A roundup of recommended Halloween movies you can enjoy with kids
How about a slightly special movie night on Halloween? Light up your jack-o’-lanterns, get some snacks ready, and spend time watching a heartwarming film—it’s sure to become a lovely memory.
There are plenty of movies you can enjoy with your children: stories about witches and wizards that aren’t too scary, films featuring friendly ghosts, and fun adventure movies with characters in costumes.
In this article, we’ll introduce kid-friendly movies that are perfect for Halloween.
Make it a special day for the whole family—be sure to check them out!
Recommended Halloween Movies You Can Enjoy With Kids (1–10)
The Nightmare Before Christmas
When people hear “Halloween movie,” many might immediately think of this one: the stop-motion animated film The Nightmare Before Christmas, based on a story by Tim Burton.
Set in Halloween Town, the land of the dead, it follows Jack Skellington, who’s grown bored with the usual Halloween and throws himself into staging the cheerful event of Christmas—a holiday they’ve never tried before.
The characters have a horror-like design, yet there’s a certain charm to them, and even the villains are hard to dislike.
Remember Me
Set during Mexico’s cultural celebration, the Day of the Dead, this story follows the protagonist Miguel as he embarks on a grand adventure in the Land of the Dead.
Although it’s a Disney film featuring many skeleton characters who live in the afterlife, most of them are kind and cheerful, so children can enjoy it on Halloween without getting scared.
It’s a heartwarming work overflowing with love for the family you live with now, as well as for the family who are no longer by your side.
You’re sure to shed a tear, so don’t forget to have a handkerchief or tissues ready!
Ghost Book: Illustrated Encyclopedia of Spirits
If you’re looking for a heartwarming film, Ghost Book: Obake Zukan is highly recommended.
It’s directed by Takashi Yamazaki, also known for the yokai-themed film Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura.
The movie is an action fantasy that follows children who embark on a grand adventure after obtaining a ghost encyclopedia.
You can enjoy it on its own, and it’s also a great idea to check out the original children’s book series Obake Zukan.
The Addams Family
The Addams Family series is a landmark of horror comedy.
It originally began as a comic in 1937 and went on to become hits in animation, TV, and film.
In recent years, a series starring Wednesday, the eldest daughter of the Addams family, was produced and became a hot topic.
Among the various entries, the most family-friendly is probably the 2019 CG-animated film The Addams Family.
It’s scary yet laugh-out-loud funny—a quirky worldview that’s downright addictive!
Casper
Casper is a film where an adorable, marshmallow-like ghost takes center stage.
Released in 1995, it was directed by Brad Silberling and stars Christina Ricci, known for playing Wednesday in The Addams Family.
With a heartwarming story focused on the bond between the young heroine, Kat, and the ghost Casper, it’s an easy watch for families with children.
Also noteworthy are the sequences that blend live action with CGI, showcasing cutting-edge technology for its time!
Ghostbusters
Here they come with that song! How about the smash-hit 1984 film Ghostbusters? The protagonists start a company specializing in busting ghosts and spring into action with machines on their backs that can fire beams! It’s a classic that sparked a worldwide movement along with its theme song.
The strong comedic tone makes it approachable even for young children.
Ghostbusters II was released in ’89, and sequels also came out in 2016 and 2021, so be sure to watch them together!
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
Corpse Bride, directed by Tim Burton and released in 2005, is characterized by its distinctive character design and stop-motion animation.
It tells the story of Victor, a man who, despite being set to marry a woman named Victoria in the living world, ends up—through an unexpected twist—married to Emily, a bride from the land of the dead.
Who will Victor ultimately marry…? Strange yet cute and delightful, it’s a perfect film for Halloween.
