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Halloween Horror Movies

100 Best Halloween Movies for All Ages [kids, teens, & adults]

Halloween is a favorite holiday for kids of all ages (including spooky kids at heart), and Halloween movies are one of the best ways to get into a spooky mood. Picking Halloween movies for kids can also be a little [treat or] tricky because you need to make sure you choose the appropriate level of spookiness for your kid’s age.

Fear not! That’s why we’re putting together this list of 100 great Halloween movies for the whole family, organized by the best movies for each age group. There are many Halloween movies here that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and a few that you’ll want to limit to the older horror fans of your household.

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Horror movies vs. Halloween movies

Even the R-rated movies on this list were chosen based on what we think you might enjoy watching with your family members… if you’re sorta like the Addams Family.

We steer-clear of movies like Saw, Hostel, or other horror films like that. This is a Halloween movie list, not a horror movie list. Most of the movies here can be enjoyed by the whole family, kids included. The stories are also often set on or around Halloween!

Basically, these movies are here to get you hyped for Spooky Season, not to scar you for life. Still, use caution when selecting something from the PG-13 and R-rated picks.

Follow the spooky movie board on Pinterest!

Scary movies Pinterest board

To be as accurate as possible, we’re going by the standards of the Motion Picture Association. You’re probably familiar with their rating system, but just as a reminder, it goes as follows:

G – General admittance, appropriate for all ages.

PG – Parental guidance suggested, may not be great for young children, use your discretion. For this post, we’ll be using ages 8 and up as a guide for these movies.

PG-13 – Parental guidance strongly suggested, may not be appropriate for kids under 13.

R – Restricted, requires an accompanying parent or guardian for kids 17 and under. Most actual horror movies fall into this category.

NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted. We’re not going to be including any movies in this category on this post.

Halloween movies for kids of all ages (G-Rated)

1. It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

A Halloween special of the comic-turned tv show, Peanuts. Originally airing in 1966! You can get the movie on DVD, but it can be hard to find it on streaming platforms. You can also get the PUMPKIN-SHAPED vinyl record if that’s your jam. If Halloween is your favorite holiday, how can it not be, really?

2. Toy Story of Terror!

The famous Toy Story group takes a spooky trip and must unravel the mysterious disappearances of their friends.

3. The Halloween Tree (not rated)

An animated movie based on the 1972 Ray Bradbury book by the same name. It entertains and educates on the history of Halloween’s spookiest traditions.

4. Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie

A Halloween adventure in the Hundred Acre Wood! Also, it just happens to be the last Pooh movie produced by Disney Toon Studio before it’s closure.

5. Under Wraps!

Originally made in 1997, the story of three teenagers who set out to help a mummy find his way home before the clock runs out, Disney is currently remaking the film!

6. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

A combination of two classics – The Adventures of Mr. Toad and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, combined into one Halloween-worthy set.

https://youtu.be/w0320rCzp8s

7. Bedknobs and Broomsticks

A movie that combines magic and history into a fantastical journey. A witch takes on three children who have been displaced by the London Blitz and they soon find themselves using magic to fight against actual Nazis. No joke.

https://youtu.be/BimkGVzKqhU

8. Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Stop-motion animation meets the classic characters Wallace and his trusty dog Gromit, meets a… were-rabbit? Just go with it.

9. Spooky Buddies

A haunted mansion, a villainous warlock, and lots of adorable puppies. The perfect kid-friendly Halloween flick.

10. Mickey’s House of Villains

If you ever watched Disney Channel’s House of Mouse animated show, you’ll want to check out this great Halloween episode! It features classic Disney Halloween stories and some new animated shorts!

11. Tower of Terror (Not Rated)

Maybe you’ve ridden the famous Disneyland ride of the same name, but have you watched the movie? This 90s recreation of the classic follows a journalist and his crew as they investigate the mysterious disappearances of several people from an old hotel.

12. Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman

The classic cartoon takes a spooky turn when the famous chipmunks think their neighbor might be… A WEREWOLF!

13. Alvin & The Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein 

A silly-spooky tale of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster meeting The Chipmunks.

14. Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! 

A Halloween Scooby movie mystery for the whole family.

15. Spookley: The Square Pumpkin

Spookley is a little different than the other pumpkins – he’s square! Even though he’s teased by some of the other pumpkins, he finds friendship in this Halloween adventure.

