Halloween Family Movies
Family movie nights aren’t always Pinterest-perfect. Sometimes the popcorn burns a little, someone fights over the blanket, and your youngest insists on pausing every five minutes to ask, “Is this the scary part?” But those little hiccups are exactly what make these nights so special. They’re the moments your kids will look back on one day and laugh.
The trick is finding movies that strike the right balance: festive and fun, with just enough spookiness to feel like Halloween without giving anyone nightmares that leave you dealing with 2 a.m. wake-ups.
So, I’ve pulled together a list of Halloween family movies that are perfect for cozy nights, weekend marathons, or even a full-on Halloween party with friends. Whether your crew loves silly ghosts, magical adventures, or just a little dash of fright, there’s something here for every family.
Halloween Family Movies: Spooky Fun Without the Nightmares
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
It’s basically the pumpkin spice latte of Halloween movies you can’t go through October without it. The Sanderson sisters are funny, over-the-top, and just the right amount of spooky.
Why families love it: The kids will laugh at the goofy antics, you’ll enjoy the nostalgic throwback, and everyone will end up singing “I Put a Spell on You” by the end.
Mom tip: Save this one for when the kids are old enough not to have nightmares about witches. Usually 8 and up works just fine.
2. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
If your family likes animated movies, this one’s a winner. Count Dracula runs a hotel for monsters, but when a human stumbles in and falls for his daughter, things get hilariously complicated.
Why families love it: It’s silly, colorful, and packed with friendly monsters that make Halloween fun instead of frightening. Plus, there are sequels if your kids want to keep the marathon going.
Mom tip: Great for younger kids who want “spooky” without the scares. Think ages 4 and up.
3. Casper (1995)
Sweet, funny, and just a little sentimental Casper the friendly ghost is a classic. This one’s perfect for families who like heartwarming stories with a touch of Halloween magic.
Why families love it: Casper is lovable, and the mix of comedy and tenderness makes it easy for parents to enjoy too.
Mom tip: Grab tissues because Casper’s backstory can tug at the heartstrings.
4. The Addams Family (1991)
Dark humor, quirky characters, and plenty of Halloween vibes this movie is family-friendly without being babyish.
Why families love it: The Addamses are strange, creepy, and hilarious, which makes them fun to watch. And honestly, Morticia and Gomez might just be #CoupleGoals.
Mom tip: Perfect for tweens who are ready for something a little weirder but still fun.
5. Monster House (2006)
This one’s a little spookier than some of the others, but still in the “fun scary” category. It’s about a group of kids who discover the creepy house on their street is alive.
Why families love it: It’s adventurous and has that perfect mix of suspense and humor.
Mom tip: Best for ages 9 and up, since some scenes can be intense for younger kids.
6. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
No Halloween is complete without this classic. Linus waiting patiently for the Great Pumpkin is the kind of sweet, nostalgic moment we parents love sharing with our kids.
Why families love it: It’s short, simple, and perfect for winding down after trick-or-treating.
Mom tip: This one works for all ages toddlers through teens.
7. Coraline (2009)
This one is a bit darker. Coraline finds a secret door to a world that seems better than hers until it gets really creepy.
Why families love it: The stop-motion animation is gorgeous, and the story is compelling. Kids who like a bit of a scare will be hooked.
Mom tip: Save this one for tweens and teens. It can be too eerie for younger kids.
8. Goosebumps (2015)
If your kids are fans of the Goosebumps books, this movie is a treat. When monsters from R.L. Stine’s stories escape into the real world, the kids have to stop them.
Why families love it: It’s adventurous, funny, and has just enough creep factor without crossing the line into nightmare fuel.
Mom tip: Good for ages 8 and up.
9. Coco (2017)
While not strictly a Halloween movie, Coco celebrates Día de los Muertos, which often overlaps with Halloween festivities. It’s colorful, heartwarming, and teaches kids about honoring loved ones.
Why families love it: The music, the animation, the message it’s one of those rare movies the whole family can genuinely enjoy.
