63 of the Best Halloween Movies for Kids, According to Age

1.Hocus Pocus(1993)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:96 minutes

Some of the themes and references here will likely be too much for younger kids—witches with the power to suck the life from kids and mild sexual innuendo, among other things—so this one might be a bad choice for, say, a preschooler. Still, the spooks are not so scandalous, and the entertainment is big enough to thrill a tween.

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:103 minutes

The family-friendly sequel is just as thrilling as the original, and it has more than enough dance numbers to keep the kiddos enchanted. The story follows the Sanderson sisters, who return to Salem after 29 years.

3.The Nightmare Before Christmas(1993)

• Best for:Ages 7+
• Run time:76 minutes

Equal parts romantic and dark, this film is kid-friendly Tim Burton at its best. Even the younger ones can enjoy the stop-motion animated magic—just be aware that the smallest and most sensitive kids might be spooked by the bug-filled ‘Oogie Boogie’ and some of the stylized imagery in general.

4.Super Monsters Save Halloween(2018)

• Best for:Ages 3+
• Run time:24 minutes

Halloween meets social-emotional learning when the Super Monsters are tasked with spreading holiday spirit throughout the neighborhood. The storyline makes a point of allaying fears by distinguishing between what is real and what’s just dress-up fun—so, in other words, this one is ideal for little kids that are likely to feel a tad confused (and a little freaked out) by the whole Halloween thing once the festivities begin.

5.Spookley the Square Pumpkin(2005)

• Best for:Ages 4+
• Run time:47 minutes

Based on a children’s book by Joe Trolano, Spookley’s story is highly relatable—Halloween or not—because it’s basically about just wanting to fit in. Don’t worry though, Spookley the square-shaped pumpkin learns that it’s OK to be different. At 45 minutes, this animated film is short enough for little kids to enjoy (rather than simply turning into screen zombies) and although the musical narrative is quirky, the scares—apart from one encounter with a bad storm that may rattle very young viewers—are practically non-existent.

6.Casper(1995)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:100 minutes

年轻的克里斯蒂娜•里奇和她动画鬼朋友Casper make a fine pair in this humorous and only moderately spooky film. Parents should know this motion picture about a friendly ghost has stood the test of time, but the focus on death (along with some language and bullying) makes for a viewing experience that’s best-suited for a tween audience.

7.Double, Double, Toil and Trouble(1993)

• Best for:Ages 5+
• Run time:93 minutes

The Olsen twins star in this made-for-television, feel-good family movie. Super cheesy, yes, but these child-star darlings are at peak cuteness inDouble, Double Toil and Trouble. Plus, the Halloween-themed storyline is almost all humor with only a few frights—all of which are easy enough for a kindergartener to stomach.

8.Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie(2005)

• Best for:Ages 3+
• Run time:66 minutes

Like all things Winnie the Pooh, this Halloween special is sugar-coated and entirely innocent. Full of festive fun and easy to watch with even the youngest in your brood, rent this guy when you’re looking for a seasonal pick that doesn’t scare (or disrupt the bedtime routine).

9.Scooby Doo and the Goblin King(2008)

• Best for:Ages 6+
• Run time:74 minutes

Scooby Doobydo(o) watch this with your grade school kiddo. What you can expect? The tried-and-true, goofy Scooby comedy—along with somewhat creepy characters. The beloved and colorful cast take an adventure-packed, and at times perilous, trip to Halloween Land in this family-friendly, feature-length cartoon film.

10.Halloweentown(1998)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:84 minutes

A little girl learns she’s a good witch in this Halloween story and her mission is to save the holiday, even if it means flouting her overbearing mother’s rules. Be warned: This one boasts a grotesque-looking warlock villain and the stand-offs get a little intense at times. (There are also realistic portrayals of parent-child conflict.) That said, there’s no gore—and overall, the tension inHalloweentownmakes it a delicious crowd-pleaser among the intended tween audience, while also being palatable for adults.