Halloween Movies for Kids 8+ (PG)

These Halloween movies are still kid-friendly, but might have moments that are bit much for the youngest in the house. There might be scenes and characters that are a little bit too scary for some, humor that’s a little edgier, and themes that are a little beyond what young kids can grasp.

16. The Witches (1990)

The classic witchy movie about a boy that finds out the hard way that there are real witches staying at his hotel – and they DO NOT like children.

17. The Witches (2020)

A new take on the original 1990 movie. The new witches are actually a little creepier than the old ones, so beware, small children!

18. Coraline

A young girl is stuck in her new home, ignored by her parents and left to explore on her own. She just happens to find a whole new home… and new wonderful parents.

Everything might not be as magical as it seems…

19. The Little Vampire

A boy makes a new friend who’s a little different than anyone he’s known before – a vampire. Together they embark on an adventure to grant the little vampire and his family their humanity again.

20. Monster House

A group of friends discover that the creepy house in their neighborhood is actually alive. And might eat them.

21. Goosebumps

Based on the works of R.L. Stine, this movie brings the Goosebumps series to life. Literally.

22. Frankenweenie

Animated to look like a classic black and white horror film, this movie follows a young boy and his attempt to bring his beloved pet back from the dead.

23. Corpse Bride

Tim Burton’s now-famous movie about a young man who is put in the precarious position of choosing between a bride from the underworld and the woman he was meant to marry back with the living.

24. Paranorman

A misfit boy who can see the dead has to save his town from an ancient curse as the dead start to rise from their graves.

25. Coco

A celebration of Dia de los Muertos, this movie follows a boy who wants to become a musician and ends up finding his way to the land of the dead where his musical idol resides, meeting his ancestors along the way.

26. Nightmare Before Christmas

Maybe Tim Burton’s most famous work, Nightmare Before Christmas takes you to the place where Halloween is made and the creatures that bring it to life. When The Pumpkin King, Jack, discovers Christmas Town, they’re all in over their heads.

27. Ghostbusters

The famous classic movie starring Bill Murry. A group of ghost exterminators face their biggest job ever.

28. Casper

A ghost therapist and his daughter are in over their heads when they find a house with three troublesome spirits. Soon, though the daughter finds another spirit and friend, Casper.

29. Casper Meets Wendy

Casper finds his friend, a little witch in red, Wendy! The friends from the cartoon version of Casper are brought to life with the help of a young Hilary Duff in this family Halloween movie from the 90s.

30. Sabrina The Teenage Witch

Sabrina discovers that she’s a witch, just like her aunts who raised her, and her parents. As she learns to use her new-found powers, she has to learn that there may be consequences to witchcraft.

31. Open Season: Scared Silly

Elliot and Boog are back! Unfortunately so is the hunter, Shaw. The community thinks there might be a real, life werewolf in the woods, so hunting season is back on and the forest creatures need to find a way to stop it.

32. Gremlins

Careful what you pick at the pet store. This Halloween classic stars a bunch of cuddly creatures that can turn pretty creepy if you don’t follow the instructions.

33. Hocus Pocus

Maybe the most epic Halloween movie of all time? At least in the top 3, especially for family-friendly Halloween movies. This classic tale of the Sanderson Sisters, witches revived by a non-believer lighting the famed black candle. The sisters are on a mission to steal the youth from the children of the town of Salem.

34. The Addams Family (Animated)

The Addams Family needs no introduction, but the original movie might be more appropriate for slightly older kids, while this animated version is great for the younger ones. It is still PG, not G, so use caution with the youngest in your crowd.

35. Something Wicked This Way Comes

A traveling circus with a dark secret. This 80s classic based on the book by Ray Bradbury is wonderfully creepy. It may be a bit much for younger viewers, even though it’s a Disney movie!

36. Into The Woods

A musical menagerie, this movie combines many of the beloved Grimms Fairytale classics into one fantastical experience. The woods may be dark but the characters bring humor to this twisted tale.

37. Hotel Transylvania

A new Halloween family classic. Hotel Transylvania is about the infamous Dracula, but instead of being a monstrous villain, he’s just a dad trying to keep his family safe.

38. Hotel Transylvania 2

The sequel to Hotel Translyvania is just as entertaining as the first. Dracula’s daughter has started a family of her own, and while she and her hubby are away, Drac gets a real taste for his responsibilities as a grandpa.

