14 Halloween Movies That Families Watch Every October
As the leaves turn and the days get shorter, it’s the perfect time to watch Halloween movies with your loved ones. Some films are so memorable that families return to them every October. These movies bring out the fun and spookiness of the season. From thrilling adventures to cozy family moments, there’s a perfect pick for every viewer. So, light a pumpkin-scented candle, snuggle up, and get ready to watch these Halloween favorites.
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Hocus Pocus
Released in 1993, Hocus Pocus quickly became a Halloween favorite for families. The story follows three witches, the Sanderson sisters, who are accidentally resurrected by a young boy in modern-day Salem. This family-friendly comedy mixes magical adventure with humorous moments, making it a perfect watch for Halloween. Its lighthearted plot, along with memorable characters, has made it a staple for annual Halloween viewing. With a mix of spooks and laughs, it’s ideal for families seeking a magical Halloween experience.
Each year, Hocus Pocus captures the fun and whimsy of the season. Its charming blend of mischief, family unity, and the whimsical world of witches offers something for both kids and adults. The movie is filled with iconic quotes and scenes, which have become part of Halloween tradition. With its appeal across generations, it remains a go-to pick every October. Whether watching for the first time or the tenth, Hocus Pocus brings fun and nostalgia to Halloween night.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Released in 1993, The Nightmare Before Christmas offers a unique twist on Halloween and Christmas. The story follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who accidentally discovers Christmas Town and decides to bring the holiday to Halloween Town. The film’s stop-motion animation and memorable soundtrack set it apart as a visually stunning and musically captivating Halloween classic. It’s not just a Halloween movie but a blend of two beloved holidays, making it a great family choice for the season. The charming characters and enchanting story make it perfect for families of all ages.
This film has become a timeless Halloween tradition thanks to its whimsical yet slightly eerie atmosphere. While it offers enough spookiness to feel festive, it also contains heartwarming moments that resonate with audiences. The Nightmare Before Christmas‘s vibrant, imaginative world invites families to experience both spooky and joyful elements. It’s a favorite for both Halloween and Christmas, offering versatility for holiday viewing. Watching it each October is a tradition that never grows old.
Halloweentown
First aired in 1998, Halloweentown became an instant hit on the Disney Channel. The movie follows Marnie Piper, a young girl who learns that she comes from a magical family living in a town full of creatures and witches. As she discovers more about her heritage, she must stop a dark force from taking over Halloweentown. This family film combines adventure and magic, making it an enjoyable watch for viewers of all ages. The magical town and quirky characters create a whimsical atmosphere that is perfect for Halloween.
What makes Halloweentown so special is its enchanting blend of magic, mystery, and family values. It stands out as a Halloween movie that is both lighthearted and full of excitement, making it a perfect pick for kids and adults. The film has since spawned several sequels, solidifying its place as a Halloween favorite. The charming storyline and relatable characters have made it a beloved movie for families every October. Its family-oriented themes of bravery and unity continue to resonate with audiences year after year.
Casper
Casper, released in 1995, is a family-friendly ghost story that features the friendly ghost of Casper. The movie tells the tale of a young girl who moves into a haunted mansion and befriends Casper, who is trying to find peace with his past. The film blends humor with spooky elements, making it perfect for a light Halloween experience. Its heartwarming message about friendship and kindness makes it a great choice for family viewing. The special effects and lovable characters make this a go-to Halloween movie for all ages.
While Casper has its share of spooky moments, it’s the film’s warmth and kindness that make it stand out. Unlike many other Halloween films, it focuses on positive themes such as acceptance and understanding. Its mix of fun, humor, and heart ensures it is enjoyable for both young children and adults. Every October, Casper remains a reliable choice for families who want a Halloween movie that’s more sweet than scary. Its timeless appeal continues to make it a family favorite.
Monster Family
Monster Family, released in 2017, follows the Wishbone family as they are cursed and transformed into various monsters after attending a costume party. They must work together to break the curse and return to their human forms. This animated movie combines humor, adventure, and a dash of Halloween spookiness, making it a great family movie. Its fun premise and vibrant animation make it a hit with children and adults alike. Monster Family brings together classic monster characters in a new and playful way, making it an exciting Halloween choice.