11.Goosebumps(2015)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:103 minutes

An action-packed monster flick based on the best-selling children’s books from R.L. Stine,Goosebumpsgets great reviews from parents and kids alike. However, parents should be aware that this fast-paced film will likely be overstimulating, and at times too scary, for younger kids. Some violence comes into play with fighting scenes and while none of it is shocking or offensive, it’s safe to say this film will land best with an older grade school audience.

12.Twitches(2006)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:86 minutes

Tia and Tamera Mowry, ofSister, Sisterfame, star in this made-for-TV Disney movie and their effortless dynamic shines through (as always) in this story about two girls who discover they are actually twin sisters—and also witches, destined to defeat ‘the darkness.’ Some gender stereotypes come up (so much shopping) but with a little follow-up discussion, this is a family-friendly film that is sure to appeal to tweens and young teens.

13.Song of the Sea(2014)

• Best for:Ages 6+
• Run time:94 minutes

Stunning hand-drawn animation captures the magic of Irish myth in a moving story about sibling bonding. The narrative is rich with fantasy and magic—plus more than a few spooky scenes that might be too intense for small children, but capture the Halloween spirit nonetheless.

14.Coco(2017)

• Best for:Ages 6+
• Run time:105 minutes

Dia de los Muertos不完全一样的万圣节,但是波th holidays kick off on October 31st (the eve of All Saint’s Day) and share similar origins. Both celebrations are also fabulously fun and a little spooky. Give your kid a dose of culture with this charming, kid-friendly film that pays tribute to the Mexican holiday with striking animation and memorable music.

15.Monster House(2006)

• Best for:Ages 10+
• Run time:90 minutes

Older kids can enjoy a fear-driven adrenaline rush without gratuitous gore with spookyMonster House. This flick, which involves a house that comes to life in a rather disturbing way, is legitimately scary and there’s a dearth of redemptive qualities in the characters. That said, it’s a whole lot more wholesome than a slasher flick and a pretty decent way to introduce your tween to the horror genre.

16.Spooky Buddies(2011)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:88 minutes

Light scares and lovable pups steal the stage in this Halloween-themed film, which follows the good versus evil superhero trope. The villains are made even creepier by eerie music and special effects in this animated movie—and there’s plenty of spooky characters to boot (think: ghosts, haunted houses, monsters and bad magic).

17.Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest(2013)

• Best for:Ages 3+
• Run time:57 minutes

The beloved mischievous monkey strikes again in this sweet and low-key yet festive film. Curious George explores spooky Halloween legends, confronts fears and emerges unscathed (as always). Stream this one for a family-friendly and scare-free flick that even the tiniest viewers can get in on.

18.Dear Dracula(2012)

• Best for:Ages 6+
• Run time:60 minutes

Funny and refreshingly free of sensational scares, this charming film revolves around a young and surprisingly sweet vampire (i.e., Dracula) who struggles with his identity when he realizes that, well, he just isn’t that scary. Friendship and self-acceptance, not fear, take center stage. The end result? A Halloween movie that makes kids and grown-ups feel good.

19.Casper’s Scare School(2006)

• Best for:Ages 7+
• Run time:75米inutes

Casper: Friendly and far too good-hearted to scare humans—he’s the specter we all aspire to be. The mean ghosts in this movie may prove a bit too intimidating for younger audiences, but the entertainment is big and the overall message comes across as a ringing endorsement of kindness that’s bound to benefit most grade schoolers.

20.Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween(2018)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:89 minutes

恐怖小说对孩子是R.L.斯坦的专长and that’s what you can expect from this movie. It isn’t the first screen adaptation of the popular children’s series, but it might be the best—the scares are milder and more effectively offset by humor and absurdity. Bottom line: If you watchedGoosebumpsand found it to be too intense for your sensitive kid, take two is worth a try.

21.The Dog Who Saved Halloween(2011)

• Best for:Ages 6+
• Run time:88 minutes

A sequel toThe Dog Who Saved Christmasfeaturing the same heroic pup and plenty of Halloween motifs—plus a generous amount of potty humor. The narrative is essentially aHome Alone下班有两个无能的骗子和一只狗playing Macaulay Culkin’s role, and it involves a similar degree of slapstick violence. But parents who don’t mind a bit of crude humor will feel A-OK about this light-hearted and kid-friendly film.

