Looking for the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit with your family? You’ve come to the right haunted house! For years, families have sought out movies that capture the spooky fun of Halloween without being too scary for younger viewers. Following up on our popular list of horror flicks for tweens, we’ve conjured up an even bigger and better guide: your ultimate resource for Good Family Halloween Movies.
Whether you have little goblins or teenagers who think they’re too cool for ghosts, this list is packed with over 35 films guaranteed to deliver thrills, chills, and maybe even a few laughs. These movies are perfect for family movie night, Halloween parties, or just introducing the magic of the spooky season to a new generation. And hey, adults, don’t think these are just for the kids! Many of these films are beloved classics that even seasoned horror fans can appreciate for their nostalgic charm and gentle scares. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a hauntingly good time with these family-friendly Halloween movies!
Read on to discover our carefully curated list, perfect for creating lasting Halloween memories without any nightmares (unless you count laughing too hard!).
A Treasure Trove of Good Family Halloween Movies
This collection isn’t just a random assortment of spooky films. We’ve handpicked each movie with families in mind, ensuring they strike the right balance of Halloween atmosphere and age-appropriate content. From animated adventures to live-action comedies with a creepy twist, you’ll find something for everyone in your family.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Want to introduce your kids to classic monster movies in a fun way? Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is the perfect gateway! This black and white horror-comedy brings together all the iconic Universal Monsters – Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, and the Wolf Man – with the comedic duo Abbott and Costello. Get ready for slapstick humor and gentle scares as they stumble into monster mayhem. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the legacy of monster movies while keeping the frights light and laughter plentiful.
Runtime: 1 hour and 23 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Addams Family, The (1991)
The Addams Famiy horror for kids
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky… they’re the Addams Family! This 90s classic brings Charles Addams’ iconic cartoons to life with a perfect blend of dark humor and heartwarming family values. Follow the eccentric Addams family as they navigate the “normal” world while staying true to their delightfully macabre selves. Wednesday and Pugsley’s antics are always a treat, and the romance between Gomez and Morticia is #MarriedCoupleGoals, even with a spooky twist. Plus, this movie opens the door to sequels, TV shows, and even the original 1960s series for true fans!
Runtime: 1 hour and 39 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Arachnophobia (1990)
Arachnophobia
For families who can handle a few creepy crawlies, Arachnophobia delivers suspenseful thrills with a side of humor. When a deadly South American spider hitches a ride to a small town, it’s up to a doctor with a fear of spiders to stop the eight-legged invasion. While it might be too intense for very young children, tweens and older kids who enjoy a bit of suspense will find this movie both thrilling and entertaining. Just be prepared for some potential shrieks during the spider scenes!
Runtime: 1 hour and 49 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Casper (1995)
Casper 1995 Devon Sawa Christina Ricci
Who says ghosts can’t be friendly? Casper introduces us to the most lovable ghost around! Casper is a lonely young ghost haunting a mansion with his mischievous uncles. When a paranormal expert and his daughter Kat move in, Casper finds a chance for friendship and maybe even more. This movie blends heartwarming moments with spooky fun, and the surprisingly well-done CGI ghost effects still hold up today. It’s a sweet and slightly spooky story perfect for families who enjoy a touch of sentimentality with their Halloween movies.
Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Rating: PG
Coraline (2009)
Coraline claymation horror film
Step into a visually stunning world with Coraline, a stop-motion animated film based on Neil Gaiman’s book. Coraline, feeling neglected by her parents, discovers a secret door to an alternate world where her “Other” Mother and Father are incredibly attentive. But this perfect world hides a dark secret. While visually captivating, Coraline has genuinely creepy moments and themes of neglect and danger, making it better suited for older tweens and teens who can appreciate its darker fairytale atmosphere.
Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Rating: PG
Corpse Bride (2005)
From the imaginative mind of Tim Burton comes Corpse Bride, another stop-motion animated gem. This visually striking film tells the story of Victor, who accidentally proposes to a Corpse Bride while practicing his wedding vows. Set in a whimsical, gothic world of the living and the dead, Corpse Bride offers a gentle introduction to ghostly themes with beautiful animation and memorable characters. While not overtly scary, its gothic style and themes of death might be better appreciated by slightly older children and tweens.
