Top 10 Halloween Movies for Kids, Tweens and Teens
Do you remember going to a videotheque to rent the best Halloween movies as a teenager? 😅
Well, in this steaming era, it feels like an old-school movie itself 😅 But honestly, I enjoyed it so much when my best friend came to a sleepover and we spent the whole night watching scary movies together freshly rented for the weekend 😊
My Daughter now can not even imagine what it means not having direct access to whatever film she thinks of… 😂
But I am sure some of the Halloween movies from my childhood will still be “scary fun” for her to watch with friends!
So I made the list of Top 10 Halloween Movies for Kids, Tweens, and Teens.
Check that out if you need some inspiration, or just have a bit of nostalgia 😉
Top 10 Halloween Movies for Kids (Under 9yo) 🎃👻
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
- Lead Actors: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea
- Story: In this classic, Linus waits in a pumpkin patch for the arrival of the Great Pumpkin, a mystical being who brings gifts to children who believe in him, while Charlie Brown and the gang go trick-or-treating. The combination of sweet, simple humor and timeless characters make it perfect for younger kids who want to experience the joy of Halloween without any scares.
- Why it’s great: It’s a nostalgic and heartwarming introduction to Halloween that focuses on childhood innocence. Great for family movie night!
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Lead Actors: Danny Elfman (voice of Jack Skellington), Catherine O’Hara
- Story: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with taking over the holiday, resulting in a delightfully spooky yet heartwarming adventure. With stop-motion animation and catchy songs, this Tim Burton film perfectly blends the spirit of Halloween and Christmas.
- Why it’s great: The unique animation and lovable characters make it a fun, non-scary watch. Jack Skellington’s journey offers a little bit of spookiness while keeping things light-hearted.
- Hotel Transylvania (2012)
- Lead Actors: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez
- Story: Dracula operates a luxury hotel for monsters, but things take a wild turn when a human boy stumbles in and falls for Dracula’s daughter, Mavis. Packed with creatures and goofy humor, this film makes the idea of monsters friendly and funny rather than scary.
- Why it’s great: The humor and charming animation make it ideal for younger kids who may find traditional monsters a little too spooky but will enjoy seeing them in a fun, silly way. (This is one of our favorite 😉)
- Hocus Pocus (1993)
- Lead Actors: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
- Story: Three hilarious, bumbling witches are accidentally resurrected on Halloween night by a group of kids, and now they must stop the witches from becoming immortal. The spooky elements are balanced by the comedy and antics of the witches.
- Why it’s great: This family-friendly Halloween movie has become a cult classic, and the witches are both magical and mischievous—making it spooky without being too intense.
- Casper (1995)
- Lead Actors: Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman
- Story: Casper, the friendly ghost, is lonely in his haunted mansion until a father-daughter duo moves in. Casper befriends the young girl, but his ghostly uncles make things difficult with their spooky pranks.
- Why it’s great: Casper brings a heartwarming element to the idea of ghosts, making this a charming and sweet story for kids who might be nervous about ghost stories.
- Frankenweenie (2012)
- Lead Actors: Charlie Tahan, Winona Ryder
- Story: After his beloved dog, Sparky, dies, a young boy uses science to bring him back to life. However, things get a little out of control as his experiment impacts the entire town.
- Why it’s great: It’s Tim Burton’s twist on Frankenstein but in a way that’s much more cute than creepy, making it perfect for little ones who like a mix of science and spooky.
- The Addams Family (2019)
- Lead Actors: Oscar Isaac (voice), Charlize Theron (voice)
- Story: The delightfully odd Addams family tries to adjust to modern society while facing threats from a reality TV host who wants to exploit their eccentric nature. Their spooky yet loving family dynamic is fun for kids and adults alike.
- Why it’s great: The animated film is packed with funny moments and spooky family fun, perfect for younger kids who love quirky characters.
- The Haunted Mansion (2003)
- Lead Actors: Eddie Murphy, Terence Stamp
- Story: When a real estate agent and his family visit a mysterious mansion, they find themselves trapped in a house haunted by ghosts with unfinished business. The movie is spooky but light enough to entertain kids without scaring them.
- Why it’s great: Based on the Disney ride, it offers a blend of comedy and haunted house adventure, making it ideal for families who want something a little spooky but with lots of laughs.
- ParaNorman (2012)
- Lead Actors: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick
- Story: Norman is a boy who can talk to ghosts, and when his town is threatened by an ancient curse, he must use his special abilities to save the day. The film is quirky and offbeat, with spooky moments and an underlying message about accepting your differences.
- Why it’s great: The animation style and ghostly adventures will intrigue older kids who are ready for more mystery but still want a happy ending.
- The Witches (2020)
- Lead Actors: Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer
- Story: A boy and his grandmother encounter a group of witches who despise children and are plotting to turn them all into mice. It’s a darkly humorous adventure that plays with the concept of witches in a kid-friendly way.
- Why it’s great: This live-action film offers a modern take on Roald Dahl’s classic book, giving kids a fun yet spooky adventure with plenty of action.

