15. Wendell & Wild
If you’re in the Halloween mood for something visually wild and thematically daring, Wendell & Wild is a winner. Directed by Henry Selick (yes, the mastermind behind The Nightmare Before Christmas) and starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele as demon brethren, this stop-motion story is a punk-infused, surreal odyssey. It tracks a rebellious teenager joining forces with some decidedly unorthodox friends, and is the darker fantasy feel better suited to older children and young adults, it’s wickedly entertaining for anyone who prefers their Halloween with a bit of bite.
14. We Have a Ghost
This is not your average haunted house tale. In We Have a Ghost, the new home a family moves into comes with a ghost—a rather charmingly odd one named Ernest, played by David Harbour. Teenager Kevin befriends Ernest, and with him, they uncover his strange history, evading viral stardom and the CIA in the process. With a strong cast that boasts Anthony Mackie, Tig Notaro, and Jennifer Coolidge, this one gets the laughs, heart, and spooky fun all just right.
13. Troll
Hoping for something with colossal monster destruction? Troll draws upon Norwegian mythology and re-tells it in giant-sized terms. When a drilling project stirs up a mountain-sized troll, destruction ensues. This one is reminiscent of a Scandinavian relative to Godzilla or King Kong, with jaw-dropping graphics and a mythical spin. It could be too much for very young children, but older children and teenagers who love monsters will be captivated.
12. Nightbooks
Tweens with a love for all things frightening must watch Nightbooks. Created by Sam Raimi, this dark fantasy is about a boy named Alex who is consumed by scary stories and gets stuck by a witch who orders him to come up with a new story each night. It’s spooky, smart, and slightly twisted—in a good way. It’s a horror introduction stepping stone that includes modern fairy tale elements that Hansel and Gretel fans will love.
11. The Curse of Bridge Hollow
When Halloween decorations begin to come to life, things quickly get out of hand. In The Curse of Bridge Hollow, a disbelieving dad and his daughter inadvertently free an evil spirit, and now they have to rescue the town. Marlon Wayans and Priah Ferguson are a funny combo in this combo of laughs and mild scares—just right for tweens and teens who need a little excitement without losing sleep.
10. Goosebumps
Time to get the children accustomed to the spooky classics. Goosebumps makes R.L. Stine’s classic tales come alive with creatures such as Slappy the Dummy and the Mummy, all in a series that’s scary but not too frightful. It’s a parent’s flashback and a child’s introduction to horror. Either way, it’s a wonderful way to share a few goosebumps.
9. Hubie Halloween
Adam Sandler contributes his brand of bizarre charm to this Halloween comedy in Salem. Hubie, the resident oddball, takes it upon himself to save Halloween—even if nobody is serious about taking him seriously. With a cast of recognizable people and a combination of slapstick and sweet moments, Hubie Halloween is ideal for older children and teenagers who prefer their spooky season with a side of ridiculous.
8. A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting
Halloween babysitting becomes an all-out monster hunt in this delightful, lightning-paced romp. When a young girl is inducted into a secret order of babysitters who defend children against the creatures of the night, it’s all systems go. This offering is full of oddball characters, spine-tingling chills, and a resourceful heroine children will delight in rooting for. Spooky but not too creepy to tackle.
7. The Spooky Story of Captain Underpants Hack-a-ween
For younger children (and kids of all ages), this animated Halloween special is all about goofy fun. When Halloween is threatened with cancellation, Harold, George, and Captain Underpants come to the rescue. Be prepared for lots of gags, chuckles, and light adventure that makes it just spooky enough for little ones to have fun without any frights.
6. Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness
This sleeper animated treat is Indiana Jones meets Halloween. Half-chicken, half-hare hero Chickenhare and his sidekick Meg, a skunk, join forces to battle an evil uncle and a green, glowing menace called the Hamsters of Darkness. The tale is humorous, quick-witted, and heartwarming—ideal for a family movie night with children who enjoy zany adventures and offbeat animal heroes.
5. Scaredy Cats
Magic, spells, and havoc ensue in Scaredy Cats, an engaging series featuring three girls who get caught up in a magical world. As they learn to balance new abilities with everyday life, the series touches on friendship, desire, and empowerment, all with just the right amount of Halloween-style magic. An excellent choice for younger audiences who enjoy magic without being ready for the intense scares.
4. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone
If you’ve got older kids or teens who like a darker story, this Stephen King adaptation is a slow-burn ghost tale with a techy twist. A boy discovers he can still communicate with his late friend through a smartphone, but things start to take a sinister turn. It’s eerie, thoughtful, and filled with that classic King-style unease—a great pick for teens who want something more mature and atmospheric.
3. Wednesday
Wednesday gives the much-loved Addams Family character a bold new makeover. With Jenna Ortega perfectly capturing Wednesday’s deadpan wit, this show joins a gothic aesthetic, acute writing, and a touch of mystery to forge a new Halloween classic. It’s a delight for teens and parents alike, with Tim Burton’s visual signature and enough oddity to share around. Get on it now before season two drops.
2. Hocus Pocus
You simply can’t have Halloween without the Sanderson sisters. Hocus Pocus is utter enchantment, with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy delivering campy witchy good times to the residents of Salem. Quotable one-liners, a catchy musical number that still gets stuck in your head, and one very iconic black cat later, this Disney classic is an annual tradition for a reason.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas
This one wears the Halloween crown for good reason. The Nightmare Before Christmas is spooky, sweet, and downright iconic. Jack Skellington’s journey from Halloween Town to Christmas Town blends Tim Burton’s dark whimsy with unforgettable songs and a story that captures the magic of both holidays. It’s the perfect pick whether you’re in the mood for tricks, treats, or both.