Halloween is just around the corner, bringing the promise of pumpkin carving, ghostly tales, eerie costumes, and the cherished tradition of trick-or-treating. After all the excitement, there’s no better way for the family to wind down than with a spooky movie night.

To assist you in selecting the perfect film, we’ve curated a list of the finest Halloween movies suitable for all ages. While some may offer a few chills and thrills, rest assured that all of them are rated PG or U, making them appropriate for every member of the family.

Our selection includes a mix of timeless classics like ‘Jurassic Park,’ beloved favorites such as ‘Ghostbusters,’ and animated adventures like ‘Monster House.’ There’s something here for everyone, ensuring that you won’t need to worry about stocking up on snacks after a night of trick-or-treating.

Here’s a quick look at the best family-friendly Halloween films:

Rated U:

• Monsters Inc.
• Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
• Room on the Broom

Rated PG:

• Hocus Pocus 2
• Monster House
• The Addams Family
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
• The Haunted Mansion
• Bedknobs and Broomsticks
• Nightmare Before Christmas

Monsters Inc.

While ‘Monsters Inc.’ might not be your initial Halloween movie choice, the lovable giants at the center of this film have become a beloved family favorite. The age-old childhood fear of monsters lurking under the bed is playfully explored in this heartwarming Halloween treat. Join Mike and Sullivan as they navigate the world of scaring and come to the aid of a child who unexpectedly ventures into the monster realm.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 4 and up

Runtime: 1 hour and 32 minutes

Where to Watch: You can catch ‘Monsters Inc.’ on Disney Plus for some Halloween fun.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit 

In this timeless Aardman Animation masterpiece, we join Wallace and his faithful canine companion, Gromit, on their inaugural big-screen adventure. The story revolves around this endearing duo as they embark on a mission to unravel the mystery behind garden sabotage while fulfilling their roles as pest controllers. Prepare for uproarious chases, comical mishaps, and, of course, plenty of cheese.

Age Recommendation: Perfect for ages 4 and up

Runtime: 1 hour and 34 minutes

Where to Watch: You can enjoy ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ on Netflix.

Room on the Broom

This delightful animated movie is an ideal Halloween treat for young ones. Crafted by the same studio that brought us the beloved family classic, ‘The Gruffalo,’ this film follows a gentle witch who extends an unexpected invitation to a charming array of animals to join her on her broomstick, much to the chagrin of her feline companion. It weaves a magical tale celebrating the significance of friendship and the rewards of kindness.

Age Recommendation: Perfect for ages 4 and up

Runtime: A brief and captivating 25 minutes

Where to Watch: You can stream ‘Room on the Broom’ on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

Hocus Pocus 2

In the continuation of the beloved 1993 classic, ‘Hocus Pocus 2′ transports us back to the bewitched town of Salem, Massachusetts. The film commences by delving into the origin tale of the Sanderson Sisters, tracing their roots as young witches in the seventeenth century. It then seamlessly transitions to the present day, where the mischievous trio returns to sow chaos on the spookiest night of the year, All Hallows’ Eve. The incorporation of the sisters’ backstory not only enriches the sequel but also allows kids to relish the film as a standalone experience, even if they haven’t seen the original (which is also available for streaming on Disney Plus). This makes it a fantastic choice for family viewing.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 8 and up

Runtime: A thrilling 1 hour and 43 minutes

Where to Watch: ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ is available for streaming exclusively on Disney Plus.

Monster House

Monster House offers fantastic entertainment for the entire family, centering around three kids who make a spine-tingling discovery: their neighbor’s house is haunted. With Halloween on the horizon, they must embark on a mission to vanquish the malevolent abode before it devours unsuspecting trick-or-treaters. This film carries a PG rating and delivers a few hair-raising jump scares.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 8 and up

Runtime: An engaging 1 hour and 31 minutes

Where to Watch: ‘Monster House’ is available for streaming on Netflix.

The Addams Family

If you believe your family is peculiar, you haven’t met the Addams family. This quirky clan will have you in fits of laughter, but be forewarned – their unforgettable theme tune might have your kids (and you!) humming it for days after Halloween. The tale revolves around this eerie family’s escapades as they strive to outsmart a cunning con artist. While there are a few scenes featuring violence and innuendo, it’s best suited for older preteens.

Age Recommendation: Appropriate for ages 8 and up

Runtime: A captivating 1 hour and 39 minutes

Where to Watch: ‘The Addams Family’ can be streamed on Paramount Plus, and you also have the option to add it to your Amazon Prime Video account.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

As the inaugural installment in the Harry Potter series, this film serves as an enchanting gateway into the world of wizardry. Harry, Ron, and Hermione take center stage as they embark on their journey into the mystical realm of Hogwarts, where they receive their first taste of spellbinding adventures. During their initial semester, they confront a troll, a three-headed dog, and a teacher harboring a dark secret. This movie is a brilliant (and not overly frightening) choice for Halloween.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 8 and up

Runtime: A captivating 2 hours and 32 minutes

Where to Watch: ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ is available for streaming on Netflix.

The Haunted Mansion

In yet another exciting family escapade, ‘The Haunted Mansion’ recounts the story of a family embarking on a vacation to a (as you might have guessed) haunted mansion. Once there, they find themselves beset by mischievous ghosts, and it’s a collective effort to rescue one another. Eddie Murphy adds his comedic charm to the cast, making this Halloween comedy a timeless choice. It offers the classic storyline of a family inheriting a haunted house, but with a delightful dose of humor for the kids.

Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 8 and up

Runtime: An entertaining 1 hour and 39 minutes

Where to Watch: You can stream ‘The Haunted Mansion’ on Disney Plus.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks 

This classic film is the perfect pick for young families, and despite being almost 55 years old, it hasn’t lost any of its enchantment. If you’re looking for a dose of wizards, witches, and yes, even flying beds, without the spooky elements, then the 1971 Disney gem is a fantastic Halloween choice. Set against the backdrop of wartime, the story revolves around an aspiring witch who’s mastering witchcraft to aid England’s war effort. There’s an enchanted bed that magically takes them to an animated world – it all comes together in a charming and delightful way in the movie.

Age Recommendation: Ideal for ages 8 and up

Runtime: A magical 2 hours and 19 minutes

Where to Watch: ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ is available for streaming on Disney Plus.

Nightmare Before Christmas

Whether you believe it’s better suited for Christmas or Halloween, there’s no disputing that Tim Burton’s 1993 stop-motion masterpiece is an undeniable classic. It unfolds the tale of a pumpkin king who grows weary of frightening folks during Halloween and decides to embark on an audacious mission to abduct Santa Claus instead. While this movie boasts some eerie visuals, it’s perhaps more suitable for older children.

Age Recommendation: Recommended for ages 8 and up

Runtime: A captivating 1 hour and 16 minutes

Where to Watch: You can stream ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ on Disney Plus.

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