The Horrors of Halloween

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Watch R.L. STINE'S PUMPKINHEAD 2 (2026) Free with Ads + Reviews — Magic is Strongest on the Harvest Moon, Halloween!

From horror master R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 (2026) is now streaming free with ads on Tubi. Horror icon Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson plays a witch in the fantasy gateway horror film, which premiered on the streamer on September 9, 2026. It is, of course, a sequel to last year's R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead (2025), which is also available on Tubi.

R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 (2026) SYNOPSIS: "When a new Pumpkinhead curse awakens in Redhaven, Sam and Becka must stop it before it claims the entire town."

Directed by Jem Garrard, who also co-wrote the film with R.L. Stine, it stars Bean Reid, Adeline Lo, Matty Finochio, Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez, Cassandra Peterson, Serena Fortin, Derick Vizcarra, Evan O'Dwyer Uyeda, Robert Moloney, and Miles Phoenix Foley.

Trailer:

Interview Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson on Witchy Role in R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2:

Watch on YouTube: Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson on Witchy Role in R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2

Interview R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2 Director Talks Elvira & What’s Next For Redhaven:

Watch on YouTube: R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2 Director Talks Elvira & What’s Next For Redhaven

Interview Cassandra Peterson on Playing a Witch Beyond Elvira in Pumpkinhead 2:

Watch on YouTube: Cassandra Peterson on Playing a Witch Beyond Elvira in Pumpkinhead 2

Interview Elvira icon Cassandra Peterson on why she's returned to horror:

Watch on YouTube: R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 interview: Elvira icon Cassandra Peterson on why she's returned to horror

Interview Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) and Jem Garrard talk about R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 on Tubi:

Watch on YouTube: Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) and Jem Garrard talk about R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 on Tubi

Interview Elvira’s Cassandra Peterson on Why Pumpkinhead 2 Is ‘Important’ for Horror Movie Fans to See:

Watch on YouTube: Elvira’s Cassandra Peterson on Why Pumpkinhead 2 Is ‘Important’ for Horror Movie Fans to See

Interview Pumpkinhead 2: Elvira and Jem Garrard discuss Tubi’s New All-Ages Horror Movie:

Watch on YouTube: Pumpkinhead 2: Elvira and Jem Garrard discuss Tubi’s New All-Ages Horror Movie

Interview: Jem Gerrard on Creature Acting & Practical Effects:

Watch on YouTube: R.L. Stine’s PUMPKINHEAD 2 Interview: Jem Gerrard on Creature Acting & Practical Effects

Interview Jem Garrad & Cassandra Peterson - "Pumpkinhead 2"

Watch on YouTube: Jem Garrad & Cassandra Peterson - Pumpkinhead 2

Reviews:

"As with the first movie, Pumpkinhead 2 has little to do with the source material. Even less so here, on account of Stine never issuing a sequel to his short. Jem Garrard’s own continuation certainly has nothing to do with “Return of the Pumpkinheads”, an episode from the Haunting Hour series. No, Garrard’s sequel is more high concept, even if it does end up like a mix between the Care Bears movie, Hocus Pocus and Stranger Things... As sequels tend to do, or rather, they should, Pumpkinhead 2 aims for bigger and better. . The stakes are raised... There is also an upgrade in monsters. While the last movie housed just the one scarecrow enforcer, Evan is assisted by a brigade of walking and stalking pumpkinheads. They’re still very much actors in costumes, but there is more effort in concealing that fact. If you took a shine to the previous Pumpkinhead, its successor should also be to your liking. It’s more on the dark fantasy side than before; horror icon Cassandra Peterson is crucial to the story’s magic element. The sense of originality is a bit lower this time around, but even so, Pumpkinhead 2 is a fine patchwork of familiar and popular ideas. Plus, it’s never a bad thing to have more gateway horror." ★★★ Bloody-Disgusting.com

