Best Halloween Movies for Kids & Families 2024

October 30, 2024 By Nancy William No Comments 15 minutes

The best holiday before Christmas has got to be Halloween! The air filled with that crisp Autumn chill, the trees resembling the crunchiest gingersnap biscuits, and out from the smog come the children of the corn, I mean trick-or-treaters dressed in their spookiest Halloween costumes. Nothing beats going door to door for some sugary treats, candy apples, and spells. However, to continue the family fun on Hallow’s night, what better way with some family movie night fun? For the most family-friendly thrilling night, here’s a list of the best Halloween Movies for Kids, teens, and families in general. Let’s get clicking! 

Why Use a VPN to Watch Halloween Movies?

There are many reasons. Before heading to the list of Halloween movies, you should know that these shows are available on different streaming apps. There are a few available on Netflix, but they might not be included in your Netflix regional libraries. A few of the movies are available on free sites, but how can you or the kids enjoy them with ads constantly popping up? With FastestVPN, you can enjoy a much better variety of Halloween content and avoid ads on free streaming websites. Plus, you can easily sign up with the biggest and most popular streaming apps like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and others.   

18 Halloween Movies for Kids or Families

There are many scary or horror movies, like the famous Michael Myers Halloween movies, but they are not kid-appropriate. For this, we’ve created a list of kid-friendly options for you to stream. 

So, it’s time to dim the lights, grab some pillows and blankets, get the popcorn and sweet treats, and stream the best Halloween movies this year with your loved ones. Here are our top 18 Halloween movie selections to get the family-friendly spooky/fantasy time flowing: 

1. Corpse Bride – Rated PG (2005)

Straight from the beautiful yet twisted mind of Tim Burton comes out with a one-of-a-kind Halloween classic film, Corpse Bride. This movie is perfect to hit off the Halloween season. The movie was released in 2005, about the unconventional and complicated coupling of a man and a dead bride. Victor, the soon-to-be groom, messes up his wedding vows during rehearsals and heads to the woods to practice them. When he finally gets it right, he puts the ring on what seems to be an old bony twig but turns out to be the skeletal finger of a bride who was murdered. The animation was created in a stop-motion style and based on Russian-Jewish 16th-century folklore called The Finger. Some say that this movie isn’t for kids because of the scary characters, but it’s packed with emotion and creativity and includes tongue-in-cheek jokes. Plus, it has some great tunes! 

Where To Watch Corpse Bride

• HBO Max
• Hulu
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Sling TV
• Fandango at Home 

Specifications of the Content

• No adult content or nudity
• Mild use of smoking and alcohol 
• Mild violence 
• Mild scary graphics
• No profanity 

The Nightmare Before Christmas – Rated PG (1993)

Another perfect Halloween movie to watch is The Nightmare Before Christmas, which can also be streamed during the Christmas season. It’s yet another showstopper by Tim Burton (creator of Corpse Bride) in collaboration with Henry Selick (creator of James and the Giant Peach.) This stop-motion 1993 musical film highlights the story of Jack Skellington, known as the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown – an unrealistic afterlife or underworld. He becomes fascinated and then obsessed with Christmas and goes to the real world to kidnap Santa Claus, bringing him to Halloweentown. This was also the plot to be the new yet sinister Santa Claus in the land of the living. Again, some may say that this isn’t a kid’s movie because of the dark humor and creepy visuals, but it truly is a classic. In fact, kids that are 10 years or over can watch it. 

Where To Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas

• Disney+ 
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Sling TV
• Fandango at Home 
• Apple TV 

Specifications of the Content 

• No adult content or nudity
• Some of the characters of Halloweentown remove their own heads or limbs. 
• There are shows of maggots, skeletons, etc. (mild)
• Mild creepy graphics
• No profanity 

3. Beetlejuice – Rated PG-13 Today (1988)

Beetlejuice is one of the oldest and most classic movies that hit the screens in 1988. It’s a comedic horror film about a recently deceased couple, Barbara and Adam Maitland. Their spirits are now trapped, haunting their former home. To make things worse, a new eccentric family, the Deetzes, moves in. The Maitlands make an attempt to scare them away, but their efforts lead them to encounter Beetlejuice, a mischievous and chaotic ghost who complicates their plans and puts the life of young Lydia in danger. Even though this makes the list for the best Halloween movies for kids, but I think it’s best to keep it for teens or young adults. 

