While I personally enjoy a good scary movie over Halloween, I understand that not everyone appreciates a seriously terrifying horror movie. Kids are one key group. So, I thought I would make a list of the top 10 kids’ Halloween movies to add to your list if you have younger folks in your house who may want to enjoy something fun this spooky season.
Labyrinth (1986)
This fable tells the story of a teenage girl who accidentally wishes her baby brother way. She must then travel to the realm of the Goblin King (David Bowie) to hopefully bring him back before he is transformed into one of the king’s horrible minions. A mix of Jim Henson puppets with live-action actors drives this 1980s classic onto our list - along with some cool songs by David Bowie.
Corpse Bride (2005)
No list of kid-friendly scary movies would be complete without at least one Tim Burton entry, and we have 2. The first is Corpse Bride, which tells the story of a young man who accidentally marries a ghost. It’s wonderfully dark and ghoulish but remains mostly kid-friendly. This one was also nominated for an academy award.
Gremlins (1984)
OK, it’s technically a Christmas movie, but we’re including it here because those gremlins are scary! Of course, we have Gizmo to bring the cuteness and defeat the gremlins, driving a Barbie car. It’s funny, scary, and more than a bit heartwarming. Pretty solid mix for a scary movie for kids.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
OK, not even a little bit scary, but come on - it’s a Halloween classic. Another great animated movie from the Charlie Brown crew. Even well into its 50s, this one is still a crowd-pleaser for the kids and the grown-ups won’t mind it either.
The Witches (1990)
There is a more recent remake, but the original still stands and is the one to see. A fun mix of Jim Henson puppetry (for the second time on the list) and the wicked Anjelica Huston make this one of the best Roald Dahl adaptations.
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
A Pixar entry on our list, with this funny, occasionally scary, and generally delightful look at where those ‘imaginary monsters under kids’ beds and in their closest actually come from. Great voice acting from John Goodman and Billy Crystal just add to the fun.
Wallace & Grommet: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
The Wallace & Grommet stop-motion movies are all pretty amazing, so this Halloween-inspired entry into the series is bound to be a good one. Great voice acting from Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter only accentuate the fun of this adventure.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Not really a kid’s movie when it was made, the movie has held up for decades and really delivers a family-friendly (mostly) ghost story that is as much funny as it is scary. Bill Murray plays one of his iconic characters, joined by an amazing cast, including Dan Akroyd, Rick Moranis, and Sigourney Weaver.
Coraline
Here’s another stop-motion animated feature, but of all the ones on this list, it might be the scariest. From the brilliant mind of Neil Gaiman, this is a masterclass in storytelling. Young Coraline discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate reality that initially seems to offer much more than her own ‘real world’. But, looks can be deceiving and this one gets pretty scary.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
You knew it had to be #1. A kids’ movie, but a bit scary, very weird and spooky, by Tim Burton. Join Jack Skellington as he tries to bring the Christmas spirit to Halloween, with harrowing results.
