If you’re a geek-culture aficionado, you’ll understand that Halloween is more than spooky houses and pumpkin spice—it’s having the ideal movie marathon that provides thrills, humor, and just enough scares for all ages. Whether it’s introducing your little ones to their first monster flick or your tweens to a nostalgia ride, this list is your go-to guide for the scariest kids’ and family-friendly scary movies. Turn down the lights, get the popcorn ready, and buckle up for a fun fright ride.
1. Goosebumps
R.L. Stine’s iconic book series is brought to life in this wonderfully spooky retelling. With more naughty than nasty monsters, Goosebumps is an introduction to terror for children who crave the frights without the nightmares.
2. Frankenweenie
Tim Burton’s stop-motion fairy tale about a kid who revives his deceased dog is both heartwarming and unsettling. The black-and-white aesthetic and old-school monster movie atmosphere qualify it as a family-friendly introduction for kids looking to get into horror.
3. The Haunted Mansion
Eddie Murphy narrates this haunted Disney romp through a mansion inhabited by wacky ghosts and supernatural hijinks. It’s frightening enough to excite, but never ventures into nightmare land.
4. The Witches
Roald Dahl’s warped imagination receives a wickedly delightful interpretation in this story of a boy who discovers a coven of witches that detests children. The makeup effects and practical effects are Halloween gold.
5. The Black Cauldron
Disney’s dark fantasy classic is a cult hit for a reason. With armies of the undead and an evil Horned King, it’s a bit darker than your run-of-the-mill cartoon—but ideal for children who are ready to up their scare ante.
6. Beetlejuice
Tim Burton’s afterlife comedy is a ghoulish riot, a wild visual ride, and a tour de force of iconic performances. Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice is indelible, and the film’s combination of the bizarre and the laughable ensures its status as a perennial cult classic.
7. The Little Vampire
A kid makes friends with a vampire child in this fang-filled but otherwise charming adventure. It has just enough spook to make things interesting, but the emphasis is solidly on friendship and having a good time.
8. Scooby-Doo (2002)
The live-action debut of the Mystery Inc. gang is full of goofy monsters, slapstick frights, and Scooby snacks galore. Infectious energy breathes life into the cartoon thanks to Sarah Michelle Gellar and Matthew Lillard.
9. Coraline
Don’t be fooled by the animation—Coraline is a true, creepily good fairy tale about a young girl who finds a twisted alternate universe. Button-eyed Other Mother is a tween horror legend.
10. Gremlins
This holiday-horror hybrid is a masterclass in controlled chaos. The rules are simple: don’t feed them after midnight, and don’t get them wet. Break them, and you’re in for a wild, mischievous monster romp.
11. Hocus Pocus
The Sanderson sisters return and are more spellbinding than ever in this Halloween classic. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy chew the scenery in a movie that’s half-campy, half-appealing.
12. Don’t Look Under the Bed
Disney Channel cult favorite about out-of-control imaginary friends is a surprisingly spooky trip for a TV movie. It’s an ideal introduction to spooky scares for younger audiences.
13. The Monster Squad
What does it look like when a bunch of kids battle Dracula, the Wolfman, and the Mummy? Monster Squad is a tribute to traditional horror that’s full of action, humor, and just a dash of fright.
14. The Watcher in the Woods
Disney’s spookiest movie of all time? Possibly. This spooky atmosphere, haunted wood, and missing girl film is a coming-of-age for any young horror enthusiast.
15. The Curse of Bridge Hollow
A town that’s Halloween-crazy, a pesky ghost, and a father-daughter team who will do their best to save the day—this Netflix original is perfect for families who crave a touch of supernatural mayhem with their trick-or-treating.