Halloween season is upon us!
As the days shorten and the air cools, there’s no better way to get into the spirit of Halloween than by gathering the whole family for a spooky movie night.
But with younger kids and older kids in the mix, how do you choose the best Halloween movies that cater to every age group?
Best Halloween Movie Trivia Game Questions
Don’t fret!
Here’s a compiled list to make your family movie night a hit.
Whether you’ve moved into a new home and want to initiate a Halloween night movie tradition, or you’re just looking for some not-so-scary Halloween movies to watch with your teenagers, this list has got you covered.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
A classic and one of the favorite Halloween movies of many! When a young boy inadvertently resurrects three witches in a small town, it’s up to him, his little sister, and a teenage girl best friend to save the day. With Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the iconic Sanderson sisters, this movie is a great choice for older kids and adults alike. Plus, who can resist the catchy musical numbers?
Watch Hocus Pocus now!
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
A timeless treasure! The Peanuts gang brings to life the story of a boy named Linus who believes in the Great Pumpkin. Suitable for young children and enjoyable for teens and parents alike, this is a Charlie Brown classic that beautifully captures the spirit of Halloween.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
With the voice talents of Adam Sandler and a cast of delightful monsters, this animated film tells the story of Dracula’s daughter Mavis. She’s curious about the real world outside their haunted mansion, much to her father’s dismay. A light-hearted take on the horror genre, this is perfect for younger kids but still entertaining for teenage viewers.
Watch Hotel Transylvania now!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s masterpiece that marries Christmas and Halloween in the best part of a stop-motion animation. Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town and is taken by the idea of celebrating a different holiday. It’s a Disney classic that’s perfect for the Halloween season.
Watch Nightmare Before Christmas now!
Monster House (2006)
When three friends discover their neighbor’s house is a living, breathing monster, adventure ensues. A mix of spooky and fun, this is a great pick for a family with little kids and teens. The animated movie touches on themes of friendship and the bravery of a young boy and girl facing down evil forces in their small town.
Watch Monster House now!
The Sixth Sense (1999)
For older kids ready for a good Halloween movie that’s more on the chilling side, The Sixth Sense is a great choice. With a storyline centering around a young boy who can see and communicate with dead people, it’s captivating but might be too intense for very little kids.
Watch The Sixth Sense now!
Harry Potter Series
While not strictly Halloween, the magical world of Harry Potter, with its haunted houses, mysterious creatures, and spooky addams family-like characters, makes it perfect for the season. It’s a good movie series that every age group will enjoy.
Watch the Harry Potter Series now!
The Addams Family (1991)
A family that defines spooky! With Morticia Addams, a haunted mansion, and a mysterious creature lurking, it’s an entertaining pick for a family-friendly Halloween movie.
Watch The Addams Family now!
Coraline (2009)
A story about a young girl who discovers an alternate world in her new house, only to realize that the real world, with all its flaws, is where she truly belongs. It has stunning special effects, making it an engaging watch for teens.
Watch Coraline now!
For parents looking for more options, especially those suitable for teens, there’s a whole list of Halloween movies ranging from the haunting Blair Witch Project to the comedic Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.
College students might lean towards the horror films like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, while younger audiences might enjoy the charm of Casper, the friendly ghost.
For moms who prefer to pre-screen or get more insights into the subject matter, parent guides are a great resource.
Also, if you’re in a rush, many of these films are available on platforms like Amazon Prime for quick streaming.
In the end, Halloween is all about embracing the spooky season, indulging in some Halloween candy, and spending quality time with the family.
Whether you’re into teen horror movies, classics like Corpse Bride and live-action films, or prefer the slightly spooky Addams family antics, there’s something for every family out there.
So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let the Halloween movie marathon begin!
Whether you choose a classic movie or a new one from the list of Halloween movies, every choice is bound to make the Halloween season memorable. Happy Spooky Season to all!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Hocus Pocus” suitable for younger kids too?
While “Hocus Pocus” is a favorite among many, it’s best for older kids due to some of its themes. However, younger kids might enjoy the comedic parts, especially the antics of the Sanderson sisters. Always best to watch first and gauge its suitability for your child.
Are any of these movies available for free streaming?
Some of the movies, especially older ones like “Charlie Brown,” might be available for free streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime, especially around the Halloween season. Always check your local streaming services for availability.
What’s a good starter horror film for teens?
For teens new to the horror genre, “The Sixth Sense” is intense but not overly graphic. “A Quiet Place” is also a modern choice with more suspense than gore.
Are there any movies here not suitable for little kids?
“The Sixth Sense” and “Blair Witch Project” might be too intense for very young viewers. Always review and possibly watch movies first to ensure they align with what you’re comfortable showing to younger kids.
Is “The Nightmare Before Christmas” a Christmas or Halloween movie?
It’s a bit of both! Tim Burton’s masterpiece blends elements of both holidays, making it perfect for Halloween and Christmas viewings.
How can I ensure the movie is age-appropriate for my child?
Checking parent guides and websites like Common Sense Media can provide insights into movie content. They often give age recommendations based on subject matter, which can be very helpful.
Why aren’t more classic horror films like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” listed?
The list focuses on family-friendly and teen-appropriate movies. While classics like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” are iconic in the horror genre, they might be too graphic for a family movie night.
Can you recommend any Halloween TV show specials?
Certainly! Shows like “The Spooky Addams Family” have Halloween specials. Other classics include “The Simpsons” Treehouse of Horror episodes and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Halloween episodes.
Are there any animated options for teens?
Yes! “Hotel Transylvania” and “Monster House” are animated and suitable for teens. “Coraline” and “The Corpse Bride” by Tim Burton are also animated options with a darker tone perfect for older kids and teens.
Where can I buy these movies if they aren’t on streaming platforms?
Many of these movies are available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. You can also check local retailers, especially around the Halloween season, as they often stock popular Halloween films.
Remember, every family is different, so it’s always a good idea to screen movies first or read reviews to ensure they align with your family’s viewing comfort levels.