Mom tip: Keep tissues close this one’s a tearjerker in the best way.
10. Paranorman (2012)
This one’s quirky and heartfelt, about a boy who can see and talk to ghosts. He’s the only one who can save his town from a zombie uprising.
Why families love it: It’s funny, a little spooky, and has a sweet message about being yourself.
Mom tip: Another one for older kids probably 9 and up.
Extra List of Halloween Family Movies
Classic Halloween Favorites (Add-Ons)
Ghostbusters (1984) – Who you gonna call? Ghosts, slime, and laughs galore.
Ghostbusters II (1989) – More slime, more laughs, and one very creepy painting.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) – A new generation busts ghosts, with a sweet nostalgic touch.
Gremlins (1984) – Cute little creatures… until they aren’t. Perfect spooky chaos.
Witchy and Magical Movies (Add-Ons)
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) – A magical bed, a good witch, and a dash of adventure.
Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017) – Stunning animation, magical mishaps, and courage.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) – A gentle, magical coming-of-age story with broomsticks and heart.
Practical Magic (1998) – Sisters, spells, and a cozy dose of witchy romance (older kids/teens + mom pick!).
Ghosts, Vampires & Monster Fun (Add-Ons)
The Haunted Mansion (2003) – Eddie Murphy meets ghosts, laughs follow.
Haunted Mansion (2023) – A fresh, fun update with big personalities and spooky flair.
The Munsters (2022) – Quirky, campy, and oh-so-Rob Zombie colorful.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) – Old-school slapstick meets classic monsters.
Monster Family 2 (2021) – More monster fun, more family hijinks.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) – Disney’s charming take on Sleepy Hollow.
Shorter Specials for Littler Littles (Add-Ons)
Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest (2013) – Curious George takes on pumpkins and scares.
Shrek’s Thrilling Tales (2012) – Mini Shrek Halloween shorts, full of giggles.
Super Monsters Save Halloween (2018) – Preschool-friendly monsters showing bravery.
Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (2005) – Sweet, gentle, and perfect for toddlers.
Bluey: Halloween Episodes – Short, sweet, and always spot-on for family life.
For Tweens and Brave Kids (Add-Ons)
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019) – Goosebump-level spooky with a great campfire vibe.
The Black Cauldron (1985) – Darker Disney adventure with spooky villains.
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) – Eerie carnival, creepy vibes, family-safe suspense.
The Secret of NIMH (1982) – Dark, mysterious, and beautifully animated.
Fun for Grown-Ups Too (Add-Ons)
Young Frankenstein (1974) – Mel Brooks comedy classic with monsters and wit.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Cult classic, zany, and best with older teens or just mom & dad.
Edward Gorey’s Animated Tales (shorts) – Quirky, gothic, and perfect for a late-night watch.
How to Make Halloween Movie Night Extra Special
You don’t just have to watch the movie make it an event! Here are some fun ideas to turn your family movie night into a memory-making tradition:
- Themed Snacks: Serve “witches’ popcorn” (popcorn with candy corn mixed in), monster-shaped cookies, or even hot chocolate with marshmallow “ghosts.”
- Cozy Setup: Pile up blankets, turn off the lights, and maybe add a few pumpkin-scented candles (or LED ones if you’ve got little hands around).
- Costume Night: Let the kids wear their Halloween costumes while watching. It’s amazing how much more fun a movie feels when you’re dressed like a vampire.
- Double Feature: Pair a short cartoon (like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown) with a longer movie. That way, younger kids can go to bed without missing out, while older ones can stay up for the second round.
Some years, your kids might sit through the whole film without blinking. Other years, they might talk through every scene, spill popcorn everywhere, and insist on switching movies halfway. Either way, those are the family movie nights that stick with them and with you.
So grab your blanket, pop the popcorn, and pick one of these Halloween family favorites. You’ll be making memories (and maybe starting a new tradition) that your kids will carry long after they’ve outgrown trick-or-treating.
