Kid-Friendly Family Halloween Picks for a Memorable Movie Night

Halloween isn’t just about costumes, candy, and spooky decorations, it’s also the perfect time for fun family movie nights. Whether your kids love silly ghosts, magical adventures, or a touch of spookiness without the nightmares, family Halloween movies are a fun way to celebrate the season together. Along with the matching Halloween pajamas, I know my girls look forward to it every year!

The best part? There are so many options that suit all ages, from toddlers to teens. In this article, we’ll share a list of the most popular, family-approved Halloween films that balance fun and fright. These picks will help you create magical memories while keeping things kid-friendly. Because no one wants to lose sleep over nightmares!

And if you’re looking for more fall fun, don’t miss our posts on Halloween crafts, fall family activities, and quick and healthy dinners for busy moms. Perfect ideas to pair with a Halloween movie night.

Why Family Halloween Movie Nights Are Special

Family movie nights aren’t just entertainment, they’re an opportunity to bond, slow down, and make lasting memories. Halloween movies specifically create excitement because they combine seasonal fun with family tradition.

  • Build Traditions: Watching the same Halloween movie with matching pajamas each year becomes a cherished memory.
  • Encourage Creativity: Movies spark costume and craft ideas. Pair them with our Halloween crafts for an added layer of fun.
  • Easy Entertainment: Unlike trick-or-treating or parties, a movie night requires minimal prep and is budget-friendly. It’s also perfect for those busy parents who want to be involved with their children, but are exhausted from a long work week!

Classic Family Halloween Movies

These timeless films have been entertaining families for decades and are always worth revisiting.

  • Hocus Pocus (1993): A hilarious and slightly spooky classic about three mischievous witches.
  • Casper (1995): A friendly ghost story that’s heartwarming and fun. This is a family favorite of ours!
  • It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966): A beloved animated short that captures the Halloween spirit.
  • Beetlejuice (1988): Quirky, funny, and a little spooky, definitely best for older kids.

Animated Halloween Movies for Younger Kids

For little ones who want to join in without too much fright, animated Halloween movies are the way to go.

  • Hotel Transylvania (2012): A monster hotel filled with laughs and colorful characters. Make it a movie marathon as there are four movies in this series.
  • Monster House (2006): Slightly spooky, but kid-friendly adventure about a haunted house.
  • Coco (2017): While not strictly a Halloween film, its themes of family and Día de los Muertos make it perfect for the season. And the music is fantastic!
  • Paranorman (2012): A funny and heartwarming story about a boy who can talk to ghosts. This movie makes me laugh out loud as an adult.

Not-Too-Spooky Movies for School-Age Kids

If your kids want a bit more thrill, but still within family-friendly limits, these picks strike the right balance.

  • Goosebumps (2015): Based on the popular book series, spooky but fun. I think I read every single story as a kid!
  • The Addams Family (1991 or animated 2019): Quirky and creepy in the best way. My kids seem to enjoy the animated version best.
  • Coraline (2009): A visually stunning film with some chills, best for older kids.
  • The Witches (1990 or 2020): A magical story about witches in disguise.

Teen-Friendly Halloween Movies

Older kids and teens might crave a little more edge without jumping into truly scary horror films.

  • Ghostbusters (1984): A comedy-horror classic full of laughs and ghosts. A dream team cast as well.
  • Edward Scissorhands (1990): A whimsical, gothic fairy tale by Tim Burton. I love this one more than my kids do. I even dressed up as Edward for Halloween one year.
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Perfect for both Halloween and Christmas, making it a seasonal favorite. This can be scary for younger children, but my five year old loves it.
  • Frankenweenie (2012): Burton’s stop-motion tale of a boy who brings his dog back to life.

How to Create the Perfect Family Halloween Movie Night

Watching the movie is only part of the fun. Set the mood with decorations, snacks, and cozy touches.

  • Decorate the Living Room: Add pumpkins, string lights, and themed blankets. My children love helping with the decorating.
  • Make Halloween Snacks: Monster donuts, severed finger hot dogs, zombie muffins, or pumpkin-shaped cookies…OH MY! See our quick and healthy dinners for busy moms for easy meals before movie night.
  • Dress the Part: Encourage kids to wear pajamas or costumes.
  • Build a Double Feature: Watch a short animated film for younger kids, followed by a classic for the whole family.

Where to Stream Family Halloween Movies

Most of these films are available on popular streaming services.

  • Disney+: Great for Hocus Pocus, Coco, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
  • Netflix: Often features seasonal family-friendly picks and animated options.
  • Amazon Prime Video: Rent or buy classics like Casper or The Addams Family.
  • HBO Max/Peacock: Check seasonal sections for movies like Beetlejuice and Coraline.

Halloween is a season filled with imagination, creativity, and family traditions, and nothing brings it all together like a cozy family Halloween movie night. From animated favorites for little ones to classics that parents grew up watching, these films create a shared experience full of laughter, a little spookiness, and plenty of heart.

This year, grab some popcorn, snuggle under blankets, and enjoy a magical evening filled with memories. For even more seasonal fun, check out our posts on Halloween crafts, fall family activities, and outdoor activities for kids. All perfect complements to your movie marathon.

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