Where To Watch Beetlejuice

• HBO MAX
• Hulu
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Sling TV
• Fandango at Home 
• Apple TV 
• TBS

Specifications of the Content 

• Comes with violence like sharp weapons, bloody images, and ghostly creatures. 
• Has strong language; use of the word f**k, as*wipe, and others.
• Includes slight drug use
• Mild adult content. 

4. The Addams Family – Rated PG (1991)

If you’re looking for one of the oldest and classic movies that are filled with dark humor, plotting, a walking hand, and family-friendly pranks, The Addams Family is a gem! Created by Barry Sonnenfeld and based on the 1960s sitcom called the “New Yorker” by Charles Addams. The story is about a strange family called the Addams. Things take a darker turn when a man shows up claiming to be Fester Addams, the estranged, missing brother of Gomez Addams. The fake Fester attempts to steal the Addams family fortune, but the family has a few plans up their sleeves. 

Where To Watch The Addams Family

• Netflix

Specifications of the Content 

• No adult content or nudity
• Fit for younger kids
• Dark comedy 

5. Goosebumps (Starring Jack Black) – Rated PG (2015)

Growing up in the 1900s means you’re familiar with the Goosebumps books by R.L.Stine. They were some of the most favorite books read by children who love a little mystery and thrill. Since then, in 2015 came the Goosebumps movie, starring the famous and quirky Jack Black. He plays the character of the author R.L.Stine. The plot is about Mr.Stine unleashing all of his fictional demons into the real world through his writing. He teams up with his teenage daughter and a neighbor named Zach in the hopes of saving their hometown. 

Where To Watch Goosebumps

• Netflix 
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Fandango At Home 

Specifications of the Content

• Show of monsters
• No violence 
• Alright for children above 7

6. Monster House  – Rated PG (2006)

Growing up, I came across the movie “Monster House” in 2006, and it sparked an increased love for kid-friendly horror movies. I was probably just 13 when I first watched it. The story has hints of horror and is filled with mixed emotions. It’s one of the best Halloween movies for kids that you can check out. The story is about a kid and his friends who are obsessed with a house across his street that everyone is afraid of. The story itself is rather a sad one. This movie is a fit for kids that are aged 9 and above, even though the imagery and plot is not harmful for kids that are younger. 

Where To Watch Monster House

• Netflix 

Specifications of the Content

• Thematic elements 
• Scary images 
• Loud sounds 
• Bribery 
• Slight alcohol scenes 

7. The Witches – Rated PG (2020)

Written by the famous Roald Dahl, The Witches is a modern spin on the classic children’s book. The movie’s main character, “The Head Witch,” is played by Anne Hathaway, whose performance was quite desirable throughout. You could call this Halloween movie a dark fantasy where a young lad and his grandmother find themselves fighting against a secret society of witches that hate, kill, or eat young children. The movie might not entirely be meant for children under 7. 

Where To Watch The Witches

• YouTube
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Apple TV
• Fandango at Home 

Specifications of the Content

• Dark comedy 
• Mild alcohol 
• Moderate violence 
• Mildly frightening

8. Coraline – Rated PG (2009)

Another one of the best Halloween movies for kids, teens, and adults is Coraline. There is a lot of talk about the character being based on an actual kid whose mother sewed buttons on her eyes when she died. However, for a friendlier plot, the movie, released in 2009, is based on a novel by Neil Gaiman. It’s a dark story about a girl who falls into a parallel yet whimsical world. That is where true artistry is seen throughout. The character of Coraline was voiced by Dakota Fanning, and the film received wide positive acclamation for being the first 3D stop-motion animated film. 

