Halloween is just around the corner which means we should plan a lot of fun and spooky family-friendly activities to meet the excitement of our young ones. However, considering the situation with COVID-19 and the safety guidelines for Halloween provided by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we should prepare to celebrate this holiday a little differently this year.
While trick-or-treating and large gatherings might be canceled, pulling an all-nighter over the weekend while watching scary movies with the whole family and eating candy is safe and never goes out of style.
For this reason, we decided to select and share the 25 best Halloween movies for kids that will warm your heart, make you laugh, or give you a scare – all in the spirit of the upcoming holiday.
The 25 Best Halloween Movies for Kids
Halloween wouldn’t be what it is without spooky vampire, witches, or ghost stories. Our list of the 25 best Halloween movies for kids includes just that and more. Take your pick and enjoy an entertaining night with your whole family.
The Witches (2020)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 8.
A long-time family-favorite movie, the Witches (1990) gets a remake this year, featuring Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, and Stanley Tucci. The famous director Robert Zemeckis decided this iconic story deserves to be reimagined and retold with a new perspective – as a modern adaptation of Roald Dahl’s dark children’s book from 1983. Rumors have it that Dahl disliked the ending of the 1990’s movie version because it deviated from his book. We can expect the remake to follow the book’s events more closely.
Overall, the movie will follow the well-known plot – a little boy and his grandmother try to stop a group of witches who plan to turn all children into mice and then destroy them.
Scoob! (2020)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 7.
As one of the best Halloween movies for kids, the reboot of the classic cartoon franchise “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You” is another much-anticipated release this year. This time, the famous mystery-solving group is set to face one of the biggest mysteries ever – stopping a plan to unleash a ghost of a dog named Cerberus. The plot makes this movie a perfect choice for Halloween.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a talking dog and a group of curious kids who try to save the world? Best of all, the movie also delivers a rich story that explores Scooby’s life and his destiny.
Casper (1995)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 8.
It’s hard to imagine someone who hasn’t watched Casper, the friendly ghost, and we’re more than sure you’re familiar with it, but in case your kids aren’t, here’s a reminder that it’s time to watch it together.
Casper follows the story of an unusual friendship between a ghost and a little girl. The girl (Kat Harvey) meets the ghost after moving to live in a haunted mansion with her father, who’s a paranormal expert.
Critics have called this movie a “childhood trap” since it’s able to captivate children’s hearts with its artistic value, the relatable and loveable characters, and meaningful storyline.
Halloweentown (1998)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 9.
Just like Casper, Halloweentown is another classic from the ‘90s that deserves to be on the best Halloween movies for kids list. It’s created by Disney, starring Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, and Judith Hoag. This move is a major success since the audience seems to can’t get enough of it – making it relevant even today. While most Disney movies are chill and funny, this one goes way beyond that. Most people would describe it as logical, informative, and inspiring to kids.
The plot follows the story of a seemingly average family. When the kids’ grandmother comes to visit, she reveals that Marnie (one of the kids) is a witch, just like her grandmother, and should start witch-training. The family also goes through a series of adventures trying to help their grandmother save Halloweentown from evil forces.
Toy Story of Terror! (2013)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 6.
‘Toy Story’ was the first entirely computer-animated feature film and ultimately became iconic – known and watched by kids and adults worldwide. This is why it’s no surprise that Pixar featured a Halloween TV special, Toy Story of Terror!, based on the Toy Story films. If your child loves the Toy Story movies, we’re certain they’ll absolutely adore this one.
Toy Story of Terror! follows another adventure of Woody and the gang while they try to solve a mystery when members of the group suddenly start to disappear. Unlike the other Toy Story movies, this time, we see Jesse as the main protagonist who’ll try and save them from the monster.
The Addams Family (1991)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 10.
The Addams Family is definitely one of the best well-known dark comedies that has seen many adaptations through the years, although the 1991 version is probably the main culprit of the story’s success. It was originally created in 1938, by American cartoonist Charles Addams. Since then, it was adapted to other media including animated series and movies, but it received great critical acclaim after the 1990s revival.
The Addams Family is a funny and bizarre, deliciously sick, and home-sweet horrible movie, where we can see unusual, bizarre, and frightening family members, but still, identify with them and love them. As the creators made it, the movie represents a satirical inversion of the ideal 20th-century American family.
The Dog Who Saved Halloween (2011)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 5.
Suited for the youngest viewers, there’s not much to expect from the movie except sweet and loving characters who can entertain and make kids smile. If your child loves dogs and Halloween, then this movie will be right up your alley.
