Finding the perfect scary movie that delivers chills without crossing into nightmare territory is a rite of passage for families and horror fans alike. Whether you’re introducing your kids to their first jump scare or searching for a film that’ll keep everyone entertained (and sleeping soundly), the world of family-friendly and PG-13 horror movies is richer than ever. Here’s a countdown of the 10 best picks for a spooky movie night that’s just the right amount of scary.
10. Wendell & Wild
If you’re in the mood for something devilishly creative, look no further than Wendell & Wild. Directed by Henry Selick, the stop-motion mastermind behind The Nightmare Before Christmas, this film brings together Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele as two mischievous demon brothers. The film tracks their tumultuous collaboration with a mischievous orphan named Kat, resulting in a crazy ride through the underworld and home again. The film’s dreamlike appearance and darker fantasy appeal establish it as a winner for mature young readers and tweens who are ready for an experience of the dark side, according to Netflix Tudum.
9. We Have a Ghost
What if your new home has a resident ghost? In We Have a Ghost, high school student Kevin finds Ernest, played by David Harbour, a friendly ghost haunting his attic. From there, their strange friendship gives rise to viral stardom, family melodrama, and a touch of government conspiracy. Heartfelt moments are paired with supernatural shenanigans in this winner for families with older children. In an article by Netflix Tudum, the movie’s excellent cast and ingenious premise are what make it a crowd-pleaser.
8. Wednesday
Tim Burton’s Wednesday is a love letter to the kooky and creepy Addams Family, with the deadpan turn by Jenna Ortega as Wednesday the standout. The show is full of dark humor, gothic scenery, and just enough supernatural mystery to keep both teens and parents engaged. As described by Netflix Tudum, the show “isn’t too scary, but just haunting enough to fill the room with the perfect Halloween vibe.”
7. Troll
Monster movie enthusiasts, rejoice! Troll is a Norwegian creature feature that nods to such classics as Godzilla and King Kong. When a drilling project releases a giant troll from the mountains, things get wild. The film’s action sequences and references to Scandinavian mythology make it an exciting entry in the genre for older children, though it may be somewhat too intense for very young viewers, as observed by Netflix Tudum.
6. The Spooky Story of Captain Underpants Hack-a-ween
For younger children (and for anyone who enjoys a well-timed fart joke), The Spooky Tale of Captain Underpants Hack-a-ween is an absolute winner. This animated special translates all of the low-brow comedy and zany hijinks of the popular book series to a Halloween romp that’s sillier than spooky. It’s a good way to get into the Halloween spirit, according to Netflix Tudum, while keeping the laughter going.
5. Nightbooks
Made by horror icon Sam Raimi, Nightbooks is a wicked fairy tale for the modern era. Young Alex, a horror story-obsessed boy, is held captive by a witch who requires a fresh story each evening. The movie is filled with references to horror icons and provides an entry into the genre for children who can handle a bit more fright, although it may be too scary for the more easily frightened, as noted by Netflix Tudum.
4. Hubie Halloween
Adam Sandler injects his usual goofiness into Hubie Halloween, a mystery-comedy about a town where Halloween is no laughing matter. Sandler’s Hubie is a well-meaning oddball caught in the middle of a spooky mystery whodunit. The movie is full of offbeat humor, eccentric characters, and just a touch of creepy action to keep things holiday-appropriate, according to Netflix Tudum.
3. Goosebumps
Nostalgia warning! Goosebumps brings R.L. Stine’s beloved book series to the screen with a mix of creepy monsters and fun frights. Revisit old classics or introduce the next generation to Slappy the Dummy and the Mummy with this series, which is an ideal choice for family movie nights. Netflix Tudum says it’s “eerie, but never too scary,” making it suitable for both children and nostalgic adults.
2. The Curse of Bridge Hollow
When a high school student inadvertently releases an evil entity in her new, Halloween-crazy town, she and her doubt-ridden dad must join forces to save the day. The Curse of Bridge Hollow is a spooky-ooky supernatural comedy that’s full of holiday fun and just the right level of scare factor for children who want a few scares in the dark without the frightmares. As noted by Netflix Tudum, it’s a great mix for family-friendly Halloween enjoyment.
1. A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting
Number one is A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting, a movie that does both scares and empowerment. Teenage babysitter Kelly Ferguson stumbles upon a hidden society of monster hunters and battles boogeymen and other nightmarish monsters. The monsters are frightening, but even a little goofy, so the movie is thrilling but not overwhelming. What sets it apart, according to Netflix Tudum, is the sense of adventure and the message that, with enough gumption, anyone can stand up to the monsters in their world.
Whether you’re after laughs, chills, or a little bit of both, these films prove that scary movies can be fun for the whole family—no nightmares required.