Indulge in fun thrills and chills with these kids Halloween movies
Who doesn’t love a good Halloween movie? Some of the best movies of all time are scary films perfect for streaming around Halloween, but admittedly, some of those Halloween favorites may not be suitable for kids (looking at you, Texas Chainsaw Massacre). If you’re looking for all the family-oriented movie time scares, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up the best kids Halloween movies that guarantee a great night in when the trick-or-treating is done (or if they need to wind down after a day playing fun Halloween party games).
Whether it’s a live-action film from the ’90s, a fun movie featuring spooky Halloween monsters or one of the many classic Disney Halloween movies, these films are sure to get you even more excited about this holiday. With a bowl of popcorn and your favorite Halloween snacks, get ready to dive in to these fantastic worlds that wonderfully combine eerie and fun.
Monsters, Inc.
Rated: G
Released: 2001
In Monsters, Inc., a 2-year-old girl named Boo stumbles into a monster world and frightens the daylights out of two endearing ogres—Mike and Sulley. Soon Boo befriends the monsters, who try to save her and fight the evil corporation they work for. Side note: Mike and Sulley make great best friend Halloween costume ideas.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Rated: NR
Released: 1966
How can you let Halloween pass without watching one of the best Halloween movies for kids, where the Peanuts kids dress up in Halloween costumes? Stream It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown now and see if the gang will actually get to see the Great Pumpkin in the pumpkin patch.
Muppets Haunted Mansion
Rated: TV-PG
Released: 2021
Who doesn’t love a good Muppets holiday flick? The kids will love watching Muppets Haunted Mansion, a musical special that features Gonzo trying to spend a night in the uber-creepy Haunted Mansion. Will he make it … or will the Haunted Mansion be his forever home in the afterlife? Start streaming now to find out.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting
Rated: TV-PG
Released: 2020
Babysitting on Halloween can be a fun gig … well, except if the kid you’re watching gets kidnapped by the Boogeyman. High schooler Kelly Ferguson must fight monsters to get the boy back home in Netflix’s A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting. The kiddos will get sucked in from the start! Keep the spooky levels up by reading these Halloween books for kids.
The Addams Family
Rated: PG-13
Released: 1991
The Addams Family is a family-friendly Halloween film based on the television show of the same name. With a bit of horror, fantasy and comedy wrapped up together, this film will appeal to the teenagers in your household.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
Rated: G
Released: 1949
In this classic animated double feature, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, one part notably tells the story of the Headless Horseman—a perfect pick for a dark Halloween night filled with spooky tales. See if you can get your head on right and solve these Halloween riddles.
Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland
Rated: G
Released: 1989
An under-the-radar fantasy with enchanting hand-drawn visuals, Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland is a story about temptation and consequences filled with startling baddies. Watch it while the kiddos make some fun DIY Halloween decorations!
Jason and the Argonauts
Rated: G
Released: 1963
Jason and the Argonauts‘s stop-motion monsters make this a fun, ghoulish alternative for kids tired of typical Halloween fare. In the mood for something that tickles the funny bone? Check out these funny Halloween movies to add to your streaming list.
Casper
Rated: PG
Released: 1995
In Casper, a paranormal expert named Harvey is hired to banish the ghosts from an abandoned mansion and comes across Casper, the friendly ghost, who forms a friendship with Harvey’s daughter, Kat. Speaking of ghosts, you should check out these chilling real-life ghost stories.
Ghostbusters
Rated: PG
Released: 1984
For a dose of the paranormal, add this film to your holiday lineup. It’s up to three paranormal experts, aptly named “ghostbusters,” to rid New York of ghosts who have taken over the city. The kids and their friends can go as the Ghostbusters gang for a fun group Halloween costume!
