On a recent episode of her podcast MeSsy with Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Christina Applegate opened up about her initial reluctance to star in Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead. At the time, she was determined to focus on independent films and saw the commercial project as a step backward.
Applegate candidly admitted she was a “f—ing asshat” for her attitude, as she was young and idealistic about the kinds of roles she wanted to pursue. This glimpse into her early mindset revealed how her perception of acting and fame has evolved with age and experience.
Applegate Reflects on Enjoying Filming and Embracing the Film’s Cult Status
Despite her initial misgivings, Applegate acknowledged that she ended up enjoying her time on the film. She noted the fun she had on set and reflected positively on the movie’s quirky, memorable qualities. Now, looking back, she says she feels proud of the film and its place in pop culture.
She specifically mentioned how fans still quote lines like “The dishes are done, man,” and referenced the unique scenes, such as one involving drag queens stealing a car. Applegate now embraces the film’s cult status and is amused by how far it has come since its release.
Christina Applegate Calls Herself an Asshat for Dismissing Cult Classic Babysitter Film in Youthful ArroganceWhen Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead was released in 1991, it performed poorly at the box office and was widely panned by critics. Applegate recalled how it “made no money at all” and was essentially considered a flop. However, its longevity in pop culture has surprised her. Even decades later, people still recognize and quote it. Applegate mentioned that she’s watched it “a gajillion times” with her daughter, highlighting how the movie has taken on a nostalgic, multi-generational appeal.
From Box Office Flop to Cult Classic and Its Modern Day Remake
Directed by Stephen Herek, the original film followed teenager Sue Ellen Crandell, played by Applegate, as she and her siblings are left to their own devices after their babysitter suddenly dies. The plot mixes dark comedy with coming-of-age themes, and although it featured several notable actors—such as David Duchovny and Danielle Harris—it failed to gain critical or commercial traction at the time. Despite this, the film slowly built a loyal following over the years, cementing its place as a cult favorite.
In 2024, a remake of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead was released, this time starring Simone Joy Jones as the lead character. The reboot updated the story for modern audiences and featured a fresh cast, including Nicole Richie and June Squibb. However, like the original, the remake struggled to impress critics and viewers, earning only middling scores on Rotten Tomatoes. While it aimed to revive the film’s legacy for a new generation, it failed to capture the same enduring appeal as the original cult classic.