10 Spooky (But Not Too Scary) Halloween Movies for Kids

Casper

For ages 8 and older

"Casper" is a goofy and entertaining classic 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 tweens.

Coraline

For ages 9 and older

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. 

Corpse Bride

For ages 10 and older

If your tweens 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.

Hocus Pocus

For ages 10 and older

Is it Halloween without "Hocus Pocus"? It might be more “silly” than “spooky” (with plot holes and predictability), but "Hocus Pocus" is pure Halloween-themed fun. Recommended for tweens, teens and adults alike. 

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in October 2020, and updated in October 2022.