Each October, parents are hit with the same conundrum: getting Halloween films and television shows that hit just the right balance of fright and kid-friendly. You don’t want something that captures the Halloween spirit—ghosts, goblins, and a touch of ghoulish mischief—but not to the extent that you find your little ones running into your bed at midnight. Whether you’re hosting a family movie night or simply searching for something spooky to watch after supper, this list has you covered. Here are 15 of the most popular family-friendly Halloween films and shows that provide just the right mix of tricks, treats, and laughs.
1. A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting
A teenager gets herself assigned a secret mission to fight actual monsters when she’s on babysitting duty. Full of humor, action, and a playful supernatural spin, it’s perfect for tweens in the mood for a mild fright with a healthy shot of girl power.
2. Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness
This animated action-adventure has a little bit of Indiana Jones and a dash of Halloween fantasy. It has glowing green hamsters, bold escapes, and a funny skunk sidekick named Meg. It’s a fun, offbeat choice for family night.
3. The Curse of Bridge Hollow
When a Halloween prank awakens a mischievous ghost, a teen and her father have to join forces to prevent the decorations from coming to life. It’s spooktacular fun with an emotional father-daughter relationship at its center.
4. Goosebumps
A great place for kids to start reading scary stories, this series brings R.L. Stine’s horrific stories to life. With spooky mannequins, werewolves, and just a pinch of suspense, it’s scary-fun for everyone.
5. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone
This teen thriller, adapted from a Stephen King short story, is about a boy who finds himself having a strange relationship with his dead mentor through a smartphone. It’s somewhat creepy but considerate and not too intense.
6. Hubie Halloween
Adam Sandler plays Hubie, a Halloween-obsessed outcast who tries to save his town from an actual menace. Slapstick, goofy, and full of holiday cheer, it’s a family pleaser for older children.
7. Nightbooks
This new take on fairy tales is the story of a young boy who has to tell frightening tales to live in a witch’s magical apartment. It’s imaginative, creepy, but in all the right ways, and just right for kids who want a little bite to their adventures.
8. Scaredy Cats
Three young women find their magical heritage in this delightful series about witches, friendship, and feline sidekicks. It’s empowering, colorful, and a great way to start the Halloween season.
9. A Series of Unfortunate Events
Dark humor and smart storytelling come together in this take on Lemony Snicket’s popular books. Neil Patrick Harris is great as the dastardly Count Olaf, and the gothic tone makes it an excellent spooky season choice for kids who are a little older.
10. Sing: Thriller
The characters from Sing tackle Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in this animated short. With fun visuals and catchy beats, it’s a light and lively Halloween moment that’s perfect for younger viewers.
11. The Spooky Tale of Captain Underpants Hack-a-ween
For fans of the irreverent book series, this Halloween special is packed with laughs, mischief, and all the toilet humor you’d expect—in the best way possible.
12. Troll
A Norwegian creature feature infused with myth and contemporary carnage, Troll is a chilling but fun monster movie for older children who want something different and a bit more mature.
13. Wednesday
The Addams Family’s beloved daughter gets a Tim Burton spin, and the result is dark, offbeat, and unexpectedly sentimental. Teens will devour the mystery-centered plot and gothic atmosphere—and parents will enjoy it, too.
14. We Have a Ghost
When a family finds that their home is haunted by a ghost, they unwittingly turn him into a viral phenomenon. It’s a warm, humorous, and unexpectedly poignant tale of connection and redemption, with a dash of the paranormal.
15. Wendell & Wild
This stop-motion masterpiece by the makers of Coraline boasts naughty demons, hellish hijinks, and sterling voice talent from Key and Peele. It’s a gorgeous-looking ride ideally suited for mature children and teenagers.