Spooky (But Not Too Scary) Halloween Movies to Watch Now

A festive and fun evening

Sure trick-or-treating is fun, but sometimes staying home on Halloween can be even better — especially when it’s dark and stormy. If you are planning on making a night of it this Halloween, we’ve got you. Settle in with some Halloween crafts, play some festive games, make some spooky sweets then watch these not-so-scary Halloween movies for kids and families.

In case you find yourself entertaining tweens or teens this Halloween, I’ve rounded up a few extra spooky movies (nothing rated higher than PG-13) for the brave crowd looking for a scare without a ton of violence or gore.  

View all of our picks or jump straight to the age range of your choice: 

• Preschool viewers, not a scare in sight (rated G)
• Younger kids, starting to get a little bit spooky (rated up to PG)
• Tweens and teens looking for a scare (rated up to PG-13)

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2020, and was most recently updated on Oct. 1, 2025, by associate editor Kari Hanson. New movies for each category were added and all existing information was thoroughly fact-checked.

Halloween movies for preschoolers

“Toy Story of Terror”

All your favorite toys head out on a road trip which quickly takes a turn! Mr. Potato Head goes missing, and the gang must find him before they suffer the same fate. 
Stream on Disney+, rated TV-G

“If You Give a Mouse a Pumpkin”

Mouse and his friends figure out their Halloween costumes (while occasionally bursting into song) and head out for some trick-or-treating in this sweet cartoon based on the beloved books by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond. After Mouse is given a pumpkin, the adventures begin, including dancing ghosts and even fireworks. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated TV-Y

“Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats”

Mickey Mouse and friends trick-or-treat at spooky witch Hazel’s house and she casts a Halloween spell on them that changes them into their costumes. The gang must work (and sing and dance) together to turn Hazel into a friend and have a happy Halloween after all. 
Stream on Disney+, rated TV-Y7

“Sing: Thriller”

Only have a few minutes? Want something that will get you singing and dancing? This new musical short from Illumination Studios is your answer! After staging a spectacular version of “Thriller” at the New Moon Theatre, Buster Moon and the cast of “Sing” leave to celebrate at a Halloween party. But when they arrive they discover a mysterious, multicolored ooze has transformed everyone into dancing freaks. 
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-Y

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”

Would it even be Halloween without watching this classic at least once? “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is the perfect family Halloween movie that everyone will love. Your kids will adore these cute characters as they trick-or-treat, bob for apples and more. 
Stream on Apple TV+, rated TV-G

“Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest”

For your family’s littlest kids, “Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest” has all the best parts of the Halloween season without any of the scares. The Boo Fest features falling leaves, a costume contest and a haunted house. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated G

“The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist”

The bad guys are the star of the show in this one. In this Halloween-themed episode, the Bad Guys crew embarks on a Halloween heist to steal a priceless amulet from a spooky mansion. As they navigate spooky challenges and unexpected twists, they discover that the real fright may come from within their own team. 
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-Y

“Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie”

Go on a spirited romp through the Hundred Acre Woods in this Halloween movie for kids featuring your favorite forest dwellers. Themes of friendship, bravery and teamwork weave it all together, with a bit of Halloween candy thrown in for good measure. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated G

“Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”

With homages to the classic horror movies “Wolfman” and “Frankenstein,” this claymation classic follows Wallace and Gromit on their quest to stop the Were-Rabbit from wreaking havoc on the town. With plenty of gag humor and age-appropriate scares, your kids will be sure to love this stop-motion kids Halloween movie. Note: Sensitive kids might find some sequences scary. 
Stream on Apple TV, rated G

Up next: Movies for younger kids

Halloween movies for younger kids

“Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island”

In this ‘90s animated movie, the gang reunites in Louisiana after Daphne sets out to find real supernatural creatures. They soon discover that the island’s zombies are not people in costumes but actual undead beings tied to a curse! They must work together to survive the frightening mystery, proving this time the monsters are real. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated G

“Scaredy Cats”

If you are looking for witches and magic without anything scary, this is your answer. On her 12th birthday, Willa Ward receives a gift that unlocks the world of witchcraft as she discovers that she is a witch too. Willa and her friends can shape-shift into cats and are soon on the run to protect their amulet from some other witches who are up to no good. 
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-G

“The Spooky Tale of Captain Underpants Hack-a-ween”

When Melvin tries to cancel Halloween and make it illegal, Harold and George create their own spooky holiday with the help of Captain Underpants. This show has all the silliness you’d expect, a Halloween theme and none of the scares. 
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-Y7

“A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting”

Some babysitters will make you macaroni and cheese and send you to bed. These babysitters fight monsters. Using all kinds of cool gadgets, the team works together to save kids who have been kidnapped by monsters, all before their parents come home, of course. 
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-PG

“Nightbooks”

Alex finds himself trapped in an apartment by a young, scary witch. He must write a scary story every night, or stay trapped with his new friend (who is also trapped by the witch) forever. This exciting fantasy thriller has some scary images and might be a bit much for sensitive, younger viewers. 
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-PG

