Trick or treat… or movie seat? When the sugar rush wears off and the costumes are piled on the floor, there’s nothing better than curling up for a family movie night. Halloween isn’t just about scares; it’s about giggles, cuddles and magical stories that everyone can enjoy together. We’ve picked the best family-friendly Halloween movies that bring the fun without the frights.
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Halloween is one of those magical times of the year where imagination runs wild, costumes come out, pumpkins glow, and there’s an undeniable buzz of excitement in the air. As a parent, you know not every child is ready for full-blown horror flicks (and honestly, neither are you after a long day of work and school runs!). Instead, why not gather the whole family, pop some popcorn and settle in for a Halloween movie marathon? The trick is finding films that are fun, festive and family-friendly; the kind that deliver a playful shiver, a hearty laugh and maybe even a sing-along moment.
Haunt-Free Hosting Tips for a Family-Friendly Halloween Film Fest
Set the mood: Dim the lights, scatter a few pumpkins around the room, and maybe even hang a string of fairy lights for a magical glow.
Snacks, snacks, snacks: Popcorn is essential, but why not get creative? Try caramel apples, ghost-shaped cookies, or even a DIY “monster munch” trail mix.
Dress-up optional (but encouraged): Whether it’s pyjamas or full-on costumes, make it fun.
Mix it up: Pair a light-hearted film (Hotel Transylvania) with a slightly spookier one (Monster House) for a mini-marathon.
Pause for conversation: After the film, chat about favourite characters or even rate the “spook factor” out of 10.
We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of family-friendly Halloween movies that cater to every age, from toddlers to tweens (and yes, even parents will enjoy them). To make your life easier, we’ve also added links to the trailers so you can preview before hitting play.
ALSO READ: 10 Halloween Costumes for Kids That Are Flying Off Amazon
Kid-Approved Halloween Movies for a Spooky Night In
1. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
When it comes to monster-themed fun without the scares, this one’s a winner. Count Dracula runs a fancy resort where monsters of all shapes and sizes can relax. When a human accidentally checks in, chaos (and comedy) ensues.
Why kids will love it: Bright, silly characters and non-stop action.
Why parents will enjoy it: The jokes land for adults too, and Adam Sandler’s Dracula is surprisingly lovable.
Age recommendation: 6+
Available to stream on Netflix.
2. Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2004)
Spookley isn’t your average pumpkin; he’s square, and the other pumpkins make fun of him. However, when danger strikes, Spookley proves that being different is a superpower.
Why kids will love it: Cute, colourful characters, fun songs, and friendly Halloween fun.
Why parents will enjoy it: A gentle story about acceptance and embracing differences.
Age recommendation: 1–4
Currently on Apple TV
3. Casper (1995)
Casper is the friendliest ghost you’ll ever meet. When a young girl moves into a haunted mansion, she discovers friendship, humour, and heartwarming ghostly antics.
Why kids will love it: Friendly ghost and playful spooky scenes.
Why parents will enjoy it: Sweet story about kindness, friendship, and family.
Age recommendation: 3–5
Available on Apple TV
4. The Canterville Ghost (2023)
A modern family moves into a haunted manor, where centuries-old ghost Sir Simon awaits. But when the family isn’t scared of him, Sir Simon learns a few surprises about bravery and friendship.
Why kids will love it: Whimsical ghosts, fun adventures, and gentle spooks.
Why parents will enjoy it: Clever adaptation of a classic story with humour and heart.
Age recommendation: 5–8
The film is available on Prime Video.
5. Monster House (2006)
Three kids notice the creepy house across the street is alive. They uncover secrets, face spooky surprises, and band together to save their neighbourhood.
Why kids will love it: Creepy-but-funny adventures and mystery-solving excitement.
Why parents will enjoy it: Clever plot and engaging animation for family viewing.
Age recommendation: 6–8
Available for purchase or digital rental on Apple TV.
6. Frankenweenie (2012)
Victor brings his beloved dog back to life in this Tim Burton stop-motion tale. Strange experiments, quirky monsters, and heartfelt lessons await in this black-and-white adventure.
Why kids will love it: Quirky creatures, spooky fun, and imaginative storytelling.
Why parents will enjoy it: Creative animation, nostalgia, and a heartfelt story.
Age recommendation: 6–8
Available on Apple TV.
7. Spirit Halloween: The Movie (2022)
Three friends spend the night in a haunted Halloween store. Animatronic decorations come to life, and only quick thinking can save the night.
Why kids will love it: Creepy but funny store full of adventure.
Why parents will enjoy it: Nostalgia with Christopher Lloyd and light thrills.
Age recommendation: 10+
Currently streaming on Prime Video.
8. The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)
Teen Syd accidentally awakens Stingy Jack, a mischievous spirit. Together with her dad, she faces animated decorations and chaos-filled adventures to save her town.
Why kids will love it: Magical Halloween chaos and adventurous fun.
Why parents will enjoy it: Funny father-daughter moments and teamwork.
Age recommendation: 10+
Available to stream on Netflix.
9. LEGO Star Wars: Terrifying Tales (2021)
A galaxy far, far away gets a spooky twist when Poe Dameron and BB-8 crash-land on Mustafar and uncover chilling stories inside Darth Vader’s castle. Quirky humour, heartwarming moments, and slightly spooky adventures make this a hit for older kids.
Why kids will love it: Familiar Star Wars characters, LEGO-style comedy, and spooky-but-silly storytelling.
Why parents will enjoy it: Clever writing, positive themes about courage and teamwork, and nods to classic horror tropes—without the scares.
Age recommendation: PG (8+)
Available to stream on Disney+.
10. The Addams Family (2019)
The spooky but lovable Addams clan return in animated form. Expect kooky humour, clever wordplay, and Wednesday stealing the show (as usual).
Why kids will love it: Zany characters and slapstick moments.
Why parents will enjoy it: A nostalgic nod to the originals.
Age recommendation: 7+
Available on Prime Video.
*** Please note that all the above-mentioned movies require parental guidance ***
ALSO READ: How to Watch a Scary Movie With Your Child
The Pumpkin’s Verdict
Halloween doesn’t have to be filled with jump scares and gore to be memorable. A good family movie night brings just the right balance of fun, laughter, and a tiny touch of fright. Whether you’re reliving your childhood favourites like Casper or discovering new ones like Coco with your kids, these films are sure to create lasting memories. So this Halloween, skip the stress of “what to watch” and dive straight into one (or two… or three!) of these family-friendly movies. Trust us: it’s the perfect way to end a busy day of trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and sugar highs.
Happy Halloween, BabyYumYum family! May your popcorn bowls always be full.
Disclaimer: All movie titles and descriptions mentioned in this article remain the property of their respective creators and copyright holders. BabyYumYum shares this content to celebrate family-friendly entertainment and guide parents toward great viewing options. Links are included for awareness and inspiration only.
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