Best Classic Halloween Movies for Kids + Spooky Film FAQ

Everyone publishes lists of all the best classic Halloween movies for kids or does a massive list with every single movie available – even the stinkers. Instead of following all the others, I’ve put together a short list of the truly great movies.

By “classic” I simply mean it came out before the year 2000. (Sorry, Harry Potter! I’m sure you’ll make another movie list here at HCB!) There’s plenty of movies that were made before the turn of the century that are absolute classics and well loved by children.

So, in no particular order, here’s my list of Halloween movies for kids the whole family will enjoy.

Classic Halloween Movies for Kids

Here’s my list of Halloween movies for kids that were made before the year 2000. All of these are available on Prime video. There’s no Jamie Lee Curtis or Michael Myers as I wanted to create a list of family friendly Halloween films. Sorry, Jamie Lee Curtis and Michael Myers – hope you understand!

1 – It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)

Film Rating: (Not Rated)

Where to start with this one? It’s a classic, for sure. It’s the oldest Halloween movie on our list, and is, to me, the most recognizable as well. I’m sure we’ve all seen this one. It’s definitely at the top of my Halloween film for kids list.

Charlie Brown and the gang always take the time to set up a pumpkin patch and Linus gets all excited about the Great Pumpkin. Yes, those were simpler times back then, which is some of the charm of this film, I think.

The Peanuts gang are an all-time classic cartoon, but the humor is so much different than what you see nowadays. This movie should be watched by everyone, at least once in their lives. The fact it’s still shown today is a testament to the quality and nostalgia factor of It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

2 – Casper (1995)

Film Rating: PG

This one is one of my personal favorites. When this movie came out, it was huge! It was everywhere, especially during Halloween. The story is so much different than the cartoon and it’s a little campy, but that’s what makes it great.

Casper is a ghost with a frightfully beautiful daughter played by Christina Ricci. She is the apple of his eye, and he’s awfully protective of her. He doesn’t like anyone else trying to get close to her, especially the teenage guy who comes to live with them – the one who’s got the hots for her.

It’s a cute movie, and the graphics and special effects were pretty good for 1995. It’s not too scary, so it’s great for younger kids. Casper is a hoot, and really the star of this family Halloween movie!

3 – The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Film Rating: PG

Some say this is Tim Burton’s best work. I tend to agree because it’s such a hauntingly beautiful story, and the special effects are fantastic. Jack Skellington is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, but he’s tired of the same old jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating.

He seeks out the help of a creepy scientist who creates a portal to somewhere he’s determined to take over. The movie is a beautiful and wonderfully crafted story, making it a must-see during October. Whether or not you’re a Tim Burton fan, you should see his horror film at least once.

This might be a little too scary for younger children, but if they’re old enough and brave enough, it’s a great Halloween movie for kids. If there’s one movie on this list that you should own, it’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Buena Vista Pictures did a great job on this one, and it’s bound to remain a holiday favorite.

4 – Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

Film Rating: G

Another ancient Disney classic, this movie is a lot of fun. It’s a little sappy, but it’s such a wonderful story and well done. It’s a great movie for kids of all ages, and a great way to introduce them to the magic of old school Disney.

Movies like this aren’t really made anymore, which is a shame. I really enjoyed it, and if you haven’t seen it yet, I’d highly recommend it. The story is a little different than most as it’s set during World War 2.

Overall, the movie is about three children who are evacuated from London because of the way. With the help of Angela Lansbury, they use a flying bed to stop the evil Nazi menace. The war is handled well for children, I thought.

5 – The Black Cauldron (1985)

Film Rating: PG

Are you noticing my Disney theme yet? This is yet another Disney classic from the vaults that we don’t see anymore. If I remember correctly, no one really liked this movie when it came out because it wasn’t the typical Disney fare.

The Black Cauldron has a darker underlying story with a more sinister tone. The main character is a young boy who is determined to save his land from the evil Horned King. The story isn’t your typical damsel in distress trope, which is refreshing!

Parents might want to watch it on their own to decide what age they think is appropriate, but overall, it’s a classic from the 80s, and something your family is likely to enjoy – I hope. (If 100 families don’t enjoy, I might lose my job. Please enjoy!)

6 – Labyrinth (1986)

Film Rating: PG

This isn’t technically a Halloween movie for kids, but it fits well with our overall theme in this article, I believe. So, I’m including it. Starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, Labyrinth is a great movie that is much loved by children of the 80’s.

