Raising Goosebumps age rating: what parents of kids 4–7 should know
Goosebumps age rating: the Disney+ and Hulu series that began in 2023 is rated TV-14 in the US, meaning it may be unsuitable for children under 14, per Disney+. Disney+ Germany's age label for it is 12 (a streamer label, not an FSK certificate). Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit, lists it for ages 12 and up, citing a demon character, jump scares, and moderate language. The original 1995 series is TV-Y7, per Rotten Tomatoes, and both Goosebumps films are rated PG.
Goosebumps at a glance
- ✓Official rating above age 7
Disney+: TV-14 (Rotten Tomatoes: TV-14) - –Violence in rating descriptors
No descriptor found; CSM: mild violence - –Scary content in rating descriptors
No descriptor found; CSM: lots of scariness - –Bad language in rating descriptors
No descriptor found; CSM: moderate language - –Sexual content, drugs, or alcohol in rating descriptors
No descriptor found; CSM: underage drinking - ✓Rated 12 or higher in the UK or Germany
Disney+ Germany label: 12 (not FSK); no BBFC
Each flag is a yes-or-no fact from the sources on this page. The number is a count of flags, not a safety score. How we count. Rating reasons marked mild, very mild, or brief don't count.
| Type | Disney+ horror series (2023, 2025) from R.L. Stine's books; also a 1995 show and 2 films source |
|---|---|
| US (TV rating) | TV-14 (may be unsuitable for children under 14), per Disney+ and Rotten Tomatoes source |
| Germany (Disney+ label) | Altersfreigabe 12 (from age 12) on Disney+ Germany; no BBFC rating found source |
| Common Sense Media | 12+ — demon character, jump scares, moderate language, underage drinking |
| Original series (1995–1998) | TV-Y7 (directed to children 7 and older), per Rotten Tomatoes; Common Sense Media 10+; BBFC mostly PG, a few 12 |
| Films (2015, 2018) | Both MPA PG (parental guidance suggested) and BBFC PG for scary scenes; FSK 12 per kino.de source |
Checked October 2026. Ratings and settings change; check the official source before you decide. What do these ratings mean?
Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.
What Goosebumps is about
Goosebumps is based on R.L. Stine's horror books. The Disney+ and Hulu series, developed by Rob Letterman and Nicholas Stoller, premiered October 13, 2023. In season 1, a demon seeks revenge through the body of a high school's new English teacher (Justin Long), per Common Sense Media. Season 2, Goosebumps: The Vanishing, with David Schwimmer, premiered January 10, 2025, and the series was canceled after two seasons in August 2025, according to Wikipedia. Before that came the 1995 anthology series on Fox and two films, Goosebumps (2015) and Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018).
Goosebumps age rating: what's in it
Short answer: TV-14 for the Disney+ series, TV-Y7 for the 1995 show, PG for the films.
- US (Disney+ series): TV-14.
- Germany (Disney+ label): 12.
- UK: we couldn't find a BBFC rating for the Disney+ series.
- Common Sense Media: 12+.
Common Sense Media describes a haunting demon character, ominous music, dark scenes, and jump scares, with teens often scared or in distress. It says there's no extreme horror or gore, though some injuries show blood. It also notes underage drinking, words like "ass" and "damn," and some innuendo.
The 1995 series and the films
Short answer: The older titles carry younger ratings.
- Goosebumps (1995–1998): TV-Y7, per Rotten Tomatoes; Common Sense Media 10+. Most UK episode releases are BBFC PG, and a few are 12.
- Goosebumps (2015): MPA PG for scary and intense creature action and images, and some rude humor; BBFC PG for frequent scary scenes; FSK 12, per kino.de.
- Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018): MPA PG for scary creature action and images, thematic elements, rude humor, and language; BBFC PG; FSK 12, per kino.de.
Common Sense Media lists both films for 8+.
Is Goosebumps scary?
Short answer: Common Sense Media says the Disney+ series has an ominous feeling that something bad is about to happen, and that some tweens may get nightmares from it.
For the 2015 film, the BBFC lists a talking ventriloquist's dummy, a giant praying mantis, evil garden gnomes, a yeti, and occasional jump moments. For the 2018 sequel, it describes frequent scary scenes with witches, skeletons, and a werewolf, with the focus on the heroes' bravery and teamwork.
The habit kids may copy: picking it up anyway
Goosebumps stories often start when a kid picks up something creepy, like a mask or a ventriloquist's dummy, and things go wrong.
Try tonight: the creak in the hall
When a sound at night feels scary, go and check it together with a flashlight. Ask: "What do we think it is? Let's find out." In our program, this is the lesson "True or Made Up": checking a fear against the facts.
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FAQ
What age is Goosebumps for?
The Disney+ series is rated TV-14, and Common Sense Media lists it for 12+. The 1995 series is TV-Y7, and Common Sense Media lists it for 10+.
What is the original Goosebumps series rated?
Rotten Tomatoes lists the 1995–1998 series as TV-Y7. Most of its UK episode releases are rated PG by the BBFC.
What are the Goosebumps movies rated?
Goosebumps (2015) and Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018) are both PG in the US and the UK, and FSK 12 in Germany, per kino.de.
Is there a new season of Goosebumps?
No. The series was canceled in August 2025 after two seasons, the second being Goosebumps: The Vanishing, according to Wikipedia.
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