Looking for the best Halloween movies for kids that are both spooky and fun? Here’s a comprehensive list that will make your family movie night a hit!
Halloween isn't my favorite holiday although dressing up in a costume is always one of my favorite things to do. Also, I really do love making fun Halloween treats! like Frankenstein Cookies and Spooky Spiders.
And while Halloween isn't my favorite holiday, for 3 of my 5 kids, it pretty much tops their list of holidays. They love the scary decorations, the scary movies, and of course, the candy.
I've put together this huge list of Halloween movies for kids. As a parent, I recommend previewing the movies before letting your kids watch them. Some are scarier than others. And while I included Goosebumps, I personally don't let some of my kids watch them. It's too scary for them.
Best Halloween Movies for Kids
1. Hotel Transylvania – Ages 6+
In Hotel Transylvania, Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) runs a high-end resort where monsters can relax away from humans. Things get complicated when a human boy accidentally checks in and falls in love with Dracula’s daughter, Mavis. The movie is packed with humor, heart, and a host of classic monsters reimagined in a fun, family-friendly way. It’s a great film for kids who enjoy a mix of comedy and mild spooky elements, with plenty of positive messages about acceptance and understanding.
2. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween – Ages 4+
The Cat in the Hat takes Sally, Nick, and Fish on a journey to find the best Halloween costume. Along the way, they learn about spooky creatures and the fun side of being scared. This is an entertaining and educational adventure that’s perfect for young children.
3. Return to Halloweentown (Ultimate Secret Edition)– Ages 7+
In the final installment of the Halloweentown series, Marnie Piper attends Witch University where she uncovers dark secrets and must stop an ancient prophecy. The film mixes teen drama with magical elements, making it an exciting conclusion to the beloved series.
4. Hocus Pocus – Ages 10+
Three witch sisters are resurrected in modern-day Salem on Halloween night, and it's up to a group of kids to stop them from becoming immortal. With a mix of humor, magic, and some spooky moments, this film has become a Halloween classic.
5. Sesame Street – A Magical Halloween Adventure – Ages 3+
Elmo and friends embark on a fun-filled adventure to solve the mystery of the spooky noises coming from a creepy house. This special is lighthearted and perfect for introducing little ones to Halloween.
6. 20 Halloween Stories: The Classic Collection – Ages 4+
A collection of animated tales based on beloved children’s books, this set features Halloween-themed stories that are both engaging and educational. Each story is narrated by famous voices and accompanied by illustrations.
7. The Halloween Tree – Ages 7+
Four friends embark on a time-traveling adventure guided by a mysterious figure to save their friend’s life and learn the origins of Halloween. Based on Ray Bradbury’s novel, the film is both educational and eerily atmospheric, making it a great choice for older kids.
8. Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest – Ages 3+
Join Curious George as he explores the traditions of Halloween, from pumpkin carving to costumes. This special is filled with light-hearted fun, making it perfect for preschoolers excited about the holiday.
9. Berenstain Bears: Halloween Treats – Ages 4+
The Bear family navigates Halloween in Bear Country, learning valuable lessons about bravery and the fun of the holiday. These heartwarming tales are ideal for younger viewers who might be wary of Halloween’s scarier aspects.
10. Nicktoons – Halloween – Tales of Fright – Ages 7+
A collection of spooky episodes from popular Nickelodeon shows like “Rugrats,” “Hey Arnold!,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.” The stories are more fun than frightening, making them enjoyable for a broad age range.
11. Caillou: Caillou's Halloween – Ages 3+
Caillou experiences Halloween for the first time, exploring costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky stories. This educational special is perfect for young children. {FYI…full disclaimer. I'm not a big Caillou fan, but I know multiple parents have liked this movie for their kids.
12. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse – Mickey's Treat – Ages 3+
Mickey and friends need to reach the Trick-or-Treat Tower before it disappears. The adventure is filled with catchy songs, friendly ghosts, and plenty of Halloween fun that is perfect for preschoolers.
13. What's New Scooby-Doo, Vol. 3 – Halloween Boos and Clues – Ages 7+
Scooby and the gang solve Halloween-themed mysteries involving haunted houses and creepy creatures. The mix of humor and light scares makes it a hit with older kids.
14. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown – Ages 4+
In this timeless classic, Linus eagerly waits for the Great Pumpkin to appear, while the rest of the Peanuts gang enjoys Halloween festivities. The combination of humor and nostalgia makes it a perennial favorite.
15. The Wiggles: Wiggly Halloween – Ages 2+
Join The Wiggles as they celebrate Halloween with fun songs and costumes. This musical adventure is lively and cheerful, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
16. Tom and Jerry's Halloween Hi-jinks – Ages 6+
Tom and Jerry get into their usual antics with a Halloween twist, featuring haunted houses and spooky pranks. The slapstick humor appeals to both kids and adults, making it a fun watch for the whole family.
17. Alvin and The Chipmunks: Halloween Collection – Ages 5+
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore find themselves in spooky situations, from haunted houses to monster encounters. These episodes combine the Chipmunks’ signature humor with Halloween-themed adventures.
18. SpongeBob SquarePants – Halloween – Ages 6+
Join SpongeBob and friends in Bikini Bottom for a series of Halloween-themed episodes, including the iconic “Scaredy Pants.” The show’s quirky humor and spooky themes are perfect for elementary-aged kids.
19. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical – Ages 3+
In this musical special, Mickey and friends visit a spooky castle filled with friendly monsters. The episode combines music, adventure, and light frights, making it ideal for younger viewers.
20. Madeline's Halloween And Other Spooky Tales – Ages 4+
Madeline and her classmates in Paris experience Halloween with ghost stories, costumes, and a few spooky surprises. The charming animation and gentle scares make it suitable for young children.
21. Sid the Science Kid: Sid's Spooky Halloween – Ages 4+
Sid and his friends learn about the science behind Halloween, from how pumpkins grow to why some things glow in the dark. This educational special makes learning fun for young viewers.
22. Kids Halloween 4 Dvd Set – Ages 4+
This Halloween-themed DVD set features four delightful titles perfect for young viewers: Scary Godmother Halloween Spooktacular, a magical adventure with friendly frights; Wubbzy Goes Boo, where Wubbzy and friends celebrate Halloween in Wuzzleburg; Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy, the sequel with more spooky fun; and Eloise’s Rawther Unusual Halloween, where Eloise adds her unique flair to the spooky season. Each DVD offers a mix of humor, mild spookiness, and festive fun.
23. Disney's Sing-Along Songs – Happy Haunting – Ages 3+
A Halloween-themed sing-along special featuring classic Disney characters and catchy tunes. It’s perfect for getting little ones in the Halloween spirit while encouraging musical participation.
24. Sesame Street – Elmo Says Boo – Ages 3+
Elmo hosts a spooky Halloween special with plenty of laughs and songs. The gentle scares are designed for preschoolers, making it an ideal introduction to Halloween.
25. Rolie Polie Olie: A Spookie Ookie Halloween / Pooh Just Say Boo! – Ages 3+
This double feature includes Halloween specials from two beloved children’s series. Both episodes are filled with fun, friendship, and just the right amount of spookiness for young viewers.
26. Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy – Ages 7+
The sequel to “Scary Godmother,” this animated special follows Jimmy as he tries to ruin Halloween for everyone. With its mix of humor and quirky characters, it’s a fun and slightly spooky watch for older kids.
27. Nick Jr Favorites: Happy Halloween – Ages 3+
A collection of Halloween episodes from Nick Jr. shows like “Dora the Explorer” and “Blue’s Clues.” These episodes are designed to be fun and educational, with light Halloween themes.
28. Dinosaur Train: Buddy's Halloween Adventure – Ages 3+
Buddy and the Pteranodon family celebrate Halloween in the prehistoric world, learning about nocturnal creatures and enjoying festive fun. This special blends science with Halloween excitement, perfect for young dinosaur fans.
29. Dora the Explorer: Dora's Halloween – Ages 3+
Dora and Boots go on a Halloween adventure, solving problems and helping friends along the way. This special is interactive and educational, making it a great pick for preschoolers.
30. Max & Ruby's Halloween – 3+
Max and Ruby enjoy Halloween with costume fun, trick-or-treating, and spooky stories. The gentle storytelling and sibling dynamics make it perfect for young children.
