Halloween movies for kids can be tricky. Go too soft, and it’s boring. Go too dark, and you’ll be dealing with nightmares. So, I spent this spooky week revisiting a bunch of so-called “family-friendly” horror movies, from nostalgic classics to modern favorites, to figure out which ones actually hold up.
Here’s my honest ranking, from the weakest to the absolute best, of the 10 horror movies you can watch with your kids this Halloween.
10. Halloweentown (1998)
Where to watch: Disney+
Halloweentown is cozy and nostalgic, but it’s also a little dated. The effects are cheesy, and the acting feels straight out of a ‘90s TV special. But that’s also the charm, right?
It’s about a girl named Marnie who finds out she’s a witch and follows her grandma to a magical town full of goblins and pumpkins.
Verdict: Fun if you grew up with it. Younger kids might still love it. Adults? You’ll smile once or twice, then scroll your phone.
9. Beetlejuice (1988)
Where to watch: Max / Amazon
I adore Tim Burton, but Beetlejuice isn’t exactly built for little ones. It’s weird, chaotic, and occasionally a bit too dark. Still, Michael Keaton’s performance is so insane that it’s impossible not to enjoy the madness.
If your kids are 10+, they’ll have fun with the bizarre ghosts and quirky humor. But for younger kids, it might be a little too… Beetlejuicy.
Verdict: Classic, but not every joke lands for today’s crowd.
8. Nightbooks (2021)
Where to watch: Netflix
This one surprised me. It’s dark, stylish, and has real tension, maybe a bit too much for very young kids. The witch (played by Krysten Ritter) steals every scene, though, and the story about self-acceptance hits nicely.
If your kids like spooky fairy tales, this one works. Just maybe don’t watch it right before bedtime.
Verdict: Stylish and clever, but not for under-8s.
7. Monster House (2006)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
This is one of those movies that feels scarier than it should be, mostly because the house literally eats people. It’s animated but has that eerie, offbeat tone that stays with you.
Kids who love adventure will enjoy the ride. But if your child jumps easily, maybe start with something lighter.
Verdict: Creepy fun, but a bit heavy for smaller kids.
6. The Addams Family (1991)
Where to watch: Paramount+ / Amazon
It’s impossible to talk about Halloween without the Addamses. The humor is dark but hilarious, and every scene is dripping with gothic charm. Morticia and Gomez are still one of the best on-screen couples ever.
It’s not super “scary,” but the dark tone might go over little kids’ heads.
Verdict: Iconic, quirky, and fun, a great option for older kids and nostalgic parents.
5. Frankenweenie (2012)
Where to watch: Disney+
Tim Burton strikes again, and this time it’s pure heart. Frankenweenie is black-and-white, emotional, and deeply personal. It’s about a boy bringing his dead dog back to life, and yes, you might tear up.
Kids love the weird creatures, and adults get the emotional weight. It’s the perfect bridge between sweet and spooky.
Verdict: Beautifully strange, and perfect for pet lovers.
4. ParaNorman (2012)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime / Netflix
Now we’re talking. ParaNorman is visually stunning, thoughtful, and packed with heart. It tackles fear, bullying, and belonging without ever getting preachy.
The story of a boy who can talk to ghosts sounds simple, but it unfolds into something genuinely emotional. It’s not just spooky, it’s meaningful.
Verdict: Mature, smart, and surprisingly powerful.
3. Goosebumps (2015)
Where to watch: Netflix
Jack Black as R.L. Stine? That alone makes it worth watching. This movie captures the fun chaos of the Goosebumps books while throwing in real laughs and adventure.
It’s fast-paced, packed with monsters, and the perfect family movie night pick for kids 8 and up.
Verdict: A nostalgic thrill ride that actually delivers.
2. Casper (1995)
Where to watch: Peacock / Amazon
You can’t not love Casper. It’s sweet, touching, and perfectly spooky in that ‘90s way. The friendly ghost, the haunted mansion, the father-daughter bond, everything clicks.
It’s not flashy or loud. It’s just a good-hearted movie that makes you feel warm by the end.
Verdict: Timeless, gentle, and great for all ages.
1. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Where to watch: Amazon / Netflix
Hands down the best pick for a family Halloween watch. It’s funny, fast, and full of heart. Dracula as an overprotective dad? Genius.
Every monster, from Frankenstein to the Mummy, gets a fun, lovable twist. It’s not about fear; it’s about family. And that’s what makes it so perfect for Halloween night.
Verdict: Smart writing, top-notch animation, and a ton of heart. The ultimate family Halloween movie.
My Final Ranking (Worst → Best)
| Rank | Movie | Year | Why It’s Placed There |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Halloweentown | 1998 | Fun but too outdated for modern kids |
| 9 | Beetlejuice | 1988 | A bit too weird and dark for younger kids |
| 8 | Nightbooks | 2021 | Stylish but a little too intense |
| 7 | Monster House | 2006 | Great story, slightly scary tone |
| 6 | The Addams Family | 1991 | Quirky and fun, not scary but witty |
| 5 | Frankenweenie | 2012 | Emotional and beautiful, slightly slow |
| 4 | ParaNorman | 2012 | Thoughtful and mature storytelling |
| 3 | Goosebumps | 2015 | Fast-paced, adventurous, great balance |
| 2 | Casper | 1995 | Heartfelt and timeless |
| 1 | Hotel Transylvania | 2012 | Funny, warm, and the perfect family pick |
Final Thoughts
If you want a Halloween lineup that’s fun, not frightening, this list has you covered. Skip the ultra-creepy stuff and go for the films that make you laugh and feel something.
My advice? Start light with Hotel Transylvania, work your way through Casper and Goosebumps, and save ParaNorman for when your kids are ready for a deeper story.
Because the best kind of Halloween scares are the ones that make you smile afterward.
