Halloween is the perfect excuse to turn the lights down low, grab a blanket and a bucket of popcorn, and settle in for a movie night with just the right amount of spook. But if you’re watching with kids (or squeamish adults), you’ll want scares that lean more fun than frightening. That’s where this list comes in.
From animated escapades to subtle ghost tales and old-school throwbacks, here are 15 spookily-safe movies ideal for family watch-time this Halloween—beginning with more recent releases and counting down to the classics.
15. Wendell & Wild (2022)
Searching for something a bit unconventional? This stop-motion film by Henry Selick, director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, is full of crazy visuals and oddball charm. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele provide the voices for two rascally demons who get involved with a teenage girl in her own internal struggles. It’s odd, inventive, and more geared towards older children and teenagers looking to upgrade their Halloween viewing schedule.
14. We Have a Ghost (2023)
Just imagine moving into a haunted house—and instead of screaming with fear, you become an overnight sensation on social media. That’s what happens in this light-hearted ghost tale starring a gentle (but extremely quiet) ghost by the name of Ernest. With a dash of humor, family conflict, and ghostly antics, it’s an excellent choice for older children and tweens who enjoy a bit of supernatural mayhem along with their screen time.
13. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)
This one’s a slow-burn ghost story based on a Stephen King novella. When a teenager realizes he can still talk to his deceased mentor through a smartphone, it gets creepy in a contemporary sort of way. It’s creepy rather than scary—and a good bet for teens who enjoy a little bit of techy horror.
12. Nightbooks (2021)
A boy who loves scary stories finds himself stuck in a witch’s apartment, where every night he must produce a fresh scary story to stay alive. With just enough tension and some imaginative background, Nightbooks is great for those who enjoy a little bite on their Halloween stories—but still want that fairy-tale framework beneath the horror.
11. The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)
When Halloween decorations spring to life (yes, all of them), mayhem strikes a small town—and it’s up to a teen and her dad to rescue the night. This action-comedy blends spooky atmosphere with slapstick humor and is perfect for families that desire a Halloween adventure with zip and giggles.
10. Goosebumps (2015)
R.L. Stine’s spooky monsters jump from the page to real life in this quick-witted, kid-friendly movie. Jack Black stars as a fictionalized version of the writer himself when monsters from his books get out of control. Spooky enough to hold children’s attention but silly and exaggerated enough not to be scary at all.
9. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
What if Dracula decided to open a monster luxury resort? A whole bunch of laughs. This animated comedy is a favorite among little kids—and the rest of the family will enjoy the jokes and inventive character designs. It’s light on the frights and heavy on the fun.
8. Halloweentown (1998)
A Disney Channel classic, Halloweentown features witches, spells, mythical creatures—and all the autumnal Halloween sentiment you could desire. Children trail after Marnie as she uncovers her magical heritage and fights off evil forces in a town where it’s always Halloween.
7. Coco (2017)
Taking place on Día de los Muertos, Pixar’s Coco is a touching, stunningly animated tale of family, memory, and music. Although it’s not officially a Halloween film, its subject matter and vibrant skeleton-populated world make it an absolute must-see during the spooky season.
6. Monster House (2006)
That spooky old house on the other side of the street? Yeah, it’s alive—and starving. This animated thriller is the ideal balance between fun and frightening, thrilling older children with just the right level of tension without crossing into outright horror. Clever, humorous, and rather poignant.
5. Coraline (2009)
Half fantasy and half creepy, Coraline is the story of an inquisitive child who discovers a parallel life behind a secret door. But things become disturbing when her “other” family is far more evil than they appear. It’s visually gorgeous and slightly unsettling—just right for fearless tweens and teens.
4. The Addams Family (2019)
The notoriously weird family is back in cartoon guise, delivering their spooky appeal and offbeat humor to a new audience. With contemporary themes and a wacky plot, it’s an excellent introduction to the Addams family and a surefire wager for family Halloween movie night.
3. Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s cult favorite is spooky, anarchic, and preposterously silly. With ghosts, monsters, and Michael Keaton’s unforgettable performance as Beetlejuice, it’s a film that older children and teenagers will enjoy endlessly—although it’s possibly too much for younger children.
2. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three witches, a spouting cat, and a Halloween evening that gets hysterically out of hand—Hocus Pocus is a fall staple. The Sanderson sisters remain as legendary as ever, and the film brings the laughs, the magic, and just the right amount of eerie feeling to make it a holiday classic.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Halloween or Christmas? Why choose? Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece has become the greatest not-too-spooky family movie ever. Jack Skellington’s search for Christmas turns into a ghostly musical romp that’s suitable for all ages—and an annual must-see.
You don’t have to have blood, guts, or good scares to have a frightfully good Halloween. Whether you’re hosting toddlers or teenagers, this selection has something for everyone—right down to goofy ghosts, quirky witches, and singing skeletons. So put on your favorite munchies, turn out the lights, and get the ghostly movie marathon started. Happy haunting!