With Halloween right around the corner, it’s officially time for last-minute costume scrambles, overpriced candy hauls, and, of course, a lineup of spooky movies taking over TV screens.
While many Halloween classics lean on gore and masked villains, plenty of viewers might prefer to watch something a little more light-hearted and family-friendly. Take the 5 films below, for example.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)
Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a classic dark fantasy film that is perfect for the entire family. The PG-rated movie blends whimsical stop-motion animation with hauntingly beautiful music, and who doesn’t love a mix of both Halloween and Christmas themes all in one?
The movie follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who finds himself in Christmas Town and devises a devious plan to take over the holiday. While some children may fear the movie’s antagonist, Oogie Boogie, they learn that all he is is a burlap sack filled with bugs. It’s a film with a great balance of spooky characters and heartwarming moments. Families can stream “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on Disney+.
‘Casper’ (1995)
While supernatural movies like “The Conjuring” and “Insidious” are known to make anyone jump out of their seats, 1995’s classic film “Casper” takes a friendly approach to ghosts and ghouls.
The movie follows Casper, a friendly and sweet ghost who forms an unlikely friendship with Kat, a human who has moved into the mansion where Casper lives. But she and her father, Dr. Harvey, must put up with Casper’s mischievous ghostly uncles, who don’t make their stay very satisfying. It’s a ’90s classic that is great for all ages, with a meaningful message about friendship and acceptance.
In honor of the film’s 30th anniversary, some theatres will be bringing it back to the big screen this October. If you’d rather watch at home, the film is available for streaming on Prime Video.
‘Corpse Bride’ (2005)
Another fantastic animated film from director Tim Burton, 2005’s “Corpse Bride” is perfect for everyone. There are beautiful visuals, gothic themes, fantastic musical numbers, and at the heart of it all, a spooky love story.
The story follows Victor, who accidentally proposes to a deceased bride, and is whisked away to the Land of the Dead. There, he finds himself torn between his undead bride and living fiancée, Victoria.
“Corpse Bride” can be streamed on HBO Max and Prime Video.
‘Halloweentown’ (1998)
“Halloweentown” is a Disney classic that follows teenager Marnie Piper as she discovers her magical heritage and begins to embrace her own witchy powers. She is swept into her grandmother’s magical town, Halloweentown, a place where witches, goblins, and creatures live. But there is a dark force threatening the town, and Marnie and her family must stop it.
It’s an adventurous film that is suited for all ages. Plus, there’s a sequel called “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge,” which is packed with just as much magic as the original. “Halloweentown” is available to stream on Disney+.
‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ (1966)
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a Halloween classic that follows Linus, who eagerly awaits the mythical Great Pumpkin, said to rise from the pumpkin patch every year to deliver gifts to children. Meanwhile, the Peanuts gang, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Woodstock, and more, navigate Halloween activities like trick-or-treating and other fun-filled adventures.
The film is lighthearted and fun, offering a festive atmosphere and a dose of nostalgic charm. The 1966 classic can be streamed on Apple+.
What are some of your favorite family-friendly Halloween movies? Share in the comments below!
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