Lights, Camera, Halloween! Get ready to gather the whole family for a spine-tingling movie night with our carefully curated selection of the best family-friendly movies that will send shivers down your spine (in a fun way, of course). Whether you’re looking for spooky adventures, friendly ghosts, or mysterious creatures, we’ve got you covered.
This Halloween season, these movies will captivate both kids and adults alike, offering a delightful blend of scares and laughs that are sure to create lasting memories. With a mix of classic favorites and newer releases, you’ll find the perfect flick to create a spooktacular movie night at home. So, grab your blanket, turn off the lights, and get ready for a frightfully good time with our family-friendly Halloween movie recommendations.
Halloween movie night essentials
To create the perfect Halloween movie night, a few essentials are a must. Firstly, set the mood by dimming the lights or using candle lanterns for an eerie ambiance. Decorate your viewing area with spooky decorations like cobwebs, pumpkins, and skeletons to enhance the Halloween atmosphere. Don’t forget to prepare cozy blankets and pillows for everyone to snuggle up and get comfortable during the movie marathon.
Another essential aspect of a memorable Halloween movie night is the selection of treats and snacks. Consider serving popcorn with a twist – add caramel or chocolate drizzle for a sweet treat, or sprinkle some chili powder for a spicy surprise. You can also prepare themed snacks like witch’s fingers (carrot sticks with almond nails), mummy hot dogs (wrapped in strips of dough), or vampire punch (a blood-red fruit punch).
Lastly, ensure you have a reliable streaming service or a collection of DVDs that include the movies you plan to watch. Make sure to test the streaming quality or check the condition of your DVDs ahead of time to avoid any technical glitches during your movie night.
Classic Halloween movies for the whole family
Hocus Pocus
When it comes to classic Halloween movies that the whole family can enjoy, there are a few timeless favorites that never fail to entertain. One such movie is “Hocus Pocus” (1993), a comedic fantasy film about three witches who are resurrected on Halloween night. With its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and catchy musical numbers, “Hocus Pocus” has become a beloved Halloween staple for many families.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Another classic worth revisiting is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966), an animated television special that follows the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Halloween. This heartwarming and nostalgic movie captures the essence of Halloween with its charming characters and gentle humor.
The Addams Family
For a dose of nostalgia, consider watching “The Addams Family” (1991) and its sequel “Addams Family Values” (1993). These darkly comedic films revolve around the eccentric and macabre Addams family, offering a unique blend of humor and spookiness that will keep the whole family entertained.
Animated Halloween movies for kids
Coco
Animated Halloween movies are a fantastic choice for younger viewers, as they combine colorful visuals with enchanting storytelling. One such movie is “Coco” (2017), a visually stunning Pixar film that takes place on the Day of the Dead. This heartwarming tale celebrates family, culture, and the power of music, making it a perfect choice for a Halloween movie night.
Hotel Transylvania
Another animated gem is “Hotel Transylvania” (2012) and its sequels. This franchise follows Count Dracula and his monster friends as they run a hotel for monsters. With its vibrant animation, lovable characters, and comedic moments, “Hotel Transylvania” offers a delightful and age-appropriate Halloween experience for kids.
ParaNorman
For a spookier but still kid-friendly option, consider “ParaNorman” (2012), a stop-motion animated film about a young boy who can communicate with ghosts. This visually stunning movie explores themes of acceptance and bravery while delivering a thrilling and heartwarming adventure.
Spooky but not scary Halloween movies for older kids
As children grow older, they may crave movies with a slightly higher scare factor. For older kids who enjoy a spooky but not overly scary experience, movies like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) and “Coraline” (2009) are excellent choices.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
“The Nightmare Before Christmas,” a stop-motion musical directed by Tim Burton, tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas and tries to bring it to his spooky realm. With its stunning animation, catchy songs, and whimsical characters, this movie has become a Halloween and Christmas favorite for many.
Coraline
“Coraline,” based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, follows a young girl who discovers a hidden door that leads to an alternate world. This dark fantasy film combines elements of horror and adventure, offering a captivating and visually striking experience for older kids.
Family-friendly Halloween movie marathon ideas
If you’re looking to turn your Halloween movie night into an all-out movie marathon, here are a few ideas to keep the thrills going:
1. Monster Mash Movie Marathon: Kick off the movie night with “Monsters, Inc.” (2001) and its prequel “Monsters University” (2013). Follow it up with “Monster House” (2006), a spooky animated film about a haunted house, and wrap up with “Frankenweenie” (2012), Tim Burton’s heartwarming tale of a boy and his reanimated dog.
2. Witching Hour Movie Marathon: Begin with “The Witches” (1990), a film based on Roald Dahl’s book, and continue with “Practical Magic” (1998), a charming romantic comedy about two witch sisters. Add a touch of magic with “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989), an enchanting Studio Ghibli film about a young witch finding her place in the world.
3. Classic Monsters Movie Marathon: Pay homage to the iconic monsters of cinema with movies like “Dracula” (1931), “Frankenstein” (1931), “The Wolf Man” (1941), and “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954). This marathon is perfect for older kids and adults who want to explore the origins of classic horror.
Halloween movie night snacks and treats
No movie night is complete without delicious snacks and treats. Here are a few Halloween-themed ideas to make your movie night extra special:
– Witch’s Brew Popcorn: Prepare a batch of popcorn and drizzle it with green-tinted white chocolate. Add candy eyeballs or gummy worms for a spooky touch.
– Mummy Hot Dogs: Wrap hot dog sausages in strips of crescent roll dough to create mummy-like appearances. Bake them in the oven until golden brown and serve with ketchup or mustard.
– Spider Web Nacho Dip: Make a creamy cheese dip and use sour cream to draw spiderweb patterns on top. Serve with tortilla chips for a savory and spooky snack.
– Vampire Punch: Create a blood-red fruit punch by mixing cranberry juice, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine. Serve in a cauldron or punch bowl with floating gummy worms or eyeball-shaped ice cubes.
Where to stream family-friendly Halloween movies
With the rise of streaming services, finding family-friendly Halloween movies has become easier than ever. Here are a few popular platforms where you can stream these movies:
– Disney+: Disney’s streaming service offers a wide range of family-friendly movies, including many Halloween favorites like “Hocus Pocus,” “Coco,” and the “Hotel Transylvania” franchise.
– Netflix: Netflix boasts an extensive collection of Halloween movies suitable for all ages. From classics like “The Addams Family” to newer releases like “The Willoughbys” (2020), there’s something for everyone on this platform.
– Amazon Prime Video: Prime Video offers a variety of family-friendly Halloween movies, including classics like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and newer releases like “Goosebumps” (2015).
– Hulu: Hulu provides a selection of Halloween movies, ranging from animated favorites like “Coraline” to family-friendly horror-comedies like “The Haunted Mansion” (2003).
