Goosebumps 3: The Devil Rise (2026) marks the darkest and most ambitious chapter in the beloved franchise, proving that the series is no longer content with simple monster-of-the-week scares. This time, the horror digs deeper, blending family-friendly thrills with a surprisingly ominous tone that feels bolder, riskier, and more mature than anything that came before it.
Jack Black’s return as R.L. Stine once again anchors the film with his signature mix of nervous humor and chaotic charm. But there’s a noticeable shift in his performance here—this Stine is more haunted, more aware that his imagination may have finally crossed a line he can’t undo. Black plays him less as a comedic mascot and more as a man confronting the consequences of his own stories.
The central threat in The Devil Rise immediately sets it apart from previous entries. The idea of an ancient, demonic force emerging from a cursed book elevates the stakes beyond mischievous monsters and playful chaos. This isn’t just about escaping creatures—it’s about preventing reality itself from being corrupted. The film smartly leans into atmosphere, shadow, and dread rather than relying solely on jump scares.
Madison Iseman and Jeremy Ray Taylor return with a confidence that shows how much their characters have grown alongside the franchise. They’re no longer just reacting to danger; they’re actively making choices, taking risks, and bearing emotional weight. Their performances add credibility to the story, grounding the supernatural elements in genuine fear and determination.
Visually, Goosebumps 3 is the most striking film in the series. The creatures are more grotesque, the environments more distorted, and the imagery often borders on nightmarish—while still staying within the limits of a family-friendly thriller. The Devil’s influence is felt everywhere, subtly warping familiar settings into something unsettling and wrong.
What works particularly well is the film’s balance between horror and accessibility. While the subject matter is darker, the movie never forgets its core audience. Humor is still present, often used as a release valve after moments of intense suspense. Jack Black’s timing, combined with sharp dialogue, keeps the film from becoming overwhelmingly grim.
Thematically, The Devil Rise explores responsibility and the danger of unchecked imagination. It asks an intriguing question: what happens when stories meant to scare children start reflecting adult fears? The cursed book becomes a metaphor for narratives that spiral out of control, and the film subtly critiques the idea that some things should never be unleashed.
The pacing is brisk, but the film takes enough time to let tension breathe. Each confrontation feels earned, and the final act escalates into a race against time that genuinely feels urgent. The sense of impending doom is stronger here than in any previous Goosebumps film.
While the movie occasionally leans too hard on exposition, it largely compensates with strong visuals and emotional momentum. The Devil himself is used sparingly, which makes his presence far more effective. Sometimes, what you don’t fully see is far more terrifying.
For longtime fans, Goosebumps 3 feels like a natural evolution—one that respects the franchise’s roots while daring to grow up a little. It understands that its audience has aged, and it isn’t afraid to reflect that growth through darker themes and more complex stakes.
In the end, Goosebumps 3: The Devil Rise (2026) is a thrilling reminder of why these stories mattered in the first place. It taps into that primal childhood fear of opening the wrong book and unleashing something you can’t put back. Chilling, adventurous, and unexpectedly thoughtful, this is Goosebumps at its most daring—and most memorable. 👹📖
