Looking for the best family-friendly Halloween movies to watch this year? Check out this list of parent-approved flicks that your kids will love…
Let me be honest and say: I’m not a fan of Halloween. I’m more of a Thanksgiving count-your-blessings type and a deck-the-halls Christmas girl.
But despite my own preferences, Halloween is a favorite among my kids. The candy, the costumes, the fall weather, and the decorations get them all excited.
One way we celebrate holidays is by having family movie nights. But one of the downsides of Halloween is that a lot of the movies are either too scary or too dark for my kids. Even the “kid” ones can be too mature for some kids.
So, when this season rolls around, I look for movies that will be fun for my kids, but will also ratchet down the darker elements that seem to increase in movies with each passing year.
I know that everyone has different thresholds and boundaries for their kids. These movies are family-friendly, entertaining for kids and adults. Some deal with witches and magic, which I think is fine so long as kids understand it in context (I know this is a no-no for certain Christian families).
I hope that this list of Halloween movies will be a hit with your family and provide a few options that are appropriate and lighthearted, rather than dark or gory. So, here we go…
Best Family-Friendly Halloween Movies
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Curious George: A Halloween Boofest
Perfect for the younger set. This cute movie with George and his friends is the perfect way to welcome autumn and Halloween into your house.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
It’s a classic. My kids love the Peanuts gang and this one was a favorite for my family growing up, too. Linus’ unshakeable belief in the Great Pumpkin is adorable.
James and the Giant Peach
Based on the Roald Dahl book, this movie is great for older elementary school kids. Halloween isn’t the main focus, but it fits in well with the season.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Also not a typical Halloween flick, this classic Disney movie is a fun romp for kids of all ages. The topics of witches and WWII are handled gently.
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween!
Even as an adult, I like the Cat in the Hat. And so do my kids. This Halloween movie teaches bravery amidst the holiday fun.
Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie
Who doesn’t love Pooh? (Ok, my older sister, but otherwise…) This cute movie is perfect for your littles that want a scare-free Halloween movie to cuddle up and watch.
Hotel Transylvania
Good for older elementary school kids, this monster movie keeps its scares tame. And you have to love the idea of a place where monsters can go for a vacation.
Dear Dracula
This movie about a boy’s friendship with Count Dracula is really cute and not scary at all. Kids of all ages will love it.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Half Christmas, half Halloween, this movie is the story of the king of Halloweentown and his visit to Christmastown. This may be better for older elementary school kids since the fantasy elements could be confusing for younger children. More spooky than scary.
Room on the Broom
A cute movie about a witch who keeps adding passengers to her broom. There’s really only one scary character, but this should be fine for your littles. Based off the British picture book by Julia Donaldson.
Wild Kratts’s Creepy Creatures
My kids and I love the Wild Kratts, so their Halloween movie was a must-watch. Great for kids who love animals more than scares.
Hocus Pocus
This movie would be more for your older elementary school/middle school aged children since it has some slightly more mature elements. But the spirit of the movie is spooky rather than scary, so use your discretion.
Many of these movies can be found at your local library, on Netflix, or on Amazon. If you want to stream them, click here for info on a free trial of Amazon Prime so you can watch for free!
I hope this list of family-friendly Halloween movies makes your holiday extra fun and spooky (but not scary). My kids love a good movie night and these movies will be the perfect addition to your family’s Halloween traditions.
Happy Halloween!
Did I miss any great family Halloween movies? Add your picks to the comments below!
Looking for more posts on family and holidays? Try these:
5 Ways to Handle Halloween Candy so Everyone is Happy
Christmas Books and Movies for the Whole Family
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
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