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

“Scaredy Cats”

If you are looking for witches and magic without anything scary, this is your answer. On her 12th birthday, Willa Ward received a gift that unlocked 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, and 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 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 Hulu, 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’s startles 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

“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. 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 and prove his worth to those who doubted him. 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. 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

“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

Up next: Movies for tween and teens