Top 10 Halloween Movies for Tweens (9-12yo) 🎬🕸️
- Monster House (2006)
- Lead Actors: Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Story: Three friends discover that the creepy house in their neighborhood is actually alive and has a monstrous personality. As they try to uncover its secret, they find themselves in a series of thrilling and hilarious situations.
- Why it’s great: This animated film balances spooky elements with humor, making it the perfect stepping stone for tweens who want a little bit of a scare but nothing too overwhelming.
- Coraline (2009)
- Lead Actors: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher
- Story: Coraline Jones finds a secret door in her new house that leads to an alternate world where everything seems perfect. However, the “other” mother has sinister intentions, and Coraline must escape before it’s too late.
- Why it’s great: Stop-motion animation and a truly eerie atmosphere make this a more intense watch for tweens who enjoy darker stories with a satisfying ending.
- Goosebumps (2015)
- Lead Actors: Jack Black, Dylan Minnette
- Story: When a teenager accidentally unleashes monsters from R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books, he must team up with the author to trap the creatures back into the books before they destroy the town.
- Why it’s great: This movie is packed with action, humor, and just the right amount of spooky fun. Fans of the book series will love seeing their favorite monsters come to life.
- Corpse Bride (2005)
- Lead Actors: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter
- Story: Victor accidentally proposes to a corpse while practicing his wedding vows and gets pulled into the underworld, where he must navigate between two worlds to reunite with his true love.
- Why it’s great: Another Tim Burton stop-motion film, this one offers a spooky yet romantic journey. It’s perfect for tweens ready for a bit of dark humor.
- The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)
- Lead Actors: Jack Black, Cate Blanchett
- Story: A young boy moves in with his uncle, only to discover that the house is filled with magic and dark secrets. The boy soon becomes part of a battle to stop an evil force from destroying the world.
- Why it’s great: It’s a fun, magical adventure that feels like Harry Potter mixed with Halloween. Plus, Jack Black’s quirky performance keeps it lively and entertaining for the whole family.
- The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
- Lead Actors: Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger
- Story: After moving to an old estate, siblings discover a field guide to magical creatures, leading them into a battle with goblins and other fantastical beings.
- Why it’s great: For tweens who love fantasy adventures, this film is full of magical creatures and action-packed scenes without being too frightening.
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- Lead Actors: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd
- Story: A group of friends start a ghost-hunting business and quickly find themselves up against supernatural forces trying to take over New York City. The mix of comedy and paranormal activity makes it a fun watch for older kids.
- Why it’s great: It’s a classic that introduces kids to ghost stories with humor and excitement rather than terror.
- Halloweentown (1998)
- Lead Actors: Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown
- Story: Marnie discovers on her 13th birthday that she comes from a family of witches, and must help save Halloweentown from evil forces. It’s a lighthearted and fun journey into a magical world.
- Why it’s great: Full of Halloween magic, this is a nostalgic Disney favorite that never gets old.
- Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
- Lead Actors: Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza
- Story: A group of teens discovers a haunted book, where each scary story comes to life and haunts them one by one. They must figure out how to stop the terror before it’s too late.
- Why it’s great: Based on the chilling book series, it’s a good pick for tweens who are ready for a darker, more intense horror experience but still want something age-appropriate.
- The Little Vampire (2000)
- Lead Actors: Jonathan Lipnicki, Richard E. Grant
- Story: A young boy befriends a vampire, and together they try to save his family from vampire hunters. It’s a heartwarming and spooky tale about friendship and acceptance.
- Why it’s great: It’s a lighter, feel-good vampire movie that delivers a good message, making it a safe introduction to vampires for tweens.
Top 10 Halloween Movies for Teens (12-18yo) 🧟♀️👽
- A Quiet Place (2018)
- Lead Actors: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski
- Story: In a world where mysterious creatures hunt by sound, a family must live in complete silence to survive. The constant tension and innovative storytelling make this a nerve-wracking but compelling watch.
- Why it’s great: It’s a modern psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Teens will love the intense suspense and family dynamics.
- The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Lead Actors: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment
- Story: A child psychologist helps a young boy who can see dead people and must uncover the truth behind his ability. This supernatural thriller is both eerie and emotional.
- Why it’s great: Famous for its shocking twist ending, this is a must-see for teens interested in more thoughtful, story-driven horror.
- Beetlejuice (1988)
- Lead Actors: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder
- Story: A recently deceased couple calls upon a mischievous “bio-exorcist” to help them scare away the living who have moved into their home, but things quickly spiral out of control.
- Why it’s great: It’s Tim Burton’s quirky, hilarious take on the afterlife that delivers plenty of laughs and spooky fun.
- The Others (2001)
- Lead Actors: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan
- Story: A mother with two light-sensitive children becomes convinced their isolated house is haunted, but the truth is more shocking than it seems.
- Why it’s great: It’s a slow-burn psychological thriller that keeps teens guessing right up to the unexpected twist.
