15 Halloween Movies That Have Become Family Traditions
Halloween is a time for family fun, and what better way to celebrate than with classic movies that have become traditions in many households. From spooky adventures to heartwarming tales, these films bring families together each year to enjoy the magic of the season. Whether you’re looking for a mix of thrills, laughs, or nostalgia, these movies offer something for everyone.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus is a Halloween favorite that has become a beloved family tradition for countless households. The story follows three witches, the Sanderson sisters, who are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem. The trio’s chaotic antics and quest to steal children’s souls are balanced with comedic moments, making it perfect for all ages. Its combination of spooky elements and humor allows families to enjoy the thrills of Halloween without being too scary for younger viewers.
Over time, Hocus Pocus has evolved from a cult classic to a mainstream Halloween tradition. The film’s nostalgic appeal is undeniable, especially for those who grew up watching it on TV. The catchy songs, memorable quotes, and quirky characters, including Bette Midler’s iconic portrayal of Winifred, have cemented this movie as a yearly must-watch. For many, watching Hocus Pocus is not just a movie night, but a full-on ritual to kick off the spooky season.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stunning blend of spooky and festive, earning its place as a Halloween favorite. The stop-motion animation creates a visually captivating world where Halloween and Christmas collide. The story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, is one that families can enjoy not only during Halloween but also throughout the holiday season. Its unique premise, creative characters, and hauntingly beautiful music make it a standout in the holiday movie genre.
What sets The Nightmare Before Christmas apart is its ability to transcend the typical Halloween film. While it starts with a Halloween theme, it gracefully transitions into a Christmas tale, making it versatile for multiple holidays. The film’s dark yet whimsical atmosphere, combined with its unforgettable songs, has made it a family favorite for years. Whether it’s the eerie charm of the characters or the deep emotional core, this movie continues to inspire families to gather around each year.
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters has become a Halloween tradition for many families because it blends comedy, action, and a little bit of spooky fun. The movie follows a group of eccentric scientists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. The film’s mix of lighthearted humor and supernatural thrills makes it an easy choice for family viewing. With memorable characters like Bill Murray’s wisecracking Peter Venkman and the iconic Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, it’s a film that delivers on both laughs and chills.
What makes Ghostbusters especially appealing as a Halloween movie is its fun, approachable take on ghost stories. It’s not too scary for kids, but it still captures the spooky atmosphere of Halloween with its spectral antagonists. The catchy theme song, “Who you gonna call?”, has become ingrained in popular culture, further solidifying the film’s spot as a family favorite during the spooky season. Watching Ghostbusters is the perfect way for families to enjoy a Halloween movie without the intense scares.
The Addams Family
The quirky, spooky, and ever-so-slightly macabre The Addams Family is another Halloween classic that has become a family tradition. The film introduces the oddball Addams family, who thrive on all things dark and creepy. With characters like Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, and Uncle Fester, the movie blends dark humor with family dynamics. Its unique brand of humor and over-the-top characters make it perfect for a lighthearted Halloween movie night.
For families, The Addams Family offers the perfect balance of spooky and family-friendly content. The dark humor appeals to adults, while the strange antics of the family members delight younger viewers. Its offbeat charm and memorable characters make it a staple of many people’s Halloween celebrations. The movie’s emphasis on family loyalty, no matter how unusual, adds a heartfelt layer to the spooky fun.
Casper
The friendly ghost Casper has charmed families for generations. In this 1995 live-action adaptation, a young girl named Kat befriends the kind-hearted ghost Casper, who lives in a haunted house with his mischievous uncles. The movie features lighthearted scares and sweet moments of friendship, making it suitable for children. Its blend of humor and heartfelt moments creates an engaging experience for the whole family during Halloween.
The film has been a favorite for many due to its gentle approach to the supernatural. While the premise revolves around ghosts, Casper is all about positive relationships, and its underlying message of kindness and understanding makes it a family-friendly choice. The special effects, particularly for the time, still hold up, making it an enjoyable watch even years after its release. Families can appreciate both the spookiness and the sweetness of the film as they come together to celebrate Halloween.
Hotel Transylvania
Hotel Transylvania brings a fresh, animated spin to the Halloween season with its fun portrayal of classic monsters. The story takes place in a hotel run by Dracula, who welcomes other monsters to escape the human world. The film’s unique premise, filled with fun, quirky characters and vibrant animation, makes it appealing to both kids and adults. It offers a lighthearted take on horror themes and gives audiences a chance to laugh rather than be frightened.
The Hotel Transylvania series has become a modern Halloween tradition because of its charming characters, such as the lovable and overprotective Dracula, voiced by Adam Sandler. Its humor, vibrant color palette, and catchy soundtrack create an enjoyable, whimsical experience. The film’s focus on family and the importance of love and acceptance is a key element that resonates with viewers. Whether it’s the spooky setting or the heartwarming moments, Hotel Transylvania makes for a perfect Halloween movie for the whole family.
Coraline
Coraline is a beautifully animated film that combines eerie and enchanting elements to create a truly unique Halloween experience. The story follows Coraline, a young girl who discovers an alternate universe that seems perfect at first but soon reveals its sinister secrets. The dark, atmospheric tone, coupled with the film’s stunning visuals, makes it a standout choice for families looking for a spooky yet mesmerizing movie night.