31. WordWorld: A Kooky Spooky Halloween – Ages 3+
The WordFriends prepare for Halloween, learning new words and celebrating with a spooky, but not scary, adventure. The show is educational and entertaining, ideal for preschool-aged children.
32. Cookie Jar Halloween Cartoon Collection – Ages 4+
A variety of Halloween-themed episodes from classic cartoons, including “Inspector Gadget” and “Heathcliff.” The collection offers a mix of spooky fun and nostalgia, suitable for children of various ages.
33. Monster House – Ages 10+
A group of kids discovers that a neighborhood house is actually a living, breathing monster. This animated thriller is more suspenseful than scary, making it a good choice for older kids who enjoy a bit of a fright.
34. Under Wraps – Ages 7+
When three friends accidentally bring a mummy back to life, they embark on a thrilling adventure to help him reunite with his lost love before he turns to dust. Along the way, they must evade a mysterious man determined to capture the mummy for his own purposes. This fun-filled, family-friendly movie mixes humor and suspense, making it a great choice for a light Halloween scare that won’t be too intense for younger viewers.
35. The Addams Family – Ages 12+
This animated reboot of the classic creepy and kooky family follows Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, and Uncle Fester as they prepare for a big family reunion while dealing with a scheming reality TV host. The film is filled with dark humor and spooky fun, making it a perfect choice for a Halloween family movie night. The unique characters and their quirky interactions provide plenty of laughs and a good introduction to the world of The Addams Family for a new generation.
36. Franklin and Friends: It's Halloween, Franklin! – Ages 3+
Join Franklin the turtle as he and his friends prepare for Halloween with costumes, pumpkin carving, and a little bit of spooky fun. This special emphasizes the importance of friendship and overcoming fears, making it an excellent choice for young viewers who might be hesitant about the holiday’s scarier aspects.
37. Cartoon Network Halloween 2 – Grossest Halloween Ever – Ages 8+
This collection features Halloween-themed episodes from popular Cartoon Network shows like “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy” and “Courage the Cowardly Dog.” The episodes blend humor with a touch of gross-out fun, appealing to older kids who enjoy a mix of spookiness and laughs.
38. Beetlejuice: A Halloween Spooktacular – Ages 8+
Beetlejuice, the mischievous ghost, returns for a Halloween special filled with his trademark humor and spooky antics. The special captures the quirky and slightly macabre charm of the original Beetlejuice series, making it a fun watch for kids who enjoy a little spooky humor.
39. The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow – Ages 4+
The Smurfs retell the classic Sleepy Hollow legend with their own unique twist, complete with a headless horseman and plenty of smurf-tastic adventure. This charming special is filled with just enough spookiness to thrill young viewers without scaring them.
40. Goosebumps – The Haunted Mask II – Ages 9+
In this sequel to the original “Haunted Mask” story, a boy named Steve finds himself cursed by a terrifying mask that he can’t remove. The film mixes eerie suspense with the light-hearted thrills typical of the Goosebumps series, making it an engaging choice for older kids who enjoy a good scare.
41. Woody Woodpecker and Friends Halloween Favorites – Ages 5+
A collection of classic cartoons featuring Woody Woodpecker and his friends in Halloween-themed adventures. The episodes include slapstick humor and light-hearted spookiness, making it a nostalgic and fun choice for family viewing.
42. Thomas and Friends – Thomas' Halloween Adventures – Ages 3+
Join Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends as they encounter ghosts, mysteries, and spooky happenings on the Island of Sodor. The stories are gentle and filled with important lessons about bravery and friendship, making them perfect for young train enthusiasts.
43. The Haunted Pumpkin of Sleepy Hollow – Ages 6+
A reimagining of the classic Sleepy Hollow tale, this animated special follows a group of kids as they try to stop a haunted pumpkin from wreaking havoc on their town. The film blends mild scares with a fun, adventurous plot, making it a good choice for a family Halloween movie night.
44. Mighty Mighty Monsters: Halloween Havoc – Ages 7+
In this animated special, a group of young monsters at a school for supernatural creatures causes chaos during their Halloween celebrations. The story is filled with humor and light-hearted scares, making it a fun option for kids who enjoy stories about friendly monsters.
