Scary movies are a fixture on TVs all October long, especially with newer R-rated movies like Hellraiser, Terrifier 2, and Halloween Ends releasing in theaters and on demand. But for some families, the thought of endless violence or over-the-top scares are either unappealing or not an option for family viewing because of younger children.
From timeless classics like The Adventures of Ichabod to 2015’s Goosebumps, these 10 movies not only make the grade with their G or PG ratings, but they are also among the highest scoring on Rotten Tomatoes, which ensures that family members of all ages will enjoy them.
Goosebumps (PG) – 78%
Rent On Amazon Prime
With over 100 books to pull from, a movie based on R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps had plenty of material to develop a straight-up children’s book-to-movie adaptation.
Instead, led by Jack Black’s raucous performance as R.L. Stine, the movie opted to incorporate the beloved book series into the main storyline, unleashing their characters into the real world of the film, like A Cabin In The Woods for children. While not very scary, there should still be enough humor and twists throughout to keep the entire family entertained.
Beetlejuice (PG) – 85%
Stream on HBO Max
Tim Burton’s classic Beetlejuice should be a mainstay for families throughout the month of October with its blend of scares and humor, often in the same scene.
One of Tim Burton’s first films, the movie showcases all the quirks and tricks he’s used to thrill and entertain audiences for years. And that’s before mentioning Michael Keaton’s iconic performance in the title role, creating an unforgettable movie character in just under 15 minutes of screen time.
Poltergeist (PG) – 87%
Stream on HBO Max
Directed by Texas Chainsaw Massacre and horror maestro Tobe Hooper and co-written by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist was originally rated R by the MPAA before eventually being appealed successfully down to a PG.
Despite the more family-friendly rating, Poltergeist is remembered by generations for its’ effective scares and is still considered one of the best modern horror movies ever made. Packed with iconic lines and unforgettable scenes, the movie pushes the envelope for a family film, even over 40 years after its release.
Frankenweenie (PG) – 88%
Stream on Disney Plus
An adaptation of Tim Burton’s first short film (which itself is a parody of Frankenstein) Frankenweenie tells the story of a young boy named Victor who just wants to bring his beloved dog Sparky back from the dead.
Done in the same stop-motion animation as The Nightmare Before Christmas, the movie makes the most of its 90-minute run time with an oddball story that connects with every family member who has loved a pet.
ParaNorman (PG) – 89%
Stream on Roku
In ParaNorman, Norman is a young man with the ability to speak to the dead, and a preference for their company instead of the living. Though the people in his town don’t believe him about his abilities, he becomes their only hope when a witch’s curse leads to zombies threatening the town and everyone in it.
Focusing more on bold storytelling, the movie has remained a hit with families for its ability to appeal to all ages without being too scary for younger audiences.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit (G) – 89%
Stream on Amazon Prime
Expanding upon the classic Wallace & Gromit shorts, The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit finds the duo racing to find a cure for Wallace, who has become the dreaded Were-Rabbit, before the townspeople of Tottington Hall can catch him.
The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit was critically acclaimed for its stop-motion animation, appeal to all ages, and numerous homages to classic monster movies, and the film even won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Coraline (PG) – 90%
Stream On Roku
Based on the novella by author Neil Gaiman, Coraline follows young Coraline who discovers a parallel universe with seemingly more attentive, albeit creepier, doppelgängers of her workaholic parents. Quickly it’s made clear that things are not as they seem and Coraline must find a way back to her universe while saving her parents.
Visually stunning, Coraline is still considered one of the creepiest animated kids’ horror movies ever made as the unique animation style reaches another level when combined with the lead vocal performances from Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher, along with the dark, soulless button-eyes on the doppelgängers that are sure to even give parents the creeps.
The Adventures Of Ichabod (G) – 94%
Stream On Disney Plus
One of the first films from Disney, The Adventures Of Ichabod & Mr. Toad was first released in 1949 as an anthology film before later being split into separate home videos. A telling of Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow, despite being over 70 years old, the animation remains visually stunning.
While younger family members may find it a little slower than more modern-day films, the animation, striking score by Don Raye and Gene de Paul, and narration and voice work from Bing Crosby make the film a must-watch at least once for those looking to get into the Halloween spirit.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) – 95%
Stream On Disney Plus
Whether watching it for Halloween or Christmas, there’s no wrong time for the stop-motion tale of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King.
What started as a cult classic has grown to be one of the most beloved family movies ever, with an unforgettable soundtrack from composer Danny Elfman (who also provides Jack’s singing voice) and plenty of nods to the style of producer Tim Burton, who conceived the initial story. Originally thought to be too scary for kids, The Nightmare Before Christmas has since become one of Disney’s biggest Halloween-time hits.
Coco (PG) – 97%
Stream on Disney Plus
Technically, Coco is a movie about November 1st, the Día de los Muertos, but what better way to bring the month of October to a close than with the movie’s lush animation and vivid depictions of the afterlife?
Packed with unforgettable songs and vocal performances from Anthony Garcia, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, and more, Coco remains a crowning achievement for Pixar and an essential part of any family’s Halloween viewing experience.