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Rated: PG-13
Released: 2021
After you stream the original Ghostbusters, stream Ghostbusters: Afterlife to keep the ghoulish fun going. The 2021 franchise installment follows a single mom and her children as they move to a new small town, where they realize they have a connection to the original Ghostbusters group. Looking for more eerie flicks to stream? Check out the best Halloween movies on Hulu to keep your scary movie marathon going.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Rated: PG
Released: 1982
After being stranded on earth when a spaceship leaves without him, a friendly extra-terrestrial (affectionately known as E.T.) develops a close relationship with 10-year-old Elliot and his siblings. The kids protect their new friend, help him build a communications device to “phone home” and even dress him up for Halloween. E.T., a heartwarming story of friendship, is a delight for the entire family.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Rated: PG
Released: 1993
Perhaps one of the greatest classic kids Halloween movies, The Nightmare Before Christmas transforms a ghoulish tale into a stunning animated film. You’ll watch with fascination as the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown falls in love with the idea of Christmas and tries to recreate it in his own town.
Corpse Bride
Rated: PG
Released: 2005
Corpse Bride, a magical Tim Burton film, features “scares” most 10-year-olds can handle. Plus, it has a storyline even adults will enjoy—minus the gory scenes of super scary films. Stream now to see what happens when a living man accidentally marries the dead.
The Witches
Rated: PG
Released: 1990
This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel is a gripping treat for both kids and adults. In The Witches, an orphaned boy moves with his grandmother to an English hotel, where a group of witches plots to transform all children into mice. Add these other witch movies to your Halloween movie list too.
The Dark Crystal
Rated: PG
Released: 1982
The Dark Crystal‘s “good vs. evil” muppet-fest is serious fun—and more than a little haunting, with scores of odd creatures running around. Learn more about this holiday by finding out the Halloween colors and what they mean.
The Neverending Story
Rated: PG
Released: 1984
Who said all kids Halloween movies have to have ghosts and witches? Kids who could do without vampires and other played-out Halloween monsters will find a lot to like in The Neverending Story, a mystical adventure film based on the popular novel.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Rated: PG
Released: 1993
The caped crusader grapples with what appears to be a murderous apparition in the critically acclaimed (and moody) Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. After you’re done watching these Halloween movies for kids, check out the best Halloween movies on Netflix.
James and the Giant Peach
Rated: PG
Released: 1996
Who would have thought an animated film about a giant peach would be such a hit? Based on the Roald Dahl children’s book, James and the Giant Peach is about an orphan named James who takes a bite out of a magic peach and somehow finds an enlarged peach with a host of bugs, who later become his friends as they travel around the world.
Monster House
Rated: PG
Released: 2006
Monster House delivers old-fashioned haunted house fun with all the requisite ghouls, ghosts and peril. Keep the fun alive by cracking up at these Halloween memes after your movie.
Scooby-Doo!
Rated: PG
Released: 2002
Scooby-Doo and the gang reunite on Spooky Island in Scooby-Doo!, a live version of the original animated television series. Kids will enjoy the funny, silly and spooky adventures of the Mystery Inc. gang.
The Princess and the Frog
Rated: G
Released: 2009
The Princess and the Frog, a Disney movie set in New Orleans, is about Tiana, a woman who wants to open her own restaurant. When Prince Naveen, who has been turned into a frog, thinks that Tiana is a princess, he kisses her—and then she turns into a frog. Now the duo has to figure out how to turn themselves back into humans. This story has fantasy elements and Disney charm perfect for families to watch around Halloween. If your family is full of Disney fans, check out these Disney Halloween costumes.
MirrorMask
Rated: PG
Released: 2005
A fantasy with absorbing, unique visuals, MirrorMask is more haunting than a werewolf howl. Put it on for the kids while they’re playing a fun round of Halloween bingo.
