Disney’s recent ‘Pinocchio’ film has made history with its release, achieving a new low score on Rotten Tomatoes – the worst ever for any movie connected to the Twisted Childhood Universe.
Rhys Frake-Waterfield’s Twisted Childhood Universe reimagines familiar characters from classic storybooks – like Winnie-the-Pooh, Peter Pan, and Bambi – as terrifying horror villains. Each film offers a violent new take on these childhood favorites. The latest movie in the series, Pinocchio, has just broken records, achieving the highest audience score ever for a Twisted Childhood Universe film on Rotten Tomatoes.
Before it even hits theaters, the movie Pinocchio Unstrung has made history on Rotten Tomatoes for the Twisted Childhood Universe. Written and directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, this horror film is based on Carlo Collodi’s classic story, The Adventures of Pinocchio, but with a dark twist: Pinocchio becomes a killer in his quest to become human.
The new movie Pinocchio Unstrung has received perfect reviews – a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes! This makes it the highest-rated film in the Twisted Childhood Universe and the first to be certified ‘Fresh’ by critics. Here’s a look at how it stacks up against other films:
| Title | RT Critics Score | RT Audience Score |
| Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023) | 3% | 49% |
| Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey II (2024) | 48% | 83% |
| Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare (2025) | 39% | 68% |
| Bambi: The Reckoning (2025) | 59% | 57% |
| Pinocchio Unstrung (2026) | 100% | – |
With only 10 reviews currently available, Pinocchio Unstrung risks losing its perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes as more reviews come in. We’ll likely get a better idea of how audiences feel about the film after its worldwide theatrical release on July 24. The movie first premiered at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in April.
Jude-Evan Lloyd voices Pinocchio in this film, alongside horror icon Robert Englund who plays the Cricket. Richard Brake portrays Geppetto, with Cameron Bell, Jessica Balmer, and Peter DeSouza-Feighoney rounding out the cast as Michael Darling.
Most critics believe Pinocchio Unstrung is the best installment so far in the Twisted Childhood Universe. They especially loved its practical effects – like animatronics and plenty of exaggerated gore – as well as the strong performances from the actors and the film’s dark, unique take on the Pinocchio story.
Despite some awkward moments and typical issues with the series, most reviewers found the film highly enjoyable. Many were pleasantly surprised by its emotional depth, noting a surprisingly likable Pinocchio character that helps it surpass previous movies in the franchise.
It’s still too early to say if it will stay that way, but Pinocchio Unstrung has definitely set a new standard for the Twisted Childhood Universe.
2026-07-23 02:39