"R.L. STINE’S PUMPKINHEAD 2 continues the Halloween family horror on Tubi. This sequel is set almost a year after the events of the first movie. Most of the cast is back – well, those who survived – but the real treat of Pumpkinhead 2 is that Cassandra Peterson (the iconic Elvira) has joined the cast... There are two amazing additions to Pumpkinhead 2. One is the story about the witch... The other is the addition of Cassandra Peterson (AKA Elvira – Mistress of the Dark), who plays a librarian... Personally, I would love an entire movie with Cassandra Peterson in the lead... Jem Garrard (who just recently also gave us Buzzkill) is back writing and directing this Pumpkinhead sequel. I love the vibe, and have no problem recognizing that the choices I may not love are not made for me. I am not the key demographic for this movie; Kids are. As a result, some things are more cartoonish than gory… as they should be! Also, make sure to pay attention toward the end of this sequel, as it teases yet another R.L. Stine story to be adapted for Tubi. The movie slated for a 2027 release on Tubi is R.L. Stine’s Afraid of Clowns. The director of these two Pumpkinhead movies, Jem Garrard, will be back as a director. I can understand why – you don’t mess with something that works. While I love Jem Garrard movies that are made for older viewers, who can appreciate the kitsch, camp, and gore, I also love that we’re getting these movies. These R.L. Stine adaptations are great for the whole family to enjoy together during Spooky Season." ★★★ HeavenOfHorror.com

"A surprisingly melancholic sequel to the first film that deals with the ramifications of the twist ending, then tells an entirely different story centred on the evil book and its new owner, mirroring our protagonist's predicament but taking it in a more sinister direction. Writer/Director Jem Garrard does her best STRANGE THINGS imitation, and the pumpkin creatures are gnarly. I hoped against hope the script wouldn't succumb to a pat happy finale, because the "villain's" motivation centers around how he is so alone in life, and it seems like the protagonist would be the one to show him that even if your blood-related family may be gone, there's still a future in the family you can form with friends. But nope. It just runs it back. Ah, well." ★★★ Justin Decloux at Letterboxd.com

"We need a Cassandra spinoff! > Gateway horror is a rare gem nowadays. I found this even better than Part I to be honest, mainly thanks to Cassandra Peterson bringing the energy of a spiritual successor to the legend Elvira. WE NEED A SPIN OFF film based on her. There are SO MANY potential stories to be told here. Jem, please make it happen!" 10/10 sarakuralexx at IMDb.com

"'Cassandra is so that witch.' So I felt like if you liked the original, you would like this sequel. It was fun. Thought the monster designs were cool. A happy ending this time. I’ll give the next film a watch, Afraid of Clowns. Shoutout to horror Icon ELVIRA aka Cassandra Peterson." ★★★ Suspiria7734 at Letterboxd.com

"Better than I expected > The first one was fine enough but nothing to write home about. I do actually feel like this is a better film that actually does advance the characters and world in a meaningful way. And it actually does manage to keep my interest throughout the duration. For a Tubi original movie this was actually pretty good and I will be interested in a part 3 if it does come out." 8/10 Morgank-815 at IMDb.com

"'Those were kids...with pumpkins for heads!' If there is one thing I've learned from horror movies, it's that people love finding creepy books and reading ancient languages out loud. Plays well with its surroundings, setting up good tension, delivering some legitimately funny scenes, and showing off some creepy little pumpkin patch perpetrators, who have some great movements to accentuate their actions. Cassandra Peterson is so casually good as the helpful librarian who can lay out backstory when necessary. Matty Finochio is so wonderful as Rusty, balancing humor and heartful moments. Extra half star for, 'GOLF!'" ★★★½ ShawnDC at Letterboxd.com

