Best Halloween Horror Suitable for the Whole Family.
Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of family-friendly frights, where laughter and chills go hand in hand! This Halloween, we’ve handpicked 10 kids’ movies that are the perfect blend of spooky and spectacular. These enchanting tales are bound to capture the imaginations of both young and old, making them ideal for a spooktacular movie night. So grab your popcorn, turn down the lights, and join us as we explore a collection of whimsical and slightly eerie films that’ll leave you and your little ones delightfully haunted this Halloween season.
Toy Story of Terror! (2013)
Woody and the gang are held up at a roadside motel and members of the group start to disappear. Woody sets about getting to the bottom of the mystery.
- Director: Angus MacLane
- Writers:
- Angus MacLane
- Andrew Stanton
- John Lasseter
- Stars:
- Tom Hanks
- Tim Allen
- Joan Cusack
- IMDB Link
“Toy Story of Terror!” is a 2013 Disney-Pixar television special based on the popular “Toy Story” film series. Here are some trivia facts about the special:
Halloween Theme: “Toy Story of Terror!” is a Halloween-themed special, making it perfect for the spooky season. It was Pixar’s first TV special.
Length: The special is relatively short, with a runtime of about 21 minutes.
Original Cast: Many of the original cast members returned to provide voices for their respective characters, including Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), and Joan Cusack (Jessie).
New Characters: The special introduced a few new characters, such as Combat Carl (voiced by Carl Weathers), who plays a significant role in the story.
Homage to Horror Films: “Toy Story of Terror!” pays homage to classic horror films, including “Psycho” and “The Twilight Zone.” The plot involves the toys encountering mysterious and scary situations in a roadside motel.
Pixar Easter Eggs: As with most Pixar productions, there are numerous Easter eggs and references to other Pixar films hidden throughout the special. Keep an eye out for them!
Directorial Debut: “Toy Story of Terror!” was directed by Angus MacLane, marking his directorial debut. He had previously worked as an animator and storyboard artist on various Pixar films.
Critical Acclaim: Despite its short length, “Toy Story of Terror!” received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, with praise for its humor, animation quality, and the return of beloved characters.
The Addams Family (2019)
The eccentrically macabre family moves to a bland suburb where Wednesday Addams’ friendship with the daughter of a hostile and conformist local reality show host exacerbates conflict between the families.
- Directors:
- Greg Tiernan
- Conrad Vernon
- Writers:
- Matt Lieberman
- Erica Rivinoja
- Conrad Vernon
- Stars:
- Oscar Isaac
- Charlize Theron
- Chloë Grace Moretz
- IMDB Link
The 2019 animated film “The Addams Family” is a modern take on the classic and iconic Addams Family characters. Here are some trivia facts about the movie:
Star-Studded Cast: The film boasts an impressive cast that includes Oscar Isaac as Gomez Addams, Charlize Theron as Morticia Addams, Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday Addams, Finn Wolfhard as Pugsley Addams, Nick Kroll as Uncle Fester, Bette Midler as Grandma, and Allison Janney as the film’s antagonist, Margaux Needler.
Animation Style: “The Addams Family” features a unique animation style that pays homage to the original Charles Addams cartoons while giving it a contemporary twist. The characters have a distinct look, staying true to their iconic appearances.
Original Charles Addams Artwork: The film’s opening sequence is a nod to Charles Addams’ original cartoons. It introduces the audience to the world of the Addams Family through animated versions of Addams’ artwork.
Morticia’s Pet Plant: Morticia’s carnivorous plant, Cleopatra, is an important element of the Addams Family lore. In the film, Cleopatra is animated and has a personality of her own.
Margaux Needler’s Character: Margaux Needler, the main antagonist in the film, is a television personality who runs a home improvement show. Her character was created specifically for the movie and is not a part of the original Addams Family canon.
Fester’s Balloon Animals: In one scene, Uncle Fester creates balloon animals for Pugsley, and he makes them into the shape of the Universal Monsters, paying homage to classic horror films.
Lurch’s Musical Talent: In the film, it’s revealed that Lurch has a hidden musical talent. He is seen playing the organ at a pivotal moment in the story.
Soundtrack: The movie features a soundtrack with a mix of classic songs and original music. Some of the original songs were written by Christina Aguilera, who also voices a character in the film.
Reintroducing the Addams Family: “The Addams Family” aims to reintroduce these beloved characters to a new generation, blending elements of the classic Addams Family humor with a contemporary twist.
“The Addams Family” received a mixed but generally positive reception from both audiences and critics, and it went on to have a sequel, “The Addams Family 2,” released in 2021.
