Best 31 Days of Halloween Movies for the Whole Family PLUS tips on how to host the perfect spooky movie night!

Halloween is a bewitching time of year, filled with pumpkin patches, costumes, and of course, spooky movies! But fear not, dear parents, for this list is all treats and no tricks. I’ve put together a list of 31 family-friendly Halloween movies that your kids will adore, and you won’t have to cover their eyes.

These are some of my family’s favorite Halloween movies both for older kids and younger children alike. So grab your popcorn, cozy up in your favorite blanket, and let the Halloween movie marathon begin for the whole family!

31 Days of Halloween Movies for Kids: Halloween Movie Lists for the Whole Family

1: “Hocus Pocus” (1993)

• Directed by Kenny Ortega
• Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Follow the misadventures of Max, his sister Dani, and their new friend Allison as they accidentally resurrect the Sanderson sisters, a trio of evil witches, on Halloween night. This classic film is filled with witchy fun, comical spells, and memorable performances.

2: “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

• Directed by Rob Minkoff
• Starring Eddie Murphy and Marsha Thomason
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Join a real estate agent and his family as they spend a night in the eerie Gracey Manor, discovering its ghostly residents. This spooky comedy adventure is filled with ghostly hijinks and mysterious secrets.

3: “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966)

• Directed by Bill Melendez
• Rating: TV-G
• Synopsis: Follow the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Halloween, and Linus awaits the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. This timeless classic captures the essence of Halloween and the charm of the Peanuts characters.

4: “Hotel Transylvania” (2012)

• Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky
• Starring Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, and Andy Samberg
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Dracula, owner of Hotel Transylvania, tries to protect his daughter Mavis from the human world, but everything changes when a human stumbles into the hotel. This animated film is a delightful blend of humor and heart, perfect for Halloween fun.

5: “Monster House” (2006)

• Directed by Gil Kenan
• Starring Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, and Spencer Locke
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: A group of kids discovers that the creepy house across the street is actually a living, breathing monster. This thrilling animated adventure offers suspense and excitement for young viewers.

6: “Toy Story of Terror!” (2013)

• Directed by Angus MacLane
• Starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen
• Rating: TV-G
• Synopsis: Join Woody, Buzz, and the gang as they embark on a spooky adventure during a road trip. This Toy Story short film is filled with familiar characters and Halloween-themed fun.

7: “The Addams Family Values” (1993)

• Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld
• Starring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, and Christopher Lloyd
• Rating: PG-13
• Synopsis: The eccentric Addams family faces new challenges, including the arrival of a new baby and a cunning gold-digger. This darkly comedic sequel is a perfect fit for older kids and adults.

8: “Coco” (2017)

• Directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Follow Miguel’s journey to the Land of the Dead on Dia de los Muertos, discovering the importance of family and tradition. “Coco” is a visually stunning and emotionally rich Pixar film.

9: “Halloweentown” (1998)

• Directed by Duwayne Dunham
• Starring Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, and Judith Hoag
• Rating: TV-PG
• Synopsis: A young girl discovers her magical heritage and must save Halloweentown from evil forces. This Disney Channel original movie is a beloved classic among Halloween enthusiasts.

10: “Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest” (2013)

• Directed by Scott Heming
• Rating: TV-Y
• Synopsis: Join Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat as they celebrate Halloween in the spookiest way possible. This gentle and fun adventure is perfect for younger viewers.

11: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

• Directed by Henry Selick
• Produced by Tim Burton
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas and decides to bring the holiday to his spooky world. This stop-motion animation classic is a Halloween and Christmas favorite.

12: “Monster Family” (2017)

• Directed by Holger Tappe
• Starring Emily Watson, Jason Isaacs, and Nick Frost
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Follow the Wishbone family as they attend a costume party that turns them into real monsters, leading to a hilarious adventure. This animated film offers monster mayhem with a dose of humor.

