16 Family Halloween Movies That Won't Scare the Kids (2026)
Find family-friendly streamers for October, from Hocus Pocus and Casper to Coraline, Hotel Transylvania, and more spooky picks for movie night.
If you want the best family movies to stream this October, this list brings together spooky fun, warm-hearted animation, and a little fantasy for every age range. You’ll find familiar picks like Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Casper, and Hotel Transylvania, plus slightly darker choices such as Coraline, Monster House, and ParaNorman. For families who like comedy with their magic, The Addams Family, Addams Family Values, and Ernest Scared Stupid keep things playful. If animation is the priority, titles like Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, and Goosebumps add even more variety without leaving the family lane.
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01
Hocus Pocus
comedy · family · fantasy
After 300 years of slumber, three sister witches are accidentally resurrected in Salem on Halloween night, and it is up to three kids and their newfound feline friend to put an end to the witches' reign of terror once and for all.
Why watch: If you enjoy Halloween-flavored comedy and fantasy, Hocus Pocus is a natural fit. Its mix of three witches, three kids, and a Salem setting makes it a fun seasonal pick for families.
Directed by Kenny OrtegaCast Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora BirchDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
02
The Nightmare Before Christmas
1 Oscar nomination
animation · adventure · family · fantasy · musical
Tired of scaring humans every October 31 with the same old bag of tricks, Jack Skellington, the spindly king of Halloween Town, kidnaps Santa Claus and plans to deliver shrunken heads and other ghoulish gifts to children on Christmas morning. But as Christmas approaches, Jack's rag-doll girlfriend, Sally, tries to foil his misguided plans.
Why watch: If you like animated fantasy with a musical twist, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a strong choice. It blends Halloween and Christmas themes, so it works well for families who want something playful and a little offbeat.
Directed by Henry SelickCast Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn ShadixDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
Corpse Bride
1 Oscar nomination
animation · comedy · drama · fantasy · kids & family · romance
In a 19th-century European village, a young man about to be married is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious corpse bride, while his real bride waits bereft in the land of the living.
Why watch: If your group likes animated stories with romance, drama, and fantasy, Corpse Bride may be the right pick. It leans a bit moodier than some other family options, which can appeal to viewers who want something stylish and slightly spooky.
Directed by Tim Burton, Mike JohnsonCast Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, Paul WhitehouseMaxMore details on IMDb → -
04
The Addams Family
1 Oscar nomination
comedy · fantasy
When a man claiming to be long-lost Uncle Fester reappears after 25 years lost, the family plans a celebration to wake the dead. But the kids barely have time to warm up the electric chair before Morticia begins to suspect Fester is fraud when he can't recall any of the details of Fester's life.
Why watch: If you prefer comedy with a strange family dynamic, The Addams Family fits that mood well. Its fantasy angle and mischievous premise make it a good option for viewers who enjoy dark humor without heavier scares.
Directed by Barry SonnenfeldCast Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Hedaya, Elizabeth WilsonParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
Addams Family Values
1 Oscar nomination
comedy · fantasy
Siblings Wednesday and Pugsley Addams will stop at nothing to get rid of Pubert, the new baby boy adored by parents Gomez and Morticia. Things go from bad to worse when the new "black widow" nanny, Debbie Jellinsky, launches her plan to add Fester to her collection of dead husbands.
Why watch: If you want more of the same oddball humor, Addams Family Values keeps the fantasy-comedy tone going. It should suit families looking for a sequel with the same mischievous energy.
Directed by Barry SonnenfeldCast Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Joan Cusack, Christina RicciParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
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06
Casper
comedy · family · fantasy
Casper is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey arrives to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat. Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated not only by his transparent state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics.
Why watch: If you want a gentler ghost story, Casper is an easy family pick. Its comedy and fantasy mix makes it a friendly choice for viewers who want something light rather than intense.
Directed by Rob Letterman, Brad SilberlingCast Chauncey Leopardi, Spencer Vrooman, Malachi Pearson, Cathy Moriarty, Eric IdleHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
07
Coraline
1 Oscar nomination
animation · drama · family · fantasy
Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.
Why watch: If you like animated fantasy that also feels a little eerie, Coraline is worth a look. Its family and drama elements make it a good match for older kids and teens who can handle a darker story.
Directed by Henry SelickCast Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith DavidHuluPeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
08
Monster House
1 Oscar nomination
animation · comedy · family · mystery
Monsters under the bed are scary enough, but what happens when an entire house is out to get you? Three teens aim to find out when they go up against a decrepit neighboring home and unlock its frightening secrets.
Why watch: If mystery and animation sound like a good combo, Monster House could be the one to choose. It’s a solid fit for families who want a creepy setup without jumping into heavier horror territory.
Directed by Gil KenanCast Ryan Whitney, Steve Buscemi, Mitchel Musso, Catherine O'Hara, Fred WillardPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
09
ParaNorman
1 Oscar nomination
animation · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · mystery
In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock can speak to the dead, but no one other than his eccentric new friend believes his ability is real. One day, Norman's eccentric uncle tells him of a ritual he must perform to protect the town from a curse cast by a witch centuries ago.
Why watch: If you enjoy animated adventure with a mystery angle, ParaNorman is a smart pick. Its fantasy and family mix gives it a broader appeal for viewers who like stories about curses and the supernatural.