The storyline revolves around a family who moved into a new house right before Halloween. While they’re preparing to celebrate the holiday, they notice something strange in their neighbor’s house. They go to check it out and get stuck there, making the family’s dog the only one who can save them and Halloween.
Super Monsters Save Halloween (2018)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 3.
If you’re looking for safe Halloween movies for kids as young as three years old, then we recommend watching Super Monsters Save Halloween. Best of all, you can stream it right off Netflix.
This movie is visually stimulating and features colorful and innocent-looking monsters with special powers. The monsters are all regular preschool-age children who show their monster-like personality after dark. During Halloween, they use their powers to motivate their neighbors into celebrating Halloween and help a child get over their fear of this holiday.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 7.
Hotel Transylvania is yet another animated movie that both children and parents can enjoy together. Unlike many children’s movies who struggle to get good reviews, this family-comedy did better than expected.
The movie tells the story of Dracula as the owner of a high-end resort for monsters. He has a daughter who falls in love with a human, much to his dislike. Funny situations arise when he tries to stop his daughter from getting close to the human. However, the somewhat explicit humor and scary scenes (graveyards and dead characters) make this movie unsuitable for children under the age of 7.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 10.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a movie that appeals to young children who are new to the horror genre. The movie is spooky and has a lot of comic elements, making it just the right Halloween-themed, family-friendly film.
The story begins with a 10-year old boy who goes to live with his weird uncle in a creepy house. Inside the house, he hears a strange `tick-tock’ noise and soon learns that his uncle and his neighbor are wizards (magic practitioners). Adventures begin when Lewis (the boy) accidentally awakens dead witches, warlocks, werewolves, and deadly curses.
There’s a little controversy surrounding the age-appropriateness of the movie that we should address. While some parents say their children (10, 11, or 12 years old) enjoy and love the movie, others believe the movie should have an age-restriction 13+ (or even 16+).
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 8.
Goosebumps is a successful horror movie for children that follows the story of an author who writes about demons, after which they start coming to life. Taking inspiration from its predecessor, Goosebumps 2 tells the tale of two young boys who come across the author’s books and accidentally unleash monsters from an unpublished manuscript titled Haunted Halloween.
Just like the original Goosebumps, the second installment was received really well and people thought it was a wonderful balance between being scary and funny, without traumatizing children.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 9.
No list would ever be complete without the iconic Hocus Pocus. This movie still remains relevant today as it’s one of the most entertaining, goofy, and funny movies made about Halloween. There’s a good chance you have already watched it, but we’re sure you won’t mind watching it again with your kids.
The story is unique and follows the resurrection of three witches that were hanged 300 years in the past for practicing witchcraft. The new kid in town resurrects the witches during a full moon on All Hallows’ Eve, but that proves to be a mistake.
Coraline (2009)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 9.
Coraline is another critically acclaimed animated movie based on a novella with the same name by Neil Gaiman. The animated movie features Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher while being directed by Henry Selick – known for his amazing work on The Nightmare Before Christmas (another scary movie for kids that made our list).
Coraline is a story about a young girl who likes adventures and walks into a secret door in her new home, only to find out a world full of sinister secrets. While the movie is colorful and visually pleasing, it’s also very dark and disturbing. It will definitely scare young children, which is why it’s not suitable for kids under the age of 9.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 9.
Frankenweenie is yet another animated movie that falls in the supernatural horror slash comedy genre that appeals to children over the age of 9 of 10. This move has the power to make children laugh while still feeling emotional over its heartfelt, oddball story.
2012’s Frankenweenie is a remake of Burton’s 1984 short film with the same name and a parody of the movie Frankenstein (1931). It tells the story of a boy named Victor Frankenstein who uses electricity to bring his dog back to life.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 13.
One of the great Halloween movies for kids who are a bit older, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a horror film based on a children’s book series of the same name. This is a movie that features violence, disturbing images, strong language, and brief sexual references, while still managing to be bloodless.
The plot is set in 1968, on Halloween, when three friends bully Tommy Milner as a prank. As they run and hide from him they go to inspect a haunted house that once belonged to the wealthy Bellows family. Tommy locks them in the house, and while looking for an escape they find a book of horror stories and take it with them. Unfortunately, the stories come to life and endanger the kids’ lives.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 13.
The Spiderwick Chronicles is another movie for older children or teenagers as it features a lot of scary scenes when a family finds themselves surrounded by magical creatures. The story of the movie is based on a children’s book series by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.
If you decide to watch this movie your child will meet the Grace family children – tweens Simon and Jared, their older sister, Mallory, and a fantasy world of fairies that the children discover once they move into the Spiderwick Estate.
Gremlins (1984)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 11.