Paranorman (2012)
A misunderstood boy takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.
- Directors:
- Chris Butler
- Sam Fell
- Writer: Chris Butler
- Stars:
- Kodi Smit-McPhee
- Anna Kendrick
- Christopher Mintz-Plasse
- IMDB Link
“ParaNorman” is a 2012 stop-motion animated film produced by Laika, the same studio behind “Coraline.” Here are some trivia facts about the movie:
Stop-Motion Animation: “ParaNorman” is notable for its use of stop-motion animation, a labor-intensive process that involves capturing individual frames to create the illusion of movement. The film features beautifully crafted puppets and sets.
Technological Achievement: It was the first stop-motion film to use a 3D color printer to create character faces. This allowed for more detailed and expressive facial expressions on the puppets.
Main Character’s Name: The main character, Norman, is voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee. His name is a play on the word “abnormal,” which is fitting for a character who can see and speak to ghosts.
Influences: The film pays homage to classic horror and zombie movies, particularly George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” and various horror tropes. It also has references to other pop culture, including various Stephen King works.
LGBTQ Representation: “ParaNorman” is known for featuring what is considered one of the first openly gay characters in a mainstream animated film. The character of Mitch, voiced by Casey Affleck, reveals his sexual orientation near the end of the movie.
Voice Cast: In addition to Kodi Smit-McPhee and Casey Affleck, the film features a talented voice cast, including Anna Kendrick, Leslie Mann, Jeff Garlin, and John Goodman.
Elaborate Sets: The film’s sets are incredibly detailed and filled with references to horror movies. The town of Blithe Hollow is packed with Easter eggs for horror fans to discover.
Zombie Film Within a Film: In one scene, Norman is seen watching a zombie movie on TV. This film is actually an homage to George A. Romero’s classic zombie films and serves as a humorous reference.
Director’s Debut: “ParaNorman” was co-directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell. For Chris Butler, it was his directorial debut.
Critical Acclaim: The film received critical acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and emotional depth. It was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
“ParaNorman” is known for its blend of humor, horror, and heartfelt themes. It’s a unique and visually stunning film that has earned a devoted following among animation and horror enthusiasts.
Monster House (2006)
Three teens discover that their neighbor’s house is really a living, breathing, scary monster.
- Director: Gil Kenan
- Writers:
- Dan Harmon
- Rob Schrab
- Pamela Pettler
- Stars:
- Mitchel Musso
- Sam Lerner
- Spencer Locke
- IMDB Link
“Monster House” is a 2006 animated film directed by Gil Kenan and produced by Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg. Here are some trivia facts about the movie:
Motion Capture: “Monster House” was one of the first feature-length animated films to use a process called performance capture, which is a predecessor to motion capture technology. This allowed the actors to perform their roles, and their movements and expressions were digitally captured and then translated into animated characters.
Steven Spielberg Connection: The film was produced by Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis, who are both well-known figures in the film industry. This collaboration helped bring attention to the movie.
Realistic Animation: The filmmakers aimed to create a sense of realism in the animation. To achieve this, they used motion capture to capture the actors’ movements and expressions and then applied them to the characters’ designs.
Voice Cast: The film features a talented voice cast, including Mitchel Musso as DJ, Sam Lerner as Chowder, Spencer Locke as Jenny, and Steve Buscemi as the voice of Nebbercracker, the grumpy old man whose house becomes the “monster house.”
Haunted House Inspiration: The film draws inspiration from the classic concept of a haunted house, where the house itself is the antagonist. The concept of a sentient, malevolent house is a unique twist on the haunted house genre.
Neighborly Dispute: The film’s central conflict revolves around a neighborly dispute between DJ and Nebbercracker, which leads to the discovery of the house’s dark secret. The story was inspired by a real-life dispute between director Gil Kenan’s neighbor and himself when he was a child.
Horror and Comedy: “Monster House” is a blend of horror and comedy, making it suitable for a family audience while providing some thrilling and humorous moments.
Character Design: The design of the house was influenced by various architectural styles, giving it a unique and eerie appearance. The design was a collaborative effort between concept artists and animators.
Critical and Commercial Success: The film was both a critical and commercial success, receiving positive reviews from critics and performing well at the box office. It was praised for its animation quality and engaging story.
Academy Award Nomination: “Monster House” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, although it didn’t win.
“Monster House” is known for its creative take on the haunted house concept and its blend of horror and humor, making it an enjoyable animated film for both children and adults.
Hubie Halloween (2020)
Despite his devotion to his hometown of Salem (and its Halloween celebration), Hubie Dubois is a figure of mockery for kids and adults alike. But this year, something is going bump in the night, and it’s up to Hubie to save Halloween.