13: “Casper” (1995)

• Directed by Brad Silberling
• Starring Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, and Malachi Pearson
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Join Kat and her father as they move into a new home, only to discover that it’s haunted by a friendly ghost named Casper. This heartwarming film blends humor and spookiness.

14: “Beetlejuice” (1988)

• Directed by Tim Burton
• Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Alec Baldwin
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: A recently deceased couple seeks the help of a mischievous ghost named Beetlejuice to scare away the new residents of their home. This quirky and darkly comedic film is a Tim Burton classic.

15: “Monsters, Inc.” (2001)

• Directed by Pete Docter
• Starring John Goodman and Billy Crystal
• Rating: G
• Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Sulley and Mike as they navigate the world of scaring and uncover the power of laughter. This heartwarming Pixar film is a must-see for all ages.

16: “Hotel Transylvania 2” (2015)

• Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky
• Starring Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, and Andy Samberg
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Dracula becomes a grandfather and tries to bring out the monster in his half-human, half-vampire grandson. This sequel continues the hilarious antics of the monster-filled hotel.

17: “The Little Vampire” (2000)

• Directed by Uli Edel
• Starring Jonathan Lipnicki, Rollo Weeks, and Richard E. Grant
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: A young boy befriends a family of vampires and helps them battle their enemies. This family-friendly vampire tale is filled with adventure and friendship.

18: The Corpse Bride” (2005)

• Directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson
• Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: When a young man accidentally proposes to a deceased bride while rehearsing his wedding vows, he finds himself in the Land of the Dead. This stop-motion animation film is visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

19: “Super Monsters: The New Class” (2020)

• Directed by: Steve Ball
• Starring: Elyse Maloway, Vincent Tong, Erin Mathews, Andrea Libman, Nicole Anthony, Diana Kaarina, and Alessandro Juliani.
• Rating: TV-Y
• Synopsis: Follow a group of young monster friends as they navigate school life and discover their unique powers. This animated series is perfect for young viewers.

20: “The Halloween Tree” (1993)

• Directed by Mario Piluso
• Starring Ray Bradbury, Leonard Nimoy, and Annie Barker
• Rating: TV-G
• Synopsis: Four friends embark on a spooky journey through time to learn the history of Halloween. Based on Ray Bradbury’s novel, this film is both educational and entertaining.

21: “ParaNorman” (2012)

• Directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell
• Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Norman can see and speak to ghosts, which comes in handy when his town is threatened by a zombie uprising. This stop-motion animated film offers humor and a unique twist on zombies.

22: “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” (2005)

• Directed by Bernie Denk
• Rating: TV-G
• Synopsis: Join Spookley, a square pumpkin, as he learns the importance of being different and embracing his uniqueness. This heartwarming tale teaches valuable lessons about acceptance.

23: “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (1949)

• Directed by James Algar, Clyde Geronimi, and Jack Kinney
• Rating: G
• Synopsis: This animated classic features two stories, including the tale of the headless horseman, based on Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” This Disney gem offers spooky fun and memorable characters.

24: “Monster Family 2: Nobody’s Perfect” (2021)

• Directed by Holger Tappe
• Starring Emily Watson, Jason Isaacs, and Nick Frost
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: The Wishbone family faces new adventures as they become celebrities in the monster world. This animated sequel promises more monster-filled hilarity.

25: “Frankenweenie” (2012)

• Directed by Tim Burton
• Starring Charlie Tahan, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Young Victor brings his pet dog Sparky back to life, leading to unexpected and comical consequences. This stop-motion animated film is a homage to classic horror films.

26: “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (2005)

• Directed by Nick Park and Steve Box
• Rating: G
• Synopsis: Join the delightful duo as they tackle the mystery of a giant vegetable-eating monster on the eve of a giant vegetable competition. This stop-motion animation is filled with British humor and charm.

27: “Coraline” (2009)

• Directed by Henry Selick
• Starring Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, and Jennifer Saunders
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Coraline discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate, seemingly perfect world with sinister secrets. This dark fantasy film offers an eerie and imaginative journey.