Directed by Chris Butler, Sam FellCast Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-PlasseHuluPeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
10
Frankenweenie
1 Oscar nomination
animation · comedy · drama · family · fantasy · horror · sci-fi · thriller
When a car hits young Victor's pet dog Sparky, Victor decides to bring him back to life the only way he knows how. But when the bolt-necked "monster" wreaks havoc and terror in the hearts of Victor's neighbors, he has to convince them that Sparky's still the good, loyal friend he was.
Why watch: If your family can handle a blend of humor, fantasy, and lighter horror elements, Frankenweenie may work well. It’s especially appealing for viewers who like animated stories with a spooky edge.
Directed by Tim BurtonCast Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus ShafferDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
11
The Haunted Mansion
comedy · family · fantasy · horror · mystery
Workaholic Jim Evers and his wife/business partner Sara get a call one night from a mansion owner, Edward Gracey, who wants to sell his house. Once the Evers family arrive at the mansion, a torrential thunderstorm of mysterious origin strands them with the brooding, eccentric Gracey, his mysterious butler, and a variety of residents both seen and unseen.
Why watch: If you want a haunted-house story with comedy and family appeal, The Haunted Mansion is an easy option to consider. Its mystery and fantasy elements make it a good fit for viewers who like spooky settings without going too far.
Directed by Rob MinkoffCast Eddie Murphy, Terence Stamp, Nathaniel Parker, Marsha Thomason, Jennifer TillyDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
The Witches
1 BAFTA Film Award nomination
comedy · fantasy · horror · kids & family · made in europe
While staying at a hotel in England with his grandmother, Helga, a young boy named Luke inadvertently spies on a convention of witches. The Grand High Witch reveals a plan to turn all children into mice via a magical formula. When they discover the eavesdropper, the witches test the formula on him. Now, with the help of Helga and hotel manager Mr Stringer, Luke the mouse must fight back against the witches.
Why watch: If you’re in the mood for comedy, fantasy, and a classic witchy setup, The Witches is a good candidate. Families who like mischievous magical trouble and a bit of horror seasoning may enjoy it most.
Directed by Nicolas RoegCast Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher, Rowan Atkinson, Bill PatersonPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
13
Hotel Transylvania
animation · comedy · family · fantasy
Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up and no humans are allowed. One special weekend, Dracula has invited all his best friends to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis's 118th birthday. For Dracula catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem but the party really starts when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and changes everything!
Why watch: If you want a lively animated family movie with monsters, Hotel Transylvania offers a playful fantasy-comedy setup. It’s a strong choice for viewers who like a monster-filled setting that stays light.
Directed by Genndy TartakovskyCast Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, Fran DrescherHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
14
Hotel Transylvania 2
animation · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy
When the old-old-old-fashioned vampire Vlad arrives at the hotel for an impromptu family get-together, Hotel Transylvania is in for a collision of supernatural old-school and modern day cool.
Why watch: If you already like the first Hotel Transylvania, this sequel keeps the same family-friendly fantasy-comedy style. It’s a good pick for viewers who want another round of monster mayhem with a familiar feel.
Directed by Genndy TartakovskyCast Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, Steve BuscemiHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
15
Ernest Scared Stupid
comedy · family · fantasy · horror
Well-intentioned, eternally bumbling Ernest P. Worrell accidentally releases an evil demon from its sacred tomb. As the demon flexes its power and goes on a ruinous rampage, good-guy Ernest tries to step in to save the town from mass destruction. Trouble is, a 200-year-old curse has scared Ernest stupid, and that means hilarity all around! So, kick back and let the laugh-ridden adventures begin.
Why watch: If your family likes broad comedy with horror and fantasy elements, Ernest Scared Stupid may fit the bill. Its goofy premise makes it best for viewers who prefer laughs over serious scares.
Directed by John R. Cherry IIICast Jim Varney, Eartha Kitt, Austin Nagler, Shay Astar, Jonas MoscartoloAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
16
Goosebumps
adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · horror · thriller
After moving to a small town, Zach Cooper finds a silver lining when he meets next door neighbor Hannah, the daughter of bestselling Goosebumps series author R.L. Stine. When Zach unintentionally unleashes real monsters from their manuscripts and they begin to terrorize the town, it’s suddenly up to Stine, Zach and Hannah to get all of them back in the books where they belong.
Why watch: If you enjoy adventure with comedy, fantasy, and horror touches, Goosebumps is a strong match. It suits families who want a monster-filled story with a fast-moving, playful setup.
Directed by Rob LettermanCast Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee, Amy RyanParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This roundup makes it easier to match a movie night to your group’s mood, whether you want light comedy, animated adventure, or a fantasy story with a Halloween edge. From Hocus Pocus and Casper to ParaNorman and Hotel Transylvania 2, there’s something here for different ages and attention spans. Bookmark this page so you can come back whenever you need a quick pick for the season. We update it regularly, so the list stays useful as your viewing plans change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best family Halloween movie?
For something lighter, try Hocus Pocus (1993), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Corpse Bride (2005), The Addams Family (1991), Addams Family Values (1993), Casper (1995), Coraline (2009), Monster House (2006), ParaNorman (2012) and Hotel Transylvania (2012). There is 1 more pick in the full list above.
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
How are these family movies ranked?
The order follows curated IMDb lists, and we keep only the titles streaming right now, so the list changes as titles come and go.