Salem's Lot (1979)
A writer's homecoming unearths a chilling mystery as a town slowly succumbs to an ancient evil.
Ben Mears has returned to his hometown to write a book about the supposedly haunted Marsten House. When people around the Marsten House start dying mysteriously, Mears discovers that the owner of the mansion is actually a vampire who is turning them into an army of undead slaves.
How intense is Salem's Lot?
Salem's Lot is properly scary, with light gore and some violence. Emotionally it carries some weight. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a late-night trip. Rated TV-PG.
What Salem's Lot feels like
- Tone
- chillingsuspensefulgrittyatmospheric
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attentionLate night
Where to stream Salem's Lot
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 6, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Salem's Lot for you?
Is Salem's Lot scary?
Yes, properly. Salem's Lot is scare level 2 of 3, the real thing without being an endurance test.
Is Salem's Lot gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3).
Is Salem's Lot sad or heavy?
A little. There is some emotional weight (1 of 3), but it is not a heavy watch.
Is Salem's Lot OK for kids?
It is rated TV-PG, but the intensity tags run warmer than the rating suggests: scare 2, gore 1, violence 1, each out of 3. Know your kid.
How long is Salem's Lot?
Episodes run about 1h 32m.
Where can I stream Salem's Lot?
Salem's Lot is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does Salem's Lot have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves things open rather than tying them up.
Cast and crew
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