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The Babysitter

The Babysitter

Something about her captures the imagination.

199588 minRMidcredits score: 4th percentile of all films
Director
Guy Ferland
Starring
Alicia Silverstone, Jeremy London, J.T. Walsh, Nicky Katt

Jennifer is a lovely teen who has been hired to baby-sit the kids of Harry Tucker and his wife, Dolly. The Tuckers go to a party and proceed to get inebriated, with Mr. Tucker fantasizing about his beautiful baby sitter. Meanwhile, Jack, her boyfriend, and Mark, another guy interested in her, decide to spy on Jennifer at the Tucker house, with each young man also fixated on her.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Babysitter?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Babysitter streaming on Paramount+ via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Babysitter?

The Babysitter earns 3 badges, led by Overhyped and Universally Panned.

  • Reception
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Babysitter worth watching?

The Babysitter's Midcredits score is the 4th percentile of all films, from 17K ratings across 4 sources. 16% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

4th percentile

Better received than 4% of films

2nd percentile among Drama4th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)8th
Approval (how many liked it)4th

44 /100

8th percentile of all films

5th percentile among Drama7th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

Approval

How many liked it

16% liked it

4th percentile of all films

2nd percentile among Drama4th percentile among 1990s
16% rated it 7–1084% rated it 1–6

Critics 29% · Audience 17%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

86th percentile

17K ratings across platforms

88th percentile among Drama80th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 13% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$2M

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a bizarre, repetitive study of male fantasies about a teenage babysitter that prioritizes voyeurism over plot.

Fans praised

  • commentary on male gaze and toxic masculinity
  • Silverstone's performance grounds the film
  • suspenseful and thought-provoking psychological thriller

Detractors panned

  • endless fantasy sequences ruin flow and coherence
  • no plot, no tension, no payoff
  • creepy and exploitative rather than erotic or thrilling

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive50

ambitious surrealism but derivative of softcore thrillers

ActingDivisive45

Silverstone effective but cast wasted; Walsh and Garlington praised for believability despite roles

TensionDivisive30

attempts at suspense undermined by lack of real stakes and payoff

CharactersDivisive25

one-dimensional, unlikable males; Silverstone's character lacks depth

Ending25

unsatisfying, feels tacked-on, doesn't resolve themes

Plot and storyDivisive20

pointless, goes nowhere, lacks narrative escalation

Emotional impactDivisive20

fails to create investment; depressing rather than moving

Pacing15

repetitive fantasies, boring, feels much longer than runtime

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is The Babysitter like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDread
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material straight, treating the escalating tension and dark consequences with seriousness.
The rideThe film sustains a low hum of apprehension that sharpens into unease and menace as the night's events converge.
StructureThe synopsis describes a single evening unfolding in chronological order, likely following a standard three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe night's events and the characters' destructive obsessions leave a lingering unease and a dark impression.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe story revolves around a night of escalating obsession and alcohol-fueled poor choices that lead to a dark outcome, fitting a tragedy where characters are destroyed by forces beyond their control.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3% (this title)
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsObsession · 3% of films: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Family bonds
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how alcohol dissolves the characters' usual selves, revealing obsession, weakness, and a predatory underside of domesticity.
StanceThe film warns about the corrosive effects of alcohol and male obsession, presenting the night as a danger that could happen in any ordinary neighborhood.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticSuburbanStylized realism
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Loek Dikker
Settinga suburban home on a quiet night while the parents are out
MusicA low-key score underlines the creeping unease of the evening.

Content guide

Is The Babysitter okay for kids?

R

The Babysitter is rated R: “Rated R for scenes of sexuality, strong language and some violence” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (39/100), sexual content at moderate (45/100), language at intense (64/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (62/100) and frightening material at moderate (54/100). Overall it is heavier than 30% of R-rated films.

Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 56% of all filmsHeavier than 30% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 19%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 79%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 36%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Babysitter have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Babysitter?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Alicia Silverstone
as Jennifer
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Jeremy London
as Jack
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
J.T. Walsh
as Harry Tucker
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nicky Katt
as Mark
Lee Garlington
as Dolly Tucker
George Segal
as Bill Holsten
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ryan Slater
as Jimmy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lois Chiles
as Bernice Holsten
Brittany English Stephens
as Bitsy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tuesday Knight
as Waitress
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Babysitter?

Movies like The Babysitter include The Crush (1993), The Cable Guy (1996) and Boxing Helena (1993). Of the 12 closest matches, most are hunter-and-hunted stories, and most are psychological thrillers.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its subject: obsession. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Babysitter?

4K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: hunter and hunted. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.