The charm of Monster Family lies in its ability to blend monster lore with heartwarming family dynamics. The monsters are depicted in a lighthearted, non-threatening manner, making them accessible to younger viewers. The film’s mix of adventure and family-friendly humor ensures that it’s a fun pick for Halloween. It also highlights the importance of family unity, which resonates with audiences looking for an uplifting Halloween movie. Watching Monster Family each October has become a new tradition for many families seeking a fun and lighthearted Halloween adventure.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
This classic 1966 animated TV special, based on Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip, is a staple of Halloween viewing for families. The story centers on Linus as he waits for the Great Pumpkin, while Charlie Brown and the gang enjoy their Halloween festivities. Its charming animation, simple storyline, and memorable characters make it a timeless favorite for all ages. This special blends humor with the spirit of Halloween, making it an easy choice for a family movie night. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season in a wholesome, lighthearted way.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown captures the innocence and fun of Halloween, offering a nostalgic experience for both kids and adults. Linus’s unwavering belief in the Great Pumpkin gives the film a whimsical, almost magical quality. The short but sweet storyline keeps things simple and enjoyable, making it perfect for young viewers. Its emotional warmth, combined with classic Halloween themes, makes it the perfect movie to watch every October. Its yearly airing has made it an iconic part of the Halloween season.
The Addams Family
Released in 1991, The Addams Family brings the quirky and darkly comedic characters from Charles Addams’ cartoons to life. The film follows the Addams family as they deal with the arrival of a long-lost relative who threatens their way of life. This spooky yet humorous movie is perfect for families looking for a Halloween movie with both laughs and a touch of spookiness. The film’s unique blend of dark humor and family dynamics makes it an enjoyable choice for Halloween night. The iconic characters of Gomez, Morticia, and Uncle Fester make it a classic.
What sets The Addams Family apart is its clever mix of macabre humor and heartwarming family moments. The film’s quirky characters, along with its fun and spooky atmosphere, make it a must-watch every October. Despite its dark tone, the family’s love for each other shines through, making it an ideal choice for family movie night. It’s a timeless Halloween film that continues to charm audiences of all ages. The film’s memorable performances and offbeat humor ensure it remains a fan favorite.
Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice, released in 1988, is a darkly comedic film directed by Tim Burton that has become a Halloween classic. The film tells the story of a recently deceased couple who enlist the help of the mischievous Beetlejuice to scare away the new living residents of their home. The film’s quirky characters and offbeat humor make it a fun and spookily entertaining choice for families. Its unique style, which blends the eerie with the humorous, has made it a go-to Halloween film for many. Beetlejuice remains one of Tim Burton’s most iconic films, adding to its appeal each October.
With its whimsical world of ghosts, ghouls, and outrageous antics, Beetlejuice stands out as a Halloween movie that’s both creepy and hilarious. The film’s eccentric characters, particularly the title character Beetlejuice, bring plenty of laughs without being too scary. Its memorable scenes and quirky style make it an enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages. The blend of spooky fun and quirky humor ensures that Beetlejuice remains a beloved choice each Halloween. Families love returning to this classic film every October for its mix of lighthearted thrills.
Coraline
Released in 2009, Coraline is a dark fantasy film based on Neil Gaiman’s novel. The story follows Coraline, a young girl who discovers a parallel world where everything seems perfect, but soon realizes the dark secrets behind it. The film’s eerie atmosphere, combined with its stop-motion animation, makes it a captivating Halloween pick. While it has some spooky moments, its focus on bravery and self-discovery makes it suitable for older children and families. Its unique animation style and haunting storyline make it an unforgettable Halloween experience.
Coraline stands out as a visually striking film with a strong storyline about courage and resilience. Its eerie, dreamlike quality creates a sense of mystery that’s perfect for the Halloween season. The darker themes and suspenseful moments make it an excellent choice for families with older children. The film’s intricate animation and fascinating world-building offer something unique for viewers seeking a Halloween movie that’s a little bit different. Coraline has become a Halloween favorite for families looking for a mix of adventure and spookiness.
