Spooky Season brings mischief, costumes and, of course, scary movies. If the kids in your life want to get in on the movie excitement but aren’t quite ready for adult-level scares, try out some of the movies listed here – guaranteed to be a little scary, but not too scary. And they’re fun for grown-up kids, too!

 

23. Goosebumps (2015)

Jack Black and Dylan Minnette in Goosebumps

Tomatometer: 78%
Audience Score: 62%

Starring: Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee
Directed By: Rob Letterman
 
Based on the popular book series by R.L. Stine, Goosebumps tells the story of a teenage boy named Zach who accidentally unleashes monsters from Stine’s books into the real world. Can Zach – aided by his new friend Hannah and her father, who just so happens to be R.L. Stine – capture the creatures before it’s too late? It’s a perfect balance of horror and humor. If you’re looking for a movie to introduce kids to the world of horror in a fun, lighthearted way, this is your movie.

Watch Goosebumps on Vudu

 

22. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Emily Browning, Liam Aiken and Jim Carrey in Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events

Tomatometer: 72%
Audience Score: 63%

Starring: Jim Carrey, Liam Aiken, Emily Browning, Kara Hoffman
Directed By: Brad Silberling

A trio of orphaned siblings try to evade and outsmart their evil relative Count Olaf, who’s after their inheritance. With its eerie atmosphere, dark humor and quirky characters, this is a fun film for both adults and kids.
 
 
 

21. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

Freddie Highmore in The Spiderwick Chronicles
 
Tomatometer: 81%
Audience Score: 63%
 
Starring: Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, Mary-Louise Parker, David Strathairn
Directed By: Mark Waters
 
The Spiderwick Chronicles follows the adventures of the three Grace siblings, who discover a hidden world of magical creatures. As they uncover the secrets of the Spiderwick estate, they must protected it from an evil ogre who wants to destroy it. This one can be a little bit on the scary side, but it never gets too dark. The stunning visuals and heartwarming story make this perfect for families that enjoy fantastical adventures.
 
 
 

20. Monster House (2006)

Monster House

Tomatometer: 75%
Audience Score: 64%

Starring: Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mitchel Musso, Spencer Locke
Directed By: Gil Kenan

Three kids discover that their neighbor’s house isn’t just an ordinary house: It’s alive, and it’s hungry! As the kids try to uncover the truth of what's going on and stop the house from terrorizing their neighbornood, they must also confront their own fears and trepidations about growing up. This spooky story reminds us that with good friends, you can stand up to anything.

Watch Monster House on Vudu

 

19. Twitches (2005)

Tomatometer Score: 60%
Audience Score: 65%

Starring: Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Tameria Mowry-Houseley, Kristen Wilson
Directed By: Stuart Gillard

Two young witches separated at birth reunite and discover their true powers. Unfortunately, they attract the attention of dark forces that threaten to destroy them and their family. Turning them back is going to take all the magic and sisterly love they can muster. With its mix of suspense, humor and magical elements, this film is a delight for all ages.

 

18. James and the Giant Peach (1996)

James and the Giant Peach

Tomatometer: 91%
Audience Score: 65%

Starring: Paul Terry, Joanna Lumley, Miriam Gargoyles, Richard Dreyfuss
Directed by: Henry Selick

Based on the classic Roald Dahl book, this stop-motion animated film follows young orphan James as he journeys inside a peach with his newfound insect friends. It’s just the beginning of a fantastic journey, one in which they will overcome obstacles, defeat an evil creature and find their place in the world.

Watch James and the Giant Peach on Vudu

 

17. The Addams Family (1991)

Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston in The Addams Family

Tomatometer: 67%
Audience Score: 66%

Starring: Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Hedaya
Directed By: Barry Sonnenfeld
 
This dark comedy introduces us to the eccentric, spooky Addams Family. When their long-lost Uncle Fester returns (or does he?) the family must adjust to his presence while fending off a team of schemers who are plotting to steal their land and their fortune. Its quirky humor and loveable characters have made The Addams Family a cult classic. Bonus: The iconic characters make for easy Halloween costumes! Also be sure to check out the 2019 animated The Addams Family, which is equally charming.
 



