As the spooky season approaches, families are on the hunt for the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix. The streaming giant offers a treasure trove of family-friendly Halloween films for the perfect family movie night for October 31st that strike the perfect balance between fun and fright. From classic tales to modern adventures, these movies provide an ideal way to celebrate the holiday without giving the little ones nightmares.

Netflix’s collection of kids’ Halloween movies caters to various tastes and age groups, especially younger children who want to join in on the spooky season but aren’t quite ready for the big scars of mainstream horror movies. Whether you’re planning a Halloween movie marathon or just looking for a cosy night in, there’s something for everyone. This list explores ten top family Halloween movies that families can enjoy together, featuring beloved characters, magical stories, and just the right amount of spookiness to get everyone in the Halloween spirit.

1. The Witches (1990)

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel, “The Witches” (1990), the original film has become a cult classic among the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix. This dark fantasy film offers a perfect blend of spooky thrills and family-friendly entertainment, making it an ideal choice for a Halloween movie marathon.

The Witches plot overview

The story follows Luke, a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches while on holiday with his grandmother. He discovers their sinister plan to turn all children in England into mice using a magical potion. When Luke falls victim to their scheme, he must use his wit and courage to thwart the witches’ evil plot and save the children of England.

The Witches child-friendly scares

While “The Witches” has its share of frightening moments, it strikes a balance between scary and fun. The film’s visual effects, created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, bring the witches to life in a terrifying and captivating way. The transformation scenes, where children turn into mice, are particularly memorable and may cause a few jumps but are ultimately more thrilling than traumatising.

The Witches memorable characters

At the heart of this Halloween film for kids is a cast of unforgettable characters. Anjelica Huston’s portrayal of the Grand High Witch is nothing short of iconic. Her performance is deliciously wicked, with a blend of glamour and grotesquerie that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. The relationship between Luke and his grandmother adds warmth and heart to the story, providing a comforting counterbalance to the more frightening elements.

“The Witches” has earned its place among the top Halloween movies for families. Its blend of humour, horror, and heart makes it a standout choice for those seeking scary movies for kids that won’t give them nightmares. With its imaginative storytelling and impressive practical effects, this film continues to enchant new generations of viewers, making it a must-watch for any family-friendly Halloween celebration.

2. Dreamworks Spooky Stories

Dreamworks Spooky Stories offers a unique twist on family-friendly Halloween entertainment. This anthology series brings together beloved characters from popular franchises like Shrek and Monsters vs. Aliens in a collection of chilling tales perfect for a Halloween movie marathon. The format allows for a variety of spooky stories, each with its own flavour of fright and fun.

Dreamworks Spooky Stories favourite characters

Fans of Dreamworks animations will be delighted to see familiar faces in these Halloween-themed adventures. Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots return for some spine-tingling fun, while the Monsters vs. Aliens crew, including B.O.B., take on their own eerie escapades. These characters bring their signature humour and charm to the spooky scenarios, making the stories both entertaining and comforting for young viewers.

Dreamworks Spooky Stories Halloween themes

The anthology explores various Halloween themes, from classic monster tales to alien invasions. One standout story, “Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space,” sees the Monsters vs. Aliens team investigating strange occurrences in Susan’s hometown. This leads directly into “Night of the Living Carrots,” where zombified vegetables cause chaos. These interconnected stories add depth to the Halloween experience, creating a rich, spooky world for kids to enjoy.

The collection also includes clever parodies of horror classics, such as “The Bride of Gingy,” a Frankenstein-inspired tale featuring the beloved Gingerbread Man. These spoofs introduce children to iconic horror themes in a gentle, humorous way, making Dreamworks Spooky Stories an ideal choice for families looking for the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix.

With its mix of familiar characters, Halloween themes, and family-friendly scares, Dreamworks Spooky Stories has earned its place among the top Halloween movies for families. It strikes a perfect balance between spooky and fun, offering just the right amount of fright for young viewers while keeping parents entertained with clever references and humour.

3. Casper

Casper, the 1995 American supernatural fantasy comedy, has become a staple among the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix. Based on the beloved Harvey Comics character, this film brings the friendly ghost to life in a heartwarming tale that’s perfect for a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon.

