VHS Vault: Pet Sematary (1989)

"Sometimes, dead is better"

Slide this VHS off the shelf and prepare for Stephen King horror at its finest. Pet Sematary (1989) is a chilling horror film about grief, guilt, and things best left buried. From the moment Louis Creed moves his family to Maine, tension builds with every quiet street and shadowy forest. 

I remember having to choose between seeing this or The Horror Show at the movies, and I went with the latter for the straight-up slasher thrills. Seeing Pet Sematary later as a rental was worth it. There’s nothing like watching this haunting tale unfold from the comfort of your own home. This VHS-era horror classic still delivers the suspense and scares that Stephen King fans crave.

Vault Fact File

• Title: Pet Sematary
• Year: 1989
• Director: Mary Lambert
• Runtime: 103 minutes
• Rating: R
• Tagline(s): “Sometimes dead is better.” / “It’s the place where the pets go…”
• Studio / Distribution: Paramount Pictures
• Cast: Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby, Fred Gwynne, Miko Hughes
• Fun Fact: Fred Gwynne, known for The Munsters, plays Jud Crandall, adding a creepy yet comforting vibe to the Stephen King adaptation.
• Extra Trivia: Filmed in Maine and Massachusetts to capture the eerie, small-town horror atmosphere of King’s novel.
• Legacy: The 1989 film remains a VHS-era horror favorite, spawning sequels and a 2019 remake. It’s a must-see for 80s/90s horror fans and Stephen King movie collectors.

Rewind or Fast Forward?

Rewind: A 1989 Stephen King horror film that combines suspense, supernatural chills, and unforgettable VHS-era scares. A must-watch for retro horror collectors.

Watch It ⚡

Available on Amazon for streaming, rental, or purchase. Perfect for adding this classic to your horror collection.

Official Pet Sematary Trailer 

Back to the Vault

Want more spine-tingling classic horror? Check out Fright Night (1985) or keep exploring the VHS Vault for more horror gems.