16. Frankenweenie (2012)

Frankenweenie

Tomatometer: 88%
Audience Score: 70%

Starring: Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan
Directed By: Tim Burton

Young Victor is devastated when his beloved dog dies in an accident, so he sets up a lab in his attic and brings the pup back to life. When the local kids catch on, they set about conducing their own experiments in electric resurrection, with disastrous results. Frankenweenie is Tim Burton’s stop-motion homage to classic horror films, but it’s not too scary for kids. 
 
 
 

15. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
 
Tomatometer: 88%
Audience Score: 71%
 
Starring: Eric Blore, J. Pat O'Malley, John McLeish, Colin Campbell
Directed By: Jack Kinney, Clyde Geronimi, James Algar
 
This classic Disney offering tells two separate stories based on literary works. The “Wind in the Willows” section follows Mr. Toad as he gets into all sorts of mischief, which shouldn’t be scary to most viewers. The second part is drawn from “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” featuring a superstitious schoolteacher who is trying to win the heart of a beautiful girl while dodging the infamous Headless Horseman. Some younger kids might find it a bit too spooky, but the timeless hand-drawn animation make it a must-watch for all generations. And, hey – it might even turn your kids on to some classic literature!
 
 
 

14. Hocus Pocus (1993)

Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker in Hocus Pocus
 
Tomatometer: 40%
Audience Score: 72%
 
Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz
Directed By: Kenny Ortega
 
In this beloved Halloween classic, three witch sisters are resurrected after 300 years and proceed to wreak havoc on a small town. It’s up to the local kids to keep the witches in check. It’s spooky, but never too spooky, and its humor and heartwarming message of family and friendship resonate with members of every generation. 
 
 
 

13. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Hotel Transylvania
 
Tomatometer: 45%
Audience Score: 72%
 
Starring: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James
Directed By: Genndy Tartakovsky
 
We might think of Count Dracula as a menacing movie figure – but in Hotel Transylvania, he’s a dad who runs a hotel where monsters and their families can vacation in peace. When a human boy stumbles upon the hotel, Dracula must do everything in his power to protect the human from the hotel guests. With its clever humor and surprisingly relatable characters, Hotel Transylvania is a fun watch for viewers of all ages at any time of year.
 
 
 

12. ParaNorman (2012)

ParaNorman

Tomatometer: 89%
Audience Score: 72%

Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck
Directed By: Chris Butler, Sam Fell
 
Norman is a young, misunderstood boy who can communicate with ghosts. With his town under threat from a witch’s curse, Norman needs to use his special ability to save the day, the town – and his friends. The movie combines spooky elements with humor and heart, and it has a great message about acceptance and standing up for what’s right.
 
 
 

11. Coraline (2009)

Coraline
 
Tomatometer: 90%
Audience Score: 74%
 
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French
Directed By: Henry Selick
 
A young girl opens a secret door in her new home that leads to a parallel version of her life. She enjoys visiting, but when the entity in charge of the other world doesn’t want to let her leave, Coraline is going to need every bit of her wits and bravery to set things right. The stop-motion animation is visually stunning, and the eerie atmosphere will keep viewers of all ages on trhe edge of their seats.
 
 
 
 

10. Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005)

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride

Tomatometer: 84%
Audience Score: 77%

Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman
Directed By: Tim Burton, Mike Johnson
 
Tim burton’s signature gothic style shines in this stop-motion film about a young man who finds himself caught between two worlds and two brides – one alive, one dead. It’s a macabre yet beautiful tale of love, and the stunning animation, catchy musical numbers and touching story add up to a movie that deserves a spot on your watch list.
 
 

9. Gremlins (1984)

Gremlins
 
Tomatometer: 86%
Audience Score: 78%
 
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Frances Lee McCain
Directed By: Joe Dante
 
A young man receives an adorable, if unusual, pet as a holiday gift. It comes with three instructions: Don’t expose it to bright light; don’t let it get wet; and never, ever feed it after midnight. The recipient soon finds out why, as the adorable critters turn into mischevious little monsters with a taste for chaos. If your Halloween movie lineup is full, hang on to this one for the holiday season.
 
 
 

8. Wallace and Gromit: The Cure of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Gromit and Wallace in Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Tomatometer: 95%
Audience Score: 79%

Starring: Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Peter Kay
Directed By: Nick Park, Steve Box
 
Wallace and Gromit’s first feature-length film offers a comedic spin on the horror genre as inventor Wallace and his trusty dog Gromit try to solve the mystery of a giant rabbit that’s been terrorizing their town’s vegetable gardens. With Wallace and Gromit’s trademark humor and charm, this movie is a perfect choice for kids who may be more sensitive to scary elements.
 
