Halloween has arrived, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to dim the lights, cozy up on the couch, and dive into some spooky films. It’s even more enjoyable when you can share the thrills with your entire family because let’s face it, almost everyone loves a good scary movie from time to time, even the youngest members of the clan. However, the challenge is finding a movie that won’t leave the kids (and consequently, you) wide awake all night.
Your search ends here! Here’s a curated selection of the finest family-friendly Halloween movies for kids to enjoy in 2023, offering just the right amount of spooky fun for young minds:
Coco (2017)
Coco follows Miguel as he embarks on a quest to become a musician—a quest that lands him in the colorful and fantastical Land of the Dead. There, he learns the meaning and importance of culture and family.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Frankenweenie tells the story of Victor, who experiences elation when he successfully revives his beloved pet dog, Sparky. However, when his schoolmates attempt their own experiments in resurrection, the situation takes a chilling turn.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
One of the best kids Halloween movies out there! Even though Count Dracula is raising his daughter, Mavis, in the lovely “five-stake” monsters-only hotel he’s built in Transylvania, he allows her to explore the human world on her 118th birthday. And for fans, there are sequels to enjoy: Hotel Transylvania 2, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, and Hotel Transylvania: Transformania.
Goosebumps (2015)
Goosebumps draws inspiration from the popular ’90s horror book series by R.L. Stine. In this 2015 film, the author, portrayed by Jack Black, and his family must rescue their hometown from impending doom as all the monsters from his stories come to life.
Monster House (2006)
In Monster House, a seemingly ordinary house reveals itself as a malevolent, living creature. When three young friends uncover this unsettling truth, they embark on a daring mission to save the town’s children from the house’s sinister grip.
Paranorman (2012)
To say Norman Babcock isn’t your average 11-year-old boy is quite an understatement—considering he can communicate with ghosts! Now he must use his powers to save his small town from an ancient curse.
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
A modern sequel to the 1993 film, Hocus Pocus 2 tells the story of three young girls who accidentally bring the Sanderson sisters to current-day Salem.
The Addams Family (2019)
The first animated comedy about the famously creepy and kooky Addams Family offers tons of kid-friendly frights and fun. This is a great alternative for kids who are interested in the new hit show Wednesday but still a little too young to watch.
The House With A Clock In Its Walls (2018)
The movie follows a 10-year-old kid who, after he’s sent to be watched over by an eccentric uncle (Jack Black) and and his friendly neighbor (Cate Blanchett), is pulled into an ancient rivalry between witches and warlocks.
Haunted Mansion (2023)
A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.
The Goonies (1985)
This beloved adventure follows a motley crew of misfits known as The Goonies on an action-packed treasure hunt to save their homes.
The Boxtrolls (2014)
While the rest of the world fears and despises them, a young human boy named Eggs considers the Boxtrolls his family. In The Boxtrolls, Eggs must confront an evil exterminator determined to eradicate his beloved clan.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting (2020)
Kelly Ferguson accepts a babysitting gig on Halloween night — only to have her charge captured by the Boogeyman. Luckily, she learns of a secret society of child guardians who can help her learn to fight monsters.
Gnome Alone (2018)
When Chloe moves into a new home with her mother, she finds something unexpected: a group of garden gnomes who say the neighborhood is under attack by underground beasts. It’s up to Chloe to help the gnomes save the world.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is designed for teens (PG-13) who have outgrown the most family-friendly horror films but aren’t quite ready for the likes of Nightmare on Elm Street. This film, inspired by the spine-tingling book series from our childhoods, centers on a group of young investigators who must confront local legends that begin to materialize and pose real threats.
(Note: This movie is darker and more mature than many others on this list, intended for older viewers.)