- Director: Steven Brill
- Writers:
- Tim Herlihy
- Adam Sandler
- Stars:
- Adam Sandler
- Kevin James
- Julie Bowen
- IMDB Link
“Hubie Halloween” is a 2020 Halloween-themed comedy film starring Adam Sandler. Here are some trivia facts about the movie:
Return of Adam Sandler: “Hubie Halloween” marked a return to the Halloween comedy genre for Adam Sandler, who has previously starred in Halloween-themed comedies like “The Waterboy.”
Star-Studded Cast: The film features a cast of familiar faces, including Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Julie Bowen, Steve Buscemi, Maya Rudolph, Rob Schneider, and many other regulars from Adam Sandler’s films.
Salem, Massachusetts: The movie is set in the town of Salem, Massachusetts, famous for its historical witch trials. The film plays on the town’s history and incorporates many Halloween traditions and themes.
Real-World Halloween Decorations: To make the town of Salem appear authentically Halloween-themed, the production crew used real Halloween decorations from local residents.
Parody and References: “Hubie Halloween” is filled with parodies and references to classic horror films and Halloween icons. It pays homage to various movies and spooky tropes.
Hubie’s Voice: Adam Sandler’s distinctive voice for his character, Hubie Dubois, is reminiscent of his other comedic roles and adds to the humor of the film.
Controversy: Some residents of Salem were reportedly not happy with the portrayal of their town in the film, feeling it portrayed the town in a negative light. However, the film did bring attention to Salem as a Halloween destination.
Comedic Style: “Hubie Halloween” features the type of humor that Adam Sandler is known for, combining physical comedy, slapstick humor, and absurd situations.
Netflix Release: The film was released exclusively on Netflix, making it easily accessible to a wide audience through the streaming platform.
Halloween Tradition: As with many Adam Sandler films, “Hubie Halloween” has become a Halloween tradition for some viewers who enjoy its lighthearted, goofy humor during the Halloween season.
While “Hubie Halloween” received mixed reviews from critics, it has found a dedicated audience among fans of Adam Sandler’s comedic style and is often enjoyed as a fun, Halloween-themed movie.
Corpse Bride (2005)
When a shy groom practices his wedding vows in the inadvertent presence of a deceased young woman, she rises from the grave assuming he has married her.
- Directors:
- Tim Burton
- Mike Johnson
- Writers:
- Tim Burton
- Carlos Grangel
- John August
- Stars:
- Johnny Depp
- Helena Bonham Carter
- Emily Watson
- IMDB Link
“Corpse Bride” is a 2005 stop-motion animated film directed by Tim Burton. Here are some trivia facts about the movie:
Inspiration: “Corpse Bride” is inspired by a 19th-century Russian-Jewish folktale, which is also the basis for the Yiddish play “The Dybbuk.” The film combines this dark folklore with Burton’s unique style.
Return to Stop-Motion: “Corpse Bride” marked Tim Burton’s return to stop-motion animation, a technique he had used in his earlier works, such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Collaboration: The film is a collaboration between Tim Burton and director Mike Johnson, with Burton serving as a producer and contributing to the story and design.
Johnny Depp’s Character: Johnny Depp provided the voice for the main character, Victor Van Dort. This marked his third collaboration with Tim Burton after “Edward Scissorhands” and “Ed Wood.”
Helena Bonham Carter’s Character: Helena Bonham Carter voiced the titular character, the Corpse Bride (Emily), in the film. She also played the Red Queen in Burton’s later film “Alice in Wonderland.”
Set Design: The film’s intricate and elaborate set designs were created by the talented production designer Alex McDowell, who worked on other Burton films as well.
Musical Score: Danny Elfman, who frequently collaborates with Tim Burton, composed the film’s musical score. It features memorable songs, such as “Remains of the Day.”
Double Exposure: The filmmakers used a technique called “double exposure” to animate some of the ghosts in the movie. This process involves filming the characters twice and then combining the two images to create a translucent, ghostly effect.
Skeleton Band: In the Land of the Dead, there is a musical sequence featuring a skeleton band. The members of the band were named Bonejangles, the Corpse Bride’s bassist and lead singer; Elder Gutknecht, a puppeteer who controls the town’s dead residents; and other members with names like Ghoul, Mayhew, and Jimmy.
Critical Acclaim: “Corpse Bride” received positive reviews from critics, particularly for its visual style, imaginative storytelling, and the voice performances of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.
