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Classic Halloween Movies You Can Watch with the Whole Family


spooktastic halloween movies

Ahh, Halloween – the first in the holy trinity of Fall/Winter holidays (the others being Thanksgiving and Christmas). Whether you have children or simply can’t stomach horror films, you don’t have to miss out. We’ve compiled a list of amazing Halloween movies that are perfect for families!

Halloween is that special time of year when we get to dress up in our favorite costumes, load up on our favorite candy, and when being scared is not only expected but encouraged!

However, there’s a time and a place for everything, and sometimes the thrills and chills of festively frightful flicks are simply too much to swallow for younger audiences.

Still, that doesn’t mean you and your loved ones can’t enjoy a wide array of Halloween entertainment together this year. Check out these great movies, perfect for a spooky night's viewing.

  1. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

    Directors: Steve Box, Nick Park

    Cast: Peter Sallis, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes

    10 years after their previous adventure, the classic claymation pair of the good-natured Wallace and his loyal, anthropomorphic dog Gromit were reunited on the big screen in 2005’s Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

    This time, though, it isn’t an evil penguin or a rogue pair of mechanical trousers that’s causing the headaches, but rather a giant were-rabbit that threatens to sabotage the village’s annual giant vegetable-growing contest.

    This feature-length film packs all of the charm of the original Wallace & Gromit shorts, with plenty of humor, sci-fi references, and of course, the stunning stop-motion clay-animation we all know and love.

    If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Pixar suddenly became very, very British, this is it.

  2. Frankenweenie

    Director: Tim Burton

    Cast: Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short

    This decidedly Tim Burton film tells the heartwarming tale of a young boy named Victor, who uses the power of science to resurrect his beloved, recently deceased dog Sparky.

    The amount of heart that’s packed into the narrative is rivaled only by Frankenweenie's aesthetic, which consists of a classic black-and-white palette and gorgeous 3D stop-motion animation that helps bring this spellbinding story to life.

    While fans of Burton will certainly appreciate the director’s unmistakable visual style, it’s the homages to classic horror/sci-fi films, the dynamic characters, and the engaging plot that will keep the entire family entertained. 

    Read More: The Best Tim Burton Movies to Watch This Halloween

  3. Corpse Bride

    Directors: Tim Burton, Mike Johnson

    Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson

    The second (and not the last) Tim Burton stop-motion animated feature to make the list is the 2005 dark comedy Corpse Bride, which sees a shy groom lead a deceased woman to believe they’re betrothed after he inadvertently practices his wedding vows in her presence.

    Featuring Burton’s usual partners-in-crime Johnny Depp and Danny Elfman, this film delivers everything you’d expect from the man who gave us The Nightmare Before Christmas, from an enchanting and imaginative story to a stunning and memorable aesthetic (though co-director and animator Mike Johnson certainly had a hand to play in this).

    While it’s hardly Burton’s best work, Corpse Bride is an undeniable crowd-pleaser that captivates viewers both young and old.

  4. Hotel Transylvania

    Director: Genndy Tartakovsky

    Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Andy Samberg, David Spade, Steve Buscemi, Fran Drescher

    Say what you will about Adam Sandler and his posse’s live-action movies, but Hotel Transylvania offers a much-welcomed spooky surprise that hits especially hard with younger audiences looking to venture into the world of frightening feature films.

    Director Genndy Tartakovsky flips the script on the classic Dracula lore, presenting Bram Stoker’s iconic Count as the proprietor of a high-end resort, hidden from humans, which he uses as a safe-haven to raise his beloved daughter.

    Admittedly, this Sony film doesn’t elicit the same type of emotional response as Pixar’s offerings, but nevertheless, the rapid-fire jokes and swift pace make Hotel Transylvania a perfect Halloween treat for the family to enjoy.

  5. Ghostbusters

    Director: Ivan Reitman

    Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Harold Ramis

    The original 1984 Ghostbusters is an infectiously fun blend of special effects and comedy that follows three former parapsychology professors who set up shop as a unique ghost removal service.

    Not only is Ghostbusters funny, but it also manages to include some truly scary scenes – and not just lose-your-popcorn moments like the fridge from Hell, but also scenes of quiet, thoughtful chill, like Egon's retelling of how the possessed apartment building came to be, or Winston recalling the Book of Revelation.

    While you might want to exercise caution when it comes to younger viewers, Ghostbusters is, by all means, a genuine classic that everyone should experience at some point.

  6. Casper

    Director: Brad Silberling

    Cast: Bill Pullman, Christina Ricci, Cathy Moriarty

    The first – and arguably the best – feature-length film in the friendly ghost franchise features a beautiful blend of live-action and computer animation, marking a giant leap forward in the world of CGI.

    However, technical achievements aside, Casper shines brightest thanks to the heartfelt tale of the lovable ghost who befriends the daughter of a paranormal investigator.

    The plot isn’t particularly deep, but there are certainly moments that will have you reaching for a tissue, and while there are a few instances of colorful language, viewers of nearly any age will easily find something to love about this movie.

  7. Beetlejuice

    Director: Tim Burton

    Cast: Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder

    Despite the star power of Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder, it’s Michael Keaton who steals the show in Beetlejuice thanks to his sensational performance as the film’s eponymous obnoxious ghost, who aides a deceased couple in ridding their former home of some insufferable yuppies.

    It’s a kooky, dark comedy that perfectly encapsulates not only Tim Burton’s style, but much of late ‘80s cinema, with plenty of surreal imagery and zany sight-gags.

    Even the paranormal/occult subject matter, while central to the plot, is played primarily for laughs, so even though most would stop short of calling Beetlejuice a “family” movie, it’s still suitable for just about everyone.

  8. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

    Director: Bill Melendez

    Cast: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Sally Dryer

    While technically not a movie, this Halloween classic is an absolute must-watch, regardless of age!

    The Peanuts gang is all geared up for Halloween, but instead of trick-or-treating, Linus opts to wait patiently in a pumpkin patch for the arrival of the fabled Great Pumpkin.

    It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is quintessential feel-good Halloween entertainment that never fails to put a smile on viewer’s faces, and for that reason alone, this Peanuts TV special manages to secure a spot on this list.

  9. The Nightmare Before Christmas

    Director: Henry Selick

    Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara

    While Tim Burton generally gets most of the credit, his writing would have fallen upon deaf ears without director Henry Selick’s management of The Nightmare Before Christmas’ brilliantly spooky aesthetic and charming voice cast.

    The film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of the titular Halloweentown, who becomes obsessed with Christmas and decides to hijack the holiday.

    Targeted towards children, this is a film that has just as much appeal for older viewers, with memorable and enchanting musical numbers fueled by passion and emotion.

    True, it doesn’t have the same narrative fuel and graceful lyrics to match Disney’s best animated musicals, but nevertheless, it certainly comes close.

  10. Hocus Pocus

    Director: Kenny Ortega

    Cast: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy

    Traditional Halloween viewing in many households, Hocus Pocus is the story of a transplanted Californian teen who unwittingly resurrects three witches who were executed 300 years earlier during the Salem Witch Trials, putting himself, his sister, his crush, and an immortal cat in grave danger.

    Few movies manage to better capture the spirit of Halloween, from the costumes to the trick-or-treating to the family-friendly fright.

    What’s more, the film boasts some impressive star power, with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy filling the roles of the terrifying trio.

    Fun, charming, and spooky, but never scary, Hocus Pocus is a modern Halloween classic that’s fully deserving of its cult-like following.

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