22.Scared Shrekless(2011)

• Best for:Ages 6+
• Run time:65 minutes

Shrek, the most endearing of ogres, makes another comical appearance in this made-for-TV Halloween special. Like all theShrekmovies, you can expect some adult innuendo, but it’s all likely to go over your kid’s head. All in all, the laughs are guaranteed and the spooky stuff is mild enough for younger ones.

23.Girl Vs. Monster(2012)

• Best for:Ages 7+
• Run time:88 minutes

Positive messages and a minimal scare factor make for a family-friendly monster flick.Girl vs. Monsteris about a teenage girl who finds out (just before Halloween) that she comes from a long line of monster hunters, and the storyline provides plenty of thrills without the gratuitous and disturbing violence of slasher films. Bonus: Disney star Olivia Holt belts out some seriously good tunes—and she has stage presence that’s sure to command your tween’s attention to boot.

24.The Addams Family(1991)

• Best for:Ages 10+
• Run time:101 minutes

Gothic, black comedy with just the right balance of slapstick—this one is sure to please a younger audience without offending the parentals. There’s nothing gruesome here, and the dark mood pairs well with the Halloween spirit—just be aware that little kids are more likely to be disturbed by the macabre elements in the movie.

25.It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown(1966)

• Best for:Ages 4+
• Run time:25 minutes

This classic covers all the Halloween bases: costumes, trick-or-treating, and the anticipation of a great pumpkin, of course. The nostalgia comes on strong with this one but parents should be aware that the Peanuts dynamic is not all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, the kids act like kids in this cartoon (i.e., they are often mean to one another). The realistic portrayal is not necessarily a bad thing though—but maybe take advantage of the opportunity to talk to your own child about bullying, or just the importance of kindness.

26.The Witches(1990)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:91 minutes

Dare we say it? Yes, we do: Nothing says Halloween like Angelica Houston—and she’s in rare form in this creepy but kid-friendly adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book about witches with an evil plot to turn children into mice. The visual effects are disturbing and the general mood of the film is decidedly spooky, but the cool factor is high and the content is age-appropriate.

27.Beetlejuice(1988)

• Best for:Ages 12+
• Run time:92 minutes

Dark and comical, this cult classic—starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and the always great Catherine O’Hara—is full of camp and circumstance and is a must-see for teens and adults alike. Parents should know that there’s some grown-up material they might not want to expose younger kids to, which includes smoking, drinking and frequent references to violent death (albeit free of gore).

28.Ghostbusters(1984)

• Best for:Ages 11+
• Run time:105 minutes

Uproarious and occasionally racy, the farcical humor in this action-packed ‘80s flick has stood the test of time for good reason. The narrative focuses on heroic battles against paranormal forces but the stylized (and rather dated) poltergeists are far from frightful, so chances are the story won’t give your big kid bad dreams. In fact, the spooks in this iconic film are more likely to make everyone laugh.

29.Little Shop of Horrors(1986)

• Best for:Ages 12+
• Run time:93 minutes

An iconic ‘80s film from Frank Oz with a cult following: This one is more comedy than horror—but that’s only true for kids old enough to understand the macabre and somewhat disturbing humor. The plot about a blood-thirsty plant touches on toxic relationships and includes several not-so-subtle references to murder, so we suggest you view this one with a more mature, teenage kid. Plus, Steve Martin’s performance as a sadistic dentist is so convincing that you should only introduce it to juveniles who are completely comfortable with teeth-cleaning.

30.Monsters, Inc.(2001)

• Best for:Ages 5+
• Run time:92 minutes

Professional monsters are the main characters in this family-friendly film—and they tell a story that promises to deliver a few jumpy thrills and a positive message that plays to the tune of ‘They’re just as afraid of you as you are of them.’ Needless to say, the boogie man’s point of view goes a long way towards making standard childhood fears far less intimidating.

31.The Little Vampire(2000)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:95 minutes

The scares are tame but abundant in this tween-friendly film: Peril, images of death and a generally dark mood are present, and should be considered before showing to younger or more sensitive kids. Other than that, the content is not particularly scandalous and the entertainment value scores high.

