The Best Halloween Movies For Kids
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Vote up your favorite Halloween-themed or "horror" movies that are appropriate for children.
1Lisa DeFaria, Christopher Shea, Bill MelendezLinus waits for Halloween.- #46 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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2Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy NajimyIn the whimsical film Hocus Pocus, three witch sisters, Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy), are accidently resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night. This resurrection is unwittingly caused by Max Dennison (Omri Katz), a teenager new in town. Alongside his younger sister Dani (Thora Birch) and his crush Allison (Vinessa Shaw), Max must outsmart the vengeful witches to save the town's children before sunrise. The movie, known for its comedic charm and fantasy elements, has become a beloved cult classic since its release in 1993.More Hocus Pocus
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3Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'HaraIn the hauntingly whimsical film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon), the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town. Enchanted by its stark contrast to his eerie homeland, Jack decides to replicate Christmas in Halloween Town. But he struggles to grasp the true spirit of this holiday. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated musical has won numerous awards for its unique blend of horror and holiday cheer. Sally (voiced by Catherine O'Hara), a rag doll smitten with Jack, adds a tender element to this dark yet enchanting tale.
4Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy MoriartyIn Casper, a family-friendly fantasy-comedy, Dr. James Harvey (Bill Pullman) is a paranormal therapist tasked with exorcising Whipstaff Manor, an old mansion. Alongside him is Kat (Christina Ricci), his teenage daughter. They encounter Casper, a friendly and lonesome ghost longing for companionship while cohabitating with his mischievous spectral uncles - Stretch, Stinkie, and Fatso. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of friendship and loss through the bond between Kat and Casper. The film's delightful blend of humor and heartwarming moments has made it a classic in its genre.More Casper- Dig Deeper...The Movie ‘Casper’ Is Deeply Bizarre In More Ways Than We Can Count
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5Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena GomezIn the animated comedy Hotel Transylvania, Count Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) runs a high-end resort far from the human world. The hotel is a sanctuary for monsters to unwind without fear of human interference. Dracula's daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez), celebrates her 118th birthday with a slew of famous monster guests, including Frankenstein (Kevin James) and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, and a family of werewolves. Unexpectedly, an ordinary young traveler named Jonathan (Andy Samberg) stumbles upon the hotel. Dracula must protect his daughter from falling in love with him before it's too late. This film is full of laughter and surprising heart as it explores themes of protection, acceptance, and the courage to let go.More Hotel Transylvania- #70 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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6Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold RamisIn the 1984 classic, Ghostbusters, three quirky parapsychologists - Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Raymond Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) - find themselves out of work. Unfazed, they establish a ghost removal service in New York City. When Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) reports a supernatural entity in her apartment, the Ghostbusters are thrust into a paranormal storm, battling an ancient Sumerian god, Gozer. The film is a delightful blend of comedy and supernatural thriller, with remarkable special effects for its time. It bagged two Oscar nominations for Original Song and Visual Effects.More Ghostbusters- Dig Deeper...The Bizarre History Of The Dueling Ghostbusters
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- #12 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
7John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary GibbsIn the enchanting world of Monsters, Inc., James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) and Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) are top scarers at Monsters, Incorporated. Their job? Harness children's screams as an energy source for their city, Monstropolis. However, chaos ensues when a little girl named Boo (Mary Gibbs) accidentally enters their realm. This animated comedy from Pixar won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. It's a unique tale that explores themes of friendship and fear, while delivering laughs and thrilling moments in equal measure. With memorable characters and a compelling storyline, Monsters, Inc. is a movie that transcends the animation genre.More Monsters, Inc.- #15 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- #2 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
8Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena DavisIn Tim Burton's quirky comedy-horror, Beetlejuice, a recently deceased couple Adam and Barbara Maitland (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) find their idyllic afterlife disrupted when an obnoxious new family moves into their former home. Desperate to reclaim their peaceful existence, they enlist the help of a raucous spirit named Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). However, they soon realize that this mischievous ghost may be more trouble than he's worth. The film, known for its unique blend of humor and horror, won the Academy Award for Best Makeup.
9Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher LloydThe Addams Family, a dark comedy film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, introduces us to the peculiar and macabre world of Gomez (Raul Julia) and Morticia Addams (Anjelica Huston). They live in a gloomy mansion with their children Wednesday (Christina Ricci) and Pugsley (Jimmy Workman), along with eccentric relatives Uncle Fester (Christopher Lloyd) and Grandmama (Judith Malina). When a con artist targets their family fortune, the Addams must outsmart him while maintaining their unique lifestyle. The film cleverly intertwines humor and horror, providing an unconventional yet entertaining cinematic experience.More The Addams Family- Dig Deeper...Whatever Happened To The Cast Of 'The Addams Family'?
