Best Kids Halloween Movies (2023)
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Embark on a slightly spooky journey with our handpicked selection of the best Halloween movies for kids. Halloween is the perfect time for family-friendly movie nights filled with spooky ghosts, friendly monsters, and magical adventures. In this list, we’ve compiled classic favorites and newer releases that will captivate and amuse young viewers.
From the touching tales of friendship and courage to the hilarious antics of playful creatures, these movies are sure to create lasting memories and become a part of your family’s Halloween tradition. So, grab the popcorn, and get ready to explore some Halloween movies that will have your little ones eagerly awaiting the arrival of Halloween.
1. Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus combines spooky fun with a healthy share of humor, making it an entertaining choice for families during the Halloween season. The storyline revolves around three witches in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts and provides plenty of laughs and entertainment for both children and adults. The charming sibling protagonists, go on a thrilling adventure to thwart the witch’s plans, promoting teamwork, bravery, and the importance of family bonds. With its memorable characters, catchy musical numbers, and a touch of magic, Hocus Pocus has become a Halloween favorite that warms the hearts of new generations, making it a must-watch for families.
2. ParaNorman
ParaNorman tells the story of a young boy with the extraordinary ability to see and communicate with ghosts. When Norman’s town faces a supernatural threat, he takes a jouney on a thrilling adventure with his friends to save the day. The movie teaches kids about empathy, the dangers of prejudice, and the importance of looking beyond appearances as they go through a journey.
It boasts impressive stop-motion animation, which adds to its visual appeal and eerie atmosphere. While it has its spooky moments, ParaNorman combines humor and moral lessons, making the movie a good choice for family movie night, showing that friendship, compassion, and doing the right thing is vital.
3. Frankenweenie
Frankenweenie, directed by Tim Burton, follows the adventures of Victor Frankenstein, a young boy who brings his beloved pet dog, Sparky, back to life after a tragic accident. Although the movie deals with death, it beautifully combines darkness and whimsical style with a touching story of friendship and the bonds between pets and their owners.
One of the standout features of Frankenweenie is its visually stunning stop-motion animation, which adds charm and eeriness to overall storyline. It explores science, friendship, and the consequences of our actions, making it a thought-provoking choice for young viewers. While it has spooky and supernatural content, Frankenweenie delivers a message of love, acceptance, and the idea that our differences make us unique.
4. Scooby-Doo! on Zombie Island
Scooby-Doo! on Zombie Island reunites the beloved Mystery Inc. gang as they investigate a haunted island filled with zombies, werecats, and supernatural mysteries. The movie offers an engaging storyline that keeps kids on the edge of their seats while enjoying moments of laughter, thanks to Scooby-Doo and Shaggy’s hilarious antics. Scooby-Doo! on Zombie Island provides spooky thrills without being too frightening for younger viewers, making a wonderful choice for a Halloween movie night the whole family can enjoy.
5. Scooby-Doo! and the Legend of the Vampire
Scooby-Doo! and the Legend of the Vampire combines mystery-solving with a Halloween-themed adventure. In this animated film, the Mystery Inc. gang finds themselves in Australia, attending a music festival that turns spooky when a vampire threatens to ruin the event. The movie blends humor, suspense, and a touch of Halloween horror, creating an entertaining storyline that keeps kids on the edge of their seat. Kids will enjoy watching their favorite characters and go on a adventure to uncover the truth behind the vampire’s haunting presence. With its catchy music, unique setting, and memorable moments, Scooby-Doo! and the Legend of the Vampire is an amazing choice for a Halloween movie night.
6. Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost
Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost is an animated film where the gang finds themselves in a small New England town known for its witch trials. They encounter a famous horror writer who unveils a ghost haunting. Follow Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Velma, and Daphne as they unravel secrets while providing laughs and entertainment for kids.
The movie strikes a perfect balance between mystery and Halloween fun, making it a shoe-in for family movie night. With its engaging plot, memorable characters, and Halloween magic, Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost captures the season’s spirit while maintaining the lightheartedness that makes Scooby-Doo adventures so classic.
7. Coraline
Coraline, directed by Henry Selick, brings to life the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the season. The story follows the main character, Coraline, a curious young girl who discovers a hidden door in her new home, leading her to a alternate demention that seems magical. However, she soon realizes that this world of wonder is not what it seems. What makes Coraline perfect for Halloween is its ability to combine fantasy and horror while still maintaining a family-friendly tone. It evokes a sense of wonder and unease, taking children through its enchanting world. It also has an important “be-careful-what-you-wish-for” theme, teaching kids a valuable lesson.
Coraline’s bravery and resourcefulness make her a relatable and admirable character for young viewers. With its highly skilled storytelling, unique animation, and breath taking visuals, this movie offers a memorable and slightly chilling experience perfect for Halloween night.
8. Casper
Casper is a magical tale that follows the friendly ghost Casper, who lives in a haunted mansion with his mischievous uncles. When a paranormal expert and his daughter move into the mansion to uncover its secrets, Casper befriends the girl, Kat, and they go on a daring adventure. Casper is a family-friendly Halloween movie that offers the perfect blend of fun and spookiness that both kids and adults can enjoy.
9. Monster House
Monster House revolves around three young friends who suspect a creepy house is alive and hungry for anyone who dares to approach it. As DJ, Chowder, and Jenny take off on a quest to discover whether or not the house is alive and dangerous, they encounter a world of supernatural surprises and uncover its dark secrets.
What sets Monster House apart is its ability to capture the essence of Halloween by mixing comedy with horror and mystery, while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. The animation is creatively eerie, suprisingly making the haunted house a character in itself. With its compelling storyline and relatable characters, this moves is a spooky yet entertaining watch for kids and the young at heart.
10. Hotel Transylvania
Hotel Transylvania is an animated comedy that features Count Dracula, who runs a lavish resort for monsters to relax away from human civilization. Trouble starts to arise when a young vampire tries to falls in love with a human. The film is full of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments, making it standout as a classic. With its positive messages about acceptance and friendship, Hotel Transylvania provides a fun Halloween experience that is full of valuable life lessons.
11. The Addams Family
The Addams Family movie provides a revolutionary and family oriented take on Halloween. The movie revolves around The Addam’s Family encounters with a reality TV host who tries to exploit their spooky lifestyle, leading to zany antics and heartwarming moments. The movie combines Halloween-themed tropes with valuable life lessons about embracing differences and celebrating individuality.
Kids can relate to the youngest Addams family member, Wednesday, as she goes on a jouney of challenges against attending a new school and making new friends. With its colorful animation and memorable characters, The Addams Family is a classic movie based on a tried and true formula perfect for kids and families.
