Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and spooky fun—but for families with younger children, finding the right Halloween movies can be a challenge. Most traditional horror films are far too intense for kids under 13, yet plenty of family-friendly scary movies capture the Halloween spirit without traumatizing your little pumpkins.
If you’re looking for the best Halloween and horror movies for kids under 13, we’ve got you covered. From animated classics to live-action adventures, these films balance spooky thrills with humor and heart.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
It wouldn’t be Halloween without the Sanderson sisters. Disney’s Hocus Pocus has become a holiday staple, mixing comedy, magic, and mild scares into one unforgettable package.
- Why it works for kids: While there are witches, spells, and a zombie sidekick, the film is more silly than scary.
- Age Range: 8+
- Fun Fact: The cult following was so strong it spawned a sequel nearly 30 years later.
2. Casper (1995)
Casper the Friendly Ghost brings charm, laughs, and a little bit of heartache in this live-action/CGI hybrid movie.
- Why it works for kids: Casper himself is friendly and lovable, though the ghostly uncles provide plenty of slapstick.
- Age Range: 6+
- TGON Tip: This movie introduces kids to spooky themes with an emphasis on kindness and friendship.
3. Monster House (2006)
If your kids are ready for a bigger scare, Monster House is a great stepping stone. The animated film follows three kids who discover the creepy house in their neighborhood is alive.
- Why it works for kids: Suspenseful but never gory, it’s a thrill ride that younger viewers can handle.
- Age Range: 9+
- Keywords: animated Halloween movies, spooky kids’ films.
4. Coraline (2009)
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, Coraline pushes the boundaries of a kids’ horror movie. With its eerie button-eyed “Other Mother,” it’s truly creepy but beloved by tweens and brave younger viewers.
- Why it works for kids: It’s dark but beautifully told, perfect for kids who want a real scare.
- Age Range: 10+
- Parental Note: Might be too intense for sensitive kids under 9.
5. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
For a lighter, comedy-focused option, Hotel Transylvania is a hit. Dracula runs a monster hotel for his spooky friends, but things go awry when a human stumbles in.
- Why it works for kids: The humor outweighs the frights, and the characters are goofy rather than scary.
- Age Range: 6+
- Franchise Bonus: The sequels are equally fun Halloween viewing.
6. Paranorman (2012)
From the makers of Coraline, this stop-motion gem is both creepy and heartfelt. Norman, a boy who can see ghosts, must save his town from a centuries-old curse.
- Why it works for kids: It deals with heavier themes like bullying and acceptance, but with wit and a spooky flair.
- Age Range: 10+
- SEO Note: Best spooky movies for tweens.
7. Goosebumps (2015)
Based on R.L. Stine’s classic book series, Goosebumps stars Jack Black as Stine himself, whose monsters come to life.
- Why it works for kids: Fast-paced, funny, and filled with familiar Goosebumps creatures, it’s a great choice for young readers.
- Age Range: 9+
- Fan Bonus: It’s perfect for kids who already love the Goosebumps books or TV series.
8. Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton’s black-and-white stop-motion feature tells the story of a boy who brings his dog back to life. It’s touching, funny, and a little creepy—classic Burton.
- Why it works for kids: It’s about love, loss, and friendship, with monster movie homages kids can enjoy.
- Age Range: 8+
- Burton Bonus: Pair it with The Nightmare Before Christmas for a double feature.
9. The Addams Family (2019 Animated Version)
This modern animated version of the spooky and kooky family is a great entry point for kids. It’s colorful, quirky, and filled with light scares.
- Why it works for kids: The macabre humor is silly rather than shocking.
- Age Range: 6+
- TGON Note: Older kids may also enjoy the live-action Addams Family films from the ’90s.
10. Coco (2017)
While not traditionally a “horror” movie, Pixar’s Coco is a stunning film about Día de los Muertos. With its themes of family, death, and remembrance, it’s a perfect Halloween-season watch.
- Why it works for kids: Vibrant visuals, uplifting music, and a heartfelt story balance the supernatural setting.
- Age Range: 7+
- SEO Bonus: family-friendly Halloween movies, Pixar Halloween films.
11. The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)
Starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett, this fantasy-horror adventure adapts John Bellairs’ classic novel.
- Why it works for kids: A little darker than Goosebumps, but still playful enough for younger audiences.
- Age Range: 10+
- TGON Tip: Great pick for older kids who want a mix of magic and mystery.
12. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)
Scooby-Doo has countless Halloween-worthy specials, but Zombie Island is a fan favorite. It ups the stakes with real monsters and a spooky Louisiana setting.
- Why it works for kids: Still lighthearted with Scooby antics, but creepier than standard episodes.
- Age Range: 7+
- Extra Fun: Make it a Scooby-Doo marathon with other Halloween specials.
Honorable Mentions
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – A Halloween/Christmas hybrid classic.
- Spirited Away (2001) – A Studio Ghibli masterpiece that blends fantasy with ghostly elements.
- Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) – A spooky but silly claymation adventure.
Final Thoughts: A Halloween Movie Night for the Whole Family
Finding the right balance of spooky and safe can be tough when planning a Halloween movie night for kids under 13. Luckily, there are dozens of family-friendly Halloween movies that deliver thrills, laughs, and even a few goosebumps without going overboard.
From classics like Hocus Pocus and Casper to newer favorites like Paranorman and Hotel Transylvania, these films prove that Halloween doesn’t have to be terrifying to be fun. Whether you’re planning a family movie marathon, a classroom party, or just looking for something seasonal to stream, these picks guarantee spooky fun for the whole family.
So grab the popcorn, dim the lights, and let the Halloween magic begin!
