When Halloween season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family for some classic spooky fun. If you're looking to mix up your Halloween movie list with some timeless family-friendly picks, here are twelve movies (and movie series!) that are sure to be a hit with everyone. Bonus points: some of these have sequels or series, so the fun can keep going beyond one movie night!
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
PG – Though not exactly a Halloween movie, E.T. has a memorable Halloween scene and carries a sense of wonder and mystery that fits the season. The story of a young boy’s friendship with a gentle alien is heartwarming, with plenty of adventure and just a touch of suspense. It’s perfect for families looking to experience the magic of Halloween through a different lens.
Beetlejuice (1988)
PG – A true Halloween classic, Beetlejuice is as much a comedy as it is spooky. With Tim Burton’s unique vision, this movie is packed with quirky characters, imaginative visuals, and moments that toe the line between creepy and funny. The story follows the recently deceased Adam and Barbara Maitland, who enlist the help of an eccentric “bio-exorcist,” Beetlejuice, to scare away the new occupants of their home. It’s the perfect blend of strange and charming that has made it an enduring favorite.
The Addams Family (1991 & 1993)
PG-13 – Known for their peculiar lifestyle and dark humor, The Addams Family is both charming and slightly macabre. The original movie and its sequel, Addams Family Values, are packed with clever humor, lovable characters, and plenty of Halloween vibes. Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, and the rest of the family are both spooky and lovable, making this series a must-watch every Halloween.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
PG – A Halloween movie list wouldn’t be complete without Hocus Pocus. This cult classic follows three witches, the Sanderson sisters, who are accidentally resurrected on Halloween night and set out to cause havoc. With its humor, catchy songs, and memorable characters, Hocus Pocus is the ultimate family Halloween movie. And with a sequel recently released (Hocus Pocus 2, 2022), it’s the perfect time to revisit this beloved classic!
Casper (1995)
PG – Casper tells the sweet and spooky story of a friendly ghost who befriends a young girl, Kat, after she and her father move into a haunted mansion. With its heartwarming themes, gentle frights, and lovable characters, this movie is an ideal pick for younger audiences and families who want something spooky yet charming.
Halloweentown Series (1998-2006)
TV-G – For a quintessential Halloween marathon, nothing beats Halloweentown. This Disney Channel classic follows Marnie and her siblings as they discover their magical heritage and explore the mystical town of Halloweentown. The series spans four movies, with each one diving deeper into the adventures of the Cromwell family. It’s the perfect blend of magic, mystery, and family values, and it’s just the right amount of spooky for younger audiences.
Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire (2000)
TV-PG – This Disney Channel gem is both hilarious and eerie. When Adam and his sister set their mom up on a date, they soon realize her suitor might actually be a vampire. This fun, light-hearted movie is filled with laughs, a bit of suspense, and some good old-fashioned sibling teamwork, making it a perfect pick for a low-key Halloween night.
Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
PG & PG-13 – While not strictly Halloween movies, the Harry Potter series is filled with wizards, magical creatures, and enough dark twists to feel right at home during spooky season. From the sorting ceremony at Hogwarts to thrilling confrontations with dark forces, these films have just the right level of magic and mystery. They also make for a fantastic binge-worthy marathon over a weekend or spread out across the season.
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
PG – The original Haunted Mansion movie is a Halloween staple for families. With Eddie Murphy at the helm, this adaptation blends comedy and a spooky story as a family stumbles upon a haunted estate. Though it’s spooky enough to fit the Halloween theme, the comedic moments make it perfect for younger kids or anyone who prefers more laughs than screams.
Twitches (2005 & 2007)
TV-PG – Disney's Twitches introduces twin witches Alex and Camryn, who discover their magical powers and a shared destiny on their 21st birthday. Twitches and its sequel Twitches Too mix mystery, magic, and sisterhood, all wrapped in Halloween spirit. It's ideal for younger audiences who love a blend of magic and adventure without anything too scary.
Goosebumps (2015 & 2023)
PG – If you grew up on the Goosebumps books, these movies are a must-watch. The original Goosebumps movie from 2015 is a humorous, spooky adventure that brings R.L. Stine’s most famous monsters to life. This year, fans were treated to a new take on the Goosebumps universe with a fresh installment that brings even more chills and laughs. Both films keep the thrills light-hearted and are a great way to introduce young ones to the world of spooky stories.
Haunted Mansion (2023)
PG-13 – Inspired by the beloved Disney ride, the new Haunted Mansion movie offers a fresh and slightly darker take on the story of a creepy mansion and its ghostly inhabitants. With a mix of humor, a few good scares, and an all-star cast, this adaptation brings something new to the table, perfect for both new fans and those who loved the original. It’s a great option for families with slightly older kids who want a spooky story without too many frights.
Whether you’re introducing little ones to these movies for the first time or diving into some nostalgic favorites, these films make the perfect lineup for a Halloween movie night. Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for some cozy, family-friendly frights!
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