Top 20 Family Halloween Movies
What to watch with children on Halloween? Of course, they should be horror films, but not the kind that will keep kids awake at night, just "scary enough."
We have prepared a list of the best movies for Halloween for children that you can watch with the whole family. So, the spooky costumes are on, the candies are ready - it's time to start a spooky movie!
1. Cruella (2021) 12+
Disney
Cruella is not exactly a Halloween movie, there are no scary goblins, vampires, or witches. But it carries a gothic Halloween atmosphere and amazing steampunk-style characters. If you delve into the events that turned Estella into Cruella, you'll understand how she became one of Disney's greatest villains. Some scenes might be intense, so this film is suitable for children above 12 years old.
2. The Witches (2020) 12+
Warner Bros.
Kids (mice) versus witches, but who will win? This is the latest adaptation of Roald Dahl's 1983 children's novel "The Witches." The vivid and genuine witches will surely captivate and slightly scare young viewers.
3. The Addams Family (2019) 0+
United Artists Releasing
They are creepy and quirky, yet very fun. This animated version of the Addams clan is reminiscent of Charles Addams' old cartoons, which have always been considered the most atmospheric.
4. Coco (2017) 12+
Pixar, Disney
Ambitious musician Miguel, facing his family's music ban, ends up in the Land of the Dead to find his legendary singer great-great-grandfather. "Coco" is about family, connecting with loved ones, and fulfilling one's dreams.
5. A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting (2020) 10+
Netflix
This movie claims there's a secret society of babysitters who fight off monsters threatening their charges. The most interesting part? It all happens on Halloween night!
6. The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) 12+
Quantrell Colbert
This film, based on the wonderful novel by John Bellairs, tells the story of a young orphan who goes to live with his eccentric uncle. The boy is drawn into a world of witches, warlocks, and historical battles. But the boy has two magical guardians, so he must overcome all obstacles.
7. Super Monsters Save Halloween (2018) 0+
Netflix
Suitable for the youngest Halloween enthusiasts. This 24-minute special episode of Super Monsters vividly shows preschoolers that most fears are mostly imaginary. The characters explain the secrets behind haunted houses and spooky decorations, making them no longer seem so terrifying.
8. Toy Story of Terror (2014) 6+
Pixar, Disney
When Mr. Potato Head goes missing at a roadside motel, Woody and the other toys embark on a spooky and mysterious adventure to find their friend. This film is filled with warmth, humor, fun references, and jokes in the best Pixar traditions.
9. Room on the Broom (2013) 0+
Netflix
In this short film, the main character is a witch. But she's not scary at all: she's cheerful, positive, and kind to the animals who constantly ask for a ride on her broom. This animation is so good that it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
10. Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
This film is a nostalgic throwback to the times when the Olsen twins were superstars. And in this cute Halloween movie, they are just as good. Plot: A family business is failing, and the family is at risk of losing their home, but the twins are willing to use magic to save it.
11. Monster House (2006) 12+
Disney
This charming film is about three friends who discover that their neighbor's house is a living, breathing monster. The kids must figure out how to stop the monster house before the whole neighborhood is in danger.
12. ParaNorman (2012) 12+
Norman Babcock has a mysterious ability to speak to the dead - a skill that comes in handy when solving a world-threatening mystery.
13. Casper (1995) 6+
Amazon
A psychotherapist and his daughter befriend a friendly young ghost named Casper when they move into a partially abandoned mansion. Together, they try to rid the house of evil spirits.
14. Goosebumps (2015) 9+
Upset about moving from a big city to a small town, young Zach Cooper meets his new neighbor Hannah. The teenager is surprised to learn that Hannah's mysterious father is R.L. Stine, the famous author of the "Goosebumps" bestsellers. When Zach accidentally releases monsters from fantastical tales, Stine, his daughter, and Zach must return the monsters to the books where they belong.
15. Scared Shrekless (2010) 6+
When Shrek and his gang learn they have to spend the night in Lord Farquaad's haunted castle, chaos ensues - it's scary and fun at the same time.
16. Hotel Transylvania (2012) 6+
Sony Pictures
Funny, playful, and of course, spooky animated film for Halloween. Hotel Transylvania is a great way to introduce kids to classic monsters. The great Dracula runs a hotel exclusively for monsters. Various creatures find refuge here away from humans, until a young man sneaks in and falls in love with the count's daughter.
17. Hocus Pocus (1993) 6+
Disney
It's easy to see why this family film has stood the test of time - the central trio of witches is irresistible and charming.
18. The Haunted Mansion (2003) 12+
Walt Disney Pictures
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a real estate agent who ends up in a world of grim ghosts. The Haunted Mansion is a fun yet spooky Disney attraction turned into a movie, taking you on a journey from a haunted house to 999 happy haunts!
19. Coraline (2009) 6+
Laika
This eerie film teaches kids to be cautious about their desires. A girl named Coraline discovers a spooky secret in a parallel universe where an alternate version of her family lures her with big promises. But this seemingly better reality turns out to be more dangerous than expected.
20. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019) 16+
Lionsgate
Based on childhood horror tales, this film follows a group of kids who must explore many local legends before the legends overcome them. This film is much darker than many others on our list - it's suitable for older kids.