Runtime: 1 hour and 17 minutes
Rating: PG
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
While not strictly a “horror” movie, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial has a touch of sci-fi spookiness that makes it a great fit for Halloween. This classic Spielberg film tells the heartwarming story of Elliott, a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. E.T. is filled with wonder, adventure, and a touch of suspense as Elliott and his friends try to help E.T. phone home while evading government agents. It’s a timeless tale of friendship and courage that resonates with all ages, and its themes of the unknown and the otherworldly make it a subtle Halloween pick.
Runtime: 1 hour and 54 minutes
Rating: PG
Eight Legged Freaks (2002)
Eight Legged Freaks teen scarlett johanson spider horror film
Giant spiders attack! Eight Legged Freaks is a fun, action-packed creature feature that blends horror and comedy perfectly for tweens. When toxic waste causes spiders to mutate into gigantic monsters, the residents of a small town must fight back. With a cast including David Arquette and a young Scarlett Johansson, this movie delivers thrills, laughs, and plenty of spider-related mayhem. It’s a great choice for families who like their scares served with a generous helping of humor and action.
Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
Ernest Scared Stupid 90s childrens horror
KnowhutImean, Vern? Ernest Scared Stupid is 90s kid-friendly horror comedy at its finest. Ernest P. Worrell accidentally unleashes a troll on Halloween night, and chaos ensues. Filled with Ernest’s signature slapstick humor and some surprisingly fun monster effects, this movie is a nostalgic treat for adults and a silly spooky adventure for kids. While it might be a bit too goofy for serious horror fans, families looking for lighthearted Halloween laughs will find Ernest Scared Stupid a hilarious choice.
Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes
Rating: PG
Frankenweenie (2012)
Frankenweenie 2012 horror remake
Tim Burton returns with Frankenweenie, a stop-motion animated remake of his own live-action short. Young Victor Frankenstein brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life using science, but his experiment has unexpected consequences. This movie is a touching and quirky take on the Frankenstein story, exploring themes of grief, love, and acceptance. While it deals with the death of a pet, Frankenweenie does so with Burton’s signature dark humor and visual style, making it suitable for older children and tweens who can handle slightly more mature themes.
Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Rating: PG
Ghostbusters (1984)
Ghostbusters 1984 horror movie appropriate for tweens
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters is a quintessential horror-comedy that’s perfect for introducing almost anyone to the genre. With its blend of genuinely funny moments and spooky scenarios, Ghostbusters is a pop culture phenomenon for a reason. The special effects are impressive but cartoonish enough to not be overly scary, and the story of a team of paranormal investigators saving New York City from ghosts is endlessly entertaining. It’s a must-watch for families looking for a classic Halloween movie that’s both funny and spooky in just the right measure.
Runtime: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Rating: PG
Goosebumps (2015)
Goosebumps 2015 Jack Black horror films
Based on the popular book series by R.L. Stine, Goosebumps brings the monsters from the pages to the big screen in a fun and action-packed adventure. When Zach moves next door to R.L. Stine’s daughter, he accidentally unleashes the creatures trapped within Stine’s manuscripts. With Jack Black as R.L. Stine, this movie is a wild ride through the Goosebumps universe, featuring Slappy the Dummy, the Abominable Snowman, and many more iconic monsters. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the world of Goosebumps books while enjoying a thrilling and humorous Halloween movie.
Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Rating: PG
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
gremlins 2 the new batch horror movie sequel
If your family enjoyed the original Gremlins, Gremlins 2: The New Batch takes the mayhem to a whole new level. Gizmo and the Gremlins are back, this time causing chaos in a high-tech New York City skyscraper. This sequel embraces its wacky side, delivering even more over-the-top Gremlin antics and self-aware humor. It’s less about scares and more about laughs and monster mayhem, making it a fun and energetic choice for families who like their Halloween movies on the sillier side.
Runtime: 1 hour and 46 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Halloweentown (1998)
Halloweentown Disney TV halloween movie
For a truly magical Halloween experience, Halloweentown is a Disney Channel classic that’s pure Halloween charm. 13-year-old Marnie discovers she’s a witch and journeys to Halloweentown, a magical place where monsters and witches live in harmony. Filled with giant pumpkins, talking skeletons, and a heartwarming story about family and embracing your true self, Halloweentown is a perfect gateway into supernatural films for younger viewers. Plus, with sequels to explore, the Halloween fun can continue!
