Halloween doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights and kids begging to sleep in your bed until Christmas. If you want the pumpkins, the giggles, and just enough spook to get into the mood without traumatizing anyone, I’ve got you covered. These 10 kid-friendly Halloween movies bring all the fun without the nightmares. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some tips and hacks to make family movie night extra magical.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Ah, the Sanderson sisters — equal parts spooky and silly. Kids will laugh more than scream.
🎃Hack: Whip up a “witches’ brew” by mixing grape soda with gummy worms for a fizzy, wiggly treat.
2. Casper (1995)
The friendliest ghost you’ll ever meet! Heart-warming, nostalgic, and filled with laughs.
🎃 Tip: Hand out glow sticks before the movie so the kids can “ghost glow” when Casper appears.
3. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Drac runs a hotel for monsters — what could go wrong? A great choice for younger kids.
🎃 Hack: Serve popcorn in cupcake liners decorated with googly eyes to make “monster bites.”
4. The Addams Family (2019, animated version)
Creepy, kooky, but in the safest way possible for little ones. Plus, Wednesday Addams is life goals.
🎃 Tip: Dress up in all black for family “Addams-approved” pajamas during the movie.
5. Coraline (2009)
A little darker, but perfect for older kids who can handle spooky without nightmares.
🎃 Hack: Give kids buttons (safe plastic ones!) to use as “tickets” before the movie — it makes them feel part of Coraline’s world.
6. Monster House (2006)
The scariest house on the block… but still kid-appropriate. Exciting, a bit creepy, and lots of fun.
🎃 Tip: Build a “blanket fort house” in the living room before watching. Bonus: no HOA complaints.
7. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
A classic. Heart-warming, simple, and perfectly Halloween without jump scares.
🎃 Hack: Serve pumpkin-shaped cookies or carve mini pumpkins with the kids beforehand to double the nostalgia.
8. ParaNorman (2012)
A boy who talks to ghosts saves his town. Quirky, clever, and funny for adults too.
🎃 Tip: Hand out “zombie brains” (a.k.a. green Jell-O with gummy worms inside) during the movie.
9. Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton’s black-and-white spooky delight about a boy and his resurrected dog. Heart-warming and gothic.
🎃 Hack: Let kids bring their favourite stuffed animal “pets” to the movie to keep them safe.
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The ultimate debate: Halloween movie or Christmas movie? Answer: Both!
🎃 Tip: Make it extra fun by having kids pick whether they’re on “Team Jack” (Halloween) or “Team Santa” (Christmas) before the show.
Movie Night Hacks for Extra Fun
• Spooky Snack Mix: Combine popcorn, pretzels, candy corn, and chocolate chips for a “witch’s cauldron” snack.
• DIY Ticket Booth: Hand-make movie tickets and let one kid be the “ticket master.”
• Costume Dress Code: Let everyone wear pajamas or mini costumes. Pajama skeletons = comfy + spooky.
• Pumpkin Scented Vibes: Light a pumpkin-scented candle or use a diffuser so the whole house smells like fall.
Halloween with kids doesn’t have to be terrifying. With the right movies, a cozy fort, and a candy-fuelled snack table, you’ll create memories so fun that the kids might even forget to ask, “Can we watch something else?” halfway through.
