PG-13

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

No rules. No curfews. No baths. No nagging. No pulse.

1991 • 105 min • Comedy

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Synopsis

Sue Ellen Crandell is a teenager eagerly awaiting her mother's summer-long absence. While the babysitter looks after her rambunctious younger siblings, Sue Ellen can party and have fun. But then the babysitter abruptly dies, leaving the Crandells short on cash. Sue Ellen finds a sweet job in fashion by lying about her age and experience on her résumé. But, while her siblings run wild, she discovers the downside of adulthood

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

500 reviews

62 Audience · 500 · 100%

When their strict babysitter unexpectedly dies, teen Sue Ellen and her siblings are left with no money while their mom is away. Sue Ellen fakes her way into a high-powered fashion job to keep her family afloat, learning hard lessons about responsibility and adulthood.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 3/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 2/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 2/10

Heads up

A dead body is shown briefly
Characters lie about age and experience
Some crude humor and suggestive remarks
Underage drinking is briefly depicted

What it models well

Responsibility and independence
Sibling bonds and cooperation
Facing adult challenges
Resourcefulness in a crisis

Talk about it after

What it means to be responsible for family
The importance of honesty
Managing money and a household
Dealing with grief and loss

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.