Family-FriendlyNo. 9952 · The 2026 edition
25 Not Too Scary Kids Halloween Movies You Need to Watch
Spooky but not spooky enough to scare the little ones? We've got 25 Halloween movies perfect for kids who want a thrill without the nightmare.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at ohlade.com.
A curated list of 25 Halloween movies that are just the right amount of spooky for children. From friendly ghosts to silly monsters, these films offer fun and frights that won't leave kids hiding under the covers. Great for family movie nights leading up to Halloween.
About this
A ranked, annotated roundup of 25 Halloween-friendly movies the author recommends for kids, split into two tiers: gentle picks for young children and slightly spookier fare for preteens and up. Each entry pairs a short plot summary with the release year, and several note where the film can be streamed or rented. The page closes by suggesting a cozy popcorn-and-hot-chocolate movie night.
Tips
- Grab popcorn, hot chocolate and a warm blanket for a cozy family movie night.
- The list is split into gentler picks for young kids and spookier picks for preteens and older.
The list
-
01
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown 1966
Classic seasonal opener; Charlie Brown and friends trick-or-treat while Linus awaits the Great Pumpkin. Available on Amazon Prime.
Apple TV Watch ▸ -
02
Halloween is Grinch Night 1977
Award-winning follow-up to How the Grinch Stole Christmas; the Grinch stirs up trouble in Whoville during a storm.
-
03
-
04
Monsters Inc. 2001
Monsters train to scare kids at the factory; two top scarers meet a small human girl.
-
05
Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie 2005
Roo and Lumpy trick-or-treat and hunt the Gobloon. Ideal for little ones; rent on Amazon.
-
06
Spooky Buddies 2011
Talking puppies in Halloween costumes explore a haunted mansion; cute adventure overload.
-
07
Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest 2013
George and Allie try to catch No Noggin, a scarecrow who kicks off hats.
-
08
Scared Shrekless 2010
Short film (about 22 minutes); Shrek and friends hold a scary-story contest and must survive a haunted castle night.
-
09
Toy Story of Terror 2014
Woody's friends vanish at the Sleep Well motel and he solves the spooky mystery. Buy on Amazon Prime.
Disney+ Watch ▸ -
10
Hotel Transylvania 2012
Dracula runs a monster hotel until a human visitor's son falls for his daughter.
-
11
Hocus Pocus 1993
Salem kids and a cursed cat battle three resurrected witch sisters on Halloween night. Rent on Prime.
Disney+ Watch ▸ -
12
Beetlejuice 1988
A dead couple hires a wild ghost to scare off obnoxious new homeowners, making things worse. Rent on Amazon.
HBO MAX Watch ▸ -
13
The Witches 1990
A boy spies on witches at an English hotel and must stop the Grand High Witch's child-to-mouse plan.
Kanopy Watch ▸ -
14
Tower of Terror 1997
A journalist probes a 1939 Halloween vanishing of five people from a hotel elevator; ghosts remain trapped.
-
15
Ghost Busters 1984
Classic comedy about three parapsychology professors starting a spirit-catching business; Slimer steals scenes.
-
16
The Haunted Mansion 2003
A workaholic dad learns about family time in this film inspired by the Disney ride. Rent on Amazon Prime Video.
-
17
Frankenweenie 2012
A boy's science experiment brings his beloved dog back from the dead, with freaky results.
Disney+ Watch ▸ -
18
Nightmare Before Christmas 1993
Jack Skellington, pumpkin king of Halloween Town, borrows ideas from Christmas Town with messy results.
Disney+ Watch ▸ -
19
Halloweentown 1998
Marnie discovers she's a witch and must save her family and town from supernatural creatures. Rent on Amazon Prime. Author favorite.
-
20
Harry Potter
Multiple films with spells, floating tables and sorting hats; good for a candy-and-popcorn marathon.
-
21
Monster House 2006
Three teens discover the neighboring house is a living monster and learn a cautionary lesson.
-
22
Frankenstein 1974
Old-school Mel Brooks spoof about the grandson of Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein; best for preteens and up.
-
23
The Addams Family 1991
The eccentric family deals with a con artist trying to swindle them. Rent the classic on Amazon Video.
-
24
Corpse Bride 2005
A nervous groom accidentally recites his vows to a corpse who rises to become his bride.
-
25
Witches Night Out 1978
Witches haunt houses and turn children into monsters to teach a lesson about taking Halloween seriously.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime · Amazon Prime Video (rent) · Amazon (buy) · Amazon Video (rent)
More photos
Photos hosted by ohlade.com.
