Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead: Streaming & Remake Guide

There are some movies that define a generation’s childhood fantasies of being left in charge — and then there’s the one where the babysitter dies. For anyone who grew up in the nineties, the original 1991 cult classic starring Christina Applegate was that fantasy turned into a wild black comedy. Now, over thirty years later, a 2024 remake has arrived, updating the premise for a new audience while trying to capture the same rebellious spirit. This guide breaks down where to stream both films, how they compare, and what parents should know before hitting play.

Release Year: 1991 ·
Genre: Coming-of-age black comedy ·
Director: Stephen Herek ·
Main Actress: Christina Applegate ·
Remake Year: 2024

The key facts below summarize what separates the two films in terms of cast, rating, and availability.

What streaming app can I watch Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead?

Finding the right platform matters more than ever as streaming rights shift. Here’s where each version lives now.

Is it on Netflix?

• Neither the 1991 nor the 2024 version is available on Netflix as of early 2025 (JustWatch).
• Netflix has not acquired streaming rights for either film.

Is it on Hulu?

• The 1991 original is available on Hulu in the United States (JustWatch).
• The 2024 remake is not on Hulu; it streams exclusively on BET+ (Wikipedia).

Is it on Prime Video?

• The 1991 original is available for streaming with a Prime Video subscription as of 2025 (JustWatch).
• The 2024 remake can be rented or purchased on Prime Video following its theatrical run.

Is it on HBO Max?

• The 1991 original streams on Max (formerly HBO Max) (JustWatch).
• The 2024 remake has not been added to Max as of mid-2025.

Did they do a remake of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead?

Yes, and the remake arrived more than three decades after the original, with a fresh cast and a contemporary twist.

When was the remake released?

• Theatrical release: April 12, 2024, in the United States, distributed by Iconic Events Releasing (Wikipedia 2024 film page).
• Streaming debut on BET+: May 16, 2024 (Wikipedia 2024 film page).

Who stars in the 2024 remake?

• Simone Joy Jones plays the lead role of Tanya (Wikipedia 2024 film page).
• The cast includes Ms. Pat as the mother, Jermaine Fowler, and June Squibb as the strict babysitter (Wikipedia 2024 film page).
• Original cast cameos: Joanna Cassidy, Keith Coogan, and Danielle Harris appear in the new version (Wikipedia 2024 film page).

How is the remake different from the original?

• Setting updated to modern day; the family is now African American (Wikipedia 2024 film page).
• Tyra Banks was originally announced to play the fashion executive role (Rose) but that plan changed; the role went to a different actor (Wikipedia 2024 film page).
• The remake earned mixed reviews — 56% on Rotten Tomatoes from 25 critics, with an average rating of 5.3/10 (Wikipedia 2024 film page).

The original gained cult status among millennials despite mixed initial reviews.

— LA Times (entertainment reporting) (LA Times)

The pattern: the 1991 film survived early criticism to become a beloved touchstone. The 2024 version, while well-crafted, has not yet achieved that same cultural penetration.

What is the plot of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead?

Both films share a core premise: a mother leaves her children alone for the summer, the babysitter dies unexpectedly, and the kids must keep the death a secret while surviving on their own.

Plot summary of the 1991 original

• The Crandell siblings are left in the care of an elderly babysitter when their mother goes to Australia.
• The babysitter dies of a heart attack shortly after the mother leaves (Wikipedia 1991 film page).
• The oldest sister, Sue Ellen (Christina Applegate), gets a job at a fashion firm to support the household, while the younger kids hide the body and pretend all is normal.

Plot summary of the 2024 remake

• Set in a modern context, the family is now African American. The mother leaves Tanya (Simone Joy Jones) in charge with a strict babysitter.
• The babysitter dies accidentally, and the siblings (including a younger brother) decide to hide the incident to enjoy a carefree summer (Wikipedia 2024 film page).
• Unlike the original, the 2024 version includes a subplot with a more authoritarian babysitter and a focus on Tanya’s own ambitions.

The 1991 film is a time capsule of pre-internet rebellion — kids actually lying to their mother about summer plans without a smartphone in sight.

— Bloody Disgusting (horror/entertainment outlet) (Bloody Disgusting)

The implication: both films tap into the universal fantasy of independence, but the 1991 version does it with a rawer, more chaotic edge that feels earned by its era.

How old is Sue Ellen in Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead?

Sue Ellen’s age is central to the plot because she has to convincingly pose as an adult to get a job at a fashion firm.

Who plays Sue Ellen?

• Christina Applegate played Sue Ellen Crandell in the 1991 film (Wikipedia 1991 film page).
• Applegate was 20 years old during filming, but her character is scripted as a high school senior — approximately 17 to 18 years old.

What is Sue Ellen’s role in the movie?

• She becomes the de facto head of the household after the babysitter dies.
• She lands a job at a fashion company, which requires her to lie about her age and experience (Wikipedia 1991 film page).
• Sue Ellen is the oldest sibling, responsible for the younger children during the mother’s absence.

The pattern: Sue Ellen is a classic “faking it till you make it” character, and her age ambiguity (old enough to drive, young enough to panic) drives the comedy.

Is Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead inappropriate?

Parents and guardians should know the rating differences between the two versions before letting younger teens watch.

What is the MPAA rating?

• 1991 original: Rated PG-13 for language, thematic elements and some violence (Wikipedia 1991 film page).
• 2024 remake: Rated R for teen drug use, language, and sexual references (Bloody Disgusting).

Parental concerns

• The 1991 film contains mild profanity and a few innuendos but no graphic violence.
• The 2024 remake includes more explicit drug references and stronger language, earning its R rating (Bloody Disgusting).
• Both films center on child deception and the absence of adult supervision, which may raise questions for younger viewers.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

The critical divide between the two films mirrors their generational split: the 1991 original grew into a cult sensation while the 2024 version with Simone Joy Jones earned a 56% Rotten Tomatoes score from 25 critics as of mid-2025 (Rotten Tomatoes).

For fans of the 1991 classic who are curious about the new version, the choice comes down to nostalgia versus novelty. The original starring Christina Applegate remains easily accessible on Hulu, Prime Video, and Max. The 2024 remake with Simone Joy Jones requires a BET+ subscription or a rental purchase. Parents should note the R rating for the new film and preview accordingly. Either way, both films let Applegate and Jones anchor a teenage independence fantasy — delivered three decades apart.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• West Side Story 2021: Cast, Reviews & Why It Flopped — another remake that struggled to capture original magic.
• Cast of I Know What You Did Last Summer 2025 – Full Cast and Characters — a 90s horror revival with similar nostalgia bait.