“Hotel Transylvania”

The “Hotel Transylvania” movies are great, but the first will always be the best kids Halloween movie in the series. In this 2012 debut, high-end resort owner Dracula becomes overprotective of his daughter when a human boy discovers the resort and begins falling for Dracula’s daughter. When you finish this one, you’ve got three more to watch. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Halloweentown”

When it comes to kids Halloween movies, this Disney cult classic has been a viewing staple since 1998. “Halloweentown” is a great flick that will spark imagination in kids and rekindle nostalgic flames for older teens and young parents. 
Stream on Disney+, rated TV-PG

“The Nightmare Before Christmas”

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a great pick for families with older kids and teens. The film stars involve spooky creatures that might scare kids — it is Tim Burton, after all. While teens won’t find it scary, they will appreciate this nostalgic, entertaining classic. 
Stream on Disney+, rated PG

“Monster High 2”

This new Halloween movie recently made its debut on Paramount+. If your kids are fans of the first, they’ll love the sequel that brings back Clawdeen, Draculaura and Frankie as they deal with new powers, new friends and more world-changing challenges than any teen should have to face. 
Stream on Paramount+, rated TV-G

“Coco”

Add some cultural resonance to your Halloween movie night with “Coco,” Disney Pixar’s vibrant tale that explores Day of the Dead traditions and the meaning of family. True to most Pixar films, “Coco” has sad and poignant moments, but the themes are powerful and uplifting. 
Stream on Disney+, rated PG

“Hocus Pocus”

Is it even Halloween without at least one viewing of “Hocus Pocus”? It might be more “silly” than “spooky” (with plot holes and predictability), but “Hocus Pocus” is pure Halloween-themed entertainment. Recommended for tweens, teens and adults alike. And when you’re done with the first, head straight into a “Hocus Pocus 2” family watch party; part of the new Halloween movie repertoire for families. 
Stream on Disney+, rated PG

“Casper”

“Casper” is a goofy and entertaining classic Halloween movie with some “iffy language,” according to some parents. Still, with lessons of selflessness and a great cast, “Casper” makes for a fun Halloween movie for kids who don’t mind a few scares. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Coraline”

Written by master horror writer Neil Gaiman, “Coraline” is delightfully creepy, with deep underlying lessons of courage and appreciating what you have. Henry Selick, the same animation director of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” delivers stunning but chilling visuals. This movie gets pretty weird, so get ready!
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Corpse Bride”

If your kids love the creepy-weird vision of Tim Burton, “Corpse Bride” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” make the perfect double feature. “Corpse Bride” isn’t scary beyond the fact that the characters are dead — expect to see a lot of skeletons, decay and eyeballs that pop out. As with many Tim Burton films, the cast includes the voices of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Frankenweenie”

Speaking of Tim Burton, here is another of his creepy-weird classics! This movie follows young Victor Frankenstein, who brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life after a tragic accident. However, when his experiment inadvertently unleashes chaos in his town, Victor must confront the consequences of playing with life and death. This stop-motion film is black and white and was nominated for several awards (including an Oscar). 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“ParaNorman”

Norman seems like an average kid, with one exception — he can see and speak to ghosts, making him an outcast in his town. When a zombie uprising threatens the community, Norman must embrace his unique abilities to save the day. This movie is made using stop-motion, and if you stick around after the credits there is a short fast-motion scene showing how Norman was created (it’s really cool). While this movie is animated, it gets pretty intense toward the end with some scary imagery and might be a bit too much for younger viewers. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

Up next: Movies for tween and teens

Halloween movies for tweens and teens

“Beetlejuice” and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”

A recently deceased couple hires an eccentric spirit named Beetlejuice to scare away the new family living in their home. Their plan backfires when Beetlejuice’s chaotic tricks spiral out of control in this 1980s classic.

In the 2024 sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Lydia Deetz and her family return home after a death in the family reopens the portal to the afterlife. When Beetlejuice is summoned again, get ready for more chaos.
Stream “Beetlejuice” (rated PG) on Amazon Prime Video, and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (rated PG-13) on HBO Max

“The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror”

There are currently 35 “Treehouse of Horror” episodes, the first of which aired in 1990. Each contains several short segments that are parodies of horror films. In true Simpsons style, the writing is hilarious and clever, and each episode will leave you laughing out loud. 
Stream on Disney+, rated TV-14 or TV-PG

“Ghostbusters”

There’s something strange, in the neighborhood. Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! Battle the supernatural in this classic with a team of scientists who lose their jobs at a university and decide to become “ghostbusters” (a natural career shift, of course). This movie isn’t exactly about Halloween, but it has enough ghosts and spooky stuff to make it an annual October must-watch since its release in 1984. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Goosebumps”

Inspired by R.L. Stine’s bestselling books, this series follows a group of five high schoolers as they embark on a journey to investigate the tragic death three decades earlier of a teen named Harold Biddle — while also discovering dark secrets from their parents’ past. Get ready for lots of jump scares, laughs and a possessed teacher. 
Stream on Disney+, rated TV-14

