13 Family-Friendly Halloween Movies Kids Can Enjoy

Looking for the perfect Halloween movies that are fun for the whole family? Whether you’re into classic films, animated adventures, or spooky tales with a twist, there are plenty of kid-friendly options to make your Halloween movie night special. These films are just the right mix of spooky fun and heartwarming moments, ensuring a great time for children of all ages. Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to enjoy some unforgettable Halloween classics.

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Hocus Pocus

“Hocus Pocus” is a Halloween classic that has remained a favorite among families since its release in 1993. The film follows three witches, the Sanderson Sisters, who are resurrected by a group of kids in Salem on Halloween night. As they wreak havoc with their mischievous spells, the children must find a way to stop the witches before they can drain the life force of the town’s children. The movie offers a delightful mix of humor, magic, and spooky moments, making it the perfect family-friendly Halloween watch.

The strong performances from Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the witches elevate the film, giving it memorable charm and humor that both kids and adults enjoy. The whimsical storyline is filled with fun adventures, and the catchy musical numbers, like “I Put a Spell on You,” are a big hit with younger audiences. “Hocus Pocus” is not too frightening, so it’s ideal for kids who want a Halloween film with a little magic and mischief but without being too scary.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a stop-motion animated film that seamlessly blends Halloween and Christmas, making it a year-round favorite. The story follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes fascinated by the idea of taking over Christmas. His attempts to bring Christmas to his spooky world result in hilarious and heartwarming consequences. The mix of spooky and festive elements, paired with Burton’s signature dark style, makes this a perfect movie for families looking to enjoy a unique Halloween adventure.

What makes “The Nightmare Before Christmas” stand out is its timeless animation and unforgettable songs, including “This Is Halloween” and “What’s This?” The hauntingly beautiful visuals, combined with Danny Elfman’s iconic score, create a world that is as visually stunning as it is fun. Although it has some eerie elements, it is more whimsical than scary, which makes it a hit for kids of all ages. This movie has become a holiday favorite, offering a wonderful blend of spooky charm and heartwarming themes.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a delightful Halloween special based on the beloved Peanuts characters created by Charles Schulz. In this 1966 classic, Charlie Brown and his friends celebrate Halloween in their usual quirky way, with Charlie Brown struggling to find a good costume and Linus waiting for the elusive Great Pumpkin to appear. The charm of this special lies in its simple, heartfelt storytelling, with its focus on friendship, kindness, and the excitement of Halloween traditions.

The special’s gentle tone makes it a great choice for younger viewers, with a story that emphasizes the spirit of Halloween rather than the spooky side of the holiday. The animation is timeless, and the characters, like Snoopy in his World War I flying ace costume, bring a sense of whimsy and nostalgia. It’s the perfect Halloween movie for families looking for a sweet, classic experience that kids will love watching year after year.

Hotel Transylvania

“Hotel Transylvania” is a fun and quirky animated film that brings together classic monster characters in, fresh and humorous way. The movie centers around Dracula, who runs a hotel catering exclusively to monsters to keep them safe from humans. When his daughter Mavis decides to leave the hotel to explore the world, Dracula must protect her from a human who stumbles into their world. The movie features hilarious moments, lovable characters, and a lighthearted take on monster mythology that is perfect for younger audiences.

What sets “Hotel Transylvania” apart is its mix of slapstick humor and heartfelt moments about family and acceptance. The colorful animation and catchy music add to the film’s charm, making it an entertaining Halloween movie that doesn’t rely on scares. With a voice cast that includes Adam Sandler and Selena Gomez, the movie offers humor for both kids and adults. It’s an excellent choice for a family movie night during the Halloween season.

The Addams Family (2019)

The animated version of “The Addams Family” (2019) introduces a new generation to this delightfully spooky family. The movie follows Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, and the rest of the Addams clan as they move into a new home in a suburban neighborhood. As they try to fit in, they face the challenges of being true to their eerie nature while dealing with a suspicious reality TV host. The film’s humor, quirky characters, and unique take on family values make it a great Halloween movie for kids who enjoy a little spooky fun.

The movie is filled with quirky and endearing moments, with each member of the Addams family contributing to the humor and weirdness. The animation style is bright and colorful, contrasting with the dark and macabre theme of the family’s lifestyle. While it has some eerie moments, the film is not overly scary, making it ideal for younger viewers who can enjoy the spooky atmosphere without being frightened. “The Addams Family” is a fun, family-friendly movie that balances dark humor with a heartwarming message about embracing individuality.

Halloweentown

“Halloweentown” is a Disney Channel classic that has captured the imaginations of kids since its release in 1998. The movie tells the story of Marnie, a young girl who discovers that she comes from a family of witches. When her grandmother, who lives in Halloweentown, invites her to visit, Marnie uncovers the magical world of witches, warlocks, and other supernatural creatures. The film is filled with adventure, magical creatures, and a sense of mystery, making it a perfect family film for Halloween.

The charm of “Halloweentown” lies in its whimsical setting and the strong family bond that it highlights. While there is some mild suspense and magic, the film is lighthearted enough to be suitable for younger viewers. The relatable characters and simple yet engaging plot keep kids entertained, while the fun mix of magic and Halloween spirit offers a perfect balance of thrills and fun. It’s an excellent choice for families looking for a Halloween movie with a bit of fantasy and adventure.

