Terrifying Tales Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: Terrifying Tales
| Movie | Terrifying Tales |
| Release Year | 1989 |
| Director | Paul Bunnell |
| Genre | Mystery / Horror / Science Fiction / Drama |
| Runtime | 73 minutes (1h 13m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Terrifying Tales (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Terrifying Tales are led by Christine Warner . The supporting cast, including Andrew Magarian and Lisa Fuller , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Terrifying Tales does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Mystery films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Terrifying Tales has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Mystery fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Terrifying Tales
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1989, Terrifying Tales is a Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction, Drama film directed by Paul Bunnell. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Christine Warner as Young Woman ("Ten Seconds to Countdown").
Ending Explained: Terrifying Tales
Terrifying Tales Ending Explained: Terrifying Tales contains three independently-produced shorts running about 20 minutes apiece. Directed by Paul Bunnell, this 1989 mystery film stars Christine Warner (Young Woman ("Ten Seconds to Countdown")), alongside Andrew Magarian as Sonny Blake (segment "Final Destination Unknown"), Lisa Fuller as Angela Godfrey (segment "Final Destination Unknown"), James R. Sweeney as Mr. Godfrey (segment "Final Destination: Unknown"). Rated 4.3/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Terrifying Tales?
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.
Paul Bunnell's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Christine Warner (Young Woman ("Ten Seconds to Countdown"))'s journey. Only one of the three; Paul Bunnell's "Final Destination: Unknown" (copyrighted 1989), is actually horror.
How Does Christine Warner (Young Woman ("Ten Seconds to Countdown"))'s Story End?
- Christine Warner: Christine Warner's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Andrew Magarian (Sonny Blake (segment "Final Destination Unknown")): Andrew Magarian's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Lisa Fuller (Angela Godfrey (segment "Final Destination Unknown")): Lisa Fuller's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Terrifying Tales Mean?
The ending of Terrifying Tales brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Christine Warner's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Terrifying Tales Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Terrifying Tales Based on a True Story?
No, Terrifying Tales is a work of fiction. While the mystery, horror, science fiction, drama film directed by Paul Bunnell and starring Christine Warner may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Terrifying Tales?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 73 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Terrifying Tales Parents Guide & Age Rating
1989 AdvisoryWondering about Terrifying Tales age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Terrifying Tales (1989) is 73 minutes (1h 13m). Directed by Paul Bunnell, the film runs for 73 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.3/10, and global performance metrics, Terrifying Tales is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terrifying Tales worth watching?
Terrifying Tales is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 4.3/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Terrifying Tales parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Terrifying Tales identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Terrifying Tales (1989)?
The runtime of Terrifying Tales (1989) is 73 minutes (approximately 1h 13m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.