Looking for some great kids horror movies? Here are some of my favorites you can watch with your child!
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus, released by Disney in 1993, is a beloved family-friendly horror movie. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star as the Sanderson sisters, witches resurrected in modern-day Salem.
The film blends humor and spooky elements, creating an atmosphere perfect for Halloween. You get to enjoy a mix of magical mischief, memorable musical numbers, and a dash of light-hearted scares.
The story revolves around a group of kids who accidentally revive the witches and must stop them before dawn. Hocus Pocus remains a timeless classic, often featured in Halloween marathons and enjoyed by generations. Its charm and wit have ensured its place as a staple in children’s horror movies.
Monster House (2006)
Monster House is an animated supernatural horror comedy that brings an eerie, yet fun experience. Directed by Gil Kenan and produced by Steven Spielberg, it captures the essence of spooky storytelling for kids.
You follow three friends who discover their neighbor’s house is actually a living, breathing monster. The animation style is captivating and uses motion-capture technology similar to The Polar Express.
Characters are well-voiced and memorable. DJ, Chowder, and Jenny, the young protagonists, navigate this scary adventure. The film balances horror elements with humor, making it suitable for a younger audience. The story, combined with its clever backstory, keeps you engaged throughout. If you loved this movie – check out these movies like Monster House you’ll love!
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The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Step into the magical, eerie world of The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), where the familiar meets the fantastical. Directed by Henry Selick, this film brings to life the creative vision of Tim Burton through stunning stop-motion animation.
You follow Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas Town and becomes enchanted with the holiday’s charm. His attempts to bring Christmas to Halloween Town result in whimsical chaos.
Danny Elfman’s hauntingly beautiful music enhances the atmospheric visuals, making every scene unforgettable. Kids will be captivated by the dark yet delightful aesthetic and the unique characters. This movie blends humor, fantasy, and a touch of fright in a way that is both endearing and entertaining.
Coraline (2009)
Coraline, based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, isn’t your typical children’s movie. You follow Coraline Jones, who discovers a secret door in her new home. Behind it lies an alternate world that seems perfect, but it hides dark secrets.
The Other Mother, a creepy figure, offers Coraline everything she wants, but there’s a terrifying twist. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Laika, the stop-motion animation adds to the eerie atmosphere.
Get ready for a mix of whimsy and horror. This film balances beautiful visuals with unsettling moments, making it memorable for kids and adults alike. If you enjoy a touch of spooky adventure, Coraline is a must-watch.
ParaNorman (2012)
ParaNorman is a 2012 film by Laika that blends horror and comedy in a way that’s perfect for kids. Directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler, the movie features a young boy named Norman who has the ability to speak with ghosts. Norman’s unique power makes him the key to saving his town from a centuries-old curse.
Set in a small spooky town, the movie packs in humor, adventure, and a strong message about acceptance. The voice cast includes Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, and Casey Affleck, adding a sense of authenticity to the characters.
The stop-motion animation is both eerie and charming, making it accessible for children while still providing enough creepiness to satisfy any young horror enthusiast. You can also check out these movies like ParaNorman if you enjoyed this movie!
Frankenweenie (2012)
Ever thought about a classic tale with a modern twist? Directed by Tim Burton, Frankenweenie (2012) reimagines the Frankenstein legend. This animated film takes you on a heartwarming yet eerie adventure. It follows a young boy who brings his beloved dog back to life using a science experiment.
The movie features voice talents like Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Martin Landau. The animation style is unique, making it a visually stunning experience. The dark and whimsical elements typical of a Tim Burton movie are all here.
Frankenweenie is a great introduction to horror for kids. Its blend of humor, emotion, and mild spookiness makes it both family-friendly and entertaining.
Goosebumps (2015)
You can’t go wrong with “Goosebumps (2015)” for kids’ horror. This movie brings R.L. Stine’s popular book series to life. Jack Black stars as the eccentric author himself, R.L. Stine, whose characters escape from their manuscripts and wreak havoc on a small town.