This movie is about Sarah, a young girl who doesn’t like how she’s treated by her step-mother and stepsister. She has a bad relationship with her father, so she runs away to her room to daydream.

Labyrinth is a magical story, and the songs are great. If you start watching it, you’re sure to fall in love with the movie and its many treasures. Some of it can be a bit scary, so it might not be great for your youngest children.

(Yes, I’m trying to be careful here. I recommended Willow to my nieces and they had nightmares for a few nights!)

7 – Beetlejuice (1988)

Film Rating: PG

This is a more lighthearted and weird Halloween movie for kids, but it’s great for all ages. I saw this movie when I was pretty young, so I had no idea what was going on. Nevertheless, I still loved it. Another Tim Burton masterpiece – but it’s not for everyone. It’s a live action film which makes it a bit more scary.

Beetlejuice is a strange story with a very strange cast of characters. I’m sure you’ve seen the movie, so you know what I mean. A couple dies and ends up haunting the house they lived in. The story gets weird from there, but it’s super awesome! Michael Keaton is great as the title character.

If your kids haven’t seen this movie, make it a point to watch it this Halloween. It’s a classic to me, and a great addition to any Halloween movie marathon. It’s available pretty much everywhere fine movies are streamed these days. It’s a lot of great family fun.

8 – Gremlins (1984)

Film Rating: PG

Yes, this is technically more a Christmas movie for kids rather than a Halloween movie for kids, but again, it fits the theme I’m going with, so bear with me. This is another classic from the 1980’s, that magic decade of motion pictures when home video first began to really take off.

Gremlins is about a young man who gets a Gizmo as a Christmas gift. He soon realizes that Gizmo is a Gremlin and that wasn’t specified in the gift wrapping. He’s a great movie for kids, full of laughs and plenty of fun. A perfect movie for your family to enjoy on the annual holiday movie marathon!

The second in the series isn’t as good, but the first one is great. It’s a good one to own, especially if you’re a fan of 80’s comedies.

9- The Addams Family (1991)

Film Rating: PG-13

The 1990s were started with a remake of the classic Addams Family. The original series aired in the 1960s and was a campy comedy that’s a classic today. The Addams family 1991 remake is great with Christopher Lloyd, Raul Julia, and Anjelica Huston. (And we can’t forget Christina Ricci!)

The Addams Family is a great movie with a great cast. Although it’s not a scary movie, it has some edge to it. In this version, the comedy is witty and the writing tight. Overall, it’s a great portrayal of the original series on the big screen.

This version is a lot of fun, with great special effects and a great cast. The Addams Family is a great movie for kids, but it’s also a great movie for a family movie night! For added fun, add in matching Addams Family Halloween costumes this year.

10 – Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Film Rating: PG-13

Would you disagree if I said this was one of Johnny Depp’s greatest films? Yes, he was a pirate and all that, but this movie casts Johnny Depp in a more somber role and he pulls it off perfectly. I can’t forget Winona Ryder, of course. (You know, the Stranger Things mom! Haha.)

You’ve probably seen this movie, but if you haven’t, stop what you’re doing, find it online, and watch it now. Trust me, it’s a good one. It’s a classic movie. Johnny Depp plays a Frankenstein’s-monster-like character who has scissors for hands. He’s invited into a family’s home, and much hilarity ensues.

I think it’s a great movie for older kids, especially those who are sensitive and enjoy a good, serious drama. It’s not a scary movie, but it has an edge to it. (Literally!) Moody emo teenagers will enjoy the humor, which is rather dark.

11 – Return to Oz (1985)

Film Rating: PG

This is a classic that I still love today. The roller guys are a bit scary for younger children, but any fan of Wizard of Oz must see this movie. Dorothy returns to Oz, as the title suggests, but her friends are all turned to stone!

The practical special effects are something to be admired. The story is interesting and full of fun, wild characters. This is another one of those rare gems in the world of children’s movies. It’s a must-see for any fan of the original Wizard of Oz.

Anyone who hasn’t seen the original will still love this movie. In fact, you might love it more if you haven’t seen the first movie. It’s a great movie that’s sure to entertain the whole family. It’s probably my most favorite in the Wizard of Oz Universe.

Best Halloween Movies for Kids FAQ

Here’s some frequently asked questions (and answers) about the best Halloween movies from before the year 2000.

