Halloween is an exciting and spooky time for both children and adults, and there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa in the dark with brand new Halloween candy and watching a scary movie. There can be a slight problem with this for families with little ones. Halloween specials are often full of violence and terrifying elements that are just a little bit too much for the younger kids.
It can be tricky to pick a movie to get everybody into the Halloween spirit that is safe and fun for the whole family. Thankfully, there are plenty of kid-friendly films based on Halloween themes like ghosts, witches, the undead, and things that go bump in the night, that are still rated G or PG.
Casper (1995) - 6.1
Based on the friendly ghost from a 1939 children’s book and later adapted as an animated character in '40s and '50s cartoons, Casper is a kid-safe Halloween adventure starring everybody's favorite friendly ghost.
When a father and daughter move into a dilapidated old mansion, they meet a sweet ghost-boy named Casper. The only problem is he isn’t the only spirit in the house, and the others aren't quite as friendly as he is!
Goosebumps (2015) - 6.3
Based on R.L. Stine's creep-tastic book series by the same name, the latest movie adaptation is a playful spin on the series itself starring Jack Black and Dylan Minnette.
When a young teenager named Zach accidentally unleashes all of the terrifying, imaginary monsters from R.L. Stine’s (Jack Black) books, he must team up with the author and his daughter to stop them before it’s too late. Every creepy monster in the books makes an appearance here, as it's more of a celebration of all things Goosebumps rather than just a simple adaptation.
Hocus Pocus (1993) - 6.9
Three hundred years after three powerful sisters were executed for practicing witchcraft in Salem, they return to life with the accidental help of a little girl named Max.
Eager to retain their newfound life in the modern world of the '90s, the Sanderson Sisters attempt steal the youth from the town children so that they can live forever. Can Max and her friends help send them back to where they came from before it's too late?
Hotel Transylvania (2012) - 7.1
Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, and lots of Sandler's friends star in this animated comedy about a vampire that runs a castle resort for monsters. Ever since little Mavis was a baby, Dracula has lived in fear of humans hurting his daughter, and has raised her far away from their evil clutches. Everything changes when Mavis falls in love with a human teenager named Jonathan.
Hotel Transylvania proved to be such a hit with families that it spawned an entire franchise, with a fourth part currently in the works. There's no better time to check into this spooky hotel than now.
Gremlins (1984) - 7.3
There are only three rules when it comes to Mogwai – do not expose them to light, do not get them wet, and never ever feed them after midnight. A monster-filled flick equally fun to watch at Christmas as it is at Halloween, Gremlins is a perfect watch year-round.
A bit more frightening than some of the films on this list, Gremlins is well suited for the kids that are growing out of things like Scooby-Doo and Hotel Transylvania. For more laughs than frights, the insanely self-aware Gremlins 2: The New Batch is mandatory viewing.
Corpse Bride (2005) - 7.3
Directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson, and starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, Corpse Bride is a dark claymation in the vein of A Nightmare Before Christmas. A key difference is while Burton did co-direct this one, he only produced the latter (more in Jack Skellington later).
When a nervous groom-to-be named Victor takes to the forest to practice his wedding vows, he accidentally proposes to a dead woman that is brought back to life with his promises of forever.
Beetlejuice (1988) - 7.5
A bona fide '80s cult classic, Beetlejuice stars Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Michael Keaton as the man himself in this kooky but creepy comedy. The spirits of a ghostly couple enjoy their home together, until an unbearable family moves in and disturbs their peaceful after-life.
When scaring the family out doesn't work, Adam and Barbara are forced to take serious action. What else is there to do? Say it with us: Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice!
Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island (1998) - 7.8
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? first premiered in the late '60s, so it is cartoon fun for kids is nostalgia for many adults! Scooby and the Mystery Gang have been around for so long that they've not only had countless shows, but movies as well. This one, though, is unanimously regarded as the best of the bunch.
In Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, the Scooby gang team up for another spine-chilling mystery, but get more than they bargained for when they find that the culprits are more than just a weird criminal in a creepy costume. They’re z-z-z-zombies!
Ghostbusters (1984) - 7.8
After getting fired from their jobs at a university as parapsychology educators, three shunned professors decide to start their own ghost hunting business – with hilarious results!
Starring Harold Ramis, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, and Rick Moranis, this landmark horror-comedy sparked sequels, spin-off cartoons as well as a pair of reboots with the newest one coming in 2021. Ghostbusters deservedly earned its place as both a definitive '80s time capsule and a timeless Halloween classic. What else is there to say besides "He slimed me!"
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - 8.0
A Nightmare Before Christmas is a mixed up holiday-themed tale by Tim Burton about Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Jack Skellington wonders if there is more to life than monsters, ghouls, and scares, until he discovers that there is more than just Halloween Town – there is also Christmas and Sandy Claws!
When the eager Pumpkin King attempts to bring a piece of Christmas to his Halloween home, he is determined to get it just right!