“Corpse Bride” is known for its darkly romantic and whimsical storytelling, visually stunning stop-motion animation, and memorable characters. It has become a beloved part of Tim Burton’s filmography.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
A teenage boy named Max and his little sister move to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.
- Director: Kenny Ortega
- Writers:
- David Kirschner
- Mick Garris
- Neil Cuthbert
- Stars:
- Bette Midler
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Kathy Najimy
- IMDB Link
“Hocus Pocus” is a 1993 comedy-fantasy film directed by Kenny Ortega and has since become a beloved Halloween classic. Here are some trivia facts about the movie:
Initial Reception: When it was first released, “Hocus Pocus” received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics and was a box office disappointment. However, it has since gained a large and dedicated cult following and is considered a Halloween classic.
Original Title: The film was originally titled “Halloween House” before being changed to “Hocus Pocus.”
Set in Salem: “Hocus Pocus” is set in the fictional town of Salem, Massachusetts. While Salem is known for its real historical witch trials, the film takes a lighthearted and fictional approach to the idea of witches.
Bette Midler’s Song: Bette Midler, who plays Winifred Sanderson, performed the song “I Put a Spell on You” in the film. The song has become one of the most iconic parts of the movie and is often associated with Halloween.
Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker: Alongside Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker played her witch sisters, Mary and Sarah Sanderson, respectively. The trio’s chemistry is a highlight of the film.
Thackery Binx: The character of Thackery Binx, in his human form, is portrayed by actor Sean Murray. He is better known for his role as Timothy McGee on the TV series “NCIS.”
Black Flame Candle: The witches’ return is triggered by lighting the “Black Flame Candle.” This candle is actually made of black beeswax and had to be specially manufactured for the film.
Halloween Elements: The film is filled with classic Halloween elements, including witches, black cats, broomsticks, and trick-or-treaters.
Thora Birch’s Debut: Thora Birch, who plays Dani in the film, made her feature film debut in “Hocus Pocus.” She would go on to have a successful acting career in various films and TV shows.
Binx’s Fate: Thackery Binx’s character was cursed by the Sanderson sisters and turned into an immortal cat. His story is a key element of the film’s plot.
“Hocus Pocus” has grown in popularity over the years, becoming a staple of Halloween viewing for many. Its blend of humor, fantasy, and Halloween spirit has made it a beloved classic for audiences of all ages.
Goosebumps (2015)
A teenager teams up with the daughter of young-adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer’s imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware.
- Director: Rob Letterman
- Writers:
- Darren Lemke
- Scott Alexander
- Larry Karaszewski
- Stars:
- Jack Black
- Dylan Minnette
- Odeya Rush
- IMDB Link
“Goosebumps,” based on the popular book series by R.L. Stine. Here are some interesting trivia facts about the film:
Multiple Book References: The film incorporates various characters and elements from the “Goosebumps” book series, which spans numerous titles. It’s a fun homage to fans of the books.
R.L. Stine’s Cameo: R.L. Stine, the author of the “Goosebumps” series, makes a cameo appearance in the movie. He is portrayed by Jack Black, who plays a fictionalized version of Stine in the film.
Haunted Manuscripts: In the movie, the characters must deal with living, haunted manuscripts of R.L. Stine’s books. The challenge is to prevent the monsters from escaping into the real world.
Monster Lineup: “Goosebumps” features a wide array of classic “Goosebumps” creatures, including the ventriloquist dummy Slappy, the werewolf, the giant praying mantis, the abominable snowman, and the living dummy, among others.
Real Locations: The movie was filmed in various locations in and around Atlanta, Georgia. It provided a scenic backdrop for the story.
Tribute to Classic Horror: The film pays homage to classic horror movies, with sequences that nod to classics like “King Kong” and “The Twilight Zone.”
Jack Black’s Role: Jack Black, who portrays R.L. Stine in the movie, was enthusiastic about the role because he is a fan of Stine’s work and saw it as an opportunity to introduce a new generation to the “Goosebumps” universe.
Successful Adaptation: “Goosebumps” received generally positive reviews and was a commercial success, leading to the release of a sequel, “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween,” in 2018.
Age-Appropriate Thrills: The film manages to deliver thrills and scares suitable for a younger audience while also being entertaining for adults who grew up reading the “Goosebumps” books.
Music: The movie’s soundtrack features music composed by Danny Elfman, known for his work on many Tim Burton films and other iconic soundtracks.
“Goosebumps” successfully brings the world of R.L. Stine’s books to the big screen and is a nostalgic and enjoyable film for both fans of the series and newcomers to the spooky world of “Goosebumps.”