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10Halloweentown
Debbie Reynolds, Rino Romano, Kimberly J. BrownHalloweentown is a 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie released in October 1998.More Halloweentown- #615 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 11Jack Black, Odeya Rush, Amy RyanGoosebumps is a 2015 American comedy horror fantasy film directed by Rob Letterman and written by Mike White and Darren Lemke. It is based on the children's book series of the same name by R. L. Stine. The film stars Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Amy Ryan, Jillian Bell and Ryan Lee. The film is scheduled to be released on October 16, 2015, by Columbia Pictures.
12Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter CoyoteE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a mesmerizing blend of science fiction and family drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The story revolves around Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy who befriends an extraterrestrial, dubbed 'E.T.', stranded on Earth. E.T.'s health declines while government agents close in on his location. With help from his older brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and younger sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Elliott must help E.T. escape Earth and return to his home planet. This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, and remains a beloved classic in the realm of cinema.- 13Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve BuscemiIn Monsters University, we journey back to the college days of Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan, Sully (John Goodman). The film, a prequel to the acclaimed Monsters Inc., explores how this inseparable duo traversed from being bitter rivals to best friends. Set within the vibrant campus of Monsters University, they endure hilarious twists and turns, competing in the Scare Games to prove who is truly scary. This animated comedy-drama, directed by Dan Scanlon, won an Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animated Effects in an Animated Production. A tale of friendship and ambition, it's a monstrous adventure you wouldn't want to miss.More Monsters University
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- 14Madison Iseman, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Wendi McLendon-CoveyWhile collecting junk one day, best friends Sonny and Sam meet Slappy, a mischievous talking dummy from an unpublished "Goosebumps" book by R.L. Stine. Hoping to start his own family, Slappy kidnaps Sonny's mother and brings all of his ghoulish friends back to life -- just in time for Halloween. As the sleepy town becomes overrun with monsters, witches and other mysterious creatures, Sonny joins forces with his sister, Sam and a kindly neighbor to save Sonny's mom and foil Slappy's plan.
15Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer SaundersCoraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) is a dark, stop-motion animated fantasy movie adapted from Neil Gaiman's celebrated novel. Coraline, an adventurous girl, discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate world mirroring her own life but seemingly perfect. However, this parallel reality harbors sinister secrets. The 'Other Mother' (Teri Hatcher), who rules this realm, tries to keep Coraline forever. Directed by Henry Selick, the film received critical acclaim for its unique animation style and compelling narrative. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2009.More Coraline- 16Anthony Gonzalez, Gael GarcÃa Bernal, Benjamin BrattIn the heart of Mexico, young Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). However, his family has a generations-old ban on music. On Dia de los Muertos, a series of mysterious events leads Miguel to the stunning and vibrant Land of the Dead. Alongside trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal), he embarks on an extraordinary journey to unravel the real story behind his family history. Coco is a captivating animation from Pixar that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2018. It beautifully blends music, folklore and family values into its plotline, offering a unique perspective on the Mexican culture.More Coco
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17Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Judith HoagTwo witches (Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown) try to stop a villain who wants to permanently transform trick-or-treaters into their costume characters.- 18Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne WiestIn the peculiar and captivating film Edward Scissorhands, Edward (Johnny Depp), a gentle creation with scissors for hands, navigates life in suburbia after being taken in by Peg (Dianne Wiest). His unusual appearance and talent for topiary artistry stir both fascination and fear among the townsfolk. The eccentric inventor (Vincent Price) who created him passes away before he could complete Edward's hands, leaving Edward to grapple with his incomplete nature. Directed by Tim Burton, this blend of fantasy and romance won a BAFTA for Best Production Design.More Edward Scissorhands
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19Eddie Murphy, Terence Stamp, Wallace ShawnIn The Haunted Mansion, real estate agent Jim Evers (Eddie Murphy) is lured to a grand, mysterious mansion with his family under the pretense of a potential sale. The mansion's enigmatic owner Master Gracey (Nathaniel Parker) and his spectral servants harbor dark secrets. As the night unfolds, the Evers family finds themselves in a web of haunting encounters and ghostly revelations. The movie, steeped in elements of comedy and horror, navigates an engaging narrative where the living meet the dead. A labyrinth of secret passages, cursed souls, and a ticking clock add to their thrilling journey of survival.More The Haunted Mansion- Dig Deeper...22 Small Details About Disney's Haunted Mansion Ride That Will Delight Any Foolish Mortal
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20Sara Paxton, Lucas Grabeel, J. Paul ZimmermanAn 18-year-old witch (Sara Paxton) must use magic to stop a devious plot to destroy Halloweentown.
21Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily WatsonSet within the realm of the living and the dead, Corpse Bride is a stop-motion animated musical fantasy. The film revolves around Victor Van Dort (voiced by Johnny Depp), a young groom who mistakenly weds a deceased bride, Emily (Helena Bonham Carter), in the underworld. In this tangled tale, Victor must navigate his way between his betrothed, Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson), in the land of the living and his accidental wife in the afterlife. Noteworthy for its macabre and humorous narrative, Corpse Bride was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.More Corpse Bride- Dig Deeper...‘Corpse Bride’ Is An Underrated Tim Burton Classic Filled With Creepy Charm And Dark Moments
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- 22Scott Innes, Billy West, Mary Kay BergmanScooby (Scott Innes) and the rest of the Mystery, Inc., crew encounter creepy characters at a haunted house on a Louisiana bayou.
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23Freddie Prinze, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew LillardIn the 2002 family-friendly adventure Scooby-Doo, Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) and his loyal Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, join forces with Fred (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar), and Velma (Linda Cardellini). They form Mystery Inc., a team of amateur sleuths. When the group is invited to Spooky Island, an amusement park that boasts chilling rides and eerie attractions, they find themselves in a real-life mystery. As strange events unfold, our heroes must unravel the spooky secrets behind the island's eccentric owner, Emile Mondavarious (Rowan Atkinson). The film beautifully combines comedy and suspense in its lively narrative.More Scooby-Doo- Dig Deeper...There Was A Conspiracy To Make You Hate Scrappy-Doo, And We Can Prove It
- #263 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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24Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff CohenIn the heart of Astoria, Oregon, a band of misfit kids known as The Goonies embark on a wild adventure after finding an old pirate map in Mikey's (Sean Astin) attic. Together with his brother Brand (Josh Brolin), and friends Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Mouth (Corey Feldman), Data (Ke Huy Quan), Andy (Kerri Green) and Stef (Martha Plimpton), they set out to unearth the long-lost fortune of infamous pirate One-Eyed Willy. Chased by the nefarious Fratelli family, their journey is packed with booby traps, puzzles and swashbuckling danger. Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, The Goonies is a timeless adventure-comedy that celebrates friendship and courage.More The Goonies- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories That Will Make You Want To Rewatch The Goonies
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25Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Judith HoagTwo witches (Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown) protect a group of students from the legendary Knights of the Iron Dagger.- 26Hamilton Camp, Casey Kasem, Don MessickScrappy, Shaggy and Scooby arrive at Miss Grimwood's Finishing School, where a witch plans to put female ghouls under her spell.
27Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin LandauIn Tim Burton's animated flick Frankenweenie, young Victor Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan) navigates the tricky terrain of childhood, friendship, and loss. When his beloved dog Sparky dies, Victor's scientific curiosity leads him to bring Sparky back to life. The result? A revitalized canine that sparks fear and fascination in equal measure among Victor's neighbors in this monochrome suburbia. Catherine O'Hara lends her voice to three characters, including Victor's mother. Winona Ryder voices Elsa Van Helsing, a neighbor girl with an eerie pet. A nod to Mary Shelley's classic tale, this movie mingles horror and comedy with a dash of heartwarming sentimentality. It snagged the BAFTA Children's Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2013.More Frankenweenie- #192 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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- 28Mary Kay Bergman, Kimberly Brooks, Jennifer HaleScooby and friends investigate creepy goings-on and a mystery involving a famous horror writer in a small Massachusetts town.
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- 29Kyle Stanger, Nikita Hopkins, Jim CummingsRoo (Nikita Hopkins) and Lumpy (Kyle Stanger) gather the courage to search for the Gobloon, a creature that can grant wishes.
30Eric Blore, J. Pat O'Malley, John McLeishThe Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is a delightful fusion of two classic tales. The first half, narrated by Basil Rathbone, follows the mischievous Mr. Toad (Eric Blore) - an aristocratic amphibian with an insatiable desire for motor cars. His reckless obsession lands him in a series of comedic predicaments. Transitioning into the second tale, Bing Crosby lends his voice to tell the story of lanky schoolmaster Ichabod Crane (Bing Crosby). In this part, Crane's pursuit of the town beauty Katrina Van Tassel (Candy Candido), leads him to a fateful encounter with the infamous Headless Horseman. This 1949 animated feature from Walt Disney Productions brings together humor, adventure, and a hint of horror, making it a charming entertainment for all ages.- #192 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
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