32.Twilight(2008)

• Best for:Ages 13+
• Run time:126 minutes

A loyal adaptation of the exceedingly popular book, the screen version ofTwilightbrings to life a vampire-human romance in a way that can best be described as candy for teens. Of course, reading, seeing and believing are all distinct experiences, so only let your kid watch this one if you’re comfortable with the considerable intimacy involved in the somewhat spooky vampire plot.

33.Frankenweenie(2012)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:minutes

Tim Burton’s unmistakable style makes this introduction to the story of Frankenstein enthralling—but like the classic novel upon which it’s based, the storyline is macabre. Still, this adaptation is notably kid-friendly (hence the pup) and a great pick for a Halloween movie night with medium-sized kids that want some sinister vibes without the over-the-top scares.

34.Hotel Transylvania(2012)

• Best for:Ages 7+
• Run time:91 minutes

It’s hard to know the best way to introduce the idea of ‘monster movies’ to a young kid, because they’re basically a whole new beast. Sure, scares are everywhere, but when spooky stuff is the premise of the film, it’s a different story. EnterHotel Transylvania. This wholesome and family-friendly film makes for an ideal first encounter because the characters are so likable—and, aside from a few expressions of controlled anger, the frights are few and far between.

35.Coraline(2009)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:100 minutes

Coralineoffers a visually stunning viewing experience, owed to the stop-motion mastery of Henry Selick. This movie is both beautiful and thought-provoking, but despite the seemingly kid-friendly animation, it’s really only suitable for older children. The subject matter, which involves a young girl trying to escape from dysfunctional, narcissistic adults into a perilous imaginary realm, is dark and decidedly mature. There’s nothing gratuitous or offensive in this artsy flick and it’s entirely suitable for tweens, but it might be the stuff of nightmares for the young and sensitive.

36.Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire(2000)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:83 minutes

A wholesome comedy horror featuring Caroline Rhea, ofSabrina, the Teenage Witchfame, with a healthy dose of cheese. To be honest, grown-ups are not likely to find this film particularly riveting or original...but your tween likely will. Best of all, the age-appropriate content and cliches make for a movie that carries no risk of keeping your kiddo up until the wee hours (fighting demons and whatnot).

37.Dracula(1931)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:75米inutes

If you have a big kid in your house who is ready to explore the horror genre, forget the gratuitous slasher films and opt for classic spooks instead. This black-and-white thriller is the first film adaptation of Bram Stoker’sDraculaand the eerie soundtrack does not disappoint. Obviously, Dracula is not a good guy—but this classic portrayal spares young viewers the violence associated with his bad deeds, while still providing an experience that promises to keep everyone on the edge of their seat.

38.Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman(2000)

• Best for:Ages 5+
• Run time:78 minutes

There’s nothing disingenuous about this cartoon family—and in this chipmunk flick the sibling dynamics take center stage in a way that comes across as both real and loving. One brother learns how to cope with and confront bullying, while another dives deep into horror. The storyline involves a werewolf and a few frightful moments, but the positive messages definitely upstage the scares.

39.Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein(1948)

• Best for:Ages 7+
• Run time:83 minutes

Sometimes what’s current is just too stimulating—take a break from the flashy special effects and try out this 1940s flick for your next family movie night. There are monsters aplenty, but they’re all pretty easy to stomach because of the dated production, and the scary moments are subdued by levity and humor. Overall, this throwback is a great way to introduce grade school kids to some classic Halloween characters, and it’s likely to charm adult audiences, too.

40.Buffy the Vampire Slayer(1992)

• Best for:Ages 13+
• Run time:85 minutes

No, we’re not talking about the TV series (although we’re mega fans of Sarah Michelle Geller’s badass take on the character). This campy and kind of amazing movie is where it all started and is worth a watch. A valley girl discovers she’s a born vampire slayer in this goofy but engaging movie. There’s a lot of fighting, some cheap thrills, and the acting is bad in the best way possible. Tune in with your teen for movie night fun.