The movie’s eerie, otherworldly themes and its slightly darker tone make Coraline a perfect choice for families who want something a little different for Halloween. Though the film delves into darker territory, it’s still accessible to older children and adults. The movie’s fantastical elements and its exploration of bravery and family make it a memorable Halloween watch. The eerie “Other Mother” and her creepy button eyes create a chilling atmosphere that adds to the film’s appeal.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, making it a perfect addition to any Halloween tradition. The classic Peanuts special follows Charlie Brown and his friends as they prepare for Halloween, with Linus waiting for the elusive Great Pumpkin to appear. The special’s timeless themes of friendship, hope, and mischief are universally loved, making it a great choice for families.
The simplicity of the animation and the familiar characters from the Peanuts gang make this special a heartwarming Halloween favorite. Though it is shorter than many other films, its charm and the innocent optimism of Linus make it a must-watch. The Halloween elements are light and fun, without being too spooky for younger viewers, making it a fantastic option for families with young children. Watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown has become an annual tradition for families who enjoy the classic charm of the Peanuts characters.
Beetlejuice
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a Halloween favorite that blends supernatural humor with a quirky storyline. The film tells the story of a recently deceased couple who hire a mischievous and eccentric bio-exorcist to help them get rid of their new living tenants. With its dark humor, colorful characters, and zany antics, it’s a perfect choice for families who want something offbeat yet fun for Halloween.
The film’s strange mix of the macabre and the comedic makes it stand out as a Halloween movie for older kids and adults. Beetlejuice has an unmistakable style, with Burton’s signature visual flair and unforgettable characters. While the movie leans into the supernatural, its playful spirit and offbeat comedy make it a great choice for families who enjoy a little spooky fun without getting too scared. Its memorable quotes and outrageous antics have made it a Halloween classic.
Scooby-Doo!
The Scooby-Doo franchise has been entertaining families for generations, and its Halloween specials are no exception. The lovable Scooby-Doo and his gang of mystery-solvers often find themselves facing ghosts, ghouls, and other spooky creatures. The combination of suspense, humor, and mild thrills makes Scooby-Doo! an excellent choice for family movie nights during the Halloween season.
What makes Scooby-Doo! especially perfect for Halloween is its balance between lighthearted fun and creepy mystery. Each episode or movie allows kids and adults to join in on the mystery-solving while enjoying the fun antics of Scooby and Shaggy. The franchise has become a Halloween tradition for many families due to its playful nature and the timeless appeal of its characters. Watching Scooby and the gang unmask villains remains a favorite way to celebrate Halloween.
Halloweentown
Halloweentown is a Disney Channel classic that has become a Halloween tradition for many families. The film follows Marnie, a young girl who discovers that her family is filled with witches, and her journey to a magical town full of supernatural creatures. The film is whimsical yet filled with just the right amount of spooky moments, making it a great fit for younger viewers during the Halloween season.
The film’s fun premise, charming characters, and lighthearted magic make Halloweentown a perfect family-friendly Halloween movie. Its blend of fantasy and Halloween themes provides the ideal backdrop for a movie night. The movie’s lasting popularity has led to sequels, making it a franchise that continues to be enjoyed by families year after year. For those who love a little magic with their Halloween festivities, Halloweentown is the perfect pick.
The Haunted Mansion
Based on the Disney theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion offers a spooky, comedic ride through a haunted house full of eccentric characters. The film stars Eddie Murphy as a realtor who, along with his family, gets trapped in a mysterious mansion. The movie’s blend of mystery, comedy, and light scares makes it an excellent choice for families looking for a fun Halloween movie.
The Haunted Mansion has a charming, spooky atmosphere that appeals to children and adults alike. The mansion itself, with its creepy corridors and ghostly inhabitants, provides the perfect setting for Halloween fun. While it has some eerie moments, the overall tone is humorous and adventurous. The film’s whimsical take on the haunted house theme ensures it remains a family favorite every October.
Frankenweenie
Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie is a stop-motion animated film that brings a unique twist to the classic Frankenstein story. The movie follows a young boy who reanimates his pet dog, leading to unintended consequences. The film’s gothic atmosphere, quirky characters, and emotional depth make it a great choice for families looking for a spooky but heartwarming Halloween movie.
Though Frankenweenie deals with darker themes, its whimsical nature and Burton’s signature style make it suitable for older children. The movie’s emotional core, focused on love, loss, and friendship, gives it a deeper resonance that families can appreciate. Its unique visual style, combined with its touching story, makes Frankenweenie a standout Halloween film that continues to captivate audiences.
The Witches
Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, The Witches brings a fantastical and creepy story to life. The movie follows a young boy who encounters a group of witches planning to turn all children into mice. The film’s dark humor, combined with the witches’ eerie powers and creepy disguises, makes it a thrilling Halloween choice.
The Witches is full of quirky characters and suspenseful moments that keep audiences on edge. Though it’s definitely on the spooky side, the film’s lighthearted moments and quirky witches balance the darker elements. It’s a great choice for families with older children who can handle a little extra fright. The movie’s strange world and memorable villains make it a Halloween favorite.
The Monster Squad
The Monster Squad is a cult classic that brings together a group of kids who must save their town from classic movie monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman. The film balances action, humor, and horror, making it an ideal Halloween movie for families with older kids. The movie’s combination of spooky creatures and adventure makes it a fun watch for anyone looking for a lighthearted monster movie.
While the film’s monsters are familiar, The Monster Squad gives them a fresh twist, allowing kids to outwit and defeat them. The film’s 80s charm, with its playful dialogue and fun action scenes, makes it a great nostalgic choice for adults while still being engaging for younger viewers. The teamwork and bravery displayed by the kids in the movie provide a great message for viewers. It’s a great movie to watch with older children who enjoy monster-themed fun.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.