With Halloween fast approaching, many people are getting into the spooky spirit of the holiday. From scary decorations to pumpkin spice lattes, there are countless ways to celebrate this haunting season. For those with children, however, finding appropriate and family-friendly Halloween movies can be a challenge. Luckily, The Hollywood Reporter has rounded up a list of spooky films that are perfect for all ages.
Starting off the list is the beloved classic, “Hocus Pocus.” Released in 1993, this Halloween-themed fantasy-comedy stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters, three 17th-century witches who are accidentally resurrected by a group of kids. The film follows their hilarious and sometimes dark attempts to capture the children and continue their reign of evil. Despite its dark undertones, “Hocus Pocus” is a Disney-produced film that the whole family can enjoy.
Next on the list is “Beetlejuice,” a kooky farce about the afterlife. Directed by Tim Burton and released in 1988, this film follows the misadventures of the recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara, who become trapped in their own home. When an obnoxious ghost named Beetlejuice shows up, chaos ensues as he tries to scare away the new living residents. With a stellar cast including Alec Baldwin, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Geena Davis, “Beetlejuice” is a fun and quirky film that will entertain both kids and adults.
Another family-friendly Halloween movie is “Don’t Look Under the Bed,” a 1999 Disney Channel original film directed by Kenneth Johnson. When strange things begin happening in town, teenager Frances is blamed and must clear her name. Reluctantly, she enlists the help of her brother’s imaginary friend, Larry, who has a secret of his own. Together, they work to defeat the Boogeyman and save their town. Although this film deals with spooky themes, it ultimately delivers a positive message about facing your fears and overcoming challenges.
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Based on the popular sitcom from the 1960s, “The Addams Family” is another great Halloween movie for the whole family. Released in 1991 and directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, this quirky gem stars Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston as Gomez and Morticia Addams. The film follows their eccentric family as they navigate life in the suburbs, dealing with the arrival of estranged Uncle Fester. This film was so successful that it spawned multiple sequels and even a Netflix spinoff series.
For those looking for a magical Halloween movie, “Halloweentown” is the perfect choice. Released in 1998, this Disney Channel original film follows Marnie and her family of witches and warlocks as they battle evil forces threatening the magical and human worlds. The success of this film led to three sequels and cemented its place as a Halloween classic.
No Halloween movie list would be complete without mentioning “Ghostbusters.” Released in 1984 and directed by Ivan Reitman, this comedy classic stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson as a group of scientists who start a business capturing ghosts. With its memorable catchphrases and infectious theme song, “Ghostbusters” has become a beloved film that has spawned sequels, cartoons, and video games.
Another Disney Channel original movie that deserves a spot on this list is “Twitches.” Released in 2005, this film stars Tia and Tamera Mowry as twin witches who reunite on their 21st birthday to save their magical world from an eerie Darkness. With its mix of magic, adventure, and sisterly bonding, “Twitches” is a delightful Halloween film that will enchant audiences of all ages.
Based on the popular theme park attraction, “The Haunted Mansion” is a 2003 comedy that stars Eddie Murphy as a man who moves his family into a house already inhabited by 999 ghosts. The film combines comedy with spooky elements and is perfect for families looking for a lighthearted Halloween film.
“Casper” is another family-friendly Halloween movie that features a friendly ghost. Released in 1995, this film follows Casper, a young ghost who befriends a human girl named Kat. As they navigate their budding friendship, they discover that love knows no bounds, even for a ghost and a human.
For those seeking a lesson in pet care, “Gremlins” is a must-watch. Released in 1984 and directed by Joe Dante, this film follows a young boy named Billy who receives a cute and cuddly creature called a Mogwai as a pet. However, things quickly go awry when he inadvertently breaks the three rules of caring for a Mogwai, leading to chaos and havoc in his town.
A lesser-known gem from the 1980s is “Monster Squad,” a tongue-in-cheek comedy that follows a group of misfits as they band together to stop Dracula and his cronies from conquering the world. With its blend of humor and horror, “Monster Squad” is a fun and nostalgic Halloween film that will entertain audiences of all ages.
Moving into more recent films, “ParaNorman” is a stop-motion animated film from 2012 that tells the story of a young boy named Norman who can communicate with the dead. Living in a town where an evil witch was once executed, Norman must use his unique gift to save his town from destruction. With its clever storytelling and stunning animation, “ParaNorman” is a Halloween film that will captivate both children and adults.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a classic Halloween film that also doubles as a Christmas movie. Released in 1993 and co-written by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated musical tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, who becomes obsessed with Christmas and attempts to take over the holiday. With its unique style and catchy songs, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has become a beloved film that can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season.
Lastly, Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” is a comedy that takes a lighthearted look at the world of monsters. Released in 2001 and followed by a prequel titled “Monsters University,” this film follows two closet-dwelling monsters, Mike and Sully, whose job is to scare children. However, their lives take a turn when they meet a little girl who accidentally enters their world. With its heartwarming story and lovable characters, “Monsters, Inc.” is a Halloween film that will entertain both children and adults.
In conclusion, Halloween movies don’t have to be scary or inappropriate for young viewers. The Hollywood Reporter has compiled a list of family-friendly films that are perfect for celebrating the spooky season. From the iconic “Hocus Pocus” to the kooky “Beetlejuice” and the heartwarming “Monsters, Inc.,” there’s a Halloween movie for everyone in the family to enjoy. So grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and get ready for a not-so-scary movie night this October.