41.The Haunted Mansion(2003)

• Best for:Ages 10+
• Run time:89 minutes

Both funny and spooky, this flick revolves around a family who moves into a creepy mansion. There are ghosts, demons and skeletons that might be scary for younger children. Not to mention, the majority of the film takes place in the dark, which even leaves us adults a little scared.

42.Gremlins(1984)

• Best for:Ages 7+
• Run time:106 minutes

While we consider this one a Halloween classic, it does take place around the holidays. On Christmas Eve, what’s supposed to be a cute present ends up having evil babies that ruin a young boy and his family’s celebration after he inadvertently breaks three important rules. While the ideas of toys coming to life may seem quite exciting, these little guys can creep out nearly anyone in the right setting.

43.Don't Look Under the Bed(1999)

• Best for:Ages 12+
• Run time:92 minutes

当一个年轻女孩的妖怪的公关anks, she must try to find a way to clear her name. The scariest parts of this Disney Channel original are the references to the “Boogeyman” in general. But, as we said, it’s a Disney television movie and it’s only rated PG.

44.Young Frankenstein(1974)

• Best for:Ages 12+
• Run time:105 minutes

An American grandson of the infamous scientist (you know who we’re referring to) struggles to prove that his grandfather was not as insane as people think. But when he’s invited to Transylvania, he discovers the process that reanimates a dead body. While Mel Brooks's over-the-top comedy still holds up almost 50 years later, this one has its scarier moments and is best for late tweens and early teens.

45.The Worst Witch(1986)

• Best for:Ages 5+
• Run time:70 minutes

Unless your child is very sensitive, most of the scariness in this movie about a young witch academy is comedic, and no one is hurt as a result of any of the minor violence. Young kids should have no problem with this one, but toddlers could potentially get frightened.

46.Addams Family Values(1993)

• Best for:Ages 10+
• Run time:94 minutes

The dark comedy and gothic themes pervading thisAddams Familysequel set in a terrifying (to Wednesday and Pugsly) summer camp packs plenty of laughs. And while there may not be any gory scenes that will keep them up at night, younger kids and toddlers may not get on board with the adult humor and more morbid elements.

47.Addams Family Reunion(1998)

• Best for:Ages 10+
• Run time:91 minutes

The final film ofThe Addams Familyseries continues with the comedic horror qualities that made the first two famous. The cast is different this time around, and while we love Tim Curry in the Gomez role, it does lack some of the spark of the original. Still, a fun and spooky romp for older kid viewers.

48.Ghostbusters 2(1989)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:108 minutes

The spirited humor found in the acclaimed and beloved original does not fall short in this sequel. Reuniting to fight the supernatural, save New York City from a river of slime and a threatening attack against a family member, this Part Two will have children laughing and shrieking in equal measure. (There's evil painting that comes to life...which may or may not still haunt our dreams.)

49.Monsters University(2013)

• Best for:Ages 5+
• Run time:103 minutes

Before they became professional monsters, they were inexperienced university students eager to learn the ins and outs of scaring 101 in the school's elite Scare Program. This decidedly non-scary sequel follows our favorite spooksters, who must come together and collaborate in order to fix a wrong.

50.E.T.(1982)

• Best for:Ages 7+
• Run time:114 minutes

This family classic delivers a touching story of unexpected and unexplainable friendship...and has one of the best halloween sequences of all time. Watch this one with the whole fam, just be aware that some of the early E.T. scenes--and the part where he's at risk of dying--may spook younger viewers. (There's also a divorce subplot, if that's something you'd like to know in advance.)

51.Little Monsters(1989)

• Best for:Ages 7+
• Run time:101 minutes

This blast from the past takes kiddos on a journey into the netherworld of monsters and mischief when young Brian (played by Fred Savage, natch) befriends the boogeyman under his bed. Enthralled by the mischief, Brian must face the scariest monster yet...himself. Perfect for the late night main-event during the Halloween sleepover.