What is the number 1 Halloween movie?

This depends, of course, on who you are. It also depends on what you like in a movie. But, if you are looking for a fun, easy to watch movie that is family friendly and funny, look no further than Return to Oz.

While not technically a movie about Halloween, it’s about a girl named Dorothy who returns to Oz and finds all her friends are turned to stone! Life in Oz is not the same as it used to be. So, she sets out on a new adventure to save her friends and return peace to Oz.

This movie features a young Fairuza Balk as Dorothy, plus, an all-star cast. If that doesn’t sound good enough for your Halloween movie night, there’s some “scary” roller-monsters in the movie, too!

If you are looking for a great Halloween movie, look no further than Return to Oz.

What Halloween movie should I watch with my kids?

You should choose a movie that’s age appropriate. The movie should also be something your kids will enjoy. And that’s where the problem comes in. What’s fun for an adult might not be fun for your young children.

Spend some time asking your children about their favorite movies. Read reviews about movies to get a sense of whether it’s appropriate for your family. And, of course, a good way to judge whether a movie is age appropriate is to look at the rating on the movie.

What is a good scary movie for a 7 year old?

Again, if we’re talking about classic movies made before 2000, we’re going with Return to Oz. It’s full of adventure and fun, but it’s also got quite a few scary scenes that are a great way to introduce your kids to the horror genre.

What’s a good scary movie for an 11 year old?

As children get older, they are able to handle darker, scarier movies. If you are looking for a good scary movie for an 11 year old, Gremlins is great. It’s got a lot of “gross” humor and is scary at parts, but it’s a fun movie for the whole family.

What is a good Halloween movie for 12 year olds?

For 12 year olds, the classic movie Edward Scissorhands is a good Halloween movie, a true cult classic It has a lot of humor, but it’s also a good movie that’s strange but not too scary – and it has a lot of laughs too.

And, it stars Johnny Depp, who is zany as always. The movie is about a boy with scissors for hands who is adopted by a family in the suburbs. It might be too abstract and surreal for some 12 year olds, but others will love it.

What’s a good Halloween movie for teens?

For teens, The Addams Family is a good Halloween movie. It’s really a comedy, but it’s got a lot of gothic humor, and it’s all about a family that loves each other a lot, but they’re not your typical family. It’s got a lot of “gross-out” humor and is a great, family friendly movie.

For older teens (like young adults or over eighteen), The Nightmare on Elm Street is a classic. It’s more of a slasher movie, so it’s definitely not safe for the kiddos, but older teens might like a look at life back in the 20th century.

A movie like The Amityville Horror or Rosemary’s Baby might be too much, though! Better to go with something like a sci-fi film or a more standard horror film like Friday the 13th (a cult classic). But again, that’s more of an adult film too. (Amityville is one haunted house, tho!)

How can I get into the Halloween spirit?

For a lot of people, the most important thing about Halloween is the candy. The good news is, you don’t even have to trick or treat to get some treats. Just go to the store or grab some candy in the bulk bin with your kids and put it out for everyone to enjoy.

Make sure you have something for everyone, including the children and adults. Of course, you can hold a Halloween party at home. You can even make your own invitations to make the party even more memorable.

What is the most child friendly horror movie?

There are a lot of great, child friendly horror movies. Ghostbusters (1984) and Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021) are both good, fun movies that are great for adult and children. For an even younger audience, you can’t go wrong with Monsters, Inc. for some spooky fun.

What is a mild horror movie?

You can find a mild horror movie no matter how old your kids are. Some great mild horror movies include Monsters, Inc. and Ghostbusters (1984).

How can I get my husband to watch a scary movie with me?

The good news is, there are a lot of great, fun scary movies for adults. A lot of horror movies are not just for children, so it’s easy to find something that your husband will enjoy.

Choosing a movie with a fun story line or scenes that are not too scary will also help. You can also choose a movie that you both enjoy.

Best Halloween movie to watch with a large group?

There are a lot of great movies that you can watch with a large group. You can enjoy a movie like Addams Family Values with a large crowd, a movie that’s just a little scarier than the original Addams Family.

There are a lot of fun movies that you can watch with a large group of friends and family. The recent Haunted Mansion is good. Eddie Murphy plays a real estate agent who brings his family on vacation to… a haunted mansion.

What are some good family friendly Halloween films?

