Rhiannon Elizabeth Irons
It’s officially October which means Halloween will be here before we know it. During this time of year, the horror genre runs rampant. But sometimes even I don’t want to sit through copious amounts of blood, guts, and gore. Sometimes I just want something that’s less gruesome and more family friendly.
This got me thinking about my annual viewing pleasures that I watch ever October. Naturally, this has now evolved into a Top 13 list of family friendly Halloween movies.
So, grab some popcorn and get comfortable as we count down some of the best Halloween movies perfect for the whole family.
13: Double, Double, Toil & Trouble (1993)
A throwback to the days when Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen dominated the direct-to-video market. This cutesy Halloween flick sees a family business losing money and at risk of losing their home as well. That is, until the twins use a little magic to save it.
A bit harder to locate than some of the other titles on this list, Double, Double, Toil & Trouble does hold a special place in my heart.
12: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1950)
If children don’t already know of Washington Irving’s classic story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Disney provides the perfect scary introduction. Bing Crosby and Basil Rathbone provide some of the voices, while the movie also comes with a not-at-all-Halloween-related adaptation of The Wind in the Willows, which can provide some comic relief after you’ve survived the scary Icabod story.
Although, I feel I should warn you that the Wind in the Willows story actually comes first so you may have to hit rewind…
11: Frankenweenie (2012)
This black and white, stop-motion movie from director Tim Burton is a clever twist on the classic Frankenstein story. Instead of a human subject, the young scientist in this movie reanimates a pet dog.
No surprises that Burton delivers a heartwarming tale of friendship in this incredible feature, which was actually based on a live-action short, also by Burton. Both are available on Disney+ for your enjoyment this spooky season.
10: Goosebumps (2015)
Jack Black as beloved children’s author, R.L. Stine, had to get a mention on this list. Based on the beloved book series by Stine, the movie weaves in a lot of details from the series that we’ve come to know and love, while creating a whole new story.
I’m sliding Goosebumps onto this list for nostalgia purposes for myself, but also to remind you all that you could dedicate an entire spooky season to the series. After all, there was the series that ran from 1995-1998, the two movies (Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween came out in 2018), and now there’s a new, darker series available on Disney+. Be sure to give yourself Goosebumps this holiday season.
9: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
There are many adaptations of this story, from The Muppets taking a crack at it, to a more recent reimagining released earlier this year with Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Danny DeVito.
Eddie Murphy tried to capture the ride’s mix of spookiness and silliness, and honestly, he did it well. While not award winning, this adaptation, there’s enough terror there for younger audiences and enough comic relief to ensure no one has nightmares after viewing.
8: Spooky Buddies (2011)
This is one is for all the animal lovers. A spin-off movie from the Air Bud franchise, this Halloween-themed Buddies film comes fifth in the series, after the Christmas-themed Santa Buddies (you might want to book that one for a couple of months from now).
This time, the curious puppies venture through a haunted mansion to stop Warwick the Warlock and his dastardly plans. Also, there’s a super cute Beagle ghost pup. Perfect for the whole family although parents this is your only warning – you will get lots of requests for a Golden Retriever puppy after viewing this.
7: The Addams Family (1991)
Calling all Wednesday fans! Before Jenna Ortega dominated TikTok dance trends, Christina Ricci starred as Wednesday Addams. Alongside a stellar cast including Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, and Christopher Lloyd, this classic sitcom from the 60’s got a much needed 90’s upgrade.
Blending spooky and kooky with comedy, The Addams Family gained a new following. Truly something for the entire family.
6: Coraline (2009)
Coraline is a good one to watch with family because it’s actually about the relationship between parents and their children. Based on the 2002 children's book by Neil Gaiman, the stop-motion film is about a family that moves into a new apartment complex. Busy with unpacking and work, Coraline’s parents don’t always have time for her. One day, she discovers a magic door that takes her to a parallel universe where an “other mother” promises her everything her heart desires.
But children should be careful with what they wish for, right?
5: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
What’s this, what’s this? It’s the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, told by the macabre master Tim Burton and stop-motion animation legend, Henry Selick.
When Jack decides he wants to head up Christmas instead of Halloween, things don’t go as he planned. Since it spans two holidays, you can watch it anytime between October and December. Oh hell, just watch it whenever you feel like singing along with an incredible soundtrack.
4: Beetlejuice (1988)
A movie that makes the living seem like villains and the recently deceased the heroes, Beetlejuice is about a pair of ghosts who want to scare away the family that moved into their house after their death.
Another Tim Burton masterpiece (sensing a theme yet?), it has outstanding performances from Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, and Michael Keaton as the ghost with the most.
With a sequel in the works, you know that “It’s Showtime.”
3: Halloweentown (2004)
No one can dispute that Disney Channel Original Movies did it best when focusing on Halloween. And all 90’s kids will tell you that Halloweentown as the pinnacle of that success.
Starring the late, great Debbie Reynolds, Halloweentown is the ultimate combination of Disney-goodness jam packed with thrills and chills for the whole family. This hit, plus it’s three sequels (yes, three sequels) are all available on Disney+.
2: The Witches (1990)
Anjelica Huston steps into the square-toed shoes in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches.
The story follows a boy who happens to stumble upon a convention of witches while staying at a hotel. A simple premise with some truly terrifying scenes will eventually lead this film to land in my other written series, Movies That Scared Us as Kids.
1: Hocus Pocus (1993)
You knew this was coming. It’s a yearly tradition that this classic from the early 90’s gets a play in my house. And for good reason. The witchy Sanderson Sisters wreak havoc over Salem on Halloween night as a group of teens – and some supernatural allies – try to stop them.
With Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the titular trio of witches and directed by Kenny Ortega (High School Musical), this movie not only is family friendly, but brings tons of that Halloween atmosphere to the screen.
Honourable Mentions
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) - It really isn’t Halloween until the Great Pumpkin descends and brings this sincere 25-minute holiday special to TV screens.
Casper (1995) - Christina Ricci shedding her Wednesday Addams image for something more wholesome as she moves into a haunted house and befriends the friendliest ghost of all time.
Ghostbusters (1984) – Who are you going to call when the spooks and ghouls get too much?
E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) – Who could forget E.T. trick or treating with a blonde wig, hat, and dress? Too adorable.
ParaNorman (2012) – One thing we know for sure: Stop-motion animation goes hand-in-hand with spooky scares.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019) – This PG-13 movie is for the in-betweeners: Teens who have aged out of most family-friendly scary movies but aren’t quite old enough for the true terrors of Halloween.