The story follows Dr James Harvey, a paranormal therapist, and his daughter Kat played by Christina Ricci as they move into  a new house aka the haunted Whipstaff Manor. Here, they encounter Casper, a young ghost eager for companionship, and his mischievous uncles. As Kat and Casper develop an unlikely friendship, the film explores themes of loss, friendship, and the power of kindness in this delightful and ending spooky movie.

Casper’s family-friendly humour

While tackling serious subjects, Casper maintains a light-hearted tone with its family-friendly humour. The antics of Casper’s uncles – Stretch, Stinky, and Fatso – provide plenty of laughs for viewers of all ages. Their interactions with Dr Harvey and attempts to scare away intruders create amusing scenarios that balance the film’s more emotional moments.

The movie also features clever wordplay and visual gags that appeal to both children and adults. From Casper’s innocent quips to the slapstick comedy involving the villainous Carrigan Crittenden and her bumbling sidekick Dibs, there’s humour to suit every taste.

Casper’s heartwarming messages

At its core, Casper delivers powerful messages about friendship, sacrifice, and the importance of family. The film doesn’t shy away from discussing death, presenting it in a way that’s accessible and comforting to young viewers. Casper’s backstory, revealing how he became a ghost, adds depth to his character and teaches children about empathy and compassion.

The relationship between Kat and her father, as they both cope with the loss of Kat’s mother, provides a touching subplot that resonates with audiences. The film’s exploration of grief and the process of moving on is handled with sensitivity, making it a valuable tool for families to discuss these difficult topics.

4. A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting

This family-friendly Halloween film follows Kelly Ferguson, a high school student who finds herself thrust into a world of monster hunting when the Boogeyman kidnaps her young charge. As Kelly embarks on a thrilling adventure to rescue Jacob, she joins forces with Liz Lerue, a member of a secret society of babysitters dedicated to protecting children from supernatural threats.

The story unfolds on Halloween night, blending elements of fantasy, comedy, and mild scares. Kelly and Liz must navigate through abandoned parks, underground lairs, and even a high school party in their quest to save Jacob before his mother returns home. Along the way, they encounter various monsters, including the Grand Guignol and his minions, the Toadies.

A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting empowering themes

This Halloween film for kids emphasises themes of courage, teamwork, and self-discovery. Kelly, initially insecure and dubbed ‘Monster Girl’ by her peers, gains confidence through her friendship with the bold Liz and their heroic adventures. The movie showcases the importance of facing one’s fears and the power of working together to overcome challenges.

The secret society of Babysitters, composed of teenagers from diverse backgrounds, highlights the value of unique skills and perspectives in problem-solving. This aspect of the film makes it an excellent choice for families looking for top Halloween movies that promote positive messages.

A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting monster designs

The film features a range of imaginative monster designs that strike a balance between spooky and family-friendly. The Grand Guignol, portrayed by Tom Felton, is particularly noteworthy with his creepy appearance, including a pronged tail, elongated limbs, and scarred facial features. While menacing, his character also has moments of goofiness, making him less terrifying for younger viewers.

Other monsters, such as the Toadies and a tentacle ‘shadow monster’, add to the Halloween atmosphere without being too frightening. The creature designs contribute to the film’s appeal as one of the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix, offering just the right amount of spookiness for a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon.

5. Goosebumps

Goosebumps, based on R.L. Stine’s beloved children’s horror novels, have become a staple among the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix. The 2015 film adaptation brings Stine’s imaginative world to life, offering a perfect blend of spooky thrills and family-friendly entertainment. Jack Black stars as a fictionalised version of R.L. Stine, adding a touch of humour to the eerie atmosphere.

Goosebumps eerie but not too frightening content

The film strikes a delicate balance between scary and fun, making it an ideal choice for a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon. While it features an array of monsters and creatures from Stine’s books, the focus is more on action and adventure than pure horror. This approach ensures that younger viewers can enjoy the excitement without being overwhelmed by fear.

Goosebumps nostalgic appeal for parents

The film offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane for parents who grew up reading the Goosebumps series. The movie cleverly incorporates various monsters and storylines from the books, creating a rich tapestry of references that will delight long-time fans. This nostalgic element, combined with its appeal to younger audiences, makes Goosebumps a top Halloween movie for families to enjoy together.