Where To Watch Coraline

• Tubi TV
• Pluto TV
• Fandango At Home 
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Apple TV 

Specifications of the Content

• Mild nudity 
• Some language (like crap*)
• Rude humor 
• Some scary scenes
• Creative stop-motion characters 

9. ParaNorman – Rated PG (2012)

ParaNorman is a stop-motion animated comedy horror film featuring a talented voice cast. The story revolves around a young boy named Norman who can communicate with the dead. When his town faces a threat from a resurrected witch, Norman must use his unique ability to save the day. This film is known for its clever humor, heartwarming moments, and impressive animation, all of which make it a great movie to watch on Halloween. 

Where To Watch ParaNorman

• Tubi 
• Pluto TV
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Fandango At Home
• Apple TV 

Specifications of this Halloween Movie for Kids

• Mild scary images 
• Artistic elements 
• Underlying messages 
• Zombies with body parts flying off 
• Mild insult words like crazy, stupid, and freak

10. Boxtrolls – Rated PG (2014)

Most fans claim Boxtrolls to have a Charles Dickens flair to it, with catching colors and lively artistry throughout the movie. Boxtrolls might not be a scary Halloween movie, but it is one that gives a clear and strong message. The story is about an orphan named Eggs, a human boy adopted by an underground community of Boxtrolls. They’re harmless creatures but often painted to be vicious by the exterminators. Eggs goes above ground and befriends a feisty little girl named Winnie. They both join forces and devise a plan to save the Boxtrolls from being wiped out. 

Where To Watch Boxtrolls

• Tubi TV
• The Roku Channel 
• Fandango At Home 
• Apple TV
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Redbox 

Specifications of the Content

• Mild violence but innocent 
• Mild profanity words like “Lord, Dear Lord, OMG!” 
• Slight rude humor, but not severe 
• Mild show of public affection 

11. Monsters, Inc. – Rated G (2001)

Monsters, Inc. is a 2001 Pixar film starring the voices of Billy Crystal and John Goodman. It follows the story of two monsters, Mike and Sully, who work at a company that generates power from children’s screams. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are actually quite gentle creatures who are just trying to do their job. This movie for Halloween is perfect for kids at 5 or above. 

Where To Watch Monsters, Inc

• Sling TV
• Fandango At Home 
• Disney+
• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• YouTube 

Specifications of the Content

• Themes of adventure, comedy, friendship, family, magic, and more
• Perfect for kids and young adults 
• 3D version available 

12. The House with a Clock in its Wall – Rated PG (2018)

There’s nothing more exciting than a Jack Black Halloween. If your family loves some magic, mystery, and adventure movies, this is the one to watch this Halloween. The story is about Lewis, a 10-year-old boy, who goes to live with his quack of an include in an odd and creaky old house. But this isn’t just some ordinary house, for there is a mysterious tick-tock sound that creaks within its very walls. Upon curiosity, Lewis ultimately finds out that his Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman, the feisty neighbor, are both powerful wizards. The plot thickens when Lewis unintentionally awakens the dead, springing new characters to life and unlocking the portal to a dangerous world of warlocks, curses, witches, and more.

Where To Watch The House with a Clock in its Walls

• Hulu
• YouTube TV
• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Sling TV
• Fandango at Home

Specifications of the Content

• No nudity 
• Mild violence
• Moderate scary elements 
• Adventure and magical

13. Frankenweenie – PG-Rated Halloween Movies for Kids (2012)

Mixed with emotion, this Halloween movie is about the story of a young lad named Victor, who tries to play God in the hopes of resurrecting his beloved dead dog, Sparky. This stop-motion animated film was created by none other than the brilliant Tim Burton. The story is a lot like the classic Frankenstein and the mad scientist. 

