Top Halloween Movies: Fun, Not-Too-Spooky Films for the Whole Family
Halloween is the perfect time for pumpkin carving, dressing up, and, of course, watching fun and spooky movies! But if you’ve got little ones at home, you might be looking for Halloween films that are more about fun and less about frights. From playful ghosts to magical adventures, there are plenty of kid-friendly Halloween movies that capture the spirit of the season without being too scary. Here’s a roundup of some of the best Halloween movies that the whole family can enjoy.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
No Halloween movie list is complete without this classic! Hocus Pocus is a delightful mix of comedy and fantasy, following three witches—Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson—who are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem by a group of kids. The witches are hilarious, and the movie is packed with enough magic and adventure to keep the whole family entertained. It’s a nostalgic favorite for parents and a fun introduction to the Halloween season for kids.
Why it’s great for kids: The Sanderson sisters are more silly than scary, and the movie’s lighthearted tone makes it a Halloween staple for all ages.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie? A Christmas movie? Maybe it’s both! Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a visually stunning stop-motion animation that tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who stumbles into Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with bringing the holiday back to his spooky world. The film is full of quirky characters, catchy songs, and just the right amount of spooky fun.
Why it’s great for kids: The movie strikes a balance between Halloween spookiness and holiday cheer, making it fun and whimsical rather than scary. Plus, the musical numbers are unforgettable!
3. Casper (1995)
Casper is the friendly ghost we all know and love! In this heartwarming tale, a paranormal expert and his daughter move into a haunted mansion, where they meet Casper, a kind ghost who just wants to make friends. However, they also have to deal with Casper’s mischievous uncles, who add a lot of humor and chaos to the story. The film is a great mix of heart and humor, making it a perfect Halloween watch.
Why it’s great for kids: Casper is more friendly than frightening, and the story emphasizes kindness and friendship over scares.
4. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
In Hotel Transylvania, Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) runs a luxury hotel for monsters, where creatures like Frankenstein and the Invisible Man can relax and escape from humans. However, things get complicated when a human boy stumbles into the hotel and falls for Dracula’s daughter, Mavis. The movie is fast-paced, funny, and filled with lovable characters.
Why it’s great for kids: The monsters in Hotel Transylvania are more silly than spooky, and the movie focuses on fun family dynamics and humor.
5. Coco (2017)
While not strictly a Halloween movie, Coco is a beautiful and colorful celebration of Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), a Mexican holiday that happens right after Halloween. The film follows a young boy named Miguel who accidentally enters the Land of the Dead, where he uncovers family secrets and learns about the importance of honoring one’s ancestors. With its stunning visuals and heartfelt story, Coco is a fantastic family film.
Why it’s great for kids: Coco introduces kids to a meaningful cultural tradition in a way that’s both fun and educational, with stunning visuals and catchy music.
6. Monster House (2006)
Monster House offers a bit more suspense, but it’s still a great choice for kids who enjoy a bit of mystery and adventure. The story follows three friends who discover that their neighbor’s house is actually alive—and very cranky! Together, they try to uncover the truth behind the spooky house and stop it from causing more trouble. While the movie has some creepy moments, it’s balanced with humor and excitement.
Why it’s great for kids: Though it has a few jump-scares, the film’s tone is playful, and the heroic kids make it an empowering story for young viewers.
7. The Addams Family (2019)
This animated take on the classic spooky family is full of macabre humor and lighthearted spookiness. The Addamses are quirky and eccentric, and the movie follows them as they move to a new neighborhood, much to the horror of their more conventional neighbors. With plenty of laughs and a unique visual style, this is a Halloween treat that’s great for kids.
Why it’s great for kids: The Addams family’s oddities are endearing, and the movie focuses more on the importance of being yourself than on scares.
8. Coraline (2009)
For kids who enjoy a bit more of a creepy atmosphere, Coraline is an excellent choice. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, the movie follows Coraline, a young girl who discovers a parallel world that seems perfect—at first. However, she soon realizes that the world’s sinister secrets make it far from the paradise it appears to be. With its dark but imaginative visuals and thought-provoking story, Coraline offers a spooky experience for slightly older kids.
Why it’s great for kids: It’s eerie without being too frightening, and it teaches important lessons about bravery and appreciating what you have.
9. Nigthbooks (2021)
In this film we will go along with a young boy named Alex, on his time trying to survive while being the prisoner of a witch. So in order to stay alive, he makes a deal with the witch, he has to tell her a scary story every night. Then he meets the witch’s servant Yazmin, and by using their cleverness they will try to escape the witch’s apartment, an enchanted kind of maze full of dangers and obstacles, before she finds them and maybe kills them both? You’ll have to watch it to see what happens, we won’t spoil the ending for you.
Why it’s great for kids: It’s gentle and sweet, with no scares in sight—just pure nostalgic fun.
Final Thoughts: Creating a Fun and Safe Halloween Movie Marathon
Halloween doesn’t have to be filled with frights—there are plenty of family-friendly films that capture the spirit of the holiday while keeping things lighthearted. Whether your kids love animated adventures, silly monsters, or heartwarming ghost stories, there’s a Halloween movie out there for them.
So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy a spooky movie marathon with these fun, not-too-scary Halloween films!