38 Best Family Halloween Movies for Kids

The Sanderson sisters return to life three centuries after being hanged as witches, finding that things are much different and Halloween is now a holiday for kids. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker star in one of the all-time best family movies for Halloween.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a visually stunning stop-motion classic that follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, as he tries to bring a little Christmas cheer to Halloween Town. With its catchy songs and whimsical spooky fun, it’s a family favorite that bridges both holidays perfectly.

Amanda Banta said:  Jack Skellington, leader of Halloween Town, crosses holidays and stumbles into Christmas Town. Parents of young or sensitive kids should be aware that this classic family Halloween movie involves Santa being abducted and has some "bad guy" characters.

Adam Sandler plays Dracula as an overprotective dad who has built Hotel Transylvania to keep his daughter hidden away and safe from humans. Dracula opens the hotel to his expansive group of friends, and there is plenty of humor created by the kid-friendly monsters.

Erynn said:  Older kids might also appreciate that Selena Gomez is the voice of Mavis! Our family loves this movie and we've watched it many times, both around and outside of Halloween.

Mike and Sulley help power the city of Monstropolis with children's screams. When a little girl wanders into their domain, they are determined to return her safely home and discover that there are emotions more powerful than fear. Sensitive kids might be scared at times, but it's a perfect spooky family movie for Halloween that allows younger kids to enjoy some safe thrills.

Coco is a heartfelt Pixar film that follows young Miguel on a journey through the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history and love of music. Filled with stunning visuals, unforgettable songs, and a touching message about family and remembrance, it’s a beautiful family movie choice for Halloween or Día de los Muertos.

This story about an unlikely friendship between a boy and a lost alien is one of the best family movies from the 80s.

Kelly R said:  Sprinkle some Reese's Pieces on your popcorn and you have the perfect spooky family movie night. There's some iffy language and some pretty frightening situations, but my kids first saw it and loved it when they were 4 and 7.

Everybody's favorite monkey is having non-scary adventures in one of the best animated Halloween movies for kids! George prepares for the town Boo Festival and wants to come up with an ideal costume and participate in the haunted house when he hears the story of the headless scarecrow, No Noggin.

This sci-fi comedy about a secret government agency that monitors alien life on Earth is more funny than scary, but some of the thrills might be too much for younger kids. Once your kids are ready for it, it makes a crowd pleasing family movie for Halloween that is great for a wide range of ages!

Based on the wildly popular children's fantasy books, the Harry Potter films are perhaps best suited as movies for tweens and older kids, as the story grows darker in its later chapters and can be scary for younger viewers. Harry's adventures upon discovering that he is a wizard, and his central role in saving the world from the evil wizard Voldemort, is one beloved by kids and parents alike.

Based on the beloved theme park ride, the newest Haunted Mansion movie is about a woman and her son trying to rid their home of ghosts.

Kelly R said:  My whole family liked this one and it made for a fun movie night leading up to Halloween. The cast is really great. It was a little scarier than I thought it would be, but in a good Disney-appropriate way that's fine for older kids who don't mind the spookiness.

Quirky claymation duo Wallace and Gromit are tasked with protecting the town's upcoming giant vegetable competition from rabbits, including the monstrous Were-Rabbit.

In Ghostbusters, a team of scientists takes on mischievous ghosts haunting New York City. Packed with humor and memorable moments, it’s a fun Halloween movie for older kids and teens.

Kelly R said:  Ghostbusters does seem to have an ageless appeal, but you might want to consider saving this Halloween movie for tweens and teens given the amount of racy content. The 1980s CGI makes a lot of it more silly than scary.

The Addams Family creates controversy when their unique style clashes with a nearby planned community in this animated movie that's a great introduction for younger kids.

Sarah C. said:  My 7&4 year old love this movie!! And Addams Family 2. :)

Muppets Haunted Mansion has the Muppets spending a spooky night in a creepy mansion, full of gags, songs, and lighthearted frights. It’s a playful, family-friendly Halloween special that’s perfect for all ages.

Kelly R said:  As fans of both the Muppets and the Haunted Mansion, my family enjoyed this one!

The Book of Life tells the story of Manolo, a young man torn between following his heart or his family’s expectations, as he journeys through the Land of the Remembered. With dazzling animation, catchy songs, and a heartfelt story about love and bravery, it’s a Halloween-friendly film that celebrates family and tradition.

Kelly R said:  Entertaining, funny and fast-paced story with a Dia de los Muertos & afterlife theme that makes it a fun family Halloween movie. We like to watch it when we want to mix it up from the classics.