Halloween is creeping around the corner like a ghost who forgot where it parked its haunted hearse. For kids, it’s all about costumes, candy, and just the right amount of spooky vibes—nothing too terrifying, unless you count the horror of finding a raisin in your trick-or-treat bag. To keep the Halloween spirit fun and frightfully light, here’s a list of the best Halloween movies for kids, packed with enough giggles, ghosts, and ghouls to keep everyone entertained without causing any nightmares (or parental meltdowns). Plus, we’ve added where you can stream or rent these spooky flicks, so you don’t have to haunt the internet looking for them.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, is basically the guy who tries to rebrand Christmas as “Spooky Christmas” and learns it’s not as easy as it looks. This Tim Burton classic is a stop-motion masterpiece with catchy tunes and just enough creepy-cute to make kids feel like they’re in on something edgy. It’s like if your kid’s favorite skeleton Halloween decoration decided to throw a holiday party. Perfect for ages 7 and up, but maybe skip it if your toddler still cries when the vacuum cleaner gets too close.
Stream It: Available on Disney+ or rent on Amazon Video.
2. Casper (1995)
Who knew a ghost could be such a sweetheart? Casper, the friendliest ghost in town, teams up with a human girl to prove that not all spirits are out to haunt your socks off. This live-action gem is packed with 90s nostalgia, a touch of heart, and just enough mild spookiness to keep things fun. Plus, it’s got a young Christina Ricci, who’s basically the queen of cool before Wednesday Addams was a thing. Great for kids 6+ who love a ghostly buddy comedy.
Stream It: Free with ads on Tubi or available on Prime Video.
3. Hocus Pocus (1993)
The Sanderson Sisters are the chaotic aunties you didn’t know you needed, brewing up trouble with their witchy antics in Salem. This Disney cult classic is a wild ride of goofy spells, talking cats, and a kid-friendly vibe that’s more silly than scary. It’s like if your Halloween decorations came to life and started singing about stealing your soul—but, you know, in a fun way. Best for kids 8+ who can handle a few mild scares and a whole lot of witchy cackling.
Stream It: Available on Disney+ or rent on Prime Video.
4. Coraline (2009)
Okay, this one’s a tad creepier, but in the best way possible. Coraline’s adventure into a seemingly perfect world with button-eyed doppelgängers is like a spooky fairy tale that teaches kids to appreciate their real (and slightly annoying) families. The stop-motion visuals are stunning, and the story is just weird enough to feel like a Halloween treat. Recommended for kids 9+ who like their scares with a side of “whoa, that’s cool.” Pro tip: Maybe don’t watch this one right before bed.
Stream It: Free on Tubi, available on Netflix, or coming to The Roku Channel on October 1st.
5. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Dracula running a hotel for monsters? Sign us up! This animated flick is a monster mash of laughs, with Adam Sandler voicing a dad-vamp who’s just trying to keep his daughter from dating a human. Spoiler: Humans aren’t that bad. It’s colorful, fast-paced, and packed with goofy monster humor that kids will eat up like candy corn. Perfect for ages 5+ and anyone who thinks Frankenstein doing karaoke is peak comedy.
Stream It: Free with ads on The Roku Channel or rent on Prime Video.
6. Monster House (2006)
A house that’s alive and hungry for trick-or-treaters? That’s the kind of Halloween chaos kids love. This animated adventure follows a group of friends trying to take down a creepy house that’s basically the neighborhood bully in architectural form. It’s got thrills, chills, and a surprising amount of heart, making it a great pick for kids 8+ who want a spooky story with a side of teamwork.
Stream It: Free on Tubi, available on Netflix, or rent on Amazon.
7. The Addams Family (1991)
Gomez, Morticia, and the gang are the ultimate spooky family who make weird look way cooler than normal. This live-action classic is full of quirky humor, from Uncle Fester’s lightbulb-in-the-mouth trick to Wednesday’s deadpan stare that could scare a ghost. It’s a great intro to the Addams Family for kids 7+ who’ll love the oddball antics and might even start snapping their fingers to that iconic theme song.
Stream It: Available on Paramount+ or rent on Prime Video.
Final Thoughts
These Halloween movies are like the perfect trick-or-treat haul: a mix of sweet, spooky, and just a little nutty. Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, fire up your favorite streaming service, and let your kids dive into these flicks for a Halloween that’s more fun than a barrel of zombie monkeys. Just maybe double-check the closet for monsters afterward—better safe than sorry! (And if your streaming app crashes mid-scare, blame it on the ghosts.)
