The arrival of autumn brings not only a cascade of falling leaves but also the anticipation of Halloween. Amidst the excitement of costumes, candies, and jack-o’-lanterns, one delightful tradition stands out—family movie night. Gathering the whole family for a cozy evening filled with Halloween movies is a perfect way to celebrate the spooky season. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of indulging in family Halloween movies, suggest popular picks for young viewers, and offer tips for choosing age-appropriate films that guarantee a few scares without nightmares.

Coco (2017)

In the realm of animated wonders, Pixar’s “Coco” emerges as a vibrant tapestry woven with cultural richness, heartwarming storytelling, and a celebration of family bonds. While not explicitly a Halloween movie, this enchanting film unfolds against the backdrop of the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, offering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that makes it a perfect choice for the season. At the heart of “Coco” is the tale of Miguel, a young boy with an extraordinary passion for music in a family where it is forbidden. Eager to pursue his dreams, Miguel finds himself magically transported to the Land of the Dead during the Dia de los Muertos celebration. This dazzling afterlife realm is a kaleidoscope of colors, where skeletal ancestors reunite with their living family members for a night of remembrance and festivities – and is suitable for very young viewers.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

In the realm of animated masterpieces, Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” stands as a timeless classic, a cinematic marvel that effortlessly bridges the worlds of Halloween and Christmas. This enchanting stop-motion film unfolds a whimsical tale set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Halloween Town. At its core, the film introduces us to Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Driven by a desire for something new and inspired after years of orchestrating the same spooky scares, Jack stumbles upon Christmas Town. The vibrant colors, cheerful festivities, and the enchantment of the holiday season captivate him, sparking a whimsical desire to infuse the spirit of Christmas into his own macabre world to try and become his own version of Santa Claus.

Monster House (2006)

Embark on a thrilling animated adventure that blurs the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary in “Monster House.” Directed by Gil Kenan, this film takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and excitement as a group of intrepid kids discovers the sinister secrets lurking within a seemingly innocuous house in their neighborhood. Set against the backdrop of a typical suburban community, the film introduces us to DJ, Chowder, and Jenny—three friends who become increasingly suspicious of the eerie haunted house across the street. What begins as neighborhood lore takes a chilling turn when they realize that the house itself is alive, possessed by a malevolent force that hungers for unsuspecting souls.

Coraline (2009)

From the creative minds of Neil Gaiman and director Henry Selick emerges the mesmerizing stop-motion masterpiece, “Coraline.” Adapted from Gaiman’s dark fantasy novel, this film takes audiences on a haunting journey into a parallel world, where the ordinary and the surreal collide in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant tale. At its core, “Coraline” introduces us to Coraline Jones, a curious and adventurous young girl who moves to a new home with her parents. Amidst the creaking corridors and mysterious passageways of her new residence, Coraline stumbles upon a hidden door that leads her into a parallel reality that mirrors her own life. In this Other World, she encounters an alternate version of her family, complete with button eyes and an eerily perfect façade.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Steeped in the magic of Halloween and sprinkled with a dash of mischievous humor, “Hocus Pocus” has become a beloved favorite that continues to enchant audiences of all ages. Starring the dynamic trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, this film weaves a spellbinding tale of three witches resurrected on Halloween night when a teenager lights a black flame candle, delivering a comedic and enchanting storyline that is perfectly suitable for family viewing. Set in the charming town of Salem, Massachusetts, “Hocus Pocus” begins with the accidental resurrection of the Sanderson Sisters—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary—three witches from the 17th century. Max, a skeptical teenager, inadvertently brings the witches back to life, setting off a series of comedic and magical escapades that unfold against the backdrop of All Hallows’ Eve.

ParaNorman (2012)

This stop-motion animated film follows Norman, a young boy with the ability to communicate with ghosts. When his town is threatened by a centuries-old curse, Norman must use his unique gift to save the day. Filled with humor and heart, it’s a perfect blend of spookiness and friendship.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Dracula operates a lavish resort for monsters to escape from the human world. When a human stumbles upon the hotel, Dracula must navigate the challenges of keeping the monster haven a secret. With vibrant animation and a comedic storyline, it’s a delightful choice for a family Halloween movie night.

Corpse Bride (2005)

Directed by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated film tells the tale of Victor, who accidentally proposes to a deceased bride while rehearsing his vows. The film’s darkly whimsical style and captivating story make it a great addition to Halloween-themed movie marathons.

The Addams Family (2019)

This animated adaptation brings the spooky and kooky Addams family to life in a fresh and visually appealing way. Follow the eccentric and macabre Addams as they navigate the challenges of fitting into a seemingly normal neighborhood.

Ghostbusters (1984)

While not exclusively a children’s film, the comedic and supernatural adventures of the Ghostbusters make it a family-friendly choice for older kids. Join the iconic team as they battle mischievous ghosts in this classic that has stood the test of time.

The Witches (1990)

Based on Roald Dahl’s book, this film directed by Nicolas Roeg follows a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches with a sinister plan to turn all children into mice. With a blend of fantasy and suspense, it offers a bewitching experience for young audiences.

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)

The Mystery Inc. gang embarks on a spooky adventure to investigate a haunted island. Filled with mystery, humor, and, of course, Scooby snacks, this animated film provides a perfect dose of Halloween fun for kids.

The Book of Life (2014)

Another visually stunning animated film, “The Book of Life” is set against the backdrop of the Mexican Day of the Dead. It weaves a tale of love, bravery, and the celebration of life and death, making it a beautiful and culturally rich choice for family viewing.

Casper (1995)

The friendly ghost Casper befriends a young girl named Kat as they navigate the challenges of a haunted mansion. This heartwarming film offers a blend of spooky moments and messages about friendship and acceptance.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

A timeless classic, this animated television special follows the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Halloween. Join Charlie Brown, Linus, and the rest of the gang in this charming and nostalgic Halloween tradition. The perfect film for families with younger kids.

Halloweentown (1998)

In this Disney Channel original movie, a young witch named Marnie discovers her magical heritage on her thirteenth Halloween, and she, along with her siblings and grandmother Agatha Cromwell, embarks on a magical adventure to a hidden town – Halloweentown. This fantastical place, where it’s Halloween every day, is home to witches, ghosts, werewolves, and other enchanting creatures.

Wallace & Gromit

The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (2005): Set in the fictional town of Tottington Hall, the story follows Wallace and his trusty canine companion Gromit, who run a humane pest control business called “Anti-Pesto.” As the town prepares for its annual Giant Vegetable Competition, the duo is faced with the challenge of keeping the rabbits at bay and protecting the prized vegetables.

This Halloween season, create a cozy movie night with the whole family and indulge in the spooky delights that the silver screen has to offer. If you’re looking for a convenient way to access a wide selection of films, consider checking out “Angelika Anywhere” Angelika Anywhere, an online platform offering a variety of movies for your family’s entertainment. From whimsical animated tales to heartwarming adventures, the right Halloween movie can become a treasured tradition for years to come. So, grab the popcorn, dim the lights, and let the Halloween movie marathon begin