Carnival of Souls
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Where to watch: We have not been able to check the US streamers for this one — try digital rental.
How it scared people
The vibe
Herk Harvey made industrial films in Kansas, drove past the derelict Saltair pavilion on the Great Salt Lake, and shot a feature around it for about thirty thousand dollars. The organ score and the amateur cast should sink it; instead they produce a woozy, unmoored quality that horror has been quietly borrowing ever since.
Carnival of Souls (1962) Parents Guide
| MPA rating | No MPAA certificate (released outside the US system) |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 78 minutes |
| Jump scares | 3/5 — moderately scary, with a handful of strong sequences |
| Gore | 1/5 — almost no gore |
| Dread | 4/5 — heavy atmosphere — expect it to sit with you afterwards |
| Themes | psychological distress |
Carnival of Souls carries no MPAA certificate. We score it 3/5 for jump scares, 1/5 for gore and 4/5 for lingering dread, over 78 minutes. Very little blood — the hard part here is atmosphere and aftermath, not graphic content. Older teens and adults — less for what it shows than for how long it stays with you.
We rate what the film does — scares, gore, dread — not scene-level content like language or nudity, which we don't track.
Before you press play
- How scary is Carnival of Souls?
- On our intensity scale, Carnival of Souls rates 6/10 for jump scares and 8/10 for dread. It is moderately scary, with a handful of strong sequences.
- How gory is Carnival of Souls?
- Carnival of Souls rates 2/10 for gore — expect almost no gore.
- How long is Carnival of Souls?
- Carnival of Souls runs 78 minutes (1h 18m).
- What is Carnival of Souls rated?
- Carnival of Souls has no MPAA certificate — common for films released outside the US. On our scale it rates 6/10 for jump scares, 2/10 for gore and 8/10 for dread.
- Where to watch Carnival of Souls (1962)?
- We have not been able to confirm where Carnival of Souls is streaming in the US. Look for it on digital rental or purchase (Apple TV, Prime Video, or your usual store).
Carnival of Souls (1962) Cast
- Candace HilligossMary Henry
- Frances FeistMrs. Thomas - Landlady
- Sidney BergerJohn Linden
- Art EllisonMinister
- Stan LevittDr. Samuels
- Tom McGinnisOrgan Factory Boss
- Forbes CaldwellCarpenter in Organ Factory
- Dan PalmquistGas Station Attendant
Top-billed, in IMDb's billing order.
