20 Kid-Friendly Halloween Movies for the Whole Family
I love Halloween, and there’s nothing quite like curling up with the family for a cozy movie night with some kid-friendly Halloween movies.
Finding the right balance of spooky fun without being too scary can be tricky, but luckily, there are tons of movies that bring the perfect mix of thrills and laughs.
Here’s a list of family favorites that will make Halloween movie night a treat for everyone.
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- 1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
- 2. Casper (1995)
- 3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- 4. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
- 5. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
- 6. ParaNorman (2012)
- 7. Coco (2017)
- 8. The Addams Family (2019)
- 9. Frankenweenie (2012)
- 10. Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2005)
- 11. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
- 12. Corpse Bride (2005)
- 13. Goosebumps (2015)
- 14. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
- 15. Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost (1999)
- 16. Room on the Broom (2012)
- 17. Coraline (2009)
- 18. The Little Vampire (2000)
- 19. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
- 20. Spirited Away (2001)
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
If you’re looking for a Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus never disappoints.
The story follows three witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, who are accidentally resurrected on Halloween night in Salem.
It’s funny, quirky, and just spooky enough without being too intense for younger kids.
Plus, the costumes and catchy musical numbers make it extra entertaining.
2. Casper (1995)
Casper is the heartwarming tale of a friendly ghost who befriends a young girl living in a haunted mansion.
While there are a few mischievous ghosts in the story, the movie is gentle and filled with light-hearted humor.
Casper’s sweet personality and the theme of friendship make this a great choice for younger kids who might not be ready for anything too spooky.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This Tim Burton classic is a perfect blend of Halloween and Christmas.
The Nightmare Before Christmas follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he stumbles into Christmas Town and decides to take over the holiday.
The movie has a unique, magical style, with unforgettable songs and visuals.
It’s great for kids because it’s more whimsical than scary, making it an easy watch.
4. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
While not a traditional Halloween movie, Monsters, Inc. is full of loveable creatures that fit perfectly into a Halloween-themed movie night.
The story is about two monsters, Sulley and Mike, who work at a factory that harvests screams from children.
But things take a heartwarming turn when they meet a little girl named Boo.
The movie is funny, sweet, and completely kid-friendly, with its focus on friendship and bravery.
5. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
This animated hit is all about monsters, but it’s far from scary.
Hotel Transylvania is set in a hotel run by Dracula, where all kinds of creatures come to stay.
The fun really begins when a human stumbles upon the hotel.
With tons of humor, silly monster antics, and a heartwarming father-daughter relationship, this movie is a hit with younger audiences.
It’s perfect for kids who want a spooky setting without any real scares.
6. ParaNorman (2012)
ParaNorman is a visually stunning stop-motion film about a boy named Norman who can see and talk to ghosts.
When his town is threatened by zombies and an ancient curse, Norman has to use his special abilities to save everyone.
While the movie has some spooky moments, it’s filled with humor and messages about acceptance and courage, making it a great pick for slightly older kids who can handle a bit of suspense.
7. Coco (2017)
Set around the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos, Coco tells the story of a boy named Miguel who embarks on a magical journey to the Land of the Dead to discover the truth about his family’s history.
While not a traditional Halloween movie, the vibrant visuals and heartfelt story make it a perfect choice for the season.
The themes of family and remembrance are both touching and uplifting, making it a favorite for all ages.
8. The Addams Family (2019)
The creepy and kooky Addams Family comes to life in this animated version of the classic characters.
The Addams Family is perfect for Halloween with its spooky atmosphere and weird, wonderful family.
But the movie is more about celebrating being different and sticking together as a family, which makes it feel surprisingly warm-hearted.
Kids will love the quirky characters, and there’s nothing too frightening here.
9. Frankenweenie (2012)
Another Tim Burton gem, Frankenweenie is a black-and-white stop-motion film about a boy who brings his beloved dog back to life.
The movie pays homage to classic monster movies, but it has a lot of heart.
While it touches on themes of loss, Frankenweenie is more sweet than scary, with an emphasis on friendship and loyalty.
It’s a great fit for Halloween movie night, especially for kids who love animals.
10. Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2005)
This cute, animated movie is perfect for the youngest kids.
Spookley the Square Pumpkin tells the story of a pumpkin who doesn’t fit in because he’s square instead of round.
