Want to know a great way to celebrate Halloween with the family. Try watching kid-friendly movies that are readily available on DVD. Each of the 13 films list recommended ages ranging from 3 years old to tweens. There’s even a variety to choose from that include animation, dramas, comedies, and incredible special effects. Now sit back and get to know more about each and every one of these lucky 13 Halloween movies that are sure to entertain.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
This has been around since my childhood, and it remains the quintessential Halloween animated short film. Be sure to catch the annual presentation of the Peanuts gang adventure on television to get you into the mood. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is appropriate for children ages 4 and older who will appreciate its cute storyline.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
A Disney film classic capturing what Halloween is all about. That means witches, wizards, and flying beds with magical bedknobs. Think of “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” as a Halloween version of “Mary Poppins.” It’s most suitable for kids ages 7 and up.
Halloweentown (1998)
Disney Channel’s made-for-TV movie is about a girl who comes from a long line of witches. “Halloweentown” is the name of the place she goes to visit, while learning more about her past. The suggested viewing is for kids age 7 and up.
Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (2005)
The preschool ages of 3 and up will adore the loveable character of Pooh, along with his friends, in this Halloween tale. It features an important message of facing one’s fears. “Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie” is the adventure of Roo and Lumpy in search of the scary Gobloon.
Spookley: The Square Pumpkin (2005)
Here’s an adorable animated film with a very important message for viewers age 3 and up. Spookley is different from all the other pumpkins, because of his square shape. The film’s strongest message is its okay to be different. Another important theme is the issue of bullying.
Scooby-Doo (2002)
Based on the original animated TV series is this live version of Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and their canine, Scooby-Doo. These bands of detectives gather together on Spooky Island to investigate the Mystery Inc. gang. “Scooby-Doo” is better suited for ages 9 and up.
Casper (1995)
Casper the friendly ghost is back. Based on the iconic cartoon character, he lives on in this feature film. One day a paranormal expert investigates a haunted house where Casper resides. The investigator has a daughter who becomes best friends with the ghost. “Casper” is a warm-hearted story that’s perfectly suitable for kids age 6 and up.
Corpse Bride (2005)
Now one of two films listed and also directed by Tim Burton. “Corpse Bride” is definitely for older kids, ages 10 and up. This animated movie tells the story of a man who accidentally marries a dead woman, instead of his living fiancé. He ends up at the Land of the Dead.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Only Tim Burton could come up with such an imaginative Halloween animation. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is the meeting of both Halloween and Christmas blended together. It is highly recommended for children ages 7 and up.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three sisters, who happen to be witches, are fed up with being dead for 300 years due to the Salem witch trials. Now they long for immortality while seeking revenge on society at large. In “Hocus Pocus” the Sanderson sisters’ well-laid-out plan is thwarted by some teens. Recommended viewing is for ages 11 and up.
Harry Potter Series (2001 – 2011)
What better way to spend Halloween with a “Harry Potter” marathon and its eight film series. Based on the hugely popular books, the overall ages suitable for kids to watch these films are from 7 to 12 years old. Here’s a detailed recommendation for each film title: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” ages 7 and up; “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” ages 8 and up; “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” ages 10 and up; “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” and other remaining titles, ages 12 and up.
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Don’t let the movie title fool you. “Monsters, Inc.” is a computer-animated comedy good enough for viewers age 5 and up. Go on the adventure with Sulley and Mike, whose job is to scare children. They meet their match when one child isn’t afraid of them.
ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
In the 1980s “ET: The Extra-Terrestrial” was a huge part of pop culture. It’s still the perfect film to watch on Halloween. Ten-year-old Elliot befriends a stranded alien. He helps him get back home somewhere in the galaxy. In the meantime, Elliot and ET (the alien’s nickname) take part in the trick or treat festivities in the neighborhood. ET is priceless dressed up as a ghost, unbeknownst to Elliot’s mother.