25 Family Friendly Halloween Movies
Everything you need to plan the perfect spooky season activities, including a list of the best family-friendly Halloween movies!
Halloween is just around the corner, and as a mom, I’m always looking for ways to make this spooky season enjoyable for the whole family! From fun crafts to creative treats, here are some family-friendly ideas to celebrate Halloween that everyone can enjoy.
And don’t worry, this list is all treats, no tricks! These are movies that are only sort-of spooky (nothing too scary) and should be ok for most kids. But of course, you may want to preview them first just to be sure that they are a fit for your family.
Note: I’ve provided shop-able links to some of my favorites; read disclosure policy here.
24 Family Friendly Halloween Movies to Watch in October
Gather the family for a cozy Halloween movie marathon! Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, popcorn, and some spooky treats. This list will give you a spooky flick to watch every day leading up to Halloween night! Don’t forget to set up a “snack bar” with themed goodies like “witches’ brew” and “monster munch” and other kid-friendly treats!
Join Amazon Prime to access 1000s of movies and more, with a 30-day free trial!
If you’re looking for some fun and festive Halloween movies to watch, these are some of our family favorite Halloween films and series:
- Goosebumps – Based on R.L. Stine’s popular book series, this thrilling adventure starring Jack Black follows a group of teens who accidentally unleash a horde of monsters from Stine’s stories. This leads to a hilarious and spooky race to capture them before it’s too late. (Rated: PG)
- ParaNorman – In this animated tale, a young boy named Norman, who can see and speak to ghosts, must save his town from a zombie uprising while overcoming bullying and discovering the true meaning of bravery. (Rated: PG)
- Monster House – Three kids discover a creepy neighbor’s house is a living, breathing monster. Together, they plan to confront the house and uncover its dark secrets in this spooky yet heartwarming adventure. (Rated: PG)
- HalloweenTown – A young girl discovers she comes from a magical town filled with supernatural creatures. When dark forces threaten HalloweenTown, she must embrace her witch heritage to save her new home. (Not Rated)
- The Addams Family – This reboot brings the beloved eccentric Addams family to life as they navigate hilarious and spooky adventures, highlighting their quirky charm and unique perspective on family values. (Rated: PG-13)
- Coraline – When Coraline discovers a secret door to an alternate world, she finds herself enchanted by a perfect version of her life—until she realizes its sinister truth, leading to a suspenseful battle for her freedom. (Rated: PG)
- The Little Vampire – A young boy befriends a kind-hearted vampire who is on the run from vampire hunters. Together, they embark on an adventure that showcases friendship, acceptance, and the magic of being different. (Rated: PG)
- Double, Double, Toil and Trouble – Twin sisters discover a magical spell to save their family from their wicked aunt, leading them on a whimsical adventure filled with witchcraft, laughter, and Halloween spirit. (Not Rated)
- Hocus Pocus – Three hilarious witch sisters are resurrected in modern-day Salem, and it’s up to a group of kids to stop them from wreaking havoc in this beloved Halloween classic filled with humor and heart. (Rated: PG)
- Scooby-Doo – Join Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang as they solve spooky mysteries and unmask villains in this animated series that combines humor, adventure, and a touch of fright. (Rated: PG)
- Corpse Bride – In this visually stunning stop-motion film, a shy groom accidentally proposes to a deceased bride in the Land of the Dead, leading to an enchanting tale of love, loss, and acceptance. (Rated: PG)
- Casper – This heartwarming story features Casper, a friendly ghost who longs for companionship and friendship. When a young girl moves into his haunted mansion, they form a touching bond that transcends life and death. (Rated: PG)
- The Haunted Mansion – Based on the classic Disney attraction, this family-friendly film follows a real estate agent and his family as they explore a mysterious mansion filled with quirky ghosts and uncover its secrets. (Rated: PG)
- Hotel Transylvania – Dracula runs a lavish resort for monsters, but his world turns upside down when a human boy discovers the hotel and falls for his daughter. This animated comedy highlights family, acceptance, and fun. (Rated: PG)
- Hocus Pocus 2 – Decades after the original, the Sanderson sisters return to Salem, and a new group of teens must find a way to stop them from casting a deadly spell in this nostalgic sequel filled with humor and mischief. And don’t worry, the originals are back for this one: Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Bette Midler are just as fantastic in this sequel! (Rated: PG)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas – In this iconic stop-motion musical, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and brings his Halloween twist to the holiday, leading to enchanting chaos. (Rated: PG)
- Toy Story of Terror! – The beloved Toy Story characters embark on a thrilling road trip that turns into a spooky adventure when they find themselves in a haunted motel, showcasing friendship and teamwork against creepy foes. (Rated: G)