Where To Watch Frankenweenie

• Disney+
• Hulu 
• FuboTV
• Fandango at Home
• Apple TV 

Specifications of the Content

• Moderate violence 
• Mildly coarse language 
• Suspenseful music 
• Mildly horror characters 

14. Hotel Transylvania – Rated PG (2012)

Hotel Transylvania is one of the most widely-watched animated comedy films directed by Genndy Tartakovsky. The characters and plot are what makes it a fun movie to watch on Halloween. The film follows Dracula, voiced by Adam Sandler, who owns a hotel for monsters. When a human named Jonathan enters the hotel, Dracula’s teenage daughter, Mavis, falls in love with him. This leads to a hilarious and heartwarming story with a talented voice cast, including Selena Gomez, Kevin James, and more.

Where To Watch Hotel Transylvania

• Peacock 
• Amazon Prime Video 
• Fandango at Home 
• Apple TV
• Google Play Movie 

Specifications of the Content

• No adult content or nudity 
• Mild profanity 
• Some language, but safe, like fool, jerk, nerd. 

15. Coco – PG Rated Musical Halloween Movies for Kids (2017)

I personally wouldn’t call this movie a Halloween film, but it does help celebrate the Day of the Dead in the Land of the Living. Plus, this musical film is what the kids would enjoy on a holiday. It’s a Pixar original about a spirited and kind young boy named Miguel, whose passion is to be a famous musician. However, things are not as easy since Miguel’s family put a ban on music. In the attempts to prove himself, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead, where he meets Hector, a charming has-been trickster.  

Where To Watch Coco

• Hulu 
• Disney+
• Apple TV
• Fandango at Home 
• Sling TV

Specifications of the Content

• Mild violence, including the character crushed by a bell
• Mild substance use
• No nudity 
• Some skeletal characters might frighten extremely young kids 

16. The Haunted Mansion – PG 13 (2003)

The Haunted Mansion is a 2003 comedy film starring Eddie Murphy. Based on a popular Disney theme park ride, the film follows a family who moves into a haunted mansion. This film marked a shift in Eddie Murphy’s career towards more family-friendly roles. In 2023, a remake of The Haunted Mansion was released, featuring an ensemble cast including Tiffany Haddish, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, and others.

Where To Watch The Haunted Mansion

• Disney+
• Sling TV
• Fandango at Home 
• Apple TV
• Amazon Prime Video 
• YouTube

Specifications of the Content

• Frightening images
• Language
• Mild nudity
• Thematic elements
• Mild alcohol, drugs, and smoking
• Mild violence and gore
• Moderate frightening and intense scenes

17. James and the Giant Peach – PG / For Children Over 8 (1996)

The best Halloween kid’s movies are mostly the classics, often adapted from novels written by Roald Dahl. It’s again one of the best stop-motion animation films and is about the tale of a young boy named James, a British orphan. He’s a sweet lad who is forced to stay with his wicked, cruel, and selfish aunts. He tries to break free and discovers an enchanted giant peach, magical creatures, and his way out. 

Where To Watch James and the Giant Peach

• YouTube 
• Fandango at Home 
• Apple TV
• Disney+

Specifications of the Content

• Okay for children over 8
• Mild violence 
• Some scary scenes 
• Supernatural themes 

18. Hocus Pocus – Rated PG 13 By Some (1993)

Hocus Pocus is a classic Halloween comedy that tells the story of the Sanderson Sisters, three witches, who a group of teenagers accidentally resurrect. The film features iconic performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. In 2022, a sequel to Hocus Pocus was released, bringing back the Sanderson Sisters for more spooky fun.

Where To Watch Hocus Pocus

• Disney+ 
• Sling TV
• Amazon Prime Video 
• YouTube 
• Fandango at Home 

Specifications of the Content

• Some cleavage shown 
• Mild violence
• Innuendo references to virginity are mentioned 
• Mild frightening scenes

FAQs – Halloween Movies for Kids

To Conclude

And that’s a wrap! Create some extra family fun this year with the best Halloween movies for kids, teens, young adults, and adults! It’s one of the best times of the year and helps create some bonding among your families, especially if you’re not going trick-or-treating this year. However, for a better experience while streaming and to avoid ads, consider connecting to FastestVPN. Plus, most of the streaming services on our list are available only in the US. With FatestVPN, you can connect to a US server and unlock these movies on supported devices. 

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