 
 

7. The Dark Crystal (1982)

The Dark Crystal
 
Tomatometer: 77%
Audience Score: 81%
 
Starring: John Baddeley, Stephen Garlick, David Buck, Barry Dennen
Directed By: Jim Henson, Frank Oz
 
The Dark Crystal is a fantasy-adventure film that follows the journey of a young Gelfling trying to save his world from the evil Skeksis. This movie features stunning puppetry and imaginative storytelling, taking us on an epic journey to a world filled with mystical creatures and ancient prophecies. It has some dark moments, but it also has themes of friendship, bravery and, above all, hope.
 
 
 

6. Beetlejuice (1988)

Beetlejuice
 
Tomatometer: 86%
Audience Score: 82%
 
Starring: Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones
Directed By: Tim Burton
 
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a quirky, funny film that follows a recently-deceased couple who try to scare away the new living family that’s moved into their house. The eccentric ghost Beetlejuice offer to help, but things quickly spiral hilariously out of control. With its oddball characters and zany plot, Beetlejuice is a fun ride for people of all ages. Much of the original cast and crew have reunited for a sequel that’s due out in 2024, and we can’t wait to see what they're up to!
 
 
 
 

5. Ghostbusters (1984)

Ghostbusters
 
Tomatometer: 95%
Audience Score: 88%
 
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver
Directed By: Ivan Reitman
 
This classic comedy-horror classic follows a group of paranormal investigators who start a business capturing New York City’s most troublesome ghosts. When an evil entity threatens New York City, the Ghostbusters get the call to stop it. The film’s hilarious dialogue, memorable characters and iconic theme song have made it a longtime fan favorite. Kids who enjoyed 2016’s Ghostbusters reboot or 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife will enjoy seeing where it all started.
 
 

4. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monsters, Inc

Tomatometer: 96%
Audience Score: 90%

Starring: John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi
Directed By: Pete Docter

 

For monsters Sulley and Mike, the routine of scaring children and harnessing their energy is just another day on the job. The monsters have been told that humans are toxic to them – but when a young girl is accidentally let into the monsters’ world, they discover that not only is she safe, but she carries an even greater source of energy: Laughter. Monsters, Inc. is a unique take on the horror genre, and the friendly monsters should appeal to kids of all ages.

Watch Monsters, Inc. on Vudu

 

3. The Goonies (1985)

The Goonies

Tomatometer: 77%
Audience Score: 91%

Starring: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton, Ke Huy Quan
Directed By: Richard Donner

A group of misfit kids discover an old map that points them to a pirate’s treasure – which just might be valuable enough to help them save their homes from being demolished! Surviving the treasure hunt is going to take wits, bravery and teamwork. It’s a thrilling adventure for kids and adults alike.

Watch The Goonies on Vudu

 

2. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Jack Skellington in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tomatometer: 95%
Audience Score: 91%

Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Directed By: Henry Selick
 
Tim Burton’s whimsical stop-motion style is on full display in this beloved gem. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and decides that the holiday can use some improvement. Jack’s plan to take over Christmas and enter the real world goes awry, putting both Santa Claus and his love Sally in danger. Can they work together to save both Halloween and Christmas. The Nightmare Before Christmas is packed with catchy songs and memorable characters, and it works equally well for Halloween and Christmas-themed movie nights.
 
 
 

1. Miyazaki's Spirited Away (2001)

Spirited Away
 
Tomatometer: 96%
Audience Score: 96%
 
Starring: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Jason Marsden, Susan Egan
Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki
 
In this animated tale, a young girl enters a spirit world and must navigate strange creatures and daunting, sometimes frightening challenges in order to save her parents. With its gorgeous animation, rich storytelling and heartwarming messages about love, friendship and growing up, it’s not an exaggeration to call Spirited Away one of the best animated movies of all time. This Japanese-language film is available both dubbed in English and in Japanese with English subtitles, so you can choose whichever one is best suited to your young viewers.
 
 
 
 

The Final Word

 

The best horror movies for kids provide just the right amount of chills and thrills while imparting important messages about friendship, family and overcoming fears. And they’re entertaining, too! So gather your family and get ready for spooky adventures. Happy watching!