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Nightmare

Nightmare

TV movie200790 minPG-13Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all films
Director
Terry Ingram
Starring
Haylie Duff, Gwynyth Walsh, Jesse Hutch, Meghan Ory

A mind-body disconnect - that's what causes sleep paralysis, a terrifyingly real experience in which someone awakes momentarily made of stone. Molly Duggan is determined to discover a treatment, because in rare cases, it can kill: Her mother was one of its victims. But what science can't explain is why Molly suddenly starts experiencing episodes herself and during them, feels a sinister presence surrounding her. So she turns to legends, and that's when her real nightmare begins. Haylie Duff stars in this pulse-pounding chiller.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Nightmare?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Nightmare streaming on Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Nightmare?

Nightmare earns 1 badge: Cathartic.

Reception

Is Nightmare worth watching?

Nightmare's Midcredits score is the 12th percentile of all films, from 311 ratings across 3 sources. 29% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

12th percentile

Better received than 12% of films

7th percentile among Drama12th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)6th
Approval (how many liked it)21st

41 /100

6th percentile of all films

3rd percentile among Drama6th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

Approval

How many liked it

29% liked it

21st percentile of all films

16th percentile among Drama19th percentile among 2000s
29% rated it 7–1071% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

21st percentile

311 ratings across platforms

21st percentile among Drama15th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 5% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A made-for-TV horror film that uses sleep paralysis as a premise for a supernatural curse involving a demonic hag.

Fans praised

  • clever plot blending sleep paralysis with supernatural curse
  • effective atmosphere and tension in dream sequences
  • Haylie Duff's convincing performance as the lead

Detractors panned

  • confusing, hard-to-follow story mixing reality and dream
  • underdeveloped lore and unclear motivations for the antagonist

What stands out

Acting65

Haylie Duff convincing; cast adequate

Atmosphere65

effective tension in dreams, creepy moments

Effects and spectacle60

decent SFX and visual set pieces

Plot and storyDivisive55

clever mythology but confusing and hard to follow

Emotional impact55

relatable protagonist's fear and trauma

Pacing45

some sequences drag, but builds to finale

Characters40

lead's trauma and arc noted but Silas eccentric and unclear

Watch experience

What is Nightmare like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to be scared.

It is intense and leaves you satisfied.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseMelancholic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its supernatural horror straight with a moody, serious atmosphere.
The rideThe synopsis and reviews indicate sustained tension and dread from the start, with the emotional weight of trauma persisting through the film.
StructureThe story unfolds in a linear timeline as Molly investigates her sleep paralysis, though dream sequences blur the line between reality and nightmare.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Satisfied.

Cathartic · 6% of filmsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's climax provides emotional release as Molly overcomes her family curse, leaving a sense of hope.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

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).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · 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%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe film centers on a woman who discovers she is the key to defeating an ancient evil spirit that has haunted her family for generations, a classic monster narrative.

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 filmsSelfTraumaSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • 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% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · Trauma 7% (this title) · 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%

Survival

Trauma · 7% of filmsGrief · 6% of filmsSurvival
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeMolly's childhood trauma from losing her mother to sleep paralysis resurgences through her own episodes, forcing her to confront both the scientific and supernatural dimensions.
StanceThe film focuses on Molly's personal grief and trauma, presenting her mother's death and her own condition as a source of loss to be endured.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score · Michael Richard Plowman
SettingA modern city where Molly researches sleep paralysis at a university and encounters legends in her home.
MusicThe score likely uses pulsing, tense motifs to mirror the sleep paralysis state and the sinister presence.

Content guide

Is Nightmare okay for kids?

PG-13

Nightmare is rated PG-13. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at mild (17/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • France12
Overall
Mild · 3 of 5 categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (4 votes across 3 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Nightmare have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Nightmare?

Cast

Haylie Duff
as Molly Duggan
Gwynyth Walsh
as Dr. Edmonds
Jesse Hutch
as Gavin
Meghan Ory
as Carla
Bruce Ramsay
as Silas Troid
Edmond Kato Wong
as Police Detective
Charisse Baker
as Student
Anna Williams
as Hag
Cassandra Sawtell
as Young Molly
Samir El Sharkawi
as Mr. Spencer

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Nightmare?

Movies like Nightmare include Slumber (2017), The Gorgon (1964) and The Eye (2002). Of the 12 closest matches, most are psychological horror films, and most are films about trauma.

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

6 of these 12 share its world: medicine. Those cards say what else they share.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with Nightmare?

559 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: chosen one. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.