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4 Reasons Why 'Stranger Things' Has Created a Movement of Kid Horror Films and TV

And believe it or not, we're not just talking about Stephen King's 'IT.'

By Pierre Roustan, Author of THE CAIN LETTERS and SCARY HORROR STUFF!Published 6 years ago 3 min read
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To be fair, Stranger Things certainly had help from the likes of the Goonies, Monster Squad, and the original IT movie (and book) everyone was always so fond of. It was like horror and thrills literally came from kids! And rightly so: after all, Goosebumps (and so many other kid shows) continue to thrill in this horror genre.

The thing is, for a time, we NEVER saw that type of horror film ever come out.

And then, Stranger Things hit Netflix. Nostalgia hit. Then the likes of the IT remake smashed the box office, and a few stars from there propelled just as much as the actual cast of the Netflix show (in fact, one actor from Stranger Things landed one of the roles on said IT remake).

It was then that we all realized: the horror genre certainly does now belong to the kids. They are the stars now. And here's four reasons why that's the case:

Chosen Jacobs

If you saw that remake of IT—Andy Muschietti, you'd probably recognize this kid. Talk about super-stardom. The thing is, a lot of the kids were relatively unknown (just like in the original first part-film with Tim Curry). Then IT was released, and now all of the cast are practically celebrity gold.

Including this guy: Chosen Jacobs. Not only was he a founding member of the Losers Club, but he'll also star in quite the property on Hulu that happens to be somewhat linked to IT.... Care to know what it is?

Jackson Robert Scott

You've had to have seen this kid in probably one of the most unsettling scenes ever in cinematic history—yes, from that remake of IT. The thing is, little Georgie here—while ending up floating with Pennywise—wasn't going to end his little trip to Hell any time soon, as not only was he featured in another scene in said movie, but there's talk of him also being in the sequel.

That's not all, though; Jackson Robert Scott is quite the accomplished actor in the horror genre. This isn't his first rodeo (although it was his first arm). He's done so much more and will do one project that might just horrify you the most.

Jaeden Lieberher

Another one from IT? I mean, come on! We can't be mad at that, though (the tagline does say that we're not just talking about Stephen King's IT). However, as popular as Stranger Things is, actors not tied down to rigorous series schedules make for great updates in new films featuring the iconic faces, and this one isn't any exception at all.

That's right: little Georgie's big brother not only tackled Pennywise, but will also star in a film helmed by a true iconic studio of the horror genre (no, not Blumhouse, or Dark Castle, or Ghost House Pictures). Want to know what film Jaeden will be starring in? Check it out.

McKenna Grace

Finally.... One that's not from the film IT (she might as well be given her range for acting in the horror genre). This little kid ain't for the timid. You'll be amazed at the filmography, let alone the fact that she starred in The Vampire Diaries and Independence Day: Resurgence. Just to name a couple properties there.

When I say she's no stranger to the genre, though, I mean it. She may very well be the veteran of this bunch. You have to click here and find out what little McKenna has on her plate (as well as more of what she's done) at her tender young age.

And then, of course, you REALIZE that when it's scary, you're literally reduced to a kid-sized shrieker!

Admit it: you squeal like a little pig when the jump-scare comes out. You might actually also squeak like a little girl. This is why the horror genre goes to the kids. The actors of that particular age range are hot in Hollywood for good reason—

Because, as that kid, either you're getting scared...or you're the one doing the scaring!

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About the Creator

Pierre Roustan, Author of THE CAIN LETTERS and SCARY HORROR STUFF!

I am an author, adventurer, and father, living with my wife, four daughters and one son in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I've trekked through tundras, waded through swamps, wandered through deserts, and swam in the Great Barrier Reef.

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