The film’s plot, which sees Stine’s creations coming to life and wreaking havoc, provides ample opportunity for both scares and laughs. It harks back to a time when horror fans simply loved monsters and took pride in not being afraid of them. This approach allows viewers to make their own connections with the creatures they encounter, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for those familiar with the source material.

6. Corpse Bride

Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride stands out as one of the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix, showcasing the magic of stop-motion animation. This painstaking technique brings the film’s Victorian-era setting to life with incredible detail. The puppets, ranging from 12 to 18 inches tall, are meticulously crafted and animated frame by frame, creating a unique visual experience that’s perfect for a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon.

Corpse Bride’s gothic romance

The film tells the story of Victor Van Dort, voiced by Johnny Depp, who accidentally finds himself married to a corpse bride. This darkly comedic tale explores themes of love, death, and self-discovery, making it an ideal choice for families looking for top Halloween movies with depth. The contrast between the drab world of the living and the colourful, musical land of the dead adds to the film’s gothic charm.

Corpse Bride’s catchy musical numbers

One of the highlights of this Halloween film for kids is its memorable soundtrack. Danny Elfman’s score and songs play a crucial role in setting the tone and propelling the narrative. Standout tracks like “Remains of the Day” and “Tears to Shed” blend contrasting emotions, mirroring the film’s mix of humour and melancholy. These catchy tunes add an extra layer of enjoyment to the scary movies for kids’ experience, making Corpse Bride a must-watch for any family Halloween celebration.

The film’s unique blend of spooky elements and heartwarming moments makes it an excellent choice for families seeking Halloween movies that strike the right balance between fun and fright. With its stunning visuals, engaging story, and unforgettable music, Corpse Bride has earned its place among the top Halloween movies for families on Netflix.

7. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Wallace and Gromit’s claymation charm

This stop-motion animated film stands out as one of the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix, showcasing the magic of claymation. The painstaking technique brings the Victorian-era setting to life with incredible detail. Puppets ranging from 12 to 18 inches tall are meticulously crafted and animated frame by frame, creating a unique visual experience that’s perfect for a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon.

Wallace and Gromit’s clever humour

The entire movie is a long series of sight gags, silent snarking, and puns that will keep both children and adults entertained. One of the funniest moments comes from the intro where a captured rabbit displays a huge grin, revealing it had managed to catch Mr. Mulch’s teeth in a scuffle. The film is filled with clever wordplay and visual jokes that add an extra layer of enjoyment for those familiar with the Wallace and Gromit franchise.

Wallace and Gromit’s Halloween-themed adventure

The story follows Wallace and Gromit as they set out to discover what’s behind the garden sabotage plaguing their village and the annual giant vegetable growing contest. As the event draws near, Wallace creates the Mind Manipulation-O-Matic machine to brainwash rabbits and remove their appetite for vegetables. However, things take a spooky turn when a giant Were-rabbit appears, causing chaos in the town.

This Halloween film for kids strikes a perfect balance between scary and fun, making it an ideal choice for families seeking top Halloween movies that won’t give children nightmares. With its unique blend of humour, adventure, and mild scares, “Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” has earned its place among the best Halloween family-friendly Netflix movies for kids on Netflix.

8. Hotel Transylvania

Hotel Transylvania brings together a star-studded cast of classic monsters, making it one of the best Halloween animated movies for kids on Netflix. Count Dracula, voiced by Adam Sandler, takes centre stage as the overprotective father of Mavis (Selena Gomez). The hotel’s guests include a who’s who of monster royalty: Frankenstein (Kevin James), Wayne the Werewolf (Steve Buscemi), Gryphon the Invisible Man (David Spade), and Murray the Mummy (CeeLo Green). This ensemble perfectly blends spooky and silly characters for a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon.

Hotel Transylvania’s family-friendly jokes

The film is packed with humour that appeals to both children and adults, making it a top Halloween movie for families. One recurring gag involves Wayne, the werewolf father, and his struggles with his numerous pups. From the moment they enter the hotel, the wolf pups cause chaos, chewing on everything and everyone. This relatable parenting humour adds an extra layer of enjoyment for adults watching alongside their children.