A teenager teams up with Stine’s daughter to return these creatures to their rightful pages. Each scene is packed with humor and adventure, making it a perfect family watch with just the right amount of spookiness. You get to experience monsters of all kinds, from werewolves to evil garden gnomes, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Halloweentown (1998)
Celebrate Halloween with “Halloweentown,” a beloved Disney Channel movie from 1998. In this story, 13-year-old Marnie Piper discovers she comes from a family of witches. She’s taken to Halloweentown, a magical place where supernatural beings live.
Your kids will love the fantastical creatures and eerie yet fun setting. The plot follows Marnie’s journey as she learns about her powers and uncovers an evil plot threatening the town.
“Halloweentown” provides the charm of Halloween and a heartwarming tale perfect for a cozy night in.
Casper (1995)
Casper (1995) is a charming family-friendly horror movie directed by Brad Silberling. It follows the story of an afterlife therapist and his daughter as they move into an old mansion, only to meet a friendly young ghost named Casper.
The film is set in the Whipstaff Manor, which is teeming with mischievous ghosts. Casper, unlike his spectral companions, longs for friendship and acceptance. The relationship between Casper, the therapist’s daughter, and the other ghosts forms the heart of the story.
There’s humor, a touch of sadness, and plenty of ghostly antics, making it a perfect introduction to the horror genre for young audiences. This movie is not just about scares, but also about understanding and embracing differences.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Hotel Transylvania is a lighthearted, fun movie that’s perfect for kids who want a taste of spooky without the scares. Count Dracula, voiced by Adam Sandler, runs a high-end resort that serves as a safe haven for monsters.
His daughter, Mavis, brought to life by Selena Gomez, dreams of exploring the human world. Things get interesting when a human boy accidentally stumbles upon the hotel and falls for Mavis.
Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, the movie is filled with quirky characters and slapstick humor. It’s a great choice for a family movie night, offering a blend of comedy and gentle monster-themed adventure.
The Witches (1990)
Nicolas Roeg’s 1990 film The Witches is a captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1983 novel. The story revolves around a young boy and his grandmother who discover a convention of witches at a seaside hotel. Witches masquerade as ordinary women but harbor sinister plans to turn children into mice.
Anjelica Huston gives an unforgettable performance as the Grand High Witch, the leader of the witches. Her portrayal is both chilling and compelling, making the character one of the most memorable villains in children’s horror.
The makeup and special effects are impressive, adding to the film’s eerie atmosphere. Kids will find themselves glued to the screen as the plot unfolds in this imaginative and dark tale.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton, stands out as a cult classic in the world of kids’ horror films. With Michael Keaton delivering an unforgettable performance as the mischievous and chaotic Beetlejuice, you are in for a wild ride.
In this movie, the spirits of a recently deceased couple find their home invaded by a boisterous family. They enlist the help of Beetlejuice, a mischievous spirit, to scare them away.
This movie mixes comedy and horror, making it light-hearted enough for kids but with enough spooky moments to keep them on edge. Tim Burton’s signature quirky and macabre style shines through, creating a visually imaginative experience you won’t forget.
The Addams Family (1991)
The Addams Family (1991) is a comedy that’s perfect for kids who want to dip their toes into horror. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the movie features a quirky and eccentric family that embraces the macabre.
You follow the story of con artists attempting to swindle the Addams family. With Anjelica Huston as Morticia, Raul Julia as Gomez, and Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester, the cast delivers an entertaining experience.
Kids will love the humorous and darkly whimsical vibe. The characters are weird in the best way possible, and the spooky yet fun storyline makes it a great introduction to horror for young audiences. The engaging plot keeps things lively without being overly frightening.
Corpse Bride (2005)
In “Corpse Bride” (2005), directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson, you enter a unique world. The film’s standout feature is its stop-motion animation, bringing a vividly distinct aesthetic.
The story revolves around Victor, a shy groom who unintentionally marries a deceased woman while practicing his vows. Johnny Depp voices Victor, adding charm to his character.