Hotel Transylvania
Released in 2012, Hotel Transylvania offers a fun and lighthearted take on the classic monster genre. The movie is about Count Dracula, who runs a lavish hotel for monsters, where his daughter Mavis is about to celebrate her 118th birthday. The arrival of a human guest sets off a chain of events that leads to hilarious and heartwarming moments. This animated comedy is perfect for families who want a spooky but fun Halloween movie. Its humor and lovable characters make it a go-to pick every October.
What makes Hotel Transylvania such a hit is its charming characters and the family-friendly atmosphere. Dracula’s overprotectiveness toward his daughter adds humor, while the hotel setting allows for creative depictions of classic monsters. The film balances spooky elements with heartwarming moments, making it a great fit for family viewing. It’s the perfect movie for families who want a light Halloween experience without too many scares. Hotel Transylvania has become a modern Halloween favorite thanks to its funny and imaginative take on monster lore.
Frankenweenie
Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, released in 2012, is a stop-motion animated film that blends horror with humor in a way that’s perfect for Halloween. The story centers on a young boy named Victor who brings his dog Sparky back to life, leading to unexpected and eerie consequences. The film’s mix of spooky moments and heartwarming themes of love and loss makes it ideal for families. Its unique animation style and memorable characters add to its charm. Frankenweenie is a spooky yet sweet film that families can enjoy every October.
The film’s gothic style and quirky characters make it a visually captivating Halloween watch. Burton’s signature dark humor is balanced with a touching story of friendship and the consequences of tampering with nature. Though it has some spooky elements, the film remains accessible to families, especially those with older children. Frankenweenie brings together the charm of classic monster movies with a heartwarming, family-centered message. It’s the perfect film for families who enjoy Burton’s distinct style and a little spooky fun.
The Witches
The Witches, based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, was released in 1990 and remains a Halloween favorite. The story follows a young boy and his grandmother who must face off against a group of witches planning to turn all children into mice. The film mixes dark humor with moments of suspense, making it a thrilling yet accessible option for families. Its eerie atmosphere and unique characters keep audiences engaged from start to finish. The Witches offers just the right amount of spooky fun for Halloween.
What makes The Witches so memorable is its mix of suspense and humor, which makes it enjoyable for both kids and adults. The witches, led by the Grand High Witch, are both frightening and fascinating, providing just the right amount of spookiness. The film’s focus on bravery and teamwork resonates with viewers, making it a great choice for family viewing. It’s a perfect pick for families who love a little bit of a scare mixed with humor. The Witches continues to be a go-to film every Halloween season.
Addams Family Values
In Addams Family Values (1993), the spooky and eccentric Addams family is back for more oddball adventures. The film follows the family as they deal with a new addition to the family and the arrival of a devious new nanny. The humor and quirky charm of the Addams family make this a fun Halloween movie for families to enjoy together. With its delightful dark humor, it appeals to both kids and adults. It’s a perfect choice for a family Halloween movie marathon.
The film’s gothic humor and the lovable Addams family ensure it is an enduring Halloween classic. Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday, and Pugsley all shine in their comedic roles, creating a warm and humorous atmosphere. The fun mix of spooky themes and family dynamics makes it a go-to choice for many families. Its offbeat humor, alongside its spooky yet welcoming vibe, keeps it a Halloween favorite. Watching Addams Family Values each October has become a Halloween tradition for families around the world.
ParaNorman
ParaNorman, released in 2012, is a stop-motion animated film about a young boy named Norman who can see and speak to ghosts. When his town is threatened by a zombie uprising, Norman must use his special abilities to save everyone. This quirky yet spooky movie is ideal for families who enjoy Halloween films with a touch of humor. The film’s unique animation style and blend of spooky and funny moments make it a fun Halloween choice. ParaNorman offers just the right mix of adventure, spooks, and humor for families to enjoy together.
ParaNorman stands out because it combines spooky themes with heartwarming messages of courage and acceptance. Norman’s journey of embracing his abilities and helping others gives the film an uplifting tone. The quirky characters and stunning animation create a captivating experience for all ages. Though it has some creepy elements, the film is lighthearted enough for younger audiences to enjoy. ParaNorman remains a top pick for families seeking a Halloween film that’s both spooky and fun.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.