The movie is simple, fun, and has a great message about embracing differences and being yourself.
It’s light-hearted, short, and just spooky enough to keep little ones entertained without scaring them.
11. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Based on the famous Disney ride, The Haunted Mansion is a fun, spooky comedy that stars Eddie Murphy as a real estate agent who discovers that a mansion he’s trying to sell is haunted.
While there are a few ghostly moments, the movie is more funny than frightening, with lots of quirky characters and silly scares.
It’s a great option for family movie night, especially if your kids love a little adventure.
12. Corpse Bride (2005)
Another beautifully crafted Tim Burton stop-motion film, Corpse Bride follows the story of a man who accidentally proposes to a bride from the Land of the Dead.
While it may sound a bit spooky, the movie is full of whimsy and charm, with gorgeous visuals and a loveable cast of characters.
The balance of humor, heart, and a bit of the macabre makes it a fun Halloween choice for kids who can handle a slightly darker tone.
13. Goosebumps (2015)
Based on the popular book series by R.L. Stine, Goosebumps brings classic monsters to life in a family-friendly way.
When Zach, a teenager, accidentally unleashes all the monsters from the Goosebumps books, he teams up with the author’s daughter to stop them.
While there are some action-packed and spooky moments, the movie is more fun than scary.
It’s a great pick for kids who love a little adventure with their thrills.
14. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
You can’t go wrong with this classic Halloween special.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a nostalgic favorite that follows Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Halloween.
From Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin to Snoopy’s hilarious adventures, it’s the perfect mix of gentle humor and Halloween spirit.
The short runtime and kid-friendly story make it a great choice for younger kids.
15. Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost (1999)
If your kids are fans of Scooby-Doo, this Halloween special is a perfect fit.
In Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost, the gang heads to a New England town to solve the mystery of a ghostly witch.
Like most Scooby-Doo movies, there are plenty of spooky moments, but they’re balanced out with humor and fun.
The familiar characters and light-hearted plot make it perfect for kids of all ages.
16. Room on the Broom (2012)
Based on the beloved children’s book by Julia Donaldson, Room on the Broom is a charming animated short film that tells the story of a kind-hearted witch and her helpful animal friends.
As she flies through the sky, her broom gets crowded with more and more companions, leading to a heartwarming adventure.
The animation is colorful and engaging, and the gentle humor makes this a perfect pick for younger kids.
It’s a lighthearted story about friendship and teamwork.
17. Coraline (2009)
Coraline is a beautifully animated stop-motion film that follows a young girl who discovers a secret door in her new home, leading to an alternate, eerie version of her life.
While this movie has a spooky tone, it’s more mysterious than frightening, with stunning visuals and a brave young heroine.
Though best suited for slightly older kids who can handle a few creepy moments, the film’s message about appreciating family and facing fears makes it worth watching.
18. The Little Vampire (2000)
The Little Vampire is a fun, spooky adventure about a young boy named Tony who befriends a vampire named Rudolph.
Together, they embark on a mission to save Rudolph’s family from vampire hunters.
With a mix of lighthearted humor and adventure, this movie is perfect for kids who love a bit of supernatural fun without the scares.
The friendship between Tony and Rudolph gives the movie a sweet, heartwarming vibe that balances out the spooky elements.
19. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
In this stop-motion animated comedy, the lovable duo Wallace and Gromit set out to capture a giant vegetable-eating “were-rabbit” that’s terrorizing their town.
Full of clever humor, quirky characters, and fun visuals, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is both thrilling and funny.
The movie’s mild suspense is perfect for kids, with plenty of slapstick moments and heartwarming scenes that make it a great family-friendly Halloween pick.
20. Spirited Away (2001)
This enchanting Japanese animated film from Studio Ghibli tells the story of a young girl named Chihiro who stumbles into a magical, mysterious world filled with spirits, witches, and magical creatures.
While Spirited Away has some eerie moments, it’s more whimsical than scary.
The movie is visually stunning, with imaginative characters and a heartfelt story about bravery, kindness, and friendship.
It’s a beautiful film that’s perfect for older kids and families.
Meet Vance. He’s a proud dad, a seasoned Electronics Engineer, and an avid tech lover. His proficiency in electronics and troubleshooting skills were instrumental in crafting Pointer Clicker. Vance is passionate about simplifying tech for those who aren’t well-versed in it.