The film contrasts the gloomy living world with the vibrant underworld, subverting usual animated film conventions. The voice cast includes Helena Bonham Carter as the titular Corpse Bride and Emily Watson as Victoria.
It’s a perfect choice for introducing kids to the horror genre with its mix of dark humor and engaging visuals.
Gremlins (1984)
Directed by Joe Dante, Gremlins is a unique blend of horror and dark comedy. The story kicks off when a young man receives a cute creature called a Mogwai as a pet. There are three crucial rules to follow: don’t expose it to bright light, don’t get it wet, and never feed it after midnight.
When these rules are inevitably broken, the mischievous Mogwai spawns a horde of malevolent gremlins. These creatures wreak havoc on a small town, creating both chaos and dark humor. Dante’s direction masterfully balances scares and laughs, making Gremlins a memorable watch for kids who enjoy a little fright with their fun.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a classic blend of family and sci-fi genres. The story follows Elliott, a young boy who discovers an alien left behind on Earth.
You get swept up in their adventure as Elliott tries to help E.T. find a way home. Their bond explores themes of loyalty and trust, making the movie touching and memorable.
The Monster Squad (1987)
The Monster Squad, directed by Fred Dekker, is a fun mix of horror and comedy. Imagine a group of clever kids who discover Van Helsing’s diary. They end up in a battle against classic monsters like Dracula.
The kids’ bravery shines as they confront these creatures. From witty lines to thrilling action, it’s got a lot to offer.
Dramatic moments and humor blend well, making it an engaging watch. This movie brings back the charm of old-school monster films. It’s perfect for introducing kids to the horror genre without too much scare.
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island takes a fresh spin on the classic Scooby-Doo format. This animated film reunites the Mystery Inc. gang after a break from mystery-solving. You follow Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Velma, and Daphne as they investigate a supposedly haunted bayou island.
The movie stands out because the ghosts and monsters are real this time. The spooky atmosphere, combined with genuine danger, adds to the excitement. It’s gripping to see the team face real supernatural threats instead of masked villains.
A great blend of humor and horror, this movie keeps you engaged without being too scary for kids. The animation and music enhance the eerie yet adventurous vibe. This film’s unique approach makes it a memorable entry in the Scooby-Doo series.
Return to Oz (1985)
When you watch Return to Oz, it’s like stepping into a darker, more twisted version of the classic Wizard of Oz. Dorothy returns to the magical land, only to find it in ruins. The evil Nome King and a vain witch have taken over, making her journey more intense and eerie.
Dorothy, portrayed by a young Fairuza Balk, encounters new characters and frightening creatures unlike those in the previous film. The tone is much closer to L. Frank Baum’s original Oz books, filled with unsettling and scary moments.
You’ll find that this film pushes the boundaries of what a kid-friendly movie can be, blending fantasy with horror elements. This one’s unforgettable.
The Little Vampire (2000)
When you think of kids’ horror movies, The Little Vampire might come to mind. This 2000 film combines comedy and horror, offering a fun experience for younger audiences. The story revolves around a lonely American boy living in Scotland. He befriends a young vampire his own age.
As you watch, you see their friendship grow while they face a ruthless vampire hunter together. This movie is based on Angela Sommer-Bodenburg’s children’s book series.
Jonathan Lipnicki, known for his role in Jerry Maguire, stars as the young boy. Rollo Weeks plays the vampire. With a mix of humor and spooky elements, this film is both entertaining and heartwarming.
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
“The Haunted Mansion” is a 2003 film directed by Rob Minkoff and released by Disney. This movie offers a supernatural adventure mixed with comedy, featuring Eddie Murphy as a realtor named Jim Evers.
Jim and his family are summoned to a mansion, only to discover it’s haunted by ghosts. The family must navigate the eerie mansion and its ghostly inhabitants, learning valuable lessons about family along the way.
The spooky atmosphere is balanced with humor, making it suitable for kids. The ghost characters are memorable and the special effects bring the haunted mansion to life, creating a fun and slightly spooky experience for families to enjoy together.
Closing Thoughts
There are plenty of great horror movies for kids. Do you have a favorite? Comment yours below!