Fright Night

Fright Night

Year: 2011

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Craig Gillespie

Budget: $30M

HorrorComedy

A charming high school student, Charlie Brewster, grows suspicious of his new neighbor, Jerry Dandridge. As Jerry’s presence becomes increasingly unsettling, Charlie suspects he's a vampire preying on people in their suburban community. Dismissed as crazy by everyone he tells, Charlie enlists the help of a washed-up horror movie host, Pete Vincent, to uncover the truth and stop Jerry before he can claim more victims.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Fright Night (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Fright Night (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Las Vegas, Hard Rock Hotel

Las Vegas is a vibrant city known for its entertainment, nightlife, and casinos, set against the backdrop of the vast Mojave Desert. The suburban neighborhoods reflect typical American residential life, with homes closely mirroring each other. The Hard Rock Hotel, famous for its rock star memorabilia and entertainment options, serves as a hub for vampire-themed spectacles and performances.

🏜️ Desert 🏠 Suburban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:44

Main Characters – Fright Night (2011)

Meet the key characters of Fright Night (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin)

Charley is an all-American teenager trying to navigate the complexities of adolescence while dealing with newfound responsibilities. Initially focused on fitting in with popular peers, he finds himself facing a dire supernatural threat that challenges his perceptions of courage and loyalty. As events unfold, Charley evolves from a carefree youth to a determined hero who must protect his loved ones.

👦 Teen 🦸‍♂️ Hero

Jerry Dandridge (Colin Farrell)

Jerry is the enigmatic and sinister new neighbor who embodies the classic vampire archetype. His charming exterior conceals a predatory nature, as he unleashes terror on the suburban community. Charismatic yet dangerous, Jerry becomes the focal point of fear and conflict for Charley and his friends.

🧛 Vampire 🕵️ Mystery

Peter Vincent (David Tennant)

Peter Vincent is a flamboyant vampire expert and illusionist who becomes an unexpected ally in Charley's fight against Jerry. His larger-than-life personality adds both humor and depth to the terrifying situation. Rather than being just a performer, he embodies the themes of bravery and redemption as he confronts the reality of the supernatural forces at play.

🎩 Illusionist 🧙 Mentor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:44

Major Themes – Fright Night (2011)

Explore the central themes of Fright Night (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Fear

Fear permeates the fabric of the film, with the characters facing both supernatural threats and the challenges of adolescence. Charley Brewster exemplifies the struggle between overcoming his fears and seeking acceptance among peers, all while contending with a real danger in the form of a vampire. The juxtaposition of mundane teenage life with terrifying events amplifies the theme of fear.

🌪️ Adventure

The narrative propels the characters into a thrilling adventure, driven by their quest to confront the malevolent Jerry Dandridge. Charley, with the help of his friends and Peter Vincent, embarks on a journey filled with suspense, courage, and revelations. This adventure ultimately forces Charley to confront not just the supernatural, but also his own personal growth and bravery.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:44

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Suburban Monster Hunt movies like Fright Night

Ordinary communities unravel as a hidden supernatural threat emerges.If you enjoyed Fright Night's premise of a teen fighting a vampire next door, you'll like these films. This list features movies where suburban or small-town settings are invaded by monsters, forcing everyday people to become heroes. Discover similar horror-comedies and thrilling stories about uncovering evil hidden in plain sight.

paranoidthrillingsuspensefuldarkly humorousunsettlinganxiousviolentsurvival

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a clear arc from suspicion to desperate action. A character, often an adolescent or an outsider, uncovers clues that a supernatural entity is preying on their community. Faced with disbelief from authority figures, they must gather proof and allies, leading to a climactic, often destructive, confrontation to expose and defeat the monster.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share the core experience of a localized supernatural invasion and the solo investigative journey that follows. They blend the familiarity of suburban life with the terror of the unknown, creating a potent mix of paranoia, suspense, and DIY heroism that feels both thrilling and relatable.

High-Stakes Horror Comedy films similar to Fright Night

Genuine scares and life-or-death thrills balanced with witty humor.Looking for movies like Fright Night that mix real scares with laughs? This list features horror-comedies where the threat is intense and the action is fast, but the tone is balanced by clever humor and charismatic characters. Find your next watch among films that deliver both suspenseful chills and entertaining comedy.

thrillingdarkly humoroussuspensefulviolentanxiouswittyaction-packedunsettling

Narrative Summary

The narratives are typically straightforward and driven by an immediate, escalating threat. The comic relief often comes from a specific character—a cynical expert, a bumbling sidekick, or the protagonist's own wit under pressure—whose presence contrasts with the grave situation. The story maintains a serious core but allows for humorous moments that highlight the absurdity or irony of the circumstances.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their successful tonal balance. They provide the adrenaline rush of a serious horror film while ensuring the viewer is frequently amused. The shared vibe is one of thrilling entertainment, where you are equally likely to jump from a scare as you are to laugh at a well-timed joke.

Unlock the Full Story of Fright Night

Don't stop at just watching — explore Fright Night in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Fright Night is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Fright Night Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Fright Night, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Fright Night Summary

Fright Night Timeline

Track the full timeline of Fright Night with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Fright Night Timeline

Fright Night Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Fright Night that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Fright Night Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Fright Night

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Fright Night: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Fright Night

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