hit. Audiences on IMDb highlight its blend of nostalgia, humor, and fast-paced fun — making it a perfect gateway horror for kids and parents alike.
Where was Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween filmed?
The movie was filmed mainly in Atlanta and Madison, Georgia (USA), whose suburban neighborhoods provided the perfect small-town Halloween setting.
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween — Behind the scenes and fun facts
- The original working title was Goosebumps: Slappy Halloween.
- R. L. Stine’s cameo was filmed but later cut from the final version.
- Many of the monsters were created with practical effects mixed with CGI for a retro feel.
- The film premiered in October 2018 — timed for the Halloween box office.
What’s Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween like?
If you loved Hocus Pocus, Monster House, or the first Goosebumps movie, this sequel hits the same sweet spot — blending mild scares with heartwarming family adventure and nostalgic ’90s Halloween charm.
When is Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween coming out on streaming?
Available now. Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween is currently streaming on Netflix USA, perfect for families looking for a light fright. Release date on Netflix USA: October 2025 (re-release window). In the UK, the film is streaming on Disney+, not on Netflix. Watch on Netflix.
Watch the trailer
In the meantime, here’s the trailer.
