Our top 10 kids Halloween movies to watch this season
As the nights get longer and the spooky season settles in, there’s no better way to celebrate than by snuggling up with the whole family for a fun-filled night of Halloween movies. Whether your little ones are into friendly ghosts, a mischievous witch that loves a trick or two, or lovable monsters, we’ve got the perfect lineup to make your Halloween movie marathon a success.
Here are our top 10 kids’ Halloween movies that are guaranteed to bring out the giggles and the gasps. So, grab some popcorn, some sweets, a cosy blanket, and get ready to dive into these not-too-spooky Halloween movies that are perfect for little kids.
1. Coco (2017)
Whilst Coco isn’t a typical scary Halloween movie, it’s full of colourful horrors and has just the right mix of spooky and sweet for the season. This Pixar movie takes us on a magical journey with a boy named Miguel, who accidentally ends up in the Land of the Dead during Día de los Muertos.
The bright colours, lively music, and quirky skeleton characters make Coco a great fantasy movie that’s sure to keep your little ones captivated. Plus, the story’s heartfelt message about the importance of family is something that’ll resonate with everyone.
Parental guidance
The movie touches on themes of death, but it’s all handled in a gentle and child-friendly way. The Land of the Dead is portrayed as a lively, fun place—perfect for a Halloween night adventure that’s more heartwarming than haunting.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
In The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers the joys of Christmas and decides to bring some holiday cheer to his spooky friends. This Tim Burton classic is a fantastical mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer, making it a must-watch movie as the seasons start to change.
Children will adore the quirky characters (who doesn’t love a singing skeleton?), the catchy songs, and the whimsical fantasy world of Halloween Town. Jack Skellington will have them laughing and singing along in no time.
Parental guidance
While the movie has some spooky moments, it’s more fun than frightening. The characters are friendly, odd, and the story is full of playful twists that keep it light and entertaining.
3. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Grab your broomsticks because it’s time for some witchy fun! Hocus Pocus is a Halloween classic that never goes out of style. The film follows three witches who are accidentally brought back to life in modern-day Salem. Chaos ensues as the witches try to reclaim their powers, while a group of children and an immortal cat team up to stop their wicked plans.
Each witch is equally hilarious, creepy and over-the-top, with their goofy spells and wild personalities. Children will get a kick out of their silly antics, and the magical setting of Salem at Halloween adds just the right amount of spookiness.
Parental guidance
There’s a bit of Halloween mischief and some spooky spells, but it’s all done in good fun. The humour is light, and the frights are mild, making it a great choice for a family-friendly night of ‘scary movies’.
4. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
What if monsters needed a holiday, too? Hotel Transylvania is where all the classic creatures—think Dracula, Frankenstein, Vampires and the Mummy—go to relax and get away from humans. But when a regular boy stumbles into this monster house retreat, all sorts of hilarious chaos breaks loose.
The fast-paced humour, creepy characters, and the idea of seeing famous monsters in a whole new light will have kids laughing from start to finish.
Parental guidance
This movie is all about laughs, with nothing too scary or intense like true horror films. It’s a perfect pick for younger ones who might find other Halloween movies a bit too spooky.
5. Casper (1995)
Why it’s great
Meet Casper, the friendliest fantasy ghost you’ll ever know! This charming movie tells the story of a young girl who moves into a haunted mansion with her dad, only to discover that not all are scary—some are friendly. Casper quickly becomes her best friend leading to an adventure full of laughs and a few touching moments.
Casper the ghost is sweet, funny, and just a little bit mischievous. Kids will enjoy the ghostly comedy and the heartwarming friendship that develops between Casper and the young girl.
Parental guidance
The movie has some mild ghostly antics, but nothing too spooky for little ones. The focus is on friendship and kindness, making it a great choice for your kid.
6. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Ever wonder where those monsters under the bed come from? Monsters, Inc. gives us a peek into the monster world, where scaring kids is just a day job. But when a little girl named Boo sneaks into the monster world, everything turns upside down, leading to a hilarious and heartwarming adventure.
Whilst there isn’t a witch, wicked grandmother or a great pumpkin in sight, the lovable monster duo, Sulley and Mike, will win kids over with their goofy antics and big hearts. The movie is packed with funny moments, silly monsters, and a touching story about friendship and overcoming fears.
Parental guidance
There’s nothing too scary in Monsters, Inc.—it’s more about the laughs and the sweet moments. It’s a great pick for kids who love a bit of adventure for Halloween.
7. Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton strikes again with Frankenweenie, a quirky, black-and-white stop-motion movie that’s equal parts spooky and sweet. The story follows a young boy named Victor who, devastated by the loss of his dog Sparky, brings him back to life in true Frankenstein fashion. But when Sparky gets loose, things get out of control.
Kids will be drawn to the film’s unique style and the endearing relationship between Victor and Sparky. The film is full of Burton’s signature quirky characters and a plot that mixes humour with just the right touch of scary and spooky scenes.
Parental guidance
While the theme of a pet coming back to life might sound a bit dark, it’s handled in a light-hearted and touching way. The movie is more quirky than filled with horror, making it a good fit for families looking for something a little different this Halloween.
8. ParaNorman (2012)
If your kids are up for a slightly spookier adventure, ParaNorman is a fantastic choice. The movie follows Norman, a boy who can see and talk to ghosts. When his town is threatened by zombies, it’s up to Norman and his friends to save the day. It’s a spooky, funny, and action-packed movie that also delivers a great message about acceptance and courage.
The combination of zombies, ghosts, and a quirky hero makes ParaNorman a thrilling watch. The animation is great, and the story is full of twists, turns, and plenty of laughs to keep kids engaged.
Parental guidance
ParaNorman has some slightly scarier moments and themes, making it better suited for older kids who enjoy a bit of a thrill. But it’s all balanced with humour and heart, ensuring it’s still a fun and family-friendly pick.
9. Coraline (2009)
Coraline is a movie based on Neil Gaiman’s novel. It tells the story of a young daughter who discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate version of her world—one that seems too good to be true. As Coraline delves deeper, she realises that this other world harbours dark secrets and an even darker mother, and she must use her wits to get back to her real life.
The movie’s stunning visuals and imaginative story involving a mother and daughter will draw kids in, and Coraline’s bravery and resourcefulness make her a relatable and one of our favourite characters. The movie is filled with intriguing characters and a plot that’s mysterious and engaging.
Parental guidance
Coraline has a more eerie and unsettling atmosphere compared to the other movies on this list, so it’s best suited for older primary school kids who are up for a spooky (but not too scary) challenge instead of younger kids. The movie’s message to not forget about what you have is a great takeaway for young viewers.
10. The Addams Family (2019)
With their spooky house, odd habits, and a love for all things weird and wonderful, the Addams family is the perfect fantasy fit for Halloween. This movie is filled with humour, adventure, and the unmistakable charm of the Addams family.
Kids will enjoy watching the funny antics of Wednesday, Pugsley, and their quirky relatives. The movie is full of funny moments and clever jokes that’ll keep both kids and parents entertained. Plus, the Addams’ love for the weird and wonderful is totally infectious!
Parental guidance
The humour is playful and the spookiness is mild, making it a great choice for all ages. The film is all about celebrating differences and loving your family—no matter how strange they might be!
So, whether your family prefers to watch funny monsters, a spooky house or a haunted mansion filled with a witch or two, friendly ghosts who save the day, or a little bit of eerie adventure, these films offer something for everyone. So dim the lights, snuggle up, grab some sweets and enjoy some not-so-scary Halloween horror fun!
