As the weather turns to a cool crisp and thoughts of pumpkin spice and everything nice starts to fill the air, it’s also time to get the hearts racing with some Halloween movies! I love this time of the year (my last name is Voorhees after all, just like Jason from Friday the 13th!) Here are some of our family favorite Halloween or spooky movies, some super-family friendly and some for that are family-friendly with a little more edge!
Hocus Pocus (PG)
One word: classic. I loved this movie when I was younger and take such joy that my kids are asking for it by name (I have achieved gold parent status). The Sanderson sisters stir things up when they are brought back by a “modern” boy (modern = 1993). Bette Midler shines in this unexpected role as the lead witch and a pre-Sex and the City Sarah Jessica Parker make this move super fun.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)
The never-ending debate, is this a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? My answer is BOTH! Another gem from 1993 (what a good year) with groundbreaking animation led by Tim Burton, explores what Christmas would be like with a spin of Halloween terror. The animation is fabulous and the music is memorable. My kids love this movie, but Oogie Boogie did give my youngest a reason to cover his eyes.
Room on the Broom (not rated, but I vote G!)
Based on the popular kids’ book with the same title, this mesmerizing animated movie follows a witch that makes friends with four animals that ultimately help her in the end. It pays to be kind! The voices come from the well-known Simon Pegg and Gillian Anderson. This was the first movie that my kids watched uninterrupted and they still love it today!
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (PG)
Growing up on Goosebumps books, I was thrilled to see some movies spin-off from the series. No doubt that Goosebumps is great, but Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween is perfect for the season. Get your blood pumping as we follow kids that find a haunted dummy that tries to bring all of R.L. Stine’s monsters to life on Halloween. There are a few parts that my kids covered their eyes for, but overall, it’s a fun adventure! Plus, Jack Black is in it, which makes it that much more enjoyable.
The Addams Family (PG)
If you want to catch a Halloween movie in the theater, then check out The Addams Family. This animated feature is coming out at the beginning of October and every time the trailer is on our kids squeal with excitement! We cannot wait to check out this movie since we are fans of the 1991 movie and even the 1960s television show. I can’t vouch for the new movie, but be on the lookout for a review, as we will likely see it opening weekend!
Share in the comments what some of your family’s favorite Halloween movies are – classics and new!
