Published: 01:32 BST, 4 September 2026 | Updated: 03:38 BST, 4 September 2026
A disturbing new horror film about a psychotic kids mascot has reportedly outraged some parents, who mistakenly took their children to see it.
Loosely inspired by the classic kids show Barney, Buddy follows a group of kids trapped inside of a 1990s children's television show hosted by a giant orange unicorn named Buddy.
When the pre-teens discover that the seemingly cheerful mascot is actually a malevolent monster who kidnaps and murders children, they must try and escape before they become Buddy's next victims.
The official poster for the surrealist horror-comedy simply shows the beaming orange unicorn gazing out from a staticy TV screen, making it difficult to tell what kind of film it is.
Now according to reports on social media and Reddit, parents have been spotted taking their children to the R-rated flick after mistaking it for family-friendly fare.
'Saw a lot of kids in my auditorium last night, some younger than 8,' one theatre employee wrote on Reddit.
Parents are reportedly taking their young children to see the twisted horror film Buddy, which follows a cuddly orange unicorn who kidnaps and murders children
Loosely inspired by the classic kids show Barney, Buddy follows a group of kids trapped inside of 1990s children's television show with a murderous unicorn
'There were so many kids in my showing for buddy. What the heck is that about!' added a second.
A third employee wrote, 'I saw a mom complain that it was the theater's fault when it definitely wasn't. Parents should do their research.'
'It's amazing how many people will take their kids to movies without doing an ounce of research beforehand,' wrote another.
'Buddy is not Five Nights at Freddy's – your kids aren't making friends with the scary unicorn,' added another.
Despite the controversy and its relatively low budget, Buddy is shaping up to be 2026's next big horror hit.
The film opened with $5.36 million last weekend, more than doubling its early box office projections.
