Halloween is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to get into the spooky spirit than by curling up with some of the best Halloween movies. Whether you’re a fan of classic scares, family-friendly frights, or a mix of both, Halloween movie nights offer the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family together for a night of fun and chills.
From timeless classics that have stood the test of time to newer films that have quickly become must-watch traditions, this complete list of Halloween movies has something for everyone. So light the jack-o’-lantern, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready to discover the perfect lineup of Halloween movies to watch with your kids and family this season!
How Many Halloween Movies Are There?
While this list features a variety of Halloween movies for kids and families, there are countless other films that capture the spirit of the season. From classic Halloween movies to newer hits, the options are nearly endless. This comprehensive Halloween movies list provides everything you need to plan the perfect spooky movie night with your family. So gather your loved ones, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the best Halloween movies to watch this season!
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Cast: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
- Director: Kenny Ortega
- Writer: Neil Cuthbert, Mick Garris
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Hocus Pocus is one of the classic Halloween movies that brings humor and spookiness together. The story follows the Sanderson sisters, three witches from 17th-century Salem who are resurrected by a group of kids on Halloween night. As they attempt to wreak havoc, the children must find a way to stop them before it’s too late. With its mix of comedy and supernatural elements, it’s no wonder Hocus Pocus remains a favorite for Halloween movie nights.
2. Beetlejuice (1988)
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Cast: Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder
- Director: Tim Burton
- Writer: Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson, Warren Skaaren
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
In this kooky afterlife comedy, a recently deceased couple, the Maitlands, find themselves haunting their own home. When the obnoxious Deetz family moves in, the Maitlands try to scare them away but end up summoning Betelgeuse, a bio-exorcist whose antics bring chaos. Beetlejuice is a must-watch Halloween movie for families who love Tim Burton’s unique blend of dark humor and quirky characters.
3. Don’t Look Under the Bed (1999)
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Cast: Erin Chambers, Ty Hodges, Robin Riker
- Director: Kenneth Johnson
- Writer: Mark Edward Edens
- Genre: Family, Fantasy, Horror
A Disney Channel original movie, Don’t Look Under the Bed is one of the scarier kids Halloween movies. Strange things are happening in town, and teenager Frances is blamed for them. She teams up with her brother’s imaginary friend, Larry, to uncover the real culprit, the Boogeyman. This film is perfect for families looking for a good Halloween movie with just the right amount of scares for younger viewers.
4. The Addams Family (1991)
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Cast: Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd
- Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
- Writer: Caroline Thompson, Larry Wilson
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Based on the popular sitcom and New Yorker cartoons, The Addams Family follows the bizarre and macabre Addams family as they deal with the return of Uncle Fester, who may or may not be an imposter. With its offbeat humor and gothic charm, this film is a staple in the Halloween movies list for families who enjoy quirky, dark comedy.
5. Halloweentown (1998)
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Cast: Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Judith Hoag
- Director: Duwayne Dunham
- Writer: Paul Benbaum, Jon Cooksey, Ali Marie Matheson
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
Halloweentown is a beloved Disney Channel original movie that introduces us to Marnie, a young girl who discovers that she comes from a family of witches. She travels to Halloweentown, a magical place where Halloween is celebrated all year round, and faces off against evil forces threatening both her world and Halloweentown. This is one of the best Halloween movies for kids, blending adventure and fantasy with a festive spirit.
6. Ghostbusters (1984)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis
- Director: Ivan Reitman
- Writer: Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Ghostbusters is a classic Halloween movie that has entertained audiences for decades. The film follows a group of parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. With its memorable cast, iconic theme song, and supernatural comedy, Ghostbusters is one of the best Halloween movies to watch with the whole family.
7. Twitches (2005)
- IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
- Cast: Tia Mowry, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Kristen Wilson
- Director: Stuart Gillard
- Writer: Melissa Gould, Dan Berendsen
- Genre: Drama, Family, Fantasy
Twitches feature twin sisters who discover they are witches on their 21st birthday. Separated at birth, they must now reunite to save their magical homeland from an evil force. This Disney Channel movie is a good Halloween movie for families, combining magic, adventure, and sibling bonds in a fun and lighthearted way.
8. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
- IMDb Rating: 5.2/10
- Cast: Eddie Murphy, Marsha Thomason, Jennifer Tilly
- Director: Rob Minkoff
- Writer: David Berenbaum
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Inspired by the famous Disney theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion follows a real estate agent and his family as they find themselves trapped in a haunted house with 999 ghosts. Eddie Murphy’s comedic flair adds to the spooky fun, making it a great addition to the Halloween movies list for family movie nights.
9. Casper (1995)
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Cast: Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy Moriarty
- Director: Brad Silberling
- Writer: Sherri Stoner, Deanna Oliver
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Casper tells the heartwarming story of a friendly ghost who lives in a haunted mansion. When a paranormal expert and his daughter move in, Casper befriends the young girl, leading to a tale of friendship, adventure, and family. It’s one of the classic Halloween movies that balances spooky with sweet, making it perfect for kids.
10. Gremlins (1984)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Cast: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
- Director: Joe Dante
- Writer: Chris Columbus
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Gremlins is a cult classic that offers a mix of horror and humor. The story revolves around a young man who receives a strange creature called a Mogwai as a pet. However, when certain rules are broken, the Mogwai multiplies, leading to a chaotic invasion of mischievous creatures. This film is perfect for older kids who can handle a bit more excitement in their Halloween movie lineup.
11. Monster Squad (1987)
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Cast: Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, Stephen Macht
- Director: Fred Dekker
- Writer: Shane Black, Fred Dekker
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Monster Squad is a nostalgic treat that pits a group of kids against classic monsters like Dracula, the Wolfman, and the Mummy. It’s a fun, action-packed movie that brings together elements of comedy and horror, making it a good Halloween movie for kids and families who enjoy a bit of retro charm.
12. ParaNorman (2012)
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
- Director: Chris Butler, Sam Fell
- Writer: Chris Butler
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
ParaNorman is a stop-motion animated film that tells the story of a young boy named Norman who can communicate with the dead. When his town is threatened by zombies, witches, and ghosts, Norman must use his unique abilities to save the day. This film is a perfect addition to any kids Halloween movies list, offering a mix of scares, humor, and heart.
13. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
- Director: Henry Selick
- Writer: Tim Burton, Michael McDowell
- Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a timeless stop-motion classic that blurs the lines between Halloween and Christmas. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas and becomes obsessed with taking over the holiday. The movie’s enchanting visuals and memorable songs make it one of the best Halloween movies for both kids and adults.
14. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi
- Director: Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich
- Writer: Pete Docter, Jill Culton, Jeff Pidgeon
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Monsters, Inc. is a beloved Pixar film that takes viewers into a world where monsters generate power by scaring children. However, when a little girl named Boo enters their world, two monsters, Mike and Sulley, must return home without causing a catastrophe. This film is an excellent choice for families looking for a lighthearted, fun Halloween movie to watch together.
15. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Andy Samberg
- Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
- Writer: Peter Baynham, Robert Smigel
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
Hotel Transylvania is a modern animated hit where Dracula runs a lavish resort for monsters. Chaos ensues when a human stumbles into the hotel and falls for Dracula’s daughter, Mavis. With its vibrant animation and funny characters, it’s one of the best Halloween movies for kids and families who enjoy a bit of monster-themed humor.
Also Read: The 30 Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now
16. Coraline (2009)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Cast: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders
- Director: Henry Selick
- Writer: Henry Selick (screenplay), Neil Gaiman (novel)
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Family
Coraline is a dark fantasy film that follows a young girl who discovers a parallel world where everything seems perfect, but dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. The stop-motion animation and eerie atmosphere make Coraline a must-watch for families looking for something a bit more mysterious and thrilling in their Halloween movie lineup.
17. Frankenweenie (2012)
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Cast: Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short
- Director: Tim Burton
- Writer: Leonard Ripps (original screenplay), Tim Burton (story)
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
Frankenweenie is Tim Burton’s heartwarming take on the Frankenstein story, featuring a young boy who brings his beloved dog back to life. The film’s black-and-white stop-motion animation adds to its charm, making it a great Halloween movie for families who appreciate classic horror themes with a twist.
