Halloween is the perfect time to gather the family, make some spooky treats, and enjoy a cozy movie night with the little ones. But finding the right balance between Halloween fun and family-friendly entertainment can be tricky. For Millennial and Gen Z parents looking to get into the spooky spirit without scaring the kids too much, we’ve put together a list of seven perfect films for a Halloween movie night. These movies are lighthearted, full of charm, and spooky enough to give your family all the thrills of the season without the nightmares.
From animated classics to modern-day Halloween gems, these movies provide just the right dose of spooky fun. So, grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, and enjoy a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon with these seven titles!
1. “Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Available on: Disney+
When it comes to Halloween classics, “Hocus Pocus“ is a must-watch. This beloved film, filled with humor, witchy magic, and a fun, spooky storyline, will keep both kids and adults entertained. The Sanderson sisters—three hilariously wicked witches—come back to life on Halloween night, and it’s up to a group of kids to stop them. The balance of humor, spooky vibes, and the delightful performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy make it perfect for little ones who enjoy playful frights. This film has just the right amount of Halloween magic without crossing into anything too scary, making it ideal for kids as young as 5.
Why it’s perfect: The witches are more goofy than menacing, and the adventure-filled plot will keep young minds engaged. Plus, it’s nostalgic fun for Millennial and Gen Z parents who grew up watching it!
Where to stream: Disney+
2. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
Available on: Disney+
Is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? The answer: it’s both! “The Nightmare Before Christmas“ is a Tim Burton classic that blends the magic of two holidays. This stop-motion animated film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon Christmas Town and decides he wants to celebrate the jolly holiday with his own creepy twist. The film is visually stunning, with quirky characters and catchy songs that little ones will love.
Why it’s perfect: It brings a unique twist to the traditional Halloween story with its imaginative setting and characters, all while remaining family-friendly. Plus, the musical numbers will have the whole family singing along.
Where to stream: Disney+
3. “Hotel Transylvania” (2012)
Available on: Netflix
In “Hotel Transylvania,” Count Dracula runs a high-end resort for monsters, where they can relax away from the prying eyes of humans. Things get interesting when a human boy stumbles upon the hotel and falls in love with Dracula’s daughter. This animated film is full of zany monster hijinks, heartwarming family moments, and lots of laughs. With its silly monsters and upbeat humor, “Hotel Transylvania” is a lighthearted introduction to classic Halloween creatures like vampires, mummies, and werewolves—without the scares.
Why it’s perfect: The lovable monsters and the funny, relatable family dynamics make this a fun and easy watch for kids and parents alike.
Where to stream: Netflix
4. “Coco” (2017)
Available on: Disney+
Though not a traditional Halloween movie, “Coco“ is a visually beautiful and culturally rich film that revolves around Día de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday celebrating the memory of loved ones who have passed away. The movie follows young Miguel, who dreams of becoming a musician, as he journeys into the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history. The film touches on themes of family, legacy, and love in a heartfelt way that kids can understand, and its vibrant celebration of life and death is perfect for the Halloween season.
Why it’s perfect: “Coco” offers a beautiful story with touching themes, stunning animation, and uplifting music. It’s perfect for families looking for a thoughtful, less spooky take on the Halloween season.
Where to stream: Disney+
5. “Casper” (1995)
Available on: Peacock
Who could resist the friendly ghost, Casper? In “Casper,” a young girl named Kat moves into a haunted mansion with her father, where she meets Casper, a friendly ghost who just wants to make friends. While Casper himself is sweet and gentle, there’s just enough supernatural fun with his mischievous uncles to keep things spooky. This film balances humor, heartfelt moments, and just a dash of Halloween scares that are more fun than frightening.
Why it’s perfect: “Casper” is an old-school Halloween favorite that delivers charm, humor, and light-hearted ghostly fun without being too spooky for younger viewers.
Where to stream: Peacock
6. “The Addams Family” (2019)
Available on: Hulu
A reboot of the iconic Addams Family franchise, this animated version of “The Addams Family“ brings the kooky, spooky, and altogether ooky family into the modern world. With a stellar voice cast and wacky adventures, this film has plenty of dark humor and quirky fun that’s safe for kids of all ages. The Addams family is weird, but they’re also kind-hearted and loving, making them the perfect characters to bring a bit of Halloween whimsy into your home.
Why it’s perfect: The fun, offbeat humor of the Addams family will entertain parents, while kids will love the colorful, zany animation and lovable characters.
Where to stream: Hulu
7. “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” (2004)
Available on: Netflix
For younger kids, “Spookley the Square Pumpkin“ is an adorable, non-scary Halloween movie with a positive message about embracing differences. Spookley is a square-shaped pumpkin who feels out of place among all the round pumpkins in the patch. But when a storm threatens to destroy the farm, Spookley discovers that being different makes him special. This heartwarming story is perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners who want to enjoy a little Halloween fun without the frights.
Why it’s perfect: With its gentle, positive message and colorful animation, “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” is an ideal choice for the youngest kids who still want to feel a part of Halloween festivities.
Where to stream: Netflix
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about the scares—it’s also the perfect time to snuggle up with your little ones and enjoy some spooky fun that won’t send them running for the covers. These seven films offer a delightful balance of spooky and sweet, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy a festive Halloween movie night together. Whether you want witches, monsters, or a friendly ghost, there’s a movie on this list that will bring the Halloween spirit into your home while keeping things light-hearted and fun. So grab your favorite Halloween snacks, dim the lights, and settle in for a family movie marathon filled with magical and memorable moments!
With options streaming on platforms like Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock, you can easily plan your Halloween movie night without leaving the house. These films will help your family create cherished Halloween traditions for years to come.
Happy Halloween movie watching! 🎃