28: “Scared Shrekless” (2010)

• Directed by Gary Trousdale and Raman Hui
• Starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz
• Rating: TV-PG
• Synopsis: Shrek and his friends share spooky stories during a Halloween party in Far Far Away. This Shrek-themed special brings humor to Halloween.

29: “The Book of Life” (2014)

• Directed by Jorge R. Gutierrez
• Starring Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, and Channing Tatum
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Manolo, Maria, and Joaquin on Dia de los Muertos as they journey through the Land of the Remembered and the Land of the Forgotten. This visually stunning film celebrates Mexican culture and traditions.

30: “Spooky Buddies” (2011)

• Directed by Robert Vince
• Rating: G
• Synopsis: The adorable talking puppies embark on a Halloween adventure filled with ghostly fun and mischief. This film is a treat for young audiences.

31: “Hocus Pocus 2” (2022)

• Directed by Anne Fletcher
• Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, and Whitney Peak 
• Rating: PG
• Synopsis: Three young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on the world.

With this fantastic lineup, you can enjoy an entire month of Halloween movies with your little ones, filled with laughs, chills, and lots of Halloween spirit. Ready to plan your family movie night with this list of the best Halloween movies for kids? Here are some great tips below to get started!

How to Have a Halloween Family Movie Night

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, it’s that magical time of year when Halloween spirit fills the air. What better way to celebrate this spooky season than with a Halloween family movie night? Here’s how to create a memorable and spine-tingling movie night that the whole family will cherish.

1. Choose the Perfect Lineup:

   The heart of any movie night is, of course, the movies themselves. Take a look at the list of family-friendly Halloween movies we’ve provided, and select a lineup that suits your family’s taste. Whether you opt for classics like “Hocus Pocus” or newer gems like “Coco,” make sure there’s a mix of humor, adventure, and just the right amount of spookiness to cater to all ages.

2. Create a Cozy Movie Spot:

   Transform your living room into a cozy movie theater. Pile up soft blankets, arrange plush cushions, and dim the lights to set the mood. Consider building a fort out of pillows for the kids – it adds an extra layer of excitement to the evening.

3. Prepare Spooky Snacks:

What’s a movie night without some delicious snacks? Create a spread of Halloween-themed treats like popcorn with orange and black sprinkles, “witches’ fingers” made from cheese sticks and almonds, or ghost-shaped cookies. Don’t forget to include some apple cider or hot chocolate with marshmallows to keep everyone warm and satisfied.

4. Dress the Part:

Encourage the family to get into the Halloween spirit by wearing costumes or pajamas with a spooky twist. It’s a fantastic way to enhance the atmosphere and make the night even more festive.

5. Set Up a Halloween Decor Corner:

Add a touch of Halloween magic by decorating a corner of your viewing area with pumpkins, cobwebs, and other eerie decorations. It’ll make the movie night feel like a mini Halloween party.

6. Create Movie Bingo Cards:

Make the movie night interactive with movie-themed bingo cards. Create cards with characters or scenes from the films you’ll be watching, and let everyone mark their cards as they spot the items during the movies. Prepare some small prizes for the winners.

7. Enjoy a Post-Movie Discussion:

After each movie, engage in a fun discussion with the family. Ask questions like, “What was your favorite part?” or “Which character did you like the most?” It’s a great way to bond and share your thoughts about the films.

8. Keep It Age-Appropriate:

While Halloween is known for its spookiness, ensure that the movie choices are age-appropriate for your children. You want to create a memorable experience, not nightmares!

With these tips, you’re all set to have a Halloween family movie night filled with laughter, spookiness, and cherished memories. It’s the perfect way to embrace the Halloween season while spending quality time with your loved ones. So, grab your popcorn, cue up the first movie, and let the Halloween movie magic begin! 

The post 31 Days of Halloween Movies the Whole Family will LOVE (2023) appeared first on Mommy of a Princess by Kayla Peloquin.