"Me when Cassandra 'Elvira' Peterson was on screen 😍🥰😛😝😜😘🤤 Me when Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson was a Librarian 😏😛🤓... I’d say that I liked this sequel just as much as the first movie BUT having Cassandra Elvira Peterson in this sequel automatically makes it a million times better than the first movie so yuh I prefer this sequel !!! 🎃... This movie had better and real immaculate atmosphere and I preferred the Pumpkinhead creature/monster design in dis one over the first movay 🎃 BUT nothing will ever top the OG Haunting Hour episode Pumpkinhead !!! That eppy is genuinely scary & freaky 👻... Alsor What year is it ?!?!?!? 😭 Cause in this movie they’re shown using old computers, crt-tv’s, and Walkman’s BUT gurl said that her dad arrested Elvira in 2003 and in the last movie two kids were watching a horror movie off of Tubi 💀 I’m so confuzzled cause this movie is making me think that it takes place in the 90’s but I think it’s just a retro 2026 🤷 Afraid Of Clowns !!!!! 2027 !!!!! Another goated Haunting Hour eppy being turned into a Tubi Original !!!! 🤡 #CANTWAIT I FRICKIN LOVE YOU TUBI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 💜🖤💜🖤" ★★★½ Devin Gibbs at Letterboxd.com

YouTube Reviews:

Watch on YouTube: R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 (2026) Carnage Count

Watch on YouTube: R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 | 31 Days of Terror on Tubi

Watch on YouTube: Pumpkinhead 2 now streaming on @tubi

Watch on YouTube: R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 (2026) | Quick Thoughts Horror Movie Review

Watch on YouTube: PUMPKINHEAD 2 Shows What’s Wrong With Modern Perception of Kids Horror

Watch on YouTube: R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2 Review – Is This Tubi Horror Worth Watching?

Watch on YouTube: PUMPKINHEAD IS BACK! 🎃😱 We Review R.L. Stine’s PUMPKINHEAD 2 | Horror Movie Club Ep. 150

Watch on YouTube: R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead Review 🔥🎃| dark ending tho shock istundaa? Full honest review

Behind the Scenes pics & videos:

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Stills:

Friday, October 9, 2026

What's on Tonignt: V/H/S/MIXTAPE (2026) Stream on Shudder + Reviews — Low Fidelity, High Body Count.

Poster by creepyduckdesign.com:

Poster by Luke Wilding @_.nerv_:

V/H/S/MIXTAPE premieres on Shudder on October 9, 2026. This music-themed found footage, psychological, splatter horror film is the ninth installment in the franchise.

SYNOPSIS: "It presents a new anthology in which music and sound become a source of terror."

PLOT: "V/H/S/MIXTAPE cranks the franchise’s signature found-footage horror up to eleven with an electrifying new anthology where music and sound become the source of terror. United by a theme that explores the power of music, rhythm, and audio to haunt, possess, transform, and destroy, the film blends cosmic horror, psychological suspense, outrageous splatter, and groundbreaking practical effects into one unforgettable mixtape of nightmares."

Here is a list of the short film segments and the directors of V/H/S/Mixtape:

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE, DANCE Directed by Renee Zhan
A studio attempts to reboot a long-cancelled puppet show with a mysterious past. Featuring work from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

HEARTBEAT Directed by David Moreau (MadS)
A pair of YouTube urbex influencers find themselves trapped in a decommissioned military facility used for sonic experimentation.

THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE Directed by Ernest Dickerson (Demon Knight)
A college film student’s documentary project uncovers the reclusive life of a tormented musician.

DEATH TONE Directed by RZA
A young sound engineer follows her late Dad’s instructions to create the ultimate track.

WRAPAROUND GWAR hosts skits and music videos in an MTV-style show from hell. Featuring music videos directed by Tobias Forge (Ghost) and Flying Lotus (Ash).

Shudder explains, “V/H/S/MIXTAPE cranks the signature found-footage horror up to eleven with an electrifying new anthology where music and sound become the source of terror. United by a theme that explores the power of music, rhythm, and audio to haunt, possess, and destroy, the film blends cosmic horror, psychological suspense, outrageous splatter, and groundbreaking practical effects into one unforgettable mixtape of nightmares.”