18. The Corpse Bride (2005)
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson
- Director: Tim Burton, Mike Johnson
- Writer: Tim Burton, Carlos Grangel
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Family
In The Corpse Bride, a young man accidentally proposes to a deceased bride while practicing his wedding vows. The film’s gothic style and hauntingly beautiful animation make it a perfect choice for a Halloween movie night, especially for fans of Tim Burton’s unique aesthetic.
19. Monster House (2006)
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Cast: Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke
- Director: Gil Kenan
- Writer: Dan Harmon, Rob Schrab
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Monster House is an animated film that follows a group of kids who discover that their neighbor’s house is actually a living, breathing monster. The film’s blend of horror and humor makes it one of the good Halloween movies for older kids who are ready for a bit more adventure and scares.
20. The Witches (1990)
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Cast: Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher
- Director: Nicolas Roeg
- Writer: Roald Dahl (novel), Allan Scott (screenplay)
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
The Witches is based on Roald Dahl’s novel about a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches planning to turn all children into mice. The film’s darkly whimsical tone and memorable performances, particularly by Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch, make it a classic Halloween movie for families.
21. Arachnophobia (1990)
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Cast: Jeff Daniels, Julian Sands, John Goodman
- Director: Frank Marshall
- Writer: Don Jakoby, Al Williams, Wesley Strick
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Arachnophobia is a horror-comedy that plays on the common fear of spiders. When a deadly species of spider is accidentally brought to a small town, a local doctor must face his own fears to stop the arachnid invasion. This film is perfect for families looking for a slightly scarier Halloween movie with a touch of humor.
22. Goosebumps (2015)
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
- Cast: Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush
- Director: Rob Letterman
- Writer: Darren Lemke (screenplay), R.L. Stine (books)
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
Goosebumps brings R.L. Stine’s popular book series to life as the monsters from his stories are unleashed on a small town. With the help of the author (played by Jack Black), a group of kids must capture the creatures and save their town. This film is a great choice for a fun and adventurous Halloween movie night with kids.
23. Hubie Halloween (2020)
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
- Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Julie Bowen
- Director: Steven Brill
- Writer: Adam Sandler, Tim Herlihy
- Genre: Comedy, Mystery
Hubie Halloween is a light-hearted comedy starring Adam Sandler as a quirky town resident who takes it upon himself to keep his town safe during Halloween. Despite being ridiculed by everyone, Hubie becomes the town’s unlikely hero when strange things happen. This movie is perfect for families looking for a new Halloween movie to watch that’s filled with laughs and a bit of mystery.
24. Coco (2017)
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
- Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
- Writer: Lee Unkrich, Jason Katz, Matthew Aldrich, Adrian Molina
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
While not a traditional Halloween movie, Coco is set during the Day of the Dead and follows a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician. After accidentally entering the Land of the Dead, Miguel embarks on a journey to uncover his family’s history and return to the living world. The film’s stunning visuals and emotional story make it one of the best Halloween movies for families who want to explore cultural themes.
25. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Cast: Jim Carrey, Jude Law, Meryl Streep
- Director: Brad Silberling
- Writer: Robert Gordon, Daniel Handler (books)
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
Based on the popular book series, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events follows the Baudelaire orphans as they deal with a series of tragic events orchestrated by the evil Count Olaf. With its dark humor and gothic style, this film is a great choice for families looking for a Halloween movie that’s a bit more on the mysterious side.
26. Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000)
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
- Cast: Caroline Rhea, Matt O’Leary, Laura Vandervoort
- Director: Steve Boyum
- Writer: Robert Keats, David Covell
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
In Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire, a Disney Channel movie, two siblings suspect their mom’s new boyfriend is a vampire. As they try to prove it, they find themselves in a series of comedic and spooky situations. This film is perfect for younger kids who enjoy lighthearted Halloween movies.
27. We Have a Ghost (2023)
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
- Cast: David Harbour, Anthony Mackie, Jahi Di’Allo Winston
- Director: Christopher Landon
- Writer: Christopher Landon, Geoff Manaugh
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
We Have a Ghost is a newer addition to the list of Halloween movies for families. When a family moves into a haunted house, they discover a ghost named Ernest who becomes an internet sensation. The film mixes humor with heartwarming moments, making it a great choice for a modern Halloween movie night.
28. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Cast: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Sally Dryer
- Director: Bill Melendez
- Writer: Charles M. Schulz
- Genre: Animation, Short, Comedy
This timeless classic follows the Peanuts gang as they prepare for Halloween. Linus waits in the pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin, while the others enjoy trick-or-treating and a Halloween party. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a must-watch Halloween movie that captures the innocence and fun of the holiday.
29. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Cast: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia
- Director: Frank Oz
- Writer: Howard Ashman, Roger Corman (story)
- Genre: Comedy, Horror, Musical
Little Shop of Horrors is a musical comedy about a nerdy florist who discovers a strange plant that feeds on human blood. As the plant grows, so do its demands, leading to a series of darkly comedic events. This film is a perfect addition to the Halloween movies list for families who enjoy musicals with a spooky twist.
30. Wendell & Wild (2022)
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
- Cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Lyric Ross
- Director: Henry Selick
- Writer: Henry Selick, Jordan Peele
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
Wendell & Wild is a stop-motion animated film about two demon brothers who must face their nemesis with the help of a teenage girl. With its dark humor and unique animation style, it’s a great choice for older kids and families looking for a Halloween movie with a bit of an edge.
31. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Cast: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Writer: Melissa Mathison
- Genre: Family, Sci-Fi
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a classic that tells the story of a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. While not a traditional Halloween movie, its themes of friendship and adventure make it a great choice for the Halloween season. The film’s heartwarming story and iconic scenes have made it a favorite for generations.
32. The House With a Clock in Its Walls (2018)
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
- Cast: Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Owen Vaccaro
- Director: Eli Roth
- Writer: Eric Kripke, John Bellairs (novel)
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
In The House With a Clock in Its Walls, a young boy discovers that his uncle’s house is full of magical secrets. Together with his uncle and a friendly witch, they must stop an evil force from destroying the world. This film offers a perfect blend of magic and mystery, making it a good Halloween movie for families.
33. Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
- IMDb Rating: Varies (7.6 to 8.1/10)
- Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
- Director: Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, David Yates
- Writer: J.K. Rowling (novels), Steve Kloves (screenplays)
- Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
The Harry Potter series follows the journey of a young wizard as he discovers his magical heritage and battles the dark forces of the wizarding world. While not solely Halloween-themed, the series’ magical elements, creatures, and darker themes make it a great choice for Halloween movie marathons. With eight movies, the series offers plenty of adventure and excitement for the whole family.
34. Scooby-Doo (2002)
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
- Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini
- Director: Raja Gosnell
- Writer: James Gunn
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
The live-action Scooby-Doo movie brings the beloved animated characters to life as they solve a spooky mystery on a haunted island. With its mix of humor and adventure, it’s one of the good Halloween movies for kids and families who love mystery-solving fun.
35. Double, Double, Toil and Trouble (1993)
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
- Cast: Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Cloris Leachman
- Director: Stuart Margolin
- Writer: Jurgen Wolff, Jeffrey C. Sherman
- Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
This Halloween movie for kids features Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as twin sisters who use magic to save their family. With its light-hearted story and a bit of magic, Double, Double, Toil, and Trouble is a fun, nostalgic pick for a Halloween movie night with younger children.
36. Casper Meets Wendy (1998)
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
- Cast: Hilary Duff, Jeremy Foley, George Hamilton
- Director: Sean McNamara
- Writer: Jymn Magon, Jymn Magon (story)
- Genre: Family, Fantasy
In Casper Meets Wendy, the friendly ghost teams up with a young witch to defeat a warlock. This family-friendly Halloween movie is perfect for younger audiences, offering a blend of humor, magic, and lighthearted adventure.
37. Phantom of the Megaplex (2000)
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
- Cast: Taylor Handley, Jacob Smith, Caitlin Wachs
- Director: Blair Treu
- Writer: Stu Krieger
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Mystery
Phantom of the Megaplex is a Disney Channel original movie that follows a young theater employee as he tries to solve the mystery of strange occurrences during a movie premiere. It’s a fun, family-friendly mystery that adds a touch of Halloween spirit to the mix.
Also Read: Top 25 Movies of All Time to Watch with Family