There are a lot of great, family friendly Halloween films out there. There are many that are appropriate for kids, but there are also some that are appropriate for adults or kids. You can choose a movie like Monsters, Inc. for kids and adults.

Ways to get my kids excited about Halloween?

There are a lot of great ways to get your kids excited to celebrate Halloween. There are a lot of fun ways to get your children into the Halloween spirit. You can hand out candy. You can make your own decorations.

You can dress up in a costume and hand out candy. You can hold a Halloween party. You can watch a Halloween movie. The Halloween spirit is really very easy to get into. There’s lots of ideas.

What is the best Halloween movie of all time?

There are a lot of fun and scary Halloween films out there, but the good news is, you don’t have to choose just one. You can choose a lot of different movies to watch for Halloween and have a really fantastic time.

You can find some classic, old movies or some newer movies. You can even find some movies that aren’t technically about Halloween, but are about a similar subject or are just fun, family friendly movies.

What are some fun snacks for Halloween?

The choices here are endless. Well, almost endless. You can find some great Halloween treats at the store. If you want to make your own, you can find some recipes online. These making watching more enjoyable for everyone.

Some fun Halloween treats include gummy worms, chocolate covered pretzels, candy corn, popcorn, and anything else you can think of. The trick is to throw a Halloween spin on the snacks. So, grapes become eyeballs and cheese cubes can be yummy brain.

What is the best Halloween candy?

Personally, I like candy corn. I know, I know, but hear me out. Every year, people who hate candy corn want to get rid of it. By accepting it and eating it so long, I’ve become immune to it.

It’s not that great by itself, but when I mix it with chocolate or peanut butter, it’s actually not that bad. It’s also a nice, harmless treat. I can enjoy it and not worry too much about calories.

So, if you’re looking for best Halloween candy, don’t forget about candy corn.

How can I have more fun this Halloween?

You can have a lot more fun this Halloween by making sure you’re prepared. Make sure your kids are in costumes. Make sure you have treats on hand. Make sure you have some candy corn and chocolate for yourself.

Make sure you have some decorations for your front porch. Make sure you have a stream of movie to watch, too. The suggestions above should give you some ideas on what to watch together as a family this Halloween.

What age should kids watch scary movies?

There are a lot of ways to answer this question. But, the most important thing you can do is research before you watch a scary movie with your kids. You should pay attention to the rating on the movie. You should also make sure your children have a good grasp on reality.

If they aren’t old enough to understand that what they see in the movie isn’t really real, this might not be the right movie for them. Ask your kids if they like scary movies. If they don’t, then it might not be the right choice to watch a scary movie.

If you do watch a scary movie with your kids, make sure you sit with them during the entire movie. This will help keep their attention and make sure they don’t get too scared. Use your best judgment, listen to your kids, and watch out for sleep walking!

Does Netflix have any Halloween movies for kids?

Netflix has a ton of movies for kids, including many that are appropriate for your children to watch around Halloween.

A few of our favorites include the following: Goosebumps, Dreamworks Spooky Stories, Monster House, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, and A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting.

Netflix usually has a good amount of the best Halloween movies for kids of all ages. It never hurts to search through their recommendations to see if they have a movie you might like.

Does Hulu have any Halloween movies for kids?

Hulu has a pretty big variety of movies, including some that are perfect for your kids during the Halloween season. Some of what they offer includes Hocus Pocus 2 (Sequel to the original Hocus Pocus film), Monster House, and The Nightmare Before Halloween.

Does Amazon Prime have any Halloween movies for kids?

Yes! Amazon Prime has a good selection of kid friendly movies. Some of what they offer includes The Haunted Mansion, Hotel Transylvania, and Casper. Amazon Prime usually has a great selection of kid friendly films for every season.

Does Disney+ have any Halloween movies for kids?

Disney+ has some fun Halloween films for your family to watch during the month of October. Some of their offerings include Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Monsters Inc., and Coco. You’re to find a family friendly film on Disney+ for any season!

Halloween Movies for Kids: Final Thoughts

Well, that’s my list of the best Halloween movies for kids. If you’re looking for movies that aren’t scary, these are the best ones to choose from. Add any of these to your annual Halloween movie marathon, and you’re sure to have a great time!

Stay tuned as the rest of the team and I begin to flesh out this section of the website with all our favorite movie reviews. Family movie night can be a magical experience when you have the right movies picked out.

Thanks for reading. I’ll be back with more soon!