10 Movies and Shows Like Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

Description: 'Ghostbusters' and 'Ernest Scared Stupid' both combine supernatural elements with comedy, creating an entertaining mix of scares and laughs. The films feature teams battling supernatural threats with unconventional methods. Both have become cult classics with memorable one-liners and iconic creature designs.

Fact: The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man was originally conceived as a joke. Bill Murray improvised many of his lines. The film's theme song by Ray Parker Jr. was a number-one hit.

Description: 'Gremlins' and 'Ernest Scared Stupid' both feature mischievous creatures causing havoc, with a blend of horror and comedy. The films share a playful approach to horror, with exaggerated creature designs and slapstick humor. Both movies also have a moral about responsibility and the consequences of one's actions.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be much darker, but Spielberg suggested adding more humor. The gremlins were puppets operated by teams of technicians. The film's success led to a surge in interest in mogwai as pets, despite their fictional nature.

Description: 'The Goonies' and 'Ernest Scared Stupid' both feature groups of kids on adventurous quests with supernatural elements. The films share a sense of wonder and excitement, with a focus on teamwork and overcoming obstacles. Both have become beloved childhood classics with memorable characters.

Fact: The film was produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Richard Donner. The truffle shuffle was improvised by Jeff Cohen. The underground pirate ship was a full-scale set built inside a soundstage.

Description: Like 'Ernest Scared Stupid', 'Beetlejuice' combines horror and comedy in a way that's accessible to younger viewers. Both films feature supernatural antagonists and a playful approach to the afterlife. The visual style of 'Beetlejuice', with its exaggerated and cartoonish elements, is reminiscent of the over-the-top humor in 'Ernest Scared Stupid'.

Fact: Michael Keaton ad-libbed much of his dialogue as Beetlejuice. The film was originally titled 'House Ghosts'. Tim Burton's unique vision was influenced by German Expressionism and old horror films.

Description: 'Little Monsters' shares with 'Ernest Scared Stupid' a child's perspective on the supernatural world. Both films explore the idea of monsters living among us, with a mix of humor and mild horror. The films emphasize friendship and facing one's fears.

Fact: Howie Mandel played the lead monster, Maurice. The film was Fred Savage's first major role after 'The Wonder Years'. The monster makeup took hours to apply each day.

Description: 'The Witches' shares with 'Ernest Scared Stupid' a focus on children confronting supernatural evil. Both films have a darker tone than typical family movies, with genuinely frightening villains. The transformation scenes in 'The Witches' are similar to the creature effects in 'Ernest Scared Stupid', blending horror and fantasy.

Fact: Based on Roald Dahl's novel, the film was produced by Jim Henson. Anjelica Huston's performance as the Grand High Witch is considered one of the most terrifying in children's cinema. The makeup effects for the witches were so intense that some child actors were scared during filming.

Description: 'The Addams Family' shares with 'Ernest Scared Stupid' a quirky, dark comedy tone and a fascination with the macabre, presented in a family-friendly way. Both films use exaggerated characters and situations to create humor, and they both feature a mix of spooky and silly elements that appeal to children and adults alike.

Fact: The film is based on the characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams. Raul Julia, who played Gomez Addams, learned to sword fight for the role. The famous 'snap snap' dance was improvised by Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston.

Description: Similar to 'Ernest Scared Stupid', 'Hocus Pocus' is a family-friendly Halloween-themed movie that blends comedy with supernatural elements. Both films feature a group of protagonists battling against supernatural forces, with a mix of humor and mild scares suitable for younger audiences. The films share a lighthearted tone and a focus on the importance of teamwork and bravery.

Fact: 'Hocus Pocus' was initially a box office disappointment but gained a cult following through annual television broadcasts. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy improvised many of their lines. The film was shot in Salem, Massachusetts, adding to its authentic Halloween atmosphere.

Description: 'Casper' and 'Ernest Scared Stupid' both feature friendly ghosts and a mix of humor and mild scares. They are family-oriented films that explore themes of friendship and acceptance, with a supernatural twist. Both movies balance spooky elements with heartwarming moments.

Fact: Casper was the first feature film to have a fully CGI main character. Brad Garrett provided the voice of Fatso, one of the Ghostly Trio. The film includes cameos by Dan Aykroyd and Mel Gibson in the afterlife therapist scene.

Description: 'The Haunted Mansion' and 'Ernest Scared Stupid' both take a lighthearted approach to haunted house tropes. The films blend spooky atmospheres with family-friendly humor, featuring comedic protagonists facing supernatural challenges. Both movies have a playful tone despite their ghostly settings.

Fact: The film is based on the Disneyland attraction. Eddie Murphy was initially hesitant to take the role. Many elements from the ride were incorporated into the film's design.