The franchise started with V/H/S (2012), followed by V/H/S/2 (2013), V/H/S: Viral (2014), V/H/S/94 (2021), V/H/S/99 (2022), V/H/S/85 (2023), V/H/S/Beyond (2024), V/H/S/Halloween (2025), and V/H/S/Mixtape (2026). V/H/S: SCP will likely arrive in October 2027. Two spin-off films were also produced, Siren (2016) and Kids vs. Aliens (2022).

WHERE TO WATCH V/H/S/Mixtape (2026) STREAMING ONLINE:

Trailer:

Premature Burial | Music Video | Directed by Tobias Forge (V/H/S/Mixtape, 2026):

Ghost Tobias Forge V/H/S Segment DETAILED:

Watch on YouTube: Ghost Tobias Forge V/H/S Segment DETAILED

Red Carpet Premiere | THS:

Watch on YouTube: V/H/S MIXTAPE Red Carpet Premiere | THS

Barbara Crampton at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood:

Watch on YouTube: Barbara Crampton at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood

David Moreau at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood:

Watch on YouTube: David Moreau at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood

Ernest Dickerson and Rose Geddes at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in H:

Watch on YouTube: Ernest Dickerson and Rose Geddes at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in H

Elle Riot Fox at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood:

Watch on YouTube: Elle Riot Fox at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood

Flying Lotus at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood:

Watch on YouTube: Flying Lotus at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood

Gwar at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood:

Watch on YouTube: Gwar at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood

Krsy Fox Elle Riot Fox and Spider One at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre:

Watch on YouTube: Krsy Fox Elle Riot Fox and Spider One at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre

Renee Zhan at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood:

Watch on YouTube: Renee Zhan at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood

RZA at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood:

Watch on YouTube: RZA at the VHS Mixtape Premiere at Beyond Fest at Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood

Interviews: Directors And The Inspirations Of Their Segments | THS:

Watch on YouTube: V/H/S MIXTAPE Directors And The Inspirations Of Their Segments | THS

Interview: How Lovecraft, Killer Henson Puppets and Experimental Sound Became Horror:

Watch on YouTube: VHS Mixtape Interview: How Lovecraft, Killer Henson Puppets and Experimental Sound Became Horror

Interview: RZA, Ernest Dickerson, Renee Zhan and David Moreau (Shudder):

Watch on YouTube: V/H/S/Mixtape Interview: RZA, Ernest Dickerson, Renee Zhan and David Moreau (Shudder)

Interview: Kyle Meredith with RZA, David Moreau, Ernest Dickerson, & Renee Zhan:

Watch on YouTube: Kyle Meredith with RZA, David Moreau, Ernest Dickerson, & Renee Zhan

Soundtrack From V/H/S/Mixtape Movie by @ChopThebrAIn | YouTube Playlist:

VHS cover by @undeadvideo_productions:

Reviews:

"2025’s 'V/H/S/Halloween' was arguably the best in the series, a joyful mashup of every horror fan’s favorite holiday and the increasingly demented sense of humor that has turned this found-footage franchise into one that values the extreme over the truly terrifying. It wasn’t perfect—no anthology film ever is—but it had significantly more hits than misses, and an overall tone that hinted at a promising future for the annual series. That future comes crashing down with the horrendous 'V/H/S/Mixtape,' the worst in the series since 2014’s 'Viral.' The concept of merging music with horror was promising on paper, but most of the development ended there. 'Mixtape' feels rushed, incoherent, and unambitious, and it includes several of the worst installments in the entire 'V/H/S' legacy. It ends with what’s easily its best short film from the legendary RZA, but it’s hard to tell whether 'Death Tone' is actually good or just feels that way compared to the nonsense that precedes it." ★ RogerEbert.com

