Halloween is one of our favorite holidays. While it is mostly known for zombies, horror, and frights, it can also bring families together. From pumpkin carving to trick or treating, Halloween can be a lot of fun, especially when it comes to movies!
Here is a list of 10 family friendly Halloween movies to get you into the spooky-but-not-too-spooky spirit!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): This is our all-time favorite Halloween movie, but really, it can be watched any time between October 1st and December 25th. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a beautiful stop-motion animated feature film with cool characters, tons of wonderful songs, and even some ghastly frights, but nothing so terrifying that little kids can’t watch.
Goosebumps (2015): A complete surprise to us, “Goosebumps” is a super fun monster-themed family adventure film that is an enjoyable ride from start to finish. We had low expectations for this movie, but were blown away by how fast paced, exciting, and action-packed it is and have added it to our Halloween rotation!
ParaNorman (2012): Another stop-motion animated feature, “ParaNorman” is not just a great zombie-infested family friendly choice, but it also has a fantastic message about understanding those who are different and not responding to fear with violence. It is pretty dark and twisted, but it’s also tons of fun.
The Witches (1990): We think “The Witches” gets lost in the fray, drowned out by other, newer Halloween-related films. It should not be forgotten because of its spooky story, intricate yet sometimes gruesome special effects, and frightfully wonderful makeup and costuming. Oh, and Anjelica Huston is incredible!
Corpse Bride (2005): One of Tim Burton’s best movies, “Corpse Bride” is dark and melancholy, but it’s also beautiful, creepy, and haunting. This film is sure to become a classic as Burton’s vision comes to life, full of excellent music, well made characters and sets, and a fantastic juxtaposition between dark and bright colors.
Hocus Pocus (1993): 1993 was clearly an excellent year for Halloween movies! Three witches are unleashed and run around a small town, what could go wrong? “Hocus Pocus” is another classic Halloween film, one we still enjoy despite it being 23 years old. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker make up a perfectly cast witch trio in a flick that might be cheesy, but is sure enjoyable.
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005): This animated British duo offers a whimsical twist on the classic werewolf legend. Being only G-rated, “Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” is suitable for even the youngest of kids looking for some Halloween entertainment, and there is enough wit and charm to please the older crowd as well.
For Families with Older Kids
Beetlejuice (1988): Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!! This film has an 80’s PG rating, which means you should expect a couple of curse words and some more mature thematic material, but this comedy classic is great for families with teenagers. Michael Keaton rocks as the titular character in a compelling, mildly horrifying but always hilarious tale.
The Addams Family (1991): Very twisted and macabre, “The Addams Family” is sure to delight lovers of morbidity. This will definitely please older kids with its wicked slapstick, horrific sense of humor, and fantastic costumes and acting.
The Monster Squad (1987): Brimming with 1980’s nostalgia and camp, the concept for “The Monster Squad” is super rad. Modeling its characters after 1930’s-1950’s monster movie baddies? Genius! This has some totally tubular makeup work and will take you on a trip down memory lane. Some bad language involved.
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