Here are 5 family-friendly movies that are perfect for kids to watch on Halloween, while not all movies are set at the time of the spooky season, they feature the themes that make the day such fun:
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
This beloved animated classic is a must-watch every Halloween season. Following the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Halloween, the story centres on Linus’s unwavering belief in the Great Pumpkin. With its charming characters and gentle humour, this short film is suitable for even the youngest viewers.
Hocus Pocus
A Disney favourite, Hocus Pocus tells the tale of three witch sisters accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem. While there’s some mild suspense as the child protagonists try to defeat the witches, the movie balances scare with plenty of humour and slapstick comedy. It’s an excellent choice for kids and tweens looking for spooky thrills without too much fright.
Monsters, Inc.
Though not strictly a Halloween movie, Monsters, Inc. is perfect for the season. This Pixar film follows two lovable monsters, Mike and Sulley, who work at a scream factory. The film cleverly subverts the “monster in the closet” trope, showing that the monsters are more goofy than scary. With its heartwarming story and brilliant animation, it’s an ideal introduction to monster movies for young children.
Coco
While technically centred around the Day of the Dead rather than Halloween, Coco’s themes and visuals make it a great fit for the season. This visually stunning Pixar film follows young Miguel’s journey into the Land of the Dead, where he uncovers secrets about his family’s history. With its vibrant animation and touching story, Coco offers a family-friendly exploration of death and remembrance that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Hotel Transylvania
Hotel Transylvania is a gem of a movie that takes place in a hidden resort run by Count Dracula (Adam Sandler) for the monsters of the world to holiday.
While celebrating the birthday of Dracula’s daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez), a strange human (Andy Sandberg) stumbles into the hotel. It’s full of laughs and entertainment and a great flick for the kids.
These movies offer a range of Halloween-appropriate themes and atmospheres, from gentle and charming to mildly spooky, ensuring there’s something for every family to enjoy during the Halloween season.