Slightly Spooky Halloween Movies for Kids

Looking for a sorta scary, but not nightmare-inducing scary movie to get into the Halloween spirit? We’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find recommendations from the tamest of the tame to the just a little creepy. Perfect for snuggling in and getting ready for Halloween.

Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie. Winnie the Pooh and his friends learn about working together and the meaning of Halloween in this movie about friendship and teamwork. Be forewarned there are some scares—the tree of terror is pretty scary, and there are some bats and crows and a wheelbarrow full of jack-o-lanters that seem to momentarily come to life. So this one may not be best for sensitive or younger kids.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween! A music-filled romp filled with lots of laughs and very few scares. The Cat in the Hat takes Nick and Sally into the Ooky-ma-kooky closet to look for the best Halloween costumes ever. Along the way, the kids learn about confronting their fears and learning to conquer them. “Take charge and fix it!”

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. A seasonal classic! Made in 1966 but still just as wonderful today, the movie hits all the high points of the fall season: pumpkin carving, football, leaf piles and all. Nothing scary here, but a bit of a mystery as we wait to see whether the Great Pumpkin will appear.

Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest. This is not as mild as most Curious George shows, so parents beware—if your child is very young or sensitive it may not be the best choice. The plot centers around George getting ready for the town Boo Fest. But when he hears about the Legend of No Noggin, a headless scarecrow who tries to kick hats from people’s heads, he gets scared and curious. Mystery and adventure ensues.   

Hoops & Yoyo’s Haunted Halloween. This exuberant Hallmark animated duo can’t wait for Halloween. But they waited until the last minute to shop for their costumes, which leads to them getting locked into the mall overnight on Halloween. Soon they find themselves being followed by some scary mysterious beings. Some potty language and spooky music.

Shaun the Sheep Little Sheep of Horrors. Trademark Shaun the Sheep hilarity with a slightly spooky twist. The DVD features six Claymation shorts. No talking in any, but still totally engaging and hilarious for kids and grownups alike. Nothing too scary here, and great for all ages.

Eloise’s Rawther Unusual Halloween. The premise of this one is a bit scary, and not suitable for very young or sensitive kids. The movie opens with a character’s death in a horse and carriage wreck (though it’s not graphic) and also features scary sounds, ghosts, and some overall creepy stuff. In the movie, Eloise of Eloise at the Plaza encounters the ghost of Diamond Jim at the Plaza Hotel. But nobody believes her sighting. Can she solve the mystery of the hotel haunting?

Have older kids who may be ready for something a little spookier? Check out these more-than-slightly spooky favorites:

  • Halloweentown
  • Casper the Friendly Ghost
  • Goosebumps 1 & 2
  • Hotel Transylvania 1, 2 & 3
  • ParaNorman
  • Coraline
  • Nightmare Before Christmas & Corpse Bride
  • Beetlejuice
  • Hocus Pocus
  • The Witches
  • Harry Potter Series
  • Ghostbusters

Featured image courtesy Prostock-Studio

Ali Wilkinson
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