As Halloween approaches, the allure of spooky entertainment fills the air, but not everyone wants a fright-fest. For families with kids, finding Halloween-themed movies that strike the right balance between fun and spooky can be a challenge. That’s where these family-friendly Halloween movies come to the rescue, offering not-so-scary thrills suitable for all ages.
‘Hocus Pocus’ – In this Halloween-themed fantasy-comedy, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star as the resurrected Sanderson sisters, 17th-century Salem witches. A cult classic that’s perfect for the season.
‘Beetlejuice’ – Say his name three times, but beware of the afterlife’s kooky pitfalls. Directed by Tim Burton, this film features a stellar cast and quirky humor that’s perfect for family viewing.
‘Don’t Look Under the Bed’ – A 1999 Disney Channel original movie, this film tells the story of teenager Frances, who must enlist the help of her brother’s imaginary friend to defeat the Boogeyman and save her town. A thrilling choice for young viewers.
‘The Addams Family’ – Based on the classic sitcom, this quirky gem stars Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston as Gomez and Morticia Addams. Their unconventional family finds suburban life challenging in a comical way.
‘Halloweentown’ – Follow Marnie and her family of witches and warlocks as they use their powers to protect the magical world from evil forces. This Disney Channel original movie is a delightful Halloween adventure.
‘Ghostbusters’ – Who you gonna call? These four scientists take on ghosts and the apocalypse in this 1984 comedy classic. Catchy theme song included.
‘Twitches’ – Starring Tia and Tamera Mowry as twin witches, this Disney Channel movie follows their journey to save their magical world. Perfect for fans of supernatural adventures.
‘The Haunted Mansion’ – Based on the Disney theme park attraction, this 2003 comedy is a fun romp as a family moves into a house already inhabited by 999 ghosts. A remake is set for 2023.
‘Casper’ – Casper the Friendly Ghost befriends a young girl in this heartwarming tale. It’s a spooky story with a friendly twist.
‘Gremlins’ – This 1984 film teaches kids about the importance of following rules when a cute Mogwai turns into ferocious green monsters. Proper pet care, anyone?
‘Monster Squad’ – A group of misfits takes on Dracula and his cronies in this 1987 comedy. A blend of humor and adventure, it’s a true ’80s classic.
‘ParaNorman’ – A stop-motion animated film, this 2012 adventure follows a young boy with the ability to communicate with the dead. When an evil witch threatens, mayhem and laughter ensue.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ – Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas one? This stop-motion classic by Tim Burton and Henry Selick blurs the lines and tells the story of Jack Skellington’s obsession with Christmas.
‘Monsters, Inc.’ – Follow the hilarious adventures of Mike Wazowski and Sulley as they navigate the monster world powered by children’s screams. A Pixar gem suitable for all ages.
‘Hotel Transylvania’ – Dracula runs a hotel for monsters, but when a human stumbles in, chaos and hilarity ensue. This animated romp is a spooktacular family choice.
‘Coraline’ – A dark and whimsical tale based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, it’s a stop-motion animated film that’s technically impressive and a little eerie.
‘Frankenweenie’ – Tim Burton puts a lighthearted spin on Frankenstein in this 2012 stop-motion film about a boy who brings his pet dog back to life.
‘The Corpse Bride’ – Another Tim Burton creation, this 2005 stop-motion film tells the tale of a couple’s unconventional love story, even in the afterlife.
‘Monster House’ – Three kids investigate a spooky house in their neighborhood, leading to a well-crafted storyline and plenty of adventure.
‘The Witches’ – Based on Roald Dahl’s book, this 1990 film features Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch and her plan to turn England’s children into mice. A thrilling adventure for all ages.
These family-friendly Halloween movies offer a perfect blend of spookiness and fun, making them ideal choices for family movie nights during the spooky season. Whether it’s witches, ghosts, or monsters, these films provide a delightful and not-so-scary Halloween experience for everyone to enjoy.