“Poltergeist”

This supernatural horror film follows the terrifying experiences of the Freeling family when their home is invaded by evil spirits who abduct their youngest daughter, Carol Anne. As they seek help to rescue her, they uncover the dark history of their suburban neighborhood and confront supernatural forces that threaten their lives. Believe it or not, this movie is only rated PG! 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG 

“The Birds”

Ready to introduce Alfred Hitchcock to your kids? This is a great place to start. A flock of birds starts attacking townspeople in this 1963 classic horror film. While the special effects clearly look dated, the movie builds suspense through sudden, relentless bird attacks and the eerie unpredictability of nature turning hostile. Many people still find it unsettling today because the attacks are unexplained, leaving the fear unresolved. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

“Mr. Harrigan’s Phone”

A young boy named Craig befriends an elderly man, Mr. Harrigan, who leaves him a mysterious mobile phone after passing away. When Craig discovers he can communicate with Mr. Harrigan from beyond the grave, he unleashes a series of chilling events that blur the lines between life and death. 
Stream on Netflix, rated PG-13

“The Witches”

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, this movie tells the story of a boy named Luke who encounters a group of witches led by the Grand High Witch, who plots to turn children into mice. With the help of his grandmother, he must outsmart the witches and stop their evil plans before it’s too late. In this 1990 version, Anjelica Huston plays the Grand High Witch, and it just might be the best casting of all time. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Return to Oz”

We are certainly not in Kansas anymore. In this 1985 dark fantasy movie, Dorothy returns to the magical land of Oz to find it in ruins and under the rule of the evil Nome King and the super creepy Wheelers. Joined by new friends like Tick-Tock, a mechanical man, and Jack Pumpkinhead, she goes on a quest to restore Oz and save her friends from danger. This movie is pretty weird, and starts with Dorothy being locked in a terrifying psychiatric facility. Yikes! 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Troll”

In the beautiful hills of Norway, a sleeping monster lies. When the troll is accidentally awakened and heads to the city, chaos ensues as humans try and stop this ancient creature. This movie has a strong King Kong vibe, leaving you unsure who to root for — the humans, or the monster. 
Stream on Netflix, rated PG-13

“I Am Legend”

In this post-apocalyptic thriller, Will Smith plays a scientist named Robert Neville who is the lone survivor in New York City after a viral outbreak turned humanity into monstrous mutants. This movie has some great, intense scenes and scary mutant humans who never tire of growling and clawing at Robert and his dog. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, PG-13

“A Quiet Place”

Aliens have invaded Earth and only a few humans have survived. The aliens are blind, but have incredible hearing. As long as everyone stays silent, they are (relatively) safe. This movie is exciting with plenty of jump scares and creepy aliens without being overly violent. There is a sequel (A Quiet Place Part II) and a prequel (A Quiet Place: Day One) that are both fun and scary, but I recommend the original. 
Stream on Paramount+, rated PG-13

“Wendell & Wild”

In this animated movie, two scheming demon brothers enlist the help of a resourceful girl named Kat to escape from the underworld. Together, they navigate a fantastical world filled with challenges, discovering friendship and redemption along the way. 
Stream on Netflix, rated PG-13

“M3gan”

Maybe it’s because I remember seeing the box for the movie “Chucky” at the video store when I was little (yes, I am 100 years old), but there is something so creepy about a doll. This movie leans into the creepy doll vibe and tells the story of a brilliant roboticist who creates an artificial intelligence doll named M3gan designed to be a little girl’s best friend and protector. When the doll’s protective instincts turn deadly, she begins to eliminate perceived threats to her young owner, leading to chilling consequences. Check out “M3gan 2.0” for more killer robot adventure. 
Stream both on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

“Arachnophobia”

This movie centers on a small town that becomes infested with deadly spiders after a rare species is accidentally brought in by a photographer. As the spiders wreak havoc, local physician Dr. Ross Jennings must confront his severe fear of spiders to protect his community. Makes my skin crawl just thinking about it! 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

“The Ring”

This movie is not for the faint of heart! Journalist Rachel Keller investigates a mysterious videotape that supposedly causes anyone who watches it to die within seven days. As she digs deeper, she uncovers the tragic story of Samara, a girl with terrifying powers whose spirit is tied to the cursed tape. This movie is super creepy (there was a lot of screaming when my son and his friends watched this when they were 13), but if it’s a spooky Halloween you are looking for, it will deliver! 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

“Stranger Things”

If you are looking for something to watch with tweens and teens throughout the Halloween season and beyond, check out this show. When Mike and his friends meet a mysterious girl in the woods after their friend Will’s disappearance, they find themselves in the center of a supernatural battle. This popular show has plenty of laughs and heart, as well as monsters and an alternate dimension. What more could you want? The first part of the final season premieres Nov. 26, 2025, so start bingeing now to be prepared! Parents should know that this show gets a lot scarier with each season, so proceed with caution with younger viewers. 
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-14