Casper

“Casper” is a heartwarming and slightly spooky film about a friendly ghost who wants to make friends with the living. Released in 1995, this live-action/CGI hybrid movie tells the story of a young girl named Kat, who moves into a haunted mansion with her father. When they meet Casper, the ghost who haunts the mansion, they form an unlikely friendship. The film combines humor, gentle spookiness, and a message about friendship and acceptance, making it ideal for younger kids who might not enjoy more frightening films.

The film’s blend of live-action and CGI is impressive, and the character of Casper is endearing as he tries to navigate life as a ghost. The movie is filled with lighthearted moments, funny ghost antics, and sweet scenes of friendship. While there are some slightly spooky elements, the overall tone of “Casper” is warm and welcoming, making it a great choice for a family movie night during Halloween. The film’s emphasis on kindness and understanding adds a positive message that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Monsters, Inc.

“Monsters, Inc.” is an animated film from Pixar that offers a creative twist on the world of monsters. The story takes place in a world where monsters generate power by scaring children, but they are also terrified of the children themselves. The film focuses on two monsters, Mike and Sulley, who accidentally bring a human child into their world and must find a way to get her back home. The film’s clever plot, lovable characters, and humorous take on monsters make it a fun, lighthearted Halloween movie for families.

The movie is full of humor and heart, with themes about overcoming fear, friendship, and the importance of laughter. While there are plenty of spooky elements in the world of monsters, the tone is far more playful and comedic than scary. The animation is bright and colorful, and the film’s memorable characters, like the lovable Sulley and mischievous Mike, make it a hit for kids. “Monsters, Inc.” is a perfect Halloween movie for families who want something that’s both fun and not too spooky.

Frankenweenie

Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie” is an animated film that takes a unique approach to the classic Frankenstein story. The film follows a young boy named Victor who, after losing his pet dog Sparky, brings him back to life. However, Victor’s attempt at reanimation leads to unexpected consequences, as other pets in the neighborhood are brought back to life as well. With Burton’s signature dark humor and charming animation, “Frankenweenie” is a quirky and heartfelt Halloween movie for families.

The film’s black-and-white animation adds to its eerie atmosphere, while the story itself is filled with both laughs and heart. It offers a more emotional take on Halloween themes, blending spooky elements with a message about love and the bond between a boy and his dog. While it has some mild creepy moments, the film is not too frightening for kids. “Frankenweenie” is a great choice for families who want to enjoy a spooky, yet endearing Halloween film.

Coraline

“Coraline” is a dark fantasy film based on the book by Neil Gaiman, and while it has some eerie moments, it’s a perfect choice for older kids who can handle a bit of scarier content. The movie follows Coraline, a young girl who discovers a parallel world where everything seems perfect at first, but quickly becomes twisted and dangerous. With its visually stunning stop-motion animation and chilling atmosphere, “Coraline” is a beautifully crafted Halloween movie that mixes suspense with fantasy.

The film’s dark themes and the concept of the “Other Mother” create a sense of tension and unease, making it more suitable for children who enjoy a little bit of spooky intrigue. The visuals are stunning, and the story’s depth adds an element of mystery that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Though it is a bit darker than typical family-friendly Halloween movies, “Coraline” offers a unique experience for kids who enjoy a good adventure with a hint of mystery and a touch of fright.

Beetlejuice

“Beetlejuice” is a Tim Burton classic that blends dark humor, quirky characters, and supernatural chaos. The movie follows a recently deceased couple who enlist the help of a mischievous and eccentric bio-exorcist, Beetlejuice, to scare away the new living inhabitants of their home. The film’s humor is offbeat and often bizarre, with memorable performances from Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice and Winona Ryder as the goth teen Lydia. It’s a delightful Halloween film for families who appreciate Burton’s unique style.

Although “Beetlejuice” features some spooky elements, the film is more funny and weird than genuinely scary. Its eccentric characters, bizarre scenarios, and memorable lines make it a cult classic that has been loved by audiences for decades. The film offers a perfect mix of spooky atmosphere and slapstick humor, making it a great choice for families looking for a lighthearted Halloween movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

The Witches (1990)

“The Witches” is a darkly whimsical film based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book. The movie follows a young boy who encounters a group of witches led by the Grand High Witch, who are plotting to turn all the children in the world into mice. The film has a slightly darker tone, with some genuinely creepy moments, but it also offers a sense of adventure and fantasy that makes it a great choice for older kids. With its eccentric characters and magical elements, “The Witches” is a Halloween classic with a unique twist.

The movie’s blend of spooky moments and dark humor makes it both thrilling and fun for kids who enjoy a bit of suspense. Angelica Huston’s portrayal of the Grand High Witch is both menacing and fascinating, adding to the film’s charm. While it has some frightening moments, the overall tone is whimsical and adventurous, making it perfect for Halloween season viewing.

ParaNorman

“ParaNorman” is an animated film that follows a young boy named Norman who can see and speak to ghosts. When his town is threatened by an ancient curse, Norman must use his abilities to save the day. The film has a perfect mix of spooky and funny, with quirky characters and a heartfelt story about courage and family. Its unique animation style and dark humor make it a great Halloween movie that’s not too scary but still spooky enough for kids.

The film’s vibrant animation, combined with its clever story, makes it stand out as a family-friendly Halloween movie. While it has some creepy moments, it also delivers an important message about acceptance and bravery. The characters are relatable, and the film’s humor makes it an enjoyable watch for both children and adults alike. “ParaNorman” is a fantastic Halloween film for families looking for something a bit different, with plenty of humor and spooky charm.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.