Runtime: 1 hour and 24 minutes
Rating: TV-G
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus 1993 kid friendly horror
“Come, little children…” Hocus Pocus is a beloved Halloween classic for a reason. The Sanderson sisters, three witches from the 17th century, are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem on Halloween night. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, this movie is filled with catchy songs, slapstick humor, and just a touch of spooky suspense. With a talking cat, a zombie sidekick, and plenty of Halloween atmosphere, Hocus Pocus is a must-watch for families looking for a fun and festive Halloween movie night.
Runtime: 1 hour and 36 minutes
Rating: PG
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Monsters just want to have fun too! Hotel Transylvania is an animated comedy that brings together all the classic monsters in a colorful and hilarious setting. Dracula runs a hotel for monsters to escape humans, but his overprotective world is turned upside down when a human boy falls for his daughter Mavis. With fast-paced humor, endearing characters, and a sweet story about family and acceptance, Hotel Transylvania is perfect for all ages. It’s a monster mash-up that’s equal parts tender and goofy, making it a delightful Halloween treat.
Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes
Rating: PG
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Introduce your tweens to the master of horror, Vincent Price, with House on Haunted Hill. This classic horror film from William Castle tells the story of an eccentric millionaire who invites guests to spend the night in a haunted house for $10,000. Filled with suspense, twists, and atmospheric chills, House on Haunted Hill is a fun and engaging way to experience classic horror. It’s a great conversation starter about old-school horror filmmaking and the legendary Vincent Price.
Runtime: 1 hour and 15 minute
Rating: Not Rated
Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The (1949) – Short Film
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Disney Halloween short
For a shorter dose of Halloween spookiness, Disney’s animated short The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a perfect choice. Part of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, this segment brings Washington Irving’s classic tale of the Headless Horseman to life. With its atmospheric animation and thrilling chase scene, it’s a Halloween classic that’s enjoyable for all ages, especially younger viewers with shorter attention spans.
Runtime: 34 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
“Feed me, Seymour!” Little Shop of Horrors is a horror-comedy musical that’s both hilarious and surprisingly catchy. Seymour, a nerdy florist, discovers a talking plant that feeds on human blood. This movie is filled with fantastic songs, quirky characters, and a darkly comedic story. While it has some slightly darker themes and a monstrous plant, Little Shop of Horrors is a beloved musical that tweens and teens with an appreciation for theater and humor will adore.
Runtime: 1 hour and 34 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Mad Monster Party? (1967)
For a truly mellow and monster-filled movie experience, Mad Monster Party? is a stop-motion animated Rankin/Bass classic. Featuring adorable renditions of classic movie monsters and a story about a monster convention, this movie is pure gentle fun. With its laid-back pace and charming animation, it’s a great choice for younger children or as a calming Halloween movie before bedtime. Plus, Boris Karloff even sings!
Runtime: 1 hour and 34 minutes
Rating: Not rated
Monster High Movies (2010-2016)
Monster High Haunted
Dive into the fashionable and spooky world of Monster High with their series of animated movies. These movies follow the adventures of Draculaura, Frankie Stein, Clawdeen Wolf, and their monster high school friends as they navigate school, friendships, and monster mayhem. With themes of acceptance, individuality, and fun monster characters, Monster High movies are perfect for younger tweens and fans of the doll franchise. There are numerous movies to choose from, offering hours of monster high jinks!
Runtime: Various (23 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes)
Rating: Not rated
Monster House (2006)
What if the monster wasn’t a creature, but a house itself? Monster House tells the story of three kids who discover that the creepy house across the street is alive and hungry. This animated movie is filled with suspense, humor, and a spooky mystery. Set on Halloween, Monster House delivers genuine scares and thrills while also exploring themes of courage and teamwork. While it has some intense moments, it’s a well-crafted and exciting Halloween adventure for tweens and older kids.
Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes
Rating: PG
Monster Squad, The (1987)
“Wolfman’s got nards!” The Monster Squad is a cult classic that’s pure 80s tween horror fun. A group of monster-loving kids discovers that Dracula and other classic monsters are real and trying to take over the world. Armed with their monster knowledge and a whole lot of courage, the Monster Squad becomes humanity’s last line of defense. Filled with great monster effects, humor, and a heartwarming story about friendship, The Monster Squad is a must-watch for families who appreciate a bit of 80s nostalgia and monster action. It might be a tad too intense for younger children, but tweens and teens will love this monster-fighting adventure.
Runtime: 1 hour and 19 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
What happens when monsters are more afraid of kids than kids are of monsters? Monsters, Inc. answers that question in this heartwarming and hilarious Pixar classic. Sulley and Mike are scarers at Monsters, Inc., a factory that generates power from children’s screams. But when a little girl named Boo accidentally enters the monster world, their lives are turned upside down. Monsters, Inc. is a visually stunning and incredibly funny movie with a sweet message about friendship and overcoming fears. It’s perfect for even the youngest viewers and a guaranteed family favorite.
Runtime: 1 hour and 32 minutes
Rating: G
Mummy, The (1999)
Action, adventure, comedy, and Brendan Fraser – The Mummy (1999) has it all! This updated take on the classic Universal monster movie is a thrilling ride from start to finish. When Evelyn Carnahan accidentally awakens a powerful mummy, Imhotep, she and adventurer Rick O’Connell must stop him from unleashing his wrath. With fantastic special effects, exciting action sequences, and plenty of humor, The Mummy is a crowd-pleasing adventure that tweens and teens will love. It’s a perfect blend of horror and action that keeps the thrills coming without being overly terrifying.
Runtime: 2 hours and 4 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Munsters, The (2022)
Rob Zombie’s The Munsters (2022) offers a colorful and cartoonish prequel to the classic TV show. This movie tells the origin story of Herman and Lily Munster’s unusual romance. While opinions are divided among longtime fans, younger audiences unfamiliar with the original series may find this live-action cartoon a fun and goofy introduction to the Munster family. It’s a visually vibrant and lighthearted horror-comedy that’s definitely aimed at a family audience.
Runtime: 1 hour and 49 minutes
Rating: PG
Nightmare Before Christmas, The (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The Nightmare Before Christmas is both! Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and decides to take over Christmas. This stop-motion animated musical from Tim Burton is a visual masterpiece with unforgettable songs and a unique blend of spooky and festive. Whether you watch it in October, November, or December, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a holiday classic that tweens and families will enjoy year after year.
Runtime: 1 hour and 16 minutes
Rating: PG
ParaNorman (2012)
Norman Babcock is no ordinary kid – he can talk to the dead. ParaNorman is a stop-motion animated film that blends humor, mystery, and genuine spooky moments. When his town is threatened by zombies and a centuries-old curse, Norman must use his unique ability to save the day. ParaNorman is visually stunning and tells a story about embracing who you are, even if you’re a little different. It’s a great choice for families who enjoy a movie with a bit of heart and some spooky thrills.
Runtime: 1 hour and 32 minutes
Rating: PG
Return to Oz (1985)
Forget “We’re off to see the Wizard,” Return to Oz takes a darker and more fantastical journey back to Oz. Dorothy returns to find Oz in ruins and her friends turned to stone. This movie is a visual feast with imaginative creatures and a more intense storyline than The Wizard of Oz. While it might be too intense for very young children, tweens and older kids who are ready for a slightly darker fairytale adventure will find Return to Oz a captivating and memorable Halloween movie.
Runtime: 1 hour and 53 minutes
Rating: PG
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Based on the iconic children’s book series, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark brings the terrifying tales and Stephen Gammell’s illustrations to life. Set in 1968, a group of teens discovers a book that writes itself, and the monsters from its pages begin to haunt them. The real draw of this movie is the incredible monster designs, straight from the books’ illustrations. It’s a great way to introduce tweens to the Scary Stories books while enjoying a genuinely spooky and visually impressive horror film.
Runtime: 1 hour and 48 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Scooby-Doo (2002)
Jinkies! The live-action Scooby-Doo movie brings the Mystery Inc. gang to life in a colorful and entertaining adventure. Shaggy, Scooby, Velma, Daphne, and Fred reunite to solve a mystery at a spooky resort on Monster Island. Filled with slapstick humor, fun monster effects, and a mystery to solve, Scooby-Doo is a great way to introduce a new generation to the beloved cartoon characters. It’s a lighthearted and enjoyable movie that’s perfect for a family Halloween movie night.
