Top Halloween Kids Movies to Watch This Spooky Season

As the leaves change and the air gets cooler, families across the United States are getting ready for the most fun-filled holiday of the year: Halloween. While trick-or-treating and costume contests are always a highlight, many families also enjoy the tradition of watching Halloween movies together. These films offer a mix of spooky fun, heartwarming stories, and age-appropriate scares that can bring the whole family together.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Halloween kids movies that are perfect for different age groups, from toddlers to tweens. Whether you’re looking for gentle, non-scary tales or more adventurous, slightly spooky adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Best Halloween Movies for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)

For the youngest trick-or-treaters, it’s important to choose movies that are gentle, non-scary, and easy to follow. These films focus on themes like friendship, imagination, and acceptance, making them perfect for little ones who are just starting to get into the Halloween spirit.

1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

This classic animated special is a must-watch for any family. The story follows Linus as he waits for the Great Pumpkin to appear, while the other characters enjoy Halloween festivities. With its charming animation, playful banter, and simple storyline, it’s a great way to introduce young children to the magic of Halloween.

2. Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (2005)

Winnie the Pooh and his friends take center stage in this heartwarming Halloween special. The story follows Roo and Lumpy the Heffalump as they experience their first Halloween. With its gentle music, soft animation, and reassuring tone, it’s ideal for preschoolers who might be nervous about the holiday.

3. Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2004)

Based on a popular children’s book, this film tells the story of Spookley, a pumpkin who doesn’t look like the others. Through his journey, he learns that being different can be a strength. With its bright animation and positive messages, it’s a great choice for young children who are learning about acceptance and self-confidence.

4. Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest (2013)

This fun special follows George as he investigates the legend of “No Noggin,” a mysterious scarecrow. With its mix of light suspense and slapstick humor, it’s a great way to keep little ones entertained while introducing them to the thrill of Halloween.

5. Room on the Broom (2012)

Based on Julia Donaldson’s beloved picture book, this short animated film is a sweet, magical tale perfect for toddlers. The story follows a friendly witch who keeps making room on her broom for more and more animal friends, teaching lessons about generosity and teamwork.

6. Eloise’s Rawther Unusual Halloween (2006)

This animated special follows Eloise, a mischievous little girl who lives at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Her playful curiosity and humorous adventures make it a fun and engaging choice for young children.

Best Halloween Movies for Kids (Ages 6–8)

For elementary-aged kids, these movies offer a balance of fun, adventure, and mild spooky themes. They’re designed to be age-appropriate while still providing an exciting Halloween experience.

7. Coco (2017)

While not technically a Halloween film, Coco is perfect for fall viewing because it celebrates Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The story follows Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ban on music. With its vibrant animation and unforgettable songs, it’s a heartwarming and emotional choice for families.

8. Halloweentown (1998)

This Disney Channel Original Movie is a nostalgic Halloween must-watch for many parents and an exciting introduction to magic and fantasy for kids. The story follows Marnie Piper, who learns she comes from a family of witches and travels to Halloweentown—a magical place full of friendly monsters.

9. Casper (1995)

This blend of spooky comedy and heartfelt storytelling follows Kat and her ghost-hunting father as they move into a haunted mansion where they meet Casper, a lonely ghost. With its mix of slapstick humor and sweet moments, it’s a great choice for kids who want a little bit of spookiness without too much fear.

10. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

This animated movie flips the monster story upside down, portraying Dracula as a loving (but overprotective) father running a hotel for creatures of the night. With its wacky humor and colorful animation, it’s a perfect starter Halloween movie for kids who want monsters without the frights.

11. Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021)

The Muppets bring their trademark humor and charm to this Disney+ Halloween special, inspired by the Haunted Mansion ride. With its musical numbers, familiar Muppet humor, and lighthearted ghostly fun, it’s a fun, short pick for a family movie night.

12. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

This stop-motion animated feature combines British humor, clever storytelling, and gentle Halloween spookiness. With its quirky characters, goofy gadgets, and playful mystery, it’s perfect for children who want a taste of Halloween fun without any real scares.

13. Dear Dracula (2012)

In this charming animated special, Sam, a shy young boy who loves monsters, writes a letter to Count Dracula instead of Santa Claus. To his surprise, Dracula shows up at his house! With its playful monster theme and humorous dialogue, it’s a safe pick for kids who might be nervous about scarier Halloween fare.

14. Monster High: Ghouls Rule (2012)

Based on the popular Monster High franchise, this animated Halloween special brings all the beloved ghouls together for a story about traditions, identity, and finding your place. With its bright, stylish visuals and catchy dialogue, it’s a fun seasonal watch for grade-schoolers and tweens alike.

15. Monster Family (2017)

In this animated adventure, the Wishbone family is cursed by an evil witch and transformed into monsters. With its mix of colorful animation, family-friendly humor, and Halloween-style fun, it’s a good bridge movie for tweens who want more excitement without anything too intense.

16. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

A holiday classic that doubles as both a Halloween movie for kids and a Christmas movie, this Tim Burton film is a stop-motion wonder. With its unique animation style, catchy songs, and imaginative worlds, it’s perfect for tweens ready for something a little moodier than cartoons.

17. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)

This direct-to-video Scooby-Doo movie is legendary among fans because, for the first time, the gang faces real monsters instead of men in masks. With its darker and scarier tone, it’s best for older kids who are ready for a step up from the TV show.

18. Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost (1999)

Another standout Scooby-Doo movie, this one features the gang traveling to New England, where they uncover a ghostly witch tied to a local legend. With its gothic vibe, supernatural elements, and fast-moving mystery, it’s a fun but spookier choice for tweens.

19. The Addams Family (2019)

This animated reboot of the classic kooky family brings Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, and Pugsley into a colorful new world where they don’t quite fit in with their neighbors. With its cartoony humor and wacky inventions, it’s a fun choice for kids who enjoy silly monster comedy.

20. The Addams Family 2 (2021)

The kooky crew hits the road in this sequel, going on a cross-country trip filled with bizarre mishaps and spooky humor. With its light and goofy humor, it’s a safe watch for younger tweens who enjoy silly monster comedy more than frights.

Best Halloween Movies for Tweens (Ages 8–12)

For tweens, these movies lean more into spooky thrills, supernatural themes, and adventure—but still stay kid-friendly. They offer a balance of excitement and age-appropriate content.

21. Hocus Pocus (1993)

A cult favorite that has become the Halloween tradition for many families, Hocus Pocus is spooky fun wrapped in campy comedy. With its magical hijinks, talking black cat, and festive Salem setting, it’s a thrilling but not too frightening choice for tweens.

22. Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Nearly 30 years after the original, the Sanderson sisters return to modern-day Salem in this sequel. With its modern humor and special effects, it’s a fun and relatable choice for today’s audiences.

23. Frankenweenie (2012)

Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece is both spooky and touching. With its gothic, old-school horror vibe, it’s a perfect mix of eerie, funny, and deeply emotional for tweens.

24. Monster House (2006)

One of the scarier animated Halloween films, Monster House tells the story of three kids who discover that the creepy house in their neighborhood is literally alive. With its suspense, jump scares, and spooky visuals, it’s better suited for tweens than younger children.

25. Coraline (2009)

This visually stunning stop-motion film pushes into darker, creepier territory. With its button-eyed characters, unsettling imagery, and eerie atmosphere, it’s a thrilling story about courage and appreciating your real family.

26. ParaNorman (2012)

This quirky stop-motion film centers on Norman, a boy who can see and talk to ghosts. With its mix of comedy, spooky thrills, and heartfelt lessons, it’s one of the most layered Halloween movies for kids.

27. Goosebumps (2015)

Inspired by R.L. Stine’s famous books, Goosebumps imagines what would happen if all of the creepy creatures from the series came to life. With its mix of comedy, action, and spooky adventure, it’s perfect for kids who want a “scary movie” that won’t give them nightmares.

28. Corpse Bride (2005)

This Tim Burton stop-motion film is a gothic fairy tale with hauntingly beautiful visuals. With its unique twist on the love story, it’s a fascinating choice for kids who love fantasy.

29. Ghostbusters (1984)

A true classic, Ghostbusters blends comedy, action, and supernatural adventure. With its iconic proton packs, slimy ghosts, and giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, it’s a fun pick if you want to introduce your kids to something you loved growing up.

30. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

A modern continuation of the original Ghostbusters story, this movie introduces a new generation of kids who stumble upon their grandfather’s ghostbusting gear and legacy. With updated special effects and a mix of humor, heart, and supernatural action, it’s both a tribute to the original and a standalone adventure.

31. Don’t Look Under the Bed (1999)

One of the scarier Disney Channel movies ever made, Don’t Look Under the Bed tells the story of Frances, a rational, science-minded teen who finds herself forced to believe in the supernatural when her town is plagued by strange pranks. With its darkly atmospheric tone, it’s a great choice for tweens who enjoy mystery and thrills.

32. Wendell & Wild (2022)

This stop-motion fantasy film with a distinctly gothic, edgy style follows Kat, a teenager who has experienced deep loss and struggles to find her place in the world. With its imaginative visuals, quirky characters, and supernatural elements, it’s a great choice for older tweens and early teens who are ready for more complex storytelling.

33. Gremlins (1984)

This cult classic begins when Billy receives a mysterious pet Mogwai with three strict rules. When the rules are broken, the town is overrun by mischievous, destructive gremlins. With its creepy yet funny monsters, it’s a perfect “first scary movie” for tweens and early teens.

Final Thoughts on Halloween Movies for Kids

From gentle pumpkin tales for toddlers to exciting ghost adventures for tweens, there’s a Halloween movie for every age. Whether your kids love silly monster comedies (Hotel Transylvania), heartwarming classics (Casper), or slightly spooky adventures (Coraline), you’ll find plenty of family-friendly options here.

So grab the popcorn, snuggle up under a blanket, and make watching Halloween movies for kids a new family tradition!

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Sources:

– IMDb

– Rotten Tomatoes

– The Walt Disney Company