Gathering on the couch together to watch Halloween movies is a great time to bond as a family and create memories that can last a lifetime. Some Halloween movies also present a valuable opportunity to teach kids lessons about the world. We have created a selection of Halloween movies for families with children to enjoy. There is something here for kids of all ages, including little ones who are just learning about Halloween. There are even movies here that some parents enjoyed when they were children—creating a full-circle moment for you to share them with your own kids now. Before you dive into these movies with your little ones, consider watching them through beforehand, just so you know if there are any scares that might upset your kids. While these movies are generally appropriate for children, you know what kinds of things may scare them, so it is best to be prepared.
Gnome Alone
Why It’s a Winning Pick
While this movie isn’t explicitly Halloween, it is a great pick to watch in October, especially if your family has exhausted all the other Halloween movie options. The animated Netflix Original is about a mom and daughter who move into a new home that is inhabited by talking gnomes. Together, they fight evil to save the world.
Room on the Broom
Why It’s a Winning Pick
This sweet movie based on the book by Julia Donaldson is a story about friendship. When a witch starts to welcome new animals onto her broom, her cat thinks it will get too full. Instead, the witch takes this as an opportunity to teach her cat a lesson about inclusivity. This could open up a beautiful conversation within your family about being kind to others and making room for new people.
Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest
Why It’s a Winning Pick
In this charming film, George has to come up with a costume for the Boo Festival, which proves to be a challenge! Plus, Bill shares some scary stories with George that are perfect for the fall holiday. There are no real scares in this kids’ movie, though, but enough laughter to fill a fun evening at home.
Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie
Why It’s a Winning Pick
All of Winnie the Pooh’s adventures are good picks for the little ones, and this Halloween movie is no exception. Lumpy the Heffalump and Roo throw a Halloween party for the whole Hundred Acre Wood group in this festive movie. Despite the Halloween aspects, this is not a movie that will scare the kids.
Halloweentown
Why It’s a Winning Pick
This classic Disney Channel movie from 1998 will bring the whole family together. Parents may remember watching this movie when they were younger, and now they can share it with their children. Marnie (Kimberly J. Brown) goes to Halloweentown to visit her grandma, who is a witch. Marnie soon discovers that she’s a witch too. This is a fun film about growing up and learning yourself.
Casper
Why It’s a Winning Pick
The story of the friendliest ghost you know is another classic film. It is perfect to introduce to your children as you reminisce. In the movie, the ghosts play tricks on people, which does include a few crude jokes. Some of the students pick on others as well, which could open up a conversation with kids on treating each other with kindness. In the end, though, this is a fun, festive movie for the family.
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
Why It’s a Winning Pick
In one of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s early films, the twins are celebrating all things Halloween. There are lots of fun and a few tense moments, but overall there are no major scares. Parents may enjoy a few jokes that go over kids’ heads, and may even pick up on some things they missed when they watched this movie as kids.
The Black Cauldron
Why It’s a Winning Pick
This classic Disney film is from 1985, so parents may recall watching it as children. Though this movie isn’t explicitly centered on Halloween, it is an animated fantasy film with witches, royals, and talking animals, making it a beloved movie to watch in October. Though the characters run into some tense moments in their effort to reach the Black Cauldron and stop evil from taking over, the movie is balanced with fun moments. It could be a film, however, better enjoyed by children who are 7 or 8 and older.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Why It’s a Winning Pick
You could argue that this is more of a TV special than a movie, but it is the perfect length for small children to watch, as it is only 25 minutes. It is a classic Charlie Brown cartoon with all the Halloween festivities you need—costumes, Linus in a pumpkin patch, and Charlie Brown just trying to throw a Halloween bash for all his friends.
Monster House
Why It’s a Winning Pick
This fun animated feature is all about a haunted house that is a bit of a monster! There may be a few spooky moments in this movie that be tough for tiny eyes to handle. This story about a group of friends trying to bring the house down may be better suited for children ages 7 and up.