Beetlejuice
Rated: PG
Released: 1988
For an entertaining evening with the family, watch Beetlejuice. A ghost couple tries desperately to chase away a new family that has moved into the home they inhabit. When all else fails, they hire Beetlejuice to get rid of the new owners of the haunted home. But things don’t go as planned…
Coraline
Rated: PG
Released: 2009
Coraline follows a young girl discovering another world, where the grass seems greener—but she’s soon tormented by the twisted beings within. Its eeriness makes it a perfect flick for Halloween streaming.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Rated: PG
Released: 2004
What better time than Halloween to revisit the students of Hogwarts, the enchanting school of witchcraft and wizardry? After watching Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, show other films in the series to make it a complete marathon of great kids Halloween movies. Don’t forget to share these Harry Potter quotes any fan will love.
ParaNorman
Rated: PG
Released: 2012
If your kids saw and liked Coraline, they’ll love ParaNorman—a story about a boy who uses his ability to see and speak with the dead to save his home from a curse. Snack on some non-candy treats during the film and get into the spooky spirit.
Spirited Away
Rated: PG
Released: 2003
The sheer volume of odd creatures on display in Spirited Away makes it a perfect fit for Halloween night—and the exciting adventure elements certainly don’t hurt.
Hocus Pocus
Rated: PG
Released: 1993
Our list of kids Halloween movies wouldn’t be complete without this classic family movie involving three scheming witch sisters who are back to achieve immortality after their hanging 300 years ago—and they’re casting spells through song and dance along the way. Hocus Pocus is the right potion for Halloween fun (and fair warning, you’ll be quoting the movie in no time). Don’t forget to stream the highly anticipated sequel!
Halloweentown
Rated: G
Released: 1998
This Halloween classic is a family affair of witches fighting evil—and having some fun along the way. Start streaming Halloweentown now to see if the tight-knit magical family can save their beloved eerie town.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Rated: PG
Released: 1981
Creepy crawlies, foreboding crypts and dazzling action sequences abound in Raiders of the Lost Ark, a classic one-of-a-kind adventure flick the whole family will get sucked into.
Poltergeist
Rated: PG
Released: 1982
Nothing can go wrong in the suburbs … right? Well, for the Freeling family in Poltergeist, that isn’t the case as they notice something strange about their suburban home. Random breaks, sudden sounds and their child missing—this family is in for something ghoulish in this scary Halloween movie.
Don’t Look Under the Bed
Rated: PG
Released: 1999
This Disney Channel original film isn’t as scary as it seems! Don’t Look Under the Bed is the story of a high school student who teams up with an imaginary friend to defeat the Boogeyman, who plagues the town with pranks and eventually kidnaps her brother. She goes into the Boogeyworld dimension to rescue her brother and confront the Boogeyman once and for all. But can she do it? The answer rests in your next family Halloween movie night.
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
Rated: TV-Y7
Released: 1993
Remember the days when Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were children starring in some Halloween movies for kids? Double, Double, Toil and Trouble is a great addition to your list of family Halloween movies because of its fun—yet spooktactular—plot.
Room on the Broom
Rated: NR
Released: 2012
Room on the Broom, a short film adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s children’s book, brings to life the story of a kindly witch flying around on her broom. This cartoon movie was so heartwarming that it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
Under Wraps
Rated: G
Released: 2021
Three friends discover an Egyptian mummy and somehow figure out a way to bring it back to life. While they’re afraid at first, they grow to be more comfortable with the mummy and actually name him Harold. However, they discover that Harold has to be placed back in his sarcophagus before midnight on Halloween, or there will be disastrous consequences. Can the kids safely return Harold? Watch Under Wraps, a remake of the 1997 Disney Channel original movie, to find out. Then, tell these Halloween jokes to get the holiday laughs going.
Spookley: The Square Pumpkin
Rated: G
Released: 2005
Most people think pumpkins are more round in shape, so where does that leave Spookley, a square pumpkin? The other pumpkins make fun of him for his shape, but thankfully Spookley has a few friends who stand by his side. Once you’re done watching Spookley: The Square Pumpkin, head to your local pumpkin patch and see if you can find any uniquely shaped pumpkins!
