articles

Best Family Halloween Movies By Age: Creating Spooky Memories For All!

By Anu Kapur, Publisher, Lower Manhattan Macaroni KID & Upper West Side Macaroni KID October 18, 2023

   Halloween is a time for families to come together and enjoy some quality time, and what better way to do that than with a spooky movie night? Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly Halloween movies suitable for every age group. In this article, we will guide you through the best Halloween movies for different age brackets, ensuring a frightfully fun time for the whole family!

Toddler and Preschool (Ages 2-5)

1. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

This classic animated film follows Charlie Brown and his friends as they celebrate Halloween. With its lovable characters and gentle humor, it's a perfect choice for the little ones.

2. Casper

Who can resist the friendly ghost? "Casper" is a heartwarming movie about a young girl who befriends Casper and tries to help him find peace. It's a delightful mix of comedy and spookiness that toddlers and preschoolers will adore.


Elementary School (Ages 6-10)

1. Hocus Pocus

A Halloween movie must-watch, "Hocus Pocus" tells the story of three resurrected witches who aim to steal the souls of children. It's a comedy-fantasy film that blends humor, adventure, and a little bit of spookiness, making it perfect for elementary school kids.

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas

This Tim Burton masterpiece combines the magic of Halloween and Christmas, following Jack Skellington's journey to bring Christmas to Halloween Town. With its dazzling animation and catchy songs, it's a must-see for kids of all ages.


Tween and Teen (Ages 11-17)

1. Beetlejuice

Directed by Tim Burton, "Beetlejuice" is a dark comedy that revolves around a recently deceased couple who hire a mischievous ghost to remove the obnoxious new tenants from their home. It's a quirky and entertaining film with just the right amount of spookiness for tweens and teens.

2. Coraline

Based on Neil Gaiman's novel, "Coraline" is a stop-motion animation film that takes viewers on a thrilling, yet eerie adventure. It tells the story of a young girl who discovers a parallel world where everything seems perfect, but not everything is as it seems. It's a visually stunning movie that will captivate older kids and teens.


Family Favorites (All Ages)

1. Coco

"Coco" is a heartwarming Pixar film that celebrates the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead. It follows a young boy named Miguel, who embarks on a journey in the Land of the Dead to uncover his family's ancestral secrets. With its beautiful animation and touching story, "Coco" is a movie that the whole family can enjoy.

2. Monster House

"Monster House" is an animated horror-comedy that revolves around three kids who discover that their neighbor's house is alive and eating people. With its suspenseful storyline and a touch of humor, it's a thrilling adventure for the whole family.


   No matter the age group, there are plenty of Halloween movies that cater to the entire family. From friendly ghosts to thrilling adventures, these films provide the perfect entertainment for spooky nights. So gather the family, grab some popcorn, and create lasting memories with these fantastic Halloween movie choices!

Note: All movie suggestions are subject to personal discretion, and it's always recommended to preview the content to ensure it aligns with your family's values and individual sensitivities.

This article was first published on Macaroni KID Lower Manhattan.