39. The Boy Who Cried Werewolf

A family discovers that they’ve inherited a castle in the spooky land of Transylvania. Turns out, Dracula isn’t the problem.

40. Scooby-Doo: The Movie

The classic cartoon jumps into real-life with this live-action version of Scooby-Doo, including the whole gang and their famous van.

41. Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

The sequel to the first live-action Scooby-movie. The gang is back for more mystery and more monsters.

42. Willow

Although not strictly a Halloween movie, Willow includes so much of the spooky and magical that it’s sure to help get everyone in the Halloween mood. An epic story of Willow, an unassuming father and husband who suddenly finds himself looking after a baby that is being taught after by, well… everyone.

43. Halloweentown

The first in the famous series of Halloweentown movies. Three siblings discover that their grandmother lives in Halloweentown and is a witch! Soon they find out just how much magic runs through their veins as they fight together to battle a dark force that threatens the peaceful Halloweentown and their family.

44. Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge 

45. Halloweentown High 

46. Return to Halloweentown 

47. Beetlejuice

A couple that wants to rid their house of haunting decides to take a chance on a very special ghost – Beetlejuice.

48. Haunted Mansion

An unwitting real estate agent brings his family to an old mansion that may or may not be haunted. Eddie Murphey brings lots of laughs to life in this Halloween Disney movie.

49. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

The first in the Harry Potter series based on the books by J.k. Rowling. Harry Potter is a boy who has never truly accepted by his guardians but soon finds that he has a special place waiting for him at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

50. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

51. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Halloween movies for older kids (PG-13)

These movies are for the older kids and teenagers in the house that can handle more serious themes, stories, and scenes. This might mean some language, violence, and romantic scenes that might not be the best choice for kids under 13.

52. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

53. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

54. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (technically PG)

55. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

56. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

57. Dark Shadows

A vampire (played by Johnny Depp) is revived and dropped into the world of the 1970s. Spooky hilarity ensues.

58. The Monster Squad

A group of childhood friends and monster-maniacs works together to save their town from some of the most famous monsters in horror history.

59. High Spirits

What happens when you try to attract business by telling people your hotel is haunted? Well… you might just attract some hauntings.

60. The Adams Family

The 1990s hit movie about the spooky family that lives down the street. A classic Halloween movie by any standard!

61. Disturbia

Not a Halloween movie, per se, but a very entertaining and satisfying spooky story. A young man who has been put under house arrest begins to suspect his next-door neighbor is up to something sinister.

62. Dracula Untold

The tale of Dracula in a way you’ve never seen it. A ruler desperate to save his people from destruction, Vlad takes on the power of an ancient curse… and the rest is history.

63. Practical Magic

Two sisters bonded by magic who can never have their happily ever after, no matter how close they might get, because of a family curse.

64. Death Becomes Her

It’s always a shame when friendships fall apart… but in this case, two women find a magical way to stay in each other’s lives. Forever.

65. Hubie Halloween

Will anyone listen when the well-meaning Hubie, who spends each Halloweens on self-imposed neighborhood watch, starts to notice that there might be actual monsters in his town?

66. Victor Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein and his newly-rescued apprentice work together to create the most amazing scientific discovery the world has ever seen – the real ability to raise the dead. As you might guess, things get dark.

67. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Even as a PG-13 movie, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark requires some caution for young teens. A great Halloween movie, the monsters in this movie, based on the terrifying children’s book series, are not for the easily spooked.

68. Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween 

If you’re a fan of the hilarious Madea movies by Tyler Perry, then you’ll want to add this to your watchlist.

69. Tyler Perry’s Boo 2! A Madea Halloween 

The 2nd hilarious Halloween movie featuring Tyler Perry’s Madea.

70. The Final Girls 

Step inside a campy 80s horror movie with a group of friends who must try to survive with their horror trope trivia.

71. The Craft: Legacy

A remark and retelling of the cult classic, The Craft. A group of high school girls discover their witchy abilities and all the trouble and triumph that comes with them.

72. Little Evil (TV-MA)

A new stepfather starts to believe his stepson might actually be The Devil.

73. Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant 

A normal teenager decides to become a vampire and join a circus of real-life “freaks.”

74. Little Shop of Horrors

This famous musical comedy follows a florist who is forced to find people to feed to a bloodthirsty plant.

75. Odd Thomas

A boy with clairvoyant abilities is drawn into a fight against dark forces. This movie is a fun and surprisingly emotional rollercoaster.