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Rated: G
Released: 1989
In Kiki’s Delivery Service, Kiki proves there are good witches out there by flying on her broom and starting her very own delivery service. While the film was released in the late 1980s, it holds up and would make a great addition to your Halloween movie collection.
The Pagemaster
Rated: G
Released: 1994
A young boy takes refuge in a library on a rainy day and finds that he’s been transported to a whole new animated world in The Pagemaster. He befriends books, climbs incredible heights and works his way back to being a real-life boy again.
Hotel Transylvania
Rated: PG
Released: 2012
Hotel Transylvania is the one place all ghoulish monsters can be themselves, and it’s all run by Dracula himself. While everyone seems welcome, a certain group of individuals isn’t: humans. When a human stumbles in through the doors and finds himself with Mavis, Dracula’s daughter, he and his friends at the hotel will pull out all their tricks to protect her from humans. Hotel Transylvania is more than a vampire movie—it’s a sweet kids movie that adults will enjoy too.
Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
Rated: G
Released: 2001
This is the second film in Disney’s Halloweentown series, starring Kimberly J. Brown, Judith Hoag and Debbie Reynolds. Join this mother-daughter-grandmother trio in Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge as they arrive back at Halloweentown, a place where vibrant magic once lived that has now turned dark and gloomy due to a “grey spell.” The three must work together to save the town and their friends while figuring out who caused the mayhem to occur.
Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo!
Rated: NR
Released: 2020
The gang gets back together in Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! as Scooby-Doo and his friends solve a spooky mystery to save Crystal Cove. They get some help along the way from people including Bill Nye the Science Guy, but is it enough to complete their latest endeavor?
Goosebumps
Rated: PG
Released: 2015
Sometimes the books we read can become extremely vivid in our minds. In this adventure, the words and creatures of the classic Goosebumps books are coming to life and wreaking havoc in the real world. In Goosebumps, it’s up to author R.L. Stine and his neighborhood friends to save the town from the monsters that once found a home on the pages of Stine’s books. This film won’t keep you up at night—but these scary podcasts sure will!
Book of Life
Rated: PG
Released: 2014
Join Manolo as he goes through an adventure in not one but three worlds, including the Land of the Remembered and the Land of the Forgotten, in Book of Life. On this Day of the Dead adventure, you’ll see all your spooky-time favorites.
Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest
Rated: NR
Released: 2013
Autumn is here, which means only one thing—the annual Boo Festival is back. Follow along with Curious George and his friends in Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest, as he embarks on an adventure to find a legendary scarecrow, all while keeping up with the classic Halloween traditions, from pumpkin carving to bobbing for apples.
Twitches
Rated: PG
Released: 2005
Join Tia and Tamara Mowry in the 2005 Disney Channel original movie Twitches. This book-to-film adaptation follows a set of twin sisters who were separated at birth. Little do they know, each has mystical powers, causing a sisterly bond to form while they juggle their newfound practice of magic and defeating the Darkness—seems easy enough, right?
The Haunted Mansion
Rated: PG
Released: 2003
You may be familiar with this Disney attraction, but watch the story behind it. In The Haunted Mansion, Jim, a workaholic realtor, takes his wife and kids for a mini-vacation that ends up not being what he expected. In a mansion filled with ghosts, join the family on this horror-comedy adventure, a film that’s one of our favorite funny Halloween movies as well.
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween!
Rated: G
Released: 2016
Follow along as the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally go on a spooktacular adventure in The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween! Detailing their hunt for the perfect costume, this movie is filled with spooky surprises, laughs, music and more. You’ll definitely be putting this film on your list of favorite Halloween movies for kids!
Labyrinth
Rated: PG
Released: 1986
Family troubles have us wishing them all away, and that’s exactly what happens to Sarah Williams in Labyrinth. In a search to find and save her baby brother, Sarah must beat the clock and get him before the Goblin King (played by David Bowie) keeps him as a minion forever. Creatures of all kinds can be found throughout the Labyrinth, and how could we forget about the tunes that go along with the film!