45. Casper's Halloween Special – Ages 5+
Casper the Friendly Ghost wants to join in the Halloween fun, but his ghostly nature makes it difficult. This charming special highlights themes of acceptance and friendship, with just the right amount of Halloween atmosphere for younger viewers.
46. Spookley the Square Pumpkin – Ages 3+
Spookley, a square pumpkin in a round pumpkin patch, learns to embrace his differences and saves the day during a Halloween storm. This heartwarming story is filled with valuable lessons about diversity and self-acceptance, making it a perfect choice for preschoolers.
47. Shrek's Thrilling Tales – Ages 6+
A collection of short Halloween-themed stories featuring Shrek and his friends, including a parody of classic horror films. The humor is typical of the Shrek franchise, with jokes that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a fun and entertaining watch for the whole family.
48. Halloweentown / Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge (Double Feature) – Ages 7+
Follow Marnie, a young girl who discovers she's a witch and journeys to the magical world of Halloweentown. As she learns about her powers, she must stop an evil plot threatening both Halloweentown and the mortal world. The sequel continues her adventure, facing an old foe.
49. Power Rangers Samurai: Monster Bash – Ages 7+
The Power Rangers face off against Halloween-themed monsters in this action-packed special. With plenty of battles and heroic moments, this episode is sure to delight young fans of the series who enjoy a bit of Halloween excitement.
50. Grampa's Silly Scaries – Ages 3+
A collection of light-hearted Halloween stories told by a quirky grandpa, each designed to entertain without frightening young viewers. The tales are filled with humor and gentle lessons, making them a comforting choice for a cozy Halloween evening.
51. Double, Double, Toil & Trouble – Ages 6+
The Olsen twins star in this magical Halloween adventure where they must save their aunt from an evil witch. The movie is filled with fun, magic, and a bit of suspense, making it a delightful choice for younger kids who enjoy light-hearted fantasy.
52. Coraline – Ages 9+
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, Coraline is a stop-motion dark fantasy film about a young girl who discovers a parallel world where everything seems perfect—until she realizes it hides a sinister secret. The film’s eerie atmosphere, combined with its creative and detailed animation, makes it both visually stunning and haunting. Although it’s a bit more intense, it’s a great film for older kids who enjoy more mature, spooky stories with strong themes of bravery and self-discovery.
53. Paranorman – Ages 10+
In this stop-motion animated adventure, Norman is a young boy with the ability to see and speak to ghosts. When his town is threatened by a zombie apocalypse, Norman must use his unique abilities to save everyone. ParaNorman blends humor with horror elements, providing a clever, heartfelt story that also touches on themes of bullying and acceptance. The film’s creative visuals and engaging plot make it a standout in the genre, perfect for kids who love a good mix of spooky and heartfelt moments.
54. The Nightmare Before Christmas – Ages 7+
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, becomes bored with the same old scares and decides to take over Christmas, leading to a fantastical adventure. Directed by Tim Burton, this stop-motion film is a holiday classic that beautifully blends the eerie charm of Halloween with the warmth of Christmas. The memorable characters, songs, and unique animation style make it a must-watch for both Halloween and Christmas.
Corpse Bride – Ages 9+
In this Tim Burton stop-motion film, Victor, a young man, accidentally proposes to a deceased bride, Emily, who takes him to the Land of the Dead. As Victor tries to return to the living world, he learns about love, loss, and acceptance. Corpse Bride is visually stunning with its dark yet whimsical atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for older kids who appreciate gothic tales with a touch of romance and humor.
Monster Family – Ages 7+
The Wishbone family is cursed into becoming monsters—Dracula, the Mummy, a werewolf, and Frankenstein’s monster—and must work together to reverse the curse while battling Dracula himself. Monster Family combines humor, action, and heartwarming family dynamics, making it a fun and adventurous film for kids. The movie’s themes of family unity and self-acceptance are wrapped in a spooky but lighthearted package, making it an enjoyable watch for Halloween.
Pin These Halloween Movies for Kids for Later!
Originally posted October 2020