52.Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl(2003)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:143 minutes

An unlikely partnership emerges when the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow comes to save the kidnapped Elizabeth Swan from dangerous pirates...and a dormant curse. While not a Halloween movie per se, this one is full of heroic action, thrill-seeking adventure and comedic relief. And did we mention, great costumes?

53.Scooby-Doo(2002)

• Best for:Ages 9+
• Run time:86 minutes

The gang's forced to come together again after a two-year, messy breakup to investigate some peculiar happenings at a spooky resort. With tensions running high, the kids are left vulnerable to the paranormal occurrences on the island.

54.Mickey’s House of Villains(2002)

• Best for:Ages 5+
• Run time:68 minutes

Disney's most notorious villains take over the House of Mouse and plan to release evil mayhem one Halloween night. Luckily, the heroes have a plan to win their house back from the villains occupying it. Young kids will love this cartoon, action-thriller filled with familiar characters.

55.The Incredibles(2004)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:115 minutes

Got kids who don't like to go to bed terrified? This Pixar favorite follows a family of supers forced to embrace their powers in order to save their loved ones and, well, the fate of all superheroes to come. Action-packed and full of comedic adventure...this one is great for the family planning todress as The Incredibles on halloween night. (Oh come on, you know it's crossed your mind.)

56.The Black Cauldron(1985)

• Best for:Ages 10+
• Run time:80 minutes

Tweens who love a good ghost story will enjoy this dark fantasy. It follows a young pig keeper who discovers that the pig under his care has a special gift. Unfortunately for him, there's an evil king who wants to capture and use this pig for his own gain. While it features positive role models, it's definitely not your typical, light-hearted Disney film. It's quite dark and has a few violent images, so parents may want to sit through this one with the kids.

57.The Halloween Tree(1993)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:69 minutes

From the brilliant mind of Ray Bradbury comes this spooky adventure, which follows a group of kids as they learn about Halloween traditions and try to rescue their lost friend from a mysterious force. Parents and tweens who don't mind a bit of suspense and a few scares will definitely take a liking to this underrated gem.

58.Muppets Haunted Mansion(2021)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:53 minutes

What happens when you combine the classic Muppets with the Haunted Mansion? A Halloween special filled with jokes, catchy tunes and celebrity special guests (like Darren Criss, Will Arnett and Taraji P. Henson). When Gonzo and Pepe spend one night at the mansion, they meet creatures lurking behind the walls and learn how to face their fears head-on.

59.A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting(2020)

• Best for:Ages 10+
• Run time:94 minutes

Based on the book trilogy, the live-action film follows a babysitter's quest to find the kid she was taking care of after he was mysteriously taken by the Boogeyman on Halloween. On her journey, she discovers a society of babysitters dedicated to protecting kids against these scary monsters.

60.Twitches Too(2007)

• Best for:Ages 8+
• Run time:83 minutes

Following the events ofTwitches, twin princesses Alex and Camryn embark on a quest to find their missing father when they discover that he may be alive and trapped in the Shadowlands. Any tween who enjoyed the first film is in for a special treat with this sequel.

61.Nightbooks(2021)

• Best For:Ages 13+
• Run time:103 minutes

这黑暗的幻想电影tells the story of Alex, a young boy with a passion for making up scary stories. But when he tries to give up the habit to fit in with his peers, an evil witch kidnaps him and insists that he tell a new scary story every night if he wants to stay alive.Nightbookshas quite a few scary sights, so it may be best suited for older tweens who enjoy horror movies.

62.Toy Story of Terror(2014)

• Best for:Ages 6+
• Run time:64 minutes

We might be going out on a limb here, buteveryonelovesToy Story, right? If you agree, tune into this Halloween television special with your little goblin. The familiar characters are just as lovable as ever and the scares are tame enough that even young grade schoolers can watch this flick and still have good dreams.

63.Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone(2001)

• Best for:Ages 7+
• Run time:152 minutes

OK, any film with magic, witches and ghosts has to be categorized as a Halloween movie, right? When 11-year-old Harry Potter finds out he has magical powers, he's taken to a magical school (called Hogwarts) where he discovers a new hidden world filled with spells, creatures and a haunting evil coming for him and his friends. Cue the spooky music.