Time is precious, especially when you’re gathering your whole family for a movie night. Looking for something this Halloween that’s appropriate for kids? A little bit spooky, but also cozy and silly? Let me help narrow down Netflix’s family friendly Halloween movie options so you don’t waste any minutes scrolling on the app. Maximize your trick or treating!
There should be something spooky for everyone here: witches, ghosts, demons, feminism, zombies, and a guy named Hubie. I’ve noted below which of these films are rated PG-13 (everything else is PG) in case that affects your decision. If you’re looking for a longer watch, I highly recommend these three underrated shows: The Worst Witch, Julie and the Phantoms, and A Series Of Unfortunate Events. I’m assuming you already know about Wednesday… right?? But anyway, as for movies you can settle in with on a dark and stormy night, here’s what we’ve got:
KPop Demon Hunters
Chances are, if there are kids in your home, you’ve already watched KPop Demon Hunters between one and 77 times. But if there’s any hesitation and/or no objections to watching it again, Halloween is the perfect time to pop on the summer hit. The lore is inherently spooky-coded, and the demonic villain is actually scary. KPop Demon Hunters is about three girls who fight monsters and moonlight as a girl group called Huntr/x. (Or is it the other way around?) You know that Huntr/x is going to be a popular Halloween costume this year. The soundtrack rocks and the power of friendship is strong!
Hubie Halloween
This goofy Halloween comedy is a great way to introduce the younger members of your family to Adam Sandler. Not to mention the supporting cast, which includes grown-up favorites like Tim Meadows, Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, Julie Bowen, Maya Rudolph, and Ray Liotta. Sandler plays a Halloween-loving townie in Salem, Massachusetts who often finds himself at the butt end of jokes. Until danger comes to Salem and he has the chance to save the day, that is! It is PG-13, but since every family treats that rating differently, in my experience, I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Casper
Trying to raise an emo preteen? Do not forget about this powerful little paranormal coming-of-age fantasy. Christina Ricci is so relatable as a girl trying to fit in at a new school while living in a literal haunted house. Bill Pullman is a sad dad. Devon Sawa is a cute ghost boy responsible for so many weird girl crushes in the 90s. There’s also a Ghostbusters connection in this movie. I totally forgot about that until recently. In this world of connected cinematic universes that we live in now, it’s really funny to see.
The School for Good and Evil
If your household can’t get enough of Wicked, this PG-13 YA fantasy starring Sophia Anne Caruso from Broadway’s Beetlejuice and Sofia Wylie from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series might be the perfect this to stream this Halloween while we wait for Wicked: For Good. It’s definitely on the fantasy side of Halloween. The two girls play best friends Sophie and Agatha who think they’re destined to be a princess and a witch, respectively. But the titular school has other plans.
We Have A Ghost
Stranger Things and Avengers-loving households will be interested in checking out We Have A Ghost to see David Harbour and Anthony Mackie alone. Also PG-13, the story follows a father and son who take very different approaches to living in a haunted house. The father tries to capitalize off of the spirit living under his roof. The son takes a more empathetic approach and tries to learn everything about his life so he can help him with his unfinished business. Warning: this movie is weirdly long for a family film. Prepare to pause!
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting
Based on the book by Joe Ballarini, this one has kind of a DCOM vibe. It’s about a girl who survived a monster attack when she was little and later discovers an underground group of babysiters who protect kids from real monsters. They do so much more than checking under the bed and in the closet. Can the group rescue a little boy named Jacob from the literal Bogeyman and get him home before his mom comes home? Stakes for family friendly Halloween movies don’t get much better than that.
Wendell and Wild
This PG-13 rated stop-motion animated film was co-written by Henry Selick, director The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Jordan Peele. Can you think of a better collaboration for a Halloween movie?? The voice cast also features Peele alongside his former sketch partner Keegan-Michael Key. The protagonist’s name is Kat, just like in Casper! She makes a deal with two demons (the titular Wendell and Wild) and goes on a Halloween-approved adventure involving zombies, an evil prison, and a goat named Gabby.
Spellbound
The The School for Good and Evil, this film is more fantasy than spooky. But with a score composed by Alan Menken and sung by Rachel Zegler, how can you not be intrigued? She plays a princess named Ellian whose parents have been transformed into uncontrollable beasts. Keeping them from causing mayhem and running a kingdom is too much responsibility for a teenage royal! (Spoiler alert for parents considering Spellbound: it is ultimately about how divorce can be a good thing. I bet some families could really use a movie like that!)
Nightbooks
This family-friendly Netflix original was produced by Sam Raimi, stars Krysten Ritter as a witch, and references The Lost Boys early on. It was practically created in a lab to cross the generational divide. Nightbooks does incorporate some fairy tale lore. Don’t be surprised when you see unicorns and gingerbread houses. But it’s still spooky! It’s about a boy who loves ghost stories and all things scary… which a lot of kids do! Roald Dahl understood that back in the day. We can too.
Death Becomes Her
My final PG-13 recommendation, for families with older and/or wiser children, is a hilarious cult classic. Take advantage of Netflix adding this dark and twisted comedy starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn and watch it with your family ASAP. Maybe it will spark a teaching moment about beauty standards and female friendship. Maybe it will just entertain the snot out of your entire family. Either experience is totally valid. Kids, especially preteens, can have really delightfully dark senses of humor and unexpected taste. A movie like Death Becomes Her, about two competitive best friends who make a deal with a glamorous devil (the incomparable Isabella Rosselini), is the perfect way to cultivate that.
(featured image: Netflix)
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