Toy Story of Terror!
Rated: G
Released: 2013
In Toy Story of Terror! Woody and the gang are on a new mysterious adventure to find their friend, Mr. Potato Head, who recently went missing at a motel. This fun yet frightful adventure is filled with all your favorite characters, laughs and more.
Spooky Buddies
Rated: G
Released: 2011
Spooky Buddies is a pup-tastic Halloween adventure with these golden retriever siblings, as they encounter the haunted tales while visiting the manor of Warwick the Warlock. In an attempt to undo mistakes and save puppies, there’s nothing these buddies will let get in their way! Grab your canine companion for fright night and watch these dog movies too.
Frankenweenie
Rated: PG
Released: 2012
We’ve all heard the tale of Frankenstein—but here it is with a twist. Frankenweenie tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist, finding a companion in his bull terrier named Sparky, who he prefers to children his own age. When Sparky passes after a tragic event, young Frankenstein is left with just one option: revive his beloved pet. However, Sparky’s not the only thing that comes back to life. If your kiddo can’t get enough of the Halloween season, don’t miss these fun Halloween crafts for kids they’ll just love.
Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie
Rated: G
Released: 2005
It’s Halloween, so it’s time to celebrate—especially because this is Lumpy’s first Halloween with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood! What seems like a tale told by Tigger soon becomes reality for these friends as they work on their new adventure and try to give Lumpy the best first Halloween in Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Rated: G
Released: 2005
Wallace & Gromit shine in their hilarious element in the Halloween stop-motion gem Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. The duo works together to solve the mystery of who—or what—is sabotaging vegetable gardens around town. Can they catch the culprit and save everyone’s veggies?
The Little Vampire
Rated: PG
Released: 2000
’90s kids may remember this Halloween movie well! The Little Vampire is an eerie-yet-humorous tale of a boy who befriends a young vampire after moving to Scotland. Soon, their newfound friendship takes a serious turn when he must help the young vampire’s family evade a merciless vampire hunter. It’s got a little bit of everything a kids Halloween movie needs: spookiness, humor and lessons in friendship.
The Dog Who Saved Halloween
Rated: PG
Released: 2011
Now this is a movie everyone will enjoy—even the family pup. The Dog Who Saved Halloween is a sweet tale about a loyal canine companion named Zeus who sniffs out some strange things in his new neighborhood, including an odd neighbor, a haunted house and a missing cat. Can Zeus piece everything together before the Halloween festivities commence? Start streaming now to find out.
Gremlins
Rated: PG
Released: 1984
Go back in time with this classic ’80s movie that’s perfect for the Halloween season. Gremlins tells the story of a guy who gets an interesting gift from his father—a seemingly cute and cuddly Mogwai. They’re not so cute and cuddly, though, when they turn into gremlins…
Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost
Rated: NR
Released: 1999
This is another animated Scooby-Doo movie that makes a great family Halloween movie. Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost follows Mystery Inc. as they investigate a ghost haunting a famous author’s hometown. Expect all the spooky fun that comes with Mystery Inc. adventures.
Edward Scissorhands
Rated: PG-13
Released: 1990
Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands combines dark humor, romance and fantasy to create an unforgettable Halloween movie. Johnny Depp stars as a creation who leaves his life in solitude to stay in a suburban family’s home. Burton’s distinct style comes through wonderfully in the movie, which teaches us there’s always more than meets the eye.
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
Rated: PG
Released: 2004
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events puts a lighter spin on a darker plot, making it a great Halloween movie for kids. Follow along as the Baudelaire orphans try to escape the clutches of Count Olaf (wonderfully played by Jim Carrey), who only wants the kids’ fortune. Don’t be shocked if it becomes a staple movie-night choice.
Now that the kids have gotten their fill of Halloween movies, you’ll want to make sure they have the best kids costumes for the perfect holiday.
Written with contribution from Kelly Kuehn