Halloween is the perfect time for people to confront their fears through the scariest of horror movies. But for parents, they rarely get to get into the spooky mood without scaring the living daylights out of their kids. But hey, children deserve some, appropriate, spooky fun, too!
So, when looking for what to watch, what’s better than some spooky yet fun family entertainment? There are tons of live-action and animated flicks that are perfect for the whole family to watch. Just in time for Halloween, here are the ten best kid-friendly Halloween movies.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
This underrated Disney classic tackles two of the most iconic stories of all time: The Wind in the Willows and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Split in two, the first half offers a madcap adventure with the animal citizens of Toad Hall. But, it is the later portion of the film that is perfect for this time of year.
This version is one of the best adaptions of the Washington Irving story. Full of amazing animation from the golden era of Disney animation, this adaption is equal parts spooky and fun. The Headless Horseman song remains one of the most underrated musical numbers in Disney history.
The Witches (1990)
The Witches is genuinely one of the scariest children’s movies ever made. But don’t let that stop you from showing your kids because they deserve to see this movie, too. Based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name, this movie focuses on a little boy who accidentally uncovers a conference of international witches at the hotel he’s staying at.
Anjelica Huston plays the Grand High Witch is one of her best roles, perfectly intimidated both in her human and witch form. The transformation sequences from the witches to humans, as well as humans, turned to mice are some of the scariest effects in any kid’s movie. But it has the needed Roald Dahl magic to keep the kids feeling safe.
Halloweentown (1998)
If you haven’t seen this classic Disney Channel Original Movie, then what are you must have missed out as a kid. This hokey but fun Halloween movie introduces a parallel Halloween world to kids via the charming performance of Debbie Reynolds. The movie is full of hokey acting, silly effects, and a fairly predictable plot.
But, through the lens of nostalgia, and some genuinely spooky moments, it is perfect Halloween fun for everyone.
The Addams Family (1991)
Arguably the best version of The Addams Family is the live-action iteration from the 90s. Through the first film and the sequel Addams Family Values, everyone’s favorite spooky family comes to life through stellar performance and tons of slapstick fun.
The set design and makeup are so well done that many assume its the work of early Tim Burton. Instead, it was just a very well casted, well-written adaption of these classic characters. It’s a must-watch every year.
Monster House (2006)
Monster House was a bit of a missed gem when it first was released but has garnered quite the cult following since. It combines tropes of classic 80s horror with a unique visual style of animation that really has no peer in terms of design.
Part comedy, part haunted house movie, part creature feature, the film is a great Halloween flick that might be a bit too scary for the really young viewers. It is perfect though for older kids who might eventually become fans of 80s classics like E.T. or Poltergeist.
Paranorman (2012)
In the same vein is this beautifully animated film from Laika Studios: Paranorman. Taking the DNA of Night of the Living Dead, Carrie, and Goonies, Paranorman is a stop-motion feature that explores outcasts who struggle to find their place.
It is spooky, funny, and offers just enough thematic exploration for older audiences to get hooked. Also, the sheer detail that Laika puts into their films can’t get enough recognition.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice, or honestly any of Tim Burton’s early films, is perfect for this time of year. But Beetlejuice is really special when it comes to Halloween. It remains one of the best haunted house movies without every being very scary. It has tons of laughs, amazing ghost designs, and tons of atmosphere.
Younger kids might not fully appreciate it, so you might want to save it for the older kids. But, be prepared for some awkward conversations when Beetlejuice starts dancing towards the Inferno Club.
It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
This is absolutely perfect holiday viewing. The beloved Peanuts have a special episode for nearly any holiday, whether its Halloween, Christmas, or Easter. This though is up there with the best of the best.
The great pumpkin has surpassed even the special itself, making its way across greeting cards, t-shirts, and just everywhere in the lingo of Halloween. The ghost costumes that the kids wear can be seen as decorations in lawns across the country, and have become icons. It just is so fun to watch and gets you in the cozy fall mood perfectly. Plus, who doesn’t love the classic tunes from Vince Guaraldi?
Hocus Pocus (1993)
When many of us were kids, Hocus Pocus was just one of those childhood staples that no one but us watched. Now, millennials have taken control of holiday traditions, and this movie has been heightened to bonified classic status.
This Disney classic has almost no other competition when it comes to the best Halloween movies. It has just enough spookiness to get you in a scary mood, but it is full of Disney magic and charm that keeps kids grounded. It is just an absolute classic of the season.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Apart from Hocus Pocus, A Nightmare Before Christmas is the ultimate Halloween movie. Not only that but since it dips its toes into Christmas, you can watch this from October to New Year’s Eve. The animation rejuvenated stop-motion for a whole new generation and introduced audiences to the combined powers of Tim Burton, Henry Sellick, and Danny Elfman.
It takes the basic ingredients from those classic Rankin Bass cartoons and turns them on their head, resulting in a bombastic Halloween/Christmas nightmare. While it might have been co-opted by the Hot Topic crowd, there is no denying the film still holds a genius for any audience.
