Fright Nights: The Best Halloween Films to Watch with the Family
The whole family can enjoy these Halloween films… without being too frightened
Christina has a PhD in post-apocalyptic horror and knows her Exorcist from her Resident Evil. She's also a big fan of family-friendly films and has put together this mildy scaresome selection for Halloween viewing!
Halloween is the perfect opportunity for children, parents and families to enjoy a little spooky fun together on the big screen. There are a surprisingly eclectic lineage of films that offer just the right amount of fright while still appealing to both young viewers and adults alike.
Whether you’re winding down after a trick-or-treating sugar rush or looking to bring a little more family fun to Halloween this year, we’ve put together a selection of films to watch with kids and teens. There’s plenty to choose from, including some 1990s classics, more recent animated favourites, and even an unexpected Halloween pick with a Yorkshire connection.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
This fantasy comedy is an obvious crowd-pleaser for all ages. Bette Midler leads the spooky cast as Winifred Sanderson, one of three 17th-century witches accidentally resurrected by a teenager on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts. If you’ve seen the film poster, you’ll probably remember Midler’s gloriously exaggerated make-up, and the film, which features an off-the-wall rendition of the famous 1950s song I Put a Spell on You, is a genuinely fun Halloween watch.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Created by animator Nick Park, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit follows Wallace and Gromit as they try to protect a village’s prized vegetables from a mysterious giant rabbit ahead of its annual gardening competition. The film affectionately borrows from the classic monster movies of Universal and Hammer while remaining completely accessible to younger viewers. Its eccentric British humour gives the film a distinctly northern flavour, making it an especially appealing choice for fans of Halloween comedy with a home-grown creative talent.
The Secret Garden (1993)
Although not an obvious Halloween film, this 1990s adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s story lends itself beautifully to an autumnal Gothic mood, with its vast, isolated manor house, locked rooms, and abandoned garden. Yorkshire also plays a major role on screen, with filming locations including Allerton Castle near York, which provided the exterior shots of Misselthwaite Manor, while Fountains Abbey and Conistone Moor near Grassington were among the other local filming locations.
Coraline (2009)
A perfect choice for slightly older children who want Halloween films with a genuine edge. Henry Selick’s stop-motion fantasy follows a young girl who discovers an apparently perfect alternate version of her home, complete with button-eyed parents. The Other Mother becomes increasingly sinister, but the story ultimately has a sweet message that celebrates learning to value an imperfect family.
ParaNorman (2012)
Another beautifully crafted stop-motion animation, following horror-film-obsessed Norman, a boy who can see and speak to ghosts. When a centuries-old witch’s curse unleashes zombies on the fictional Massachusetts town of Blithe Hollow, Norman is forced to confront the community’s dark history, inspired by the Salem witch trials. Beneath the creepy tale of witches and the walking dead lies a surprisingly thoughtful message about prejudice and a warning about demonising people who might seem different.