Halloween movies for older teens and adults (R-rated)

Here we have the scariest of the Halloween movies on this list. Many of these can be classified as true horror movies, so watcher beware! There may be strong language, sexual situations, and scares that are way too much for younger viewers, or those that do not enjoy horror movies.

76. Sleepy Hollow

One of the most popular Halloween movies ever, this is the story of The Headless Horseman told with the help of director, Tim Burton.

77. The Craft

A group of high school girls lean into witchcraft and everything they can do with it. But with great power, comes great responsibility, and in this spiral into darkness, they have to learn that the hard way.

78. Idle Hands

A high schooler who spends most of his time stoned and hanging out in front of the TV with his friends finds out just how hazardous idle hands can be. The night of the Halloween dance has him running scared, trying to kill his own evil hand before it kills someone else.

79. Queen of the Damned 

Based on the famous book series, The Queen of the Damned movie features the rock and roll star, who also happens to be a vampire, Lestat, and his search for meaning in an endless life.

80. Fright Night (1985)

A cult Halloween classic with some of the silliest (or scariest) vampires you’ve ever seen. This 80s hit is a must for your horror movie marathons.

81. Fright Night (2011)

The cult-classic reimagined in the modern day with one [scary] hot vampire, a regular high school boy who tries to stop him, and an obnoxious Las Vegas magician who might have the key to saving them all.

82. Trick r’ Treat

Possibly the most quintessential Halloween movie to ever grace our screens. Trick r’ Treat treats us to a night of spooktacular tales that all intertwine with each other. Perfect for Halloween, but it is definitely a horror movie, so beware!

83. Cabin in the Woods

A fresh take on all your favorite horror movie tropes with a heavy dash of humor and a heaping of gross gore.

84. Zombieland

This zombie movie blew us all away when it first came out. It’s hilarious and brutally gutsy (pun-intended) and a wild, entertaining ride for anyone who isn’t squeamish.

85. Zombieland: Double Tap

This hilarious follow-up to the original does not disappoint. Follow the crew through Zombieland as they discover that the zombies might be… evolving?

86. Jennifer’s Body

Two very different high school friends find their friendship on the rocks when one of them becomes a vampire and starts killing people.

87. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

This will never not be one of the most bizarre, and weirdly well-done movies to ever get made. If you like vampire movies, be sure to watch this one!

88. Fear Street Part One: 1994 

The Fear Street trilogy takes many of your most beloved horror movie tropes and stories and mashes them together in this gory group of vintage-ish horror movies.

https://youtu.be/clZK2PqLWpI

89. Fear Street Part Two: 1978 

90. Fear Street Part Three: 1666 

91. Tucker & Dale vs Evil

One of the absolute funniest horror movie parodies you’ll ever watch. Two guy friends that are just trying to enjoy some time in the woods are mistaken for killers by a group of chaotic teenagers.

92. Horns

This is quite a dark horror/mystery, so keep that in mind if you choose to watch it with any younger viewers. Although not gory, it deals with some heavy subjects but does it in an exceptionally entertaining story.

93. Freaky

Take the classic ‘Freaky Friday’, wrap it in blood and murder, and you have the entertaining, funny, and gruesome Freaky.

94. Doctor Sleep

Doctor Sleep is the follow-up to Stephen King’s classic, The Shining. Even if you didn’t watch or read the original, you’ll still enjoy this dark thriller.

95. The Guest

A mysterious stranger may have something to do with a series of Spooky Season (aka Halloween) deaths in a small town.

96. IT

Based on Stephen King’s famous book, this remake of the original is scarier, gorier, and much more satisfying to the modern horror movie fan. They also really lean into some of the disturbing bits of the book, so be careful who you watch IT with.

97. IT: Chapter 2

Possibly even better than the first movie, It: Chapter 2 sees the gang return to the place that started it all. They’re adults, but their childhood fears are still there, lurking in the shadows.

98. You’re Next

A family gathering turns into a nightmare as people in animal masks break in and begin to attack. This movie is a slasher, but with a great twist.

99. What We Do In The Shadows

A documentary team follows a group of vampire roommates as they go about their daily lives as the undead.

100. Werewolves Within

A mild-mannered forest ranger suddenly finds himself at the center of a hunt for the truth when a small town is terrorized by a killer… who may or may not be human.