Frankenweenie (2012)
When a boy’s beloved dog passes away suddenly, he attempts to bring the animal back to life through a powerful science experiment.
- Director: Tim Burton
- Writers:
- Leonard Ripps
- Tim Burton
- John August
- Stars:
- Winona Ryder
- Catherine O’Hara
- Martin Short
- IMDB Link
“Frankenweenie” is a 2012 stop-motion animated film directed by Tim Burton. Here are some interesting trivia facts about the movie:
Short Film Adaptation: “Frankenweenie” is a feature-length remake of Tim Burton’s 1984 short film of the same name. The short film was made while Burton was working at Disney, and it was considered too dark and unconventional for release at the time.
Homage to Classic Horror: The movie is a loving homage to classic horror films, particularly James Whale’s “Frankenstein” and Universal’s classic monster movies. It features various nods to these classics.
Black and White: “Frankenweenie” is one of the few major Hollywood films in recent years to be entirely shot in black and white, giving it a unique and visually striking look.
Stop-Motion Animation: The film was created using stop-motion animation, with the characters and sets crafted meticulously by hand. It’s a time-consuming and labor-intensive process that gives the film its distinctive style.
Real Dog Skeleton: To achieve the realistic movement of Sparky, Victor’s reanimated dog, the animators used a real dog skeleton as a reference.
Voice Cast: The film features several actors who have worked with Tim Burton in the past, including Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Landau.
Inspiration from Burton’s Own Life: The story is somewhat autobiographical for Tim Burton. He has often mentioned that he was an imaginative and somewhat socially isolated child who found solace in his pets.
Easter Eggs: As is typical with Tim Burton’s work, there are several Easter eggs and references to his previous films throughout “Frankenweenie.” Keep an eye out for these hidden details.
Academy Award Nomination: “Frankenweenie” was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, though it did not win.
Influence on Future Works: The film’s success has led to more interest in stop-motion animation, and it has been cited as an influence on other filmmakers’ work in the genre.
“Frankenweenie” is a heartfelt and visually stunning film that captures the essence of classic monster movies while telling a touching story of a boy’s love for his pet.
Coraline (2009)
An adventurous 11-year-old girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets.
- Director: Henry Selick
- Writers:
- Henry Selick
- Neil Gaiman
- Stars:
- Dakota Fanning
- Teri Hatcher
- John Hodgman
- IMDB Link
“Coraline” is a 2009 stop-motion animated dark fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and based on Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name. Here are some trivia facts about the movie:
Long Production: “Coraline” took approximately 18 months to complete, with filming spanning over 2 years. The attention to detail in the stop-motion animation process contributed to its extended production time.
Multiple Versions of Coraline: Over 20 different versions of the character Coraline were created for the film, each designed to convey different emotions and expressions.
3D Release: “Coraline” was one of the first stop-motion animated films to be released in 3D, which enhanced the visual experience and added depth to the richly detailed sets.
Original Music: The film’s haunting and atmospheric soundtrack was composed by Bruno Coulais, known for his work on several French films.
Teri Hatcher’s Dual Role: Actress Teri Hatcher provided the voices for both Coraline’s mother and the Other Mother. She gave distinct performances for each character, with the Other Mother’s voice being more menacing and colder.
Hidden Messages: The film features hidden messages and symbols throughout, such as the use of buttons and eyes, which symbolize the themes of control and surveillance.
Film Festival Premieres: “Coraline” made its world premiere at the Portland International Film Festival, where director Henry Selick resides. It then premiered at several other film festivals before its wider release.
Neil Gaiman’s Involvement: Neil Gaiman, the author of the novel on which the film is based, was actively involved in the production, offering creative input and collaborating with the filmmakers.
Critical Acclaim: “Coraline” received critical acclaim for its unique animation style, storytelling, and visual creativity. It was praised for its dark and mature themes, which made it appealing to both children and adults.
Academy Award Nomination: The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, marking its recognition as one of the top animated films of the year.
“Coraline” is renowned for its dark and imaginative storytelling, intricate animation, and the way it appeals to both children and adults with its themes and visuals. It has become a cult classic in the world of animated cinema.
Conclusion
And there you have it, our spine-tingling selection of 10 kids’ movies that bring the spirit of Halloween to life in a way that’s both thrilling and safe for all ages. These cinematic adventures offer a bewitching blend of heartwarming stories, supernatural mysteries, and unforgettable characters, perfect for creating lasting memories with your little ghouls and goblins. So, whether you’re curling up with a classic or diving into a new favorite, these films are sure to make your Halloween extra special. From our family to yours, have a delightfully eerie and frightfully fun time!
Happy Halloween Folks!
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