The best Halloween movies for kids are spooky enough to feel special but gentle enough that nobody needs to sleep with the lights on. We have sorted 35 Halloween movies for kids by age — toddlers, early elementary, tweens and family nights — with ratings and a quick note on how scary each one really is, so you can pick with confidence.
Ratings are the official US MPA ratings where available; TV specials are marked “TV”.
Halloween Movies for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)
Zero jump scares, short run times and friendly monsters:
| Movie | Year | Rating | Why kids love it |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown | 1966 | TV | A 25-minute classic with Snoopy’s flying-ace adventure. |
| Room on the Broom | 2012 | TV | A kind witch keeps making room for animal friends; based on the picture book. |
| Spookley the Square Pumpkin | 2004 | TV | A gentle message about being different. |
| Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches | 2009 | TV | Mickey and Minnie at a witch academy. |
| Garfield’s Halloween Adventure | 1985 | TV | Candy-hungry Garfield and Odie on a mild ghost hunt. |
| Toy Story of Terror! | 2013 | TV | Woody and friends at a creepy motel; 22 minutes. |
Halloween Movies for Kids Ages 6–9
A few spooky moments, lots of laughs:
| Movie | Year | Rating | Why kids love it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monsters, Inc. | 2001 | G | Monsters who are scared of kids – a perfect “not scary” monster movie. |
| Hotel Transylvania | 2012 | PG | Dracula runs a hotel for monsters; sequels continue the fun. |
| Casper | 1995 | PG | A friendly ghost looking for a friend. |
| Halloweentown | 1998 | TV | A girl discovers she comes from a family of witches. |
| Spooky Buddies | 2011 | G | Puppies versus a ghostly warlock. |
| The Addams Family (animated) | 2019 | PG | The creepy family in bright animation. |
| Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit | 2005 | G | A vegetable-stealing were-bunny mystery. |
| Coco | 2017 | PG | A Day of the Dead adventure about family and memory. |
| Twitches | 2005 | TV | Twin witches separated at birth. |
Halloween Movies for Tweens (Ages 10–12)
These Halloween movies for kids have real tension and a few scary scenes:
| Movie | Year | Rating | Why kids love it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hocus Pocus | 1993 | PG | Three witches return to Salem; the ultimate family Halloween film. |
| The Nightmare Before Christmas | 1993 | PG | Jack Skellington discovers Christmas Town. |
| Monster House | 2006 | PG | A haunted house that swallows visitors – moderately scary. |
| ParaNorman | 2012 | PG | A boy who sees ghosts must save his town. |
| Frankenweenie | 2012 | PG | A boy brings his beloved dog back to life. |
| Goosebumps | 2015 | PG | R.L. Stine’s monsters escape the books. |
| Corpse Bride | 2005 | PG | A gothic love story with catchy songs. |
| The Witches | 1990 | PG | Roald Dahl’s witches plot to turn kids into mice – genuinely creepy. |
| Coraline | 2009 | PG | A magical other world with a sinister twist; best for confident kids. |
Family Halloween Movie Night Picks (All Ages)
| Movie | Year | Rating | Why kids love it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghostbusters | 1984 | PG | Comedy ghosts; some language, better for 10+. |
| Beetlejuice | 1988 | PG | Weird and wonderful; check for younger kids. |
| The Haunted Mansion | 2003 | PG | Eddie Murphy in a Disney ride adventure. |
| Hotel Transylvania 2 | 2015 | PG | More monster-family chaos. |
| Casper Meets Wendy | 1998 | PG | Casper and a good little witch team up. |
| Scooby-Doo | 2002 | PG | Live-action mystery gang fun. |
| Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge | 2001 | TV | The sequel to the Disney classic. |
| Halloween Is Grinch Night | 1977 | TV | A short Dr. Seuss special for the whole family. |
| Hubie Halloween | 2020 | PG-13 | Adam Sandler comedy – best for teens. |
| Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | 2024 | PG-13 | For teens who loved the original. |
| Wednesday (series) | 2022 | TV-14 | For teens; binge with parents. |
How Scary Is Too Scary? A Parent’s Checklist
- Watch the trailer first together; if your child hides, save the movie for next year.
- Daytime viewing makes scary scenes feel smaller.
- Pause and talk – explain how makeup and effects are made.
- End with something funny before bed.
- Use independent reviews like Common Sense Media for age guidance.
Make It a Halloween Movie Night
- Snacks: “monster” popcorn with candy eyes, mummy hot dogs, pumpkin muffins.
- Costumes on: watch in costume – see our Halloween costume ideas.
- Craft break: decorate mini pumpkins with our no-carve pumpkin ideas.
- Jokes at intermission: read from our Halloween jokes for kids.
Looking for grown-up horror too? See our full list of the best Halloween movies.
Halloween Movies for Kids FAQ
What is the best Halloween movie for young kids?
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Room on the Broom and Monsters, Inc. are ideal for under-6s.
Is Hocus Pocus OK for kids?
It is rated PG and most families find it fine for ages 8 and up, with a few mildly scary scenes.
Is Coraline too scary for kids?
It is rated PG but has intense moments; many parents wait until 9 or 10.