- Coco – In this colorful, heartwarming tale, a young boy named Miguel accidentally finds himself in the Land of the Dead, where he uncovers his family’s history and learns about the importance of remembering loved ones. (Rated: PG)
- Don’t Look Under the Bed – In this Disney Channel Original Movie, a teenage girl discovers a boogeyman who is trying to save her from real monsters. It’s a fun mix of thrills and laughs with a positive message about facing fears. (Rated: PG)
- Over the Garden Wall – This beautifully animated miniseries follows two half-brothers lost in a mysterious forest filled with strange creatures and whimsical adventures, charmingly blending spooky and heartfelt moments. (Rated: TV-PG)
- Beetlejuice – A newly deceased couple hires the mischievous spirit Beetlejuice to scare away the living from their home, leading to a wild and zany adventure filled with unforgettable characters and humor. (Rated: PG)
- Harry Potter – This magical series follows young wizard Harry Potter as he navigates life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, facing dark forces and uncovering the truth about his past in a fantastical world. (Rated: PG or PG-13 depending on which movie)
- Frankenweenie – A young boy brings his beloved dog back to life in this charming Tim Burton film, only to face unintended consequences that lead to a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and friendship. (Rated: PG)
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown – Join Charlie Brown and his friends as they celebrate Halloween while waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. This classic animated special captures the spirit of the holiday with heartwarming messages and nostalgia. (Rated: G)
- A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting – In this Netflix original, a high-schooler battles the boogeyman who is trying to kidnap the child she’s watching. (Rated: TV-PG)
These films offer a mix of fun, adventure, and a touch of spookiness, making them perfect for family movie nights during Halloween!
More Family-Friendly Halloween Ideas
More fun ideas for families during spooky season!
Pumpkin Decorating Extravaganza
Forget the traditional carving! Set up a pumpkin decorating station with paints, stickers, and stencils. This way, even the littlest ones can get involved without sharp tools. Make it a fun competition with categories like “Most Creative” or “Scariest Pumpkin!”
We also tried carving pumpkins with cookie cutters this year and it was a hit! I love how they turned out and so much safer than carving with a knife!
Spooky Scavenger Hunt
Create a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt around your home or yard. Include items like mini pumpkins, candy corn, and spooky decorations. You can even incorporate clues that lead to a hidden treasure—perhaps a basket filled with Halloween goodies or a spooky surprise!
Costume Parade
Encourage the kids to dress up in Halloween costumes and host a mini parade around the neighborhood. You can invite friends and family to join, making it a fun community event. To add friendly competition, consider awarding prizes for categories like “Best Group Costume” or “Most Creative DIY Costume.”
Related: See one of our favorite easy DIY costumes: a cell phone costume made from a cardboard box! It’s a great last-minute idea made with simple supplies!
DIY Halloween Crafts
Set aside an afternoon for some DIY Halloween crafts. Make ghost lanterns out of mason jars, spooky window decorations, or Halloween wreaths with items from nature. This is a great way to unleash your family’s creativity and spend quality time together!
Related: Check out our DIY Jack-O-Lanterns made from laundry detergent jugs!
Ghoulishly Good Treats
Get the kids involved in the kitchen and whip up some Halloween-themed treats. Think ghost-shaped cookies, “monster” cupcakes, or fruit carved into fun shapes (apple monsters, anyone?). You can even host a “bake-off” where each family member creates their spooky snack!
Recipe Ideas: Check out this collection of 30+ Halloween desserts to make!
Haunted House Adventure
Transform your home into a haunted house! Use simple decorations like cobwebs, skeletons, and spooky lights to create an immersive experience. You can enjoy exploring different “rooms” together, complete with silly jump scares. It’s a great way to bond and share some laughs.
Community Events
Check out local community centers for family-friendly Halloween events. Many towns host trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals that offer fun activities for kids of all ages. It’s a wonderful way to meet neighbors and make lasting memories!
Gratitude Jar for Halloween
In the spirit of thankfulness, encourage your family to consider what they’re grateful for during this festive season. Create a Halloween gratitude jar where everyone can drop in notes of appreciation throughout the month. It’s an excellent way to blend the fun of Halloween with meaningful moments.
Spooky Storytelling Night
Gather around for a spooky storytelling night! Have each family member come prepared with their best Halloween tale. To make it extra special, use flashlights to create a “campfire” atmosphere indoors. Just remember to keep the stories light and fun for younger kids!
With these family-friendly ideas, you’ll have a blast celebrating the season without any scary stuff! Happy haunting, everyone!
You might also like:
- 40+ Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas - October 16, 2024
- 25 Family Friendly Halloween Movies - October 2, 2024
- Family-Friendly 30-Minute Meal Ideas - September 20, 2024