- Halloween (1978)
- Lead Actors: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence
- Story: Michael Myers escapes from an asylum and returns to his hometown to stalk babysitters on Halloween night. This movie set the stage for countless teen horror movies.
- Why it’s great: It’s the ultimate slasher film, a cult classic in the horror genre that still delivers chills decades later.
- Scream (1996)
- Lead Actors: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox
- Story: A group of high school students is terrorized by a masked killer who uses horror movie rules to play deadly games with his victims.
- Why it’s great: Scream cleverly plays on well-known horror tropes and delivers scares with a sense of humor. It’s a fun ride for teens who love the genre. (We loved this as teens 😁)
- The Ring (2002)
- Lead Actors: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson
- Story: After watching a mysterious videotape, people die within seven days. A journalist investigates the source of the curse and must unravel its secrets before her time runs out.
- Why it’s great: This eerie, atmospheric film is perfect for teens who enjoy supernatural horror movies that build suspense.
- I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
- Lead Actors: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar
- Story: A group of friends accidentally kills someone in a car accident and try to cover it up, but a year later, they’re hunted by someone who knows their secret.
- Why it’s great: Another teen horror classic, it combines mystery, slasher elements, and high school drama, making it great for older teens.
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Lead Actors: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
- Story: Paranormal investigators are called to help a family experiencing increasingly disturbing events in their farmhouse. Based on true events, the tension builds until the terrifying climax.
- Why it’s great: Known for its well-crafted scares and eerie atmosphere, this is one of the best supernatural horror movies for teens ready for something truly chilling.
- Final Destination (2000)
- Lead Actors: Devon Sawa, Ali Larter
- Story: After narrowly escaping a plane crash, a group of teens is haunted by death itself, as they try to avoid their fates in increasingly bizarre and deadly ways.
- Why it’s great: It’s a unique and thrilling movie that plays with the idea of fate and brings plenty of suspense, making it a popular pick for teens who like a mix of action and horror.
Takeaway
Halloween movie nights are a fantastic way to embrace the spooky season and create great memories with your family or friends. Whether you’re settling in for a family-friendly marathon with the little ones, thrilling your tweens with spooky tales, or going all out with your teens for a classic horror movie experience, there’s something magical about gathering together to enjoy a night of laughter, scares, and excitement.
1. Bonding Time
A Halloween movie night offers the perfect excuse to gather everyone for a cozy night at home. In a world where our days are often filled with busy schedules, a movie marathon gives you a chance to slow down, cuddle up with blankets, and enjoy quality time together. Sharing a few laughs, exchanging reactions to jump scares, or even shouting at the TV when characters make bad decisions (looking at you, horror movie teens!) brings everyone closer.
2. Perfect for All Ages
One of the best parts about Halloween movies is that there’s something for everyone – whether you’re watching with toddlers, tweens, teens, or adults. For younger kids, movies like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or Casper give them a spooky taste of Halloween without being overwhelming. As kids grow older, they crave more thrilling stories, and movies like Monster House or Hocus Pocus hit the perfect balance of spookiness and fun. And for teens, who are ready for more suspenseful experiences, A Quiet Place or The Sixth Sense can provide those adrenaline-pumping moments.
3. Embrace the Halloween Vibe
There’s no better way to get into the spirit of Halloween than by watching a spooky movie with the lights dimmed and popcorn at hand. From ghost stories to witches, and haunted houses to psychological thrillers, Halloween movies encapsulate the eerie, mysterious, and often comical elements of this special season. And, you can decorate your living room with Halloween-themed snacks, spooky decorations, and pumpkin-scented candles to complete the experience.
4. Creating Traditions
Starting a Halloween movie night tradition can become a yearly ritual that your family looks forward to. Whether you’re revisiting beloved classics like Hocus Pocus or trying out a new spooky flick, it’s an easy way to build memories and create family traditions that your kids will remember even when they’re grown. Maybe you pop some special popcorn, have a costume contest, or make a pillow fort. The options are endless, and the memories are priceless.
5. Safe and Fun Entertainment
A Halloween movie night is a safe and controlled way to enjoy the thrills of the holiday. Unlike haunted houses or ghost tours that might be a little too intense for younger kids (or anyone who’s not a fan of jump scares), watching a movie at home lets you set the tone. You can pause when needed, fast-forward through parts that might be too scary, or simply enjoy the movie in the comfort of your own space. It’s the perfect way to ensure that everyone has fun at their own comfort level.
6. A Chance to Escape
Finally, Halloween movie nights provide a much-needed escape from reality. Whether you’re diving into the stop-motion world of The Nightmare Before Christmas, following a group of teens in a haunted house, or watching Jack Skellington navigate the clash of holidays, Halloween movies allow us to step into fantastical, spooky worlds for a little while. They let us experience a thrill, laugh at some over-the-top moments, and get swept up in the magic of the season.
So grab your favorite snacks, dim the lights, and let the movie marathon begin!
A Halloween movie night is a tradition that can bring a touch of spooky fun to your holiday season – making it one of the best ways to celebrate Halloween at home with your loved ones. 🦇