Runtime: 1 hour and 26 minutes
Rating: PG
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
Based on the Ray Bradbury novel, Something Wicked This Way Comes is a more atmospheric and suspenseful Halloween movie. When a mysterious carnival arrives in a small town, it grants the townsfolk’s wishes, but with a dark twist. Two tween boys, Will and Jim, discover the carnival’s sinister secret and must confront the menacing Mr. Dark. This movie is less about jump scares and more about building suspense and exploring themes of temptation and the consequences of wishes. It’s a more mature and thoughtful Halloween movie for families who appreciate a slower burn and richer storytelling.
Runtime: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Rating: PG
Super 8 (2011)
Before Stranger Things, there was Super 8. This tween-friendly sci-fi horror film follows a group of friends making a zombie movie who witness a train crash and uncover a mysterious alien presence. Super 8 blends sci-fi, mystery, and a dash of spookiness in a way that’s reminiscent of classic Spielberg films. With a talented young cast and a thrilling story, Super 8 is perfect for families who enjoy sci-fi adventures with a touch of suspense and heart. Be aware that it does feature loud noises and some intense moments, so it might be better suited for slightly older tweens.
Runtime: 1 hour and 52 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Trick or Treat (1952) – Very Short Film
Trick or Treat 1952 huey dewey louie duck halloween
For a very quick and classic Halloween treat, Disney’s short film Trick or Treat starring Donald Duck and his nephews is a must-see. Huey, Dewey, and Louie try to trick Donald for treats, but a real witch named Hazel gets involved. This short is pure Halloween fun with classic Disney animation and a catchy theme song. It’s perfect for even the youngest viewers and a great way to add a touch of vintage Halloween charm to your movie night.
Runtime: 8 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Cracking cheese! Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit brings the beloved claymation duo into a veggie-loving, werewolf-esque adventure. When a mysterious “Were-Rabbit” starts terrorizing the town’s gardens, Wallace and Gromit’s pest control business is put to the test. This movie is filled with British humor, clever inventions, and a dash of mystery. It’s a delightful and gentle “horror” film that’s perfect for kids and younger tweens, offering laughs and charm without any real scares.
Runtime: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Rating: G
Witches, The (1990)
Based on Roald Dahl’s book, The Witches (1990) is a more genuinely scary and unsettling Halloween movie. It tells the story of Luke, a young boy who discovers that witches are real and plotting to turn all children into mice. With fantastic makeup effects and a genuinely creepy atmosphere, The Witches is a more intense Halloween experience that might be too scary for younger children. However, older tweens and teens who enjoy a good scare and appreciate Roald Dahl’s darker storytelling will find this movie a thrilling and memorable Halloween watch.
Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes
Rating: PG
Universal Monster Movies (Various)
For a true horror education, you can’t go wrong with the classic Universal Monster movies. These black and white films are foundational to the horror genre and offer a glimpse into movie monsters’ origins. Movies like Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and The Mummy are all excellent choices. While they are old, their iconic monsters and timeless stories still captivate audiences today. Starting with Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein can be a fun way to ease younger viewers into these classics, or diving straight into Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman is another great entry point. These movies are perfect for appreciating the history of horror and enjoying some classic monster movie atmosphere.
Runtime: Various (around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 19 minutes each)
Rating: Not Rated
A Gentle Reminder Before You Press Play
please don
…Please, keep the scares fun!
While we’ve curated this list to be family-friendly, remember that every child is different. What one tween finds mildly spooky, another might find genuinely frightening. Always consider your child’s individual sensitivities and maturity level when choosing a Halloween movie. Resources like DoesTheDogDie.com can be invaluable for checking potential triggers in movies.
Ultimately, the goal is to create happy Halloween memories, not nightmares! Use your best judgment, maybe watch trailers beforehand, and be ready to pause or switch movies if needed. The most important thing is to enjoy this spooky season together and have fun exploring the world of good family Halloween movies!
What are your family’s favorite Halloween movies? Share your top picks in the comments below!