Hotel Transylvania’s Halloween atmosphere

While maintaining a light-hearted tone, Hotel Transylvania creates a Halloween-themed atmosphere perfect for young viewers. The film’s setting, a lavish five-stake resort hidden from the human world, provides a safe haven for monsters to relax and be themselves. This unique backdrop allows for creative visual gags and monster-themed jokes that contribute to the overall spooky ambience without being too frightening for kids.

The movie strikes a balance between Halloween thrills and family-friendly entertainment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking scary movies for kids that won’t give them nightmares. With its blend of monster lore, clever humour, and heartwarming moments, Hotel Transylvania has earned its place among the top Halloween movies for families on Netflix.

9. All Hallows’ Eve

All Hallows’ Eve presents a unique twist on family-friendly Halloween entertainment. This anthology film brings together a collection of spooky tales, perfect for a Halloween movie marathon. The format allows for a variety of chilling stories, each with its own flavour of fright and fun, making it an ideal choice for families looking for the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix.

The film’s structure revolves around a babysitter and two children discovering an unmarked VHS tape in one trick-or-treat bag. As they watch the tape, they’re drawn into a series of gruesome tales, all linked by a sinister clown named Art. This format perfectly balances scary and entertaining elements, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

All Hallows’ Eve’s Halloween traditions

All Hallows’ Eve cleverly incorporates various Halloween traditions into its narrative. The film begins with the familiar scene of children returning from trick-or-treating, setting the stage for a night of spooky fun. The use of a mysterious VHS tape as a storytelling device harks back to the tradition of sharing scary stories on Halloween night.

The anthology format allows the film to explore different aspects of Halloween lore, from creepy clowns to alien encounters. Each segment brings a unique perspective on the holiday, offering a fresh take on classic Halloween themes.

All Hallows’ Eve’s mild scares for older kids

While All Hallows’ Eve is marketed as one of the top Halloween movies for families, it’s important to note that it may be more suitable for older children. The film strikes a balance between fun and fright, offering just enough scares to thrill without causing nightmares.

The presence of Art the Clown, a recurring character throughout the anthology, adds an element of creepy continuity. His appearances are unsettling yet not overly graphic, making him a memorable Halloween villain for young viewers. The film’s mix of suspense, mild horror, and dark humour makes it an excellent choice for families seeking scary movies for kids that won’t be too intense.

10. Nine Lives

In this family-friendly Halloween film, Kevin Spacey plays Tom Brand, a workaholic businessman who finds himself magically transformed into a cat named Mr. Fuzzypants. This unexpected twist occurs when Tom visits a mysterious pet shop owned by Christopher Walken’s character, Felix Perkins. The transformation serves as a catalyst for Tom to reevaluate his priorities and reconnect with his family.

Nine Lives’ family-oriented storyline

The film centres around Tom’s journey as he navigates life as a feline while trying to mend his relationships with his wife Lara (Jennifer Garner) and children David and Rebecca. As Mr. Fuzzypants, Tom gains a new perspective on his family’s struggles and the impact of his absence. This unique premise offers a blend of humour and heartwarming moments, making it an ideal choice for a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon.

Nine Lives’ Halloween-adjacent themes

While not strictly a Halloween movie, “Nine Lives” incorporates elements that align with the spooky season. The magical transformation, the mysterious pet shop owner, and the race against time to break the spell all contribute to a light-hearted, supernatural atmosphere. These themes and the film’s focus on family bonds and personal growth make it a suitable addition to a list of top Halloween movies for families looking for less scary options on Netflix.

The film’s mix of fantasy, comedy, and heartfelt moments provides a unique twist on the traditional Halloween fare, offering a gentler alternative for those seeking Halloween movies for kids that won’t give them nightmares.

Conclusion

To wrap up, this collection of Halloween movies for kids on Netflix offers a perfect blend of spooky fun and family-friendly entertainment. From classic tales like “The Witches” to modern adventures like “A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting,” there’s something to suit every taste and age group. These films strike a balance between thrills and laughs, making them ideal for a cosy Halloween movie night.

Whether you’re in the mood for stop-motion magic with “Corpse Bride” or animated hilarity with “Hotel Transylvania,” these movies have an influence on creating lasting Halloween memories. They provide a chance to enjoy the spirit of the season by telling a scary story or two aimed at little kids without giving little ones nightmares. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to embark on a Halloween fun adventure with these fantastic family films.

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