"'V/H/S/Mixtape' remains in line with previous endeavors, offering a few clunkers along the way, but when it connects, there are a few nightmarish experiences to enjoy, finding bits of creativity and weirdness to help flavor another round of short-form storytelling... Actually, most of the segments are hit with weak and showy performances, diminishing intensity and upping opportunities for unintentional comedy. Much like the last chapter, 'V/H/S/Mixtape' is hurt by weaker offerings, failing to climax with authority. However, there’s wickedness present in the early going to savor, as a few segments try to make the most of horrible genre situations. And there’s Gwar, popping up occasionally to crack wise and spew fluids, bringing more wetness to the movie." ★★★ Blu-ray.com

"V/H/S/MIXTAPE on Shudder is yet another installment of the V/H/S horror anthology. This one is indeed a very mixed bag. For me, it doesn’t have many highlights — with a few awesome exceptions... I do wish it were more thematic and more strongly curated than what I witnessed with this one. I found myself wondering if 'Mixtape' was just code for 'These are shorts that didn’t fit our other installments, so now we’ve put them in this undefined edition'. Overall, I cannot give this one a Fresh rating, but it does contain some juicy horror short films. You just have to sit through so much more than that, which makes it an overall tough watch." HeavenOfHorror.com

"Unlike previous entries, which typically stitch their individual stories together with a singular wraparound narrative, V/H/S/Mixtape throws that structure out the window and hands hosting duties to Gwar’s larger-than-life latex monstrosities, in all their gloriously disgusting glory. It’s a collection of increasingly unhinged vignettes, united by grotesque humor, gore, and enough bodily fluids to make you wonder if the film had a dedicated mop budget... Highlights include Renee Zhan’s Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, a behind-the-scenes look at the reboot of The Curious Chorus, a beloved, fictional, Sesame Street-esque singalong children’s show that mysteriously lasted only one season... V/H/S/Mixtape is another solid outing for a series that somehow keeps finding fresh themes and filmmakers willing to get weird with them... The lineup jumps from surreal puppet carnage, to nerve-shredding psychological horror to a few swings that are far more ambitious than you’d expect from a series that could easily just put itself on repeat. Not every track is a banger, but that’s part of the fun: you never quite know what’s coming next, and even the misfires keep the playlist interesting." ScreenAnarchy.com

"As always, this latest instalment of the now annual Shudder-hosted series is a lucky dip. There are two worthwhile shorts, and it's up to you whether that justifies sitting through the whole endeavour. Heavy Metal fans will find it more bearable than the rest of us, as there's a whole lot of headache-inducing hard rock throughout V/H/S/Mixtape. Can we get V/H/S/Disco next?" ★★½ TheMovieWaffler.com

"The film is structured like an MTV program takeover hosted by the irreverent, interplanetary shock rock band GWAR. Rather than the more traditional wraparound segment that threads the short films together, Mixtape is punctuated by the band’s notoriously crude and goopy antics, plus two music video interludes directed by Flying Lotus and Ghost’s Tobias Forge. The framing works, mostly because it perfectly replicates the chaotic, constantly shifting energy of ’90s MTV, peppering viewers with a mishmash of different tones, styles, and sounds that are much rarer in today’s carefully curated media algorithms. The success of the segment is largely dependent on how you feel about GWAR’s sense of humor and whether or not you have nostalgia for classic VJ shows like Headbanger’s Ball and TRL, so your mileage may vary... V/H/S/Mixtape works for me, but I acknowledge that it may not work as well for everyone. People with sensitivities to certain sounds should steer well clear, as should anyone with a low tolerance for the kind of juvenile humor that has kept GWAR popular with middle school boys for nearly 40 years. But it is undeniably the most distinctive and engaging entry in a franchise that has no business being this fresh as it approaches its tenth entry with next year’s V/H/S: SCP. Like any horror anthology, not every segment will strike a chord with every viewer, but if given a chance, Mixtape shows us how much horror can be found on the airwaves." WhatSleepsBeneath.com

YouTube Reviews:

Watch on YouTube: We Just Watched V/H/S/MIXTAPE! (Is It Worth The Hype?)