Is Terrifying Tales Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Terrifying Tales is likely a skip if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 73 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Terrifying Tales Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1989, Terrifying Tales emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Terrifying Tales contains three independently-produced shorts running about 20 minutes apiece. Unlike standard genre fare, Terrifying Tales attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Armand Garabidian, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Mystery elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Terrifying Tales features a noteworthy lineup led by Christine Warner. Supported by the likes of Andrew Magarian and Lisa Fuller, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Christine Warner, Andrew Magarian, Lisa Fuller manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1989 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Terrifying Tales is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Terrifying Tales follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 73 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Terrifying Tales resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Mystery landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 2.5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Terrifying Tales is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Terrifying Tales contains three independently-produced shorts running about 20 minutes apiece. Only one of the three; Paul Bunnell's "Final Destination: Unknown" (copyrighted 1989), is actually horror. The other two; Armand Garabidian's "Ten Seconds to Countdown" (copyrighted 1986) and Ephraim Schwartz's "Creatures of Habit" (also 1986), are, respectively, science fiction and drama with only slight mystery components. The three used here are connected only in that they were shorts made by UCLA graduate students. Sadly, none of them is very good. The opening title screens and closing credits have been left intact for each.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Terrifying Tales (1989) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 2.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Christine Warner, Andrew Magarian, Lisa Fuller or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Terrifying Tales is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1989. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Terrifying Tales has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction, Drama), viewers should expect frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 2.5/10, and global collection metrics, Terrifying Tales stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terrifying Tales movie hit or flop?
Terrifying Tales is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 2.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Terrifying Tales worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 2.5/10, Terrifying Tales may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Terrifying Tales online?
Terrifying Tales may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Terrifying Tales contains three independently-produced shorts running about 20 minutes apiece. Only one of the three; Paul Bunnell's "Final Destination: Unknown" (copyrighted 1989), is actually horror. The other two; Armand Garabidian's "Ten Seconds to Countdown" (copyrighted 1986) and Ephraim Schwartz's "Creatures of Habit" (also 1986), are, respectively, science fiction and drama with only slight mystery components. The three used here are connected only in that they were shorts made by UCLA graduate students. Sadly, none of them is very good. The opening title screens and closing credits have been left intact for each.