Another one of those classic Halloween movies for kids, Gremlins, along with Ghostbusters, represents a masterpiece that hasn’t lost the ability to still captivate the audience’s attention and frighten as much as entertain. The movie features many violent scenes and spoils the fact that Santa isn’t real, so you should definitely keep it away from children under the age of 7.
In case you’re not familiar with the storyline, Gremlins is a movie about a boy who receives a Mogwai (furry pet) as a present from his father. However, he doesn’t follow the basic rules of owning a Mogwai and the pet spawns evil offspring that multiply and wreak havoc on the town.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 11.
Just like Gremlins, Ghostbusters is an iconic old-timer that remains in the hearts of most people who’ve watched it. This is why we believe that your children will enjoy it too. And, in case you’ve missed it, then you’re in for a treat.
The story revolves around three scientists who lose their job and decide to form an institution called “Ghostbusters” to work in fighting evil ghosts lurking in New York City.
The Little Vampire (2000)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 8.
The Little Vampire is a movie about a boy who can’t make friends at his new school after he moves to a new country (Scotland) with his parents. After being bullied by his classmates, he meets Rudolph (vampire kids) with whom he becomes very close. However, Rudolph is in danger because a vampire hunter and Tony (the boy) must find the courage to help his new friend.
It’s an inspiring movie about true friendship and children will absolutely love it! No wonder it’s on the best Halloween movies for kids list.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 7.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (also known as Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas) is one of the highest achievements of director Henry Selick who recently shined in Coraline (2009).
The main character is Jack Skellington, a pumpkin king from Halloween Town who becomes bored with his job of annually frightening people in his town. He anciently discovers Christmastown and is immediately enchanted by the bright colors and happy atmosphere. This is when he decides to kidnap Santa and take over his role.
This movie is truly fantastic and a must-see for every family during the holidays as it’s stunningly original and manages to connect two of the most celebrated holidays in America.
Wallace&Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 8.
October is all about harvesting and preparing for winter, while Halloween is about dead souls who come to visit. Wallace&Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a movie that amazingly merges these two notions into an entertaining storyline for kids.
In this movie, Wallace and his dog, Gromit, are on a mission to track down the beast who destroyed some of the village’s best crops and vegetable gardens right before a big Vegetable Competition. The duo must find the beast and save the village.
The movie was extremely successful and won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, making it the second animated film, after Shrek, from DreamWorks Animation to with this award.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 12.
Beetlejuice is an unforgettable masterpiece that kids, as well as grownups, can enjoy equally. It features an amazing cast including Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Catherine O’Hara, and many others. It also follows a hilarious storyline about a deceased couple who can’t scare away a family that just moved into their old house. These two elements make Beetlejuice the iconic hit it is.
The success of the movie shouldn’t come as a surprise considering Tim Burton is the filmmaker behind it, Just in case you’re wondering, Tim Burton also created Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, and many other gothic fantasies, horror movies that have its own recognizable style.
The Monster Squad (1987)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 13.
This movie should appeal to teens, as well as adults, who are looking for an action-packed, scary movie for Halloween and still haven’t watched the 1987’s classic The Monster Squad.
The story follows five children who must fight against Dracula, the Mummy, the Gill-Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster in order to protect a magic amulet.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 13.
Just two years after Beetlejuice, Tim Burton created another unforgettable gothic-like masterpiece that falls in the romance genre, although the bizarreness of the main character, Edward, a synthetic man with scissor hands, definitely makes it a good Halloween pick.
The movie features Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder in the main roles.
It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
Most suited for children at and over the age of 4.
We’re ending the list with the oldest, yet maybe the most famous and loved Haloween Special titled “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Lasting no more than half an hour, this film has an 8,2 IMDb rating, and a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score – no wonder it’s on our best Halloween movies for kids list!
This special was the third Peanuts special, produced and animated by Bill Melendez, which people simply love because it makes them feel happy and they find it extremely funny. Best of all, children as young as 4 years old can watch it.
Before You Leave
We hope you’re excited about this list as much as we are. We made sure to include old classics that have proven their worth over the years (in case you’ve missed them), as well as new blockbusters with captivating stories and mind-bending special effects. Some of the suggestions are funny and heath-warming and would appeal to the youngest audience, while others are more suited for children over 12 years old. To make your search even more convenient, we included information about the age-appropriateness and plot of each movie.
Watching a movie is always fun, but learning about Halloween shouldn’t stop there. Follow the links we’ve included in the movie reviews to get fun and educational worksheets on related topics. Furthermore, you can always browse our library of worksheets to find just the right resources you need for your child’s education and visit our blog to get advice on any concern you have as a teacher, homeschool tutor, or a parent.
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