Halloween Movies for Kids

When people think of Halloween movies, the first genre that springs to mind is horror - the kind that makes you scream and jump out of your skin. But horror films are completely unsuitable for children, so which Halloween movies can you show to kids who want to feel the fear? There aren't a lot of Halloween movies for kids, but there are a few which will make them jump without terrifying them completely. Take a look at this guide to the best Halloween movies for kids!

1) "Hocus Pocus" (1993)

"Hocus Pocus" is far and away the best Halloween movie that is suitable for children. It definitely has the scare factor, but it isn't likely to give your kids nightmares. The story is set in Salem and focuses on a boy named Max who has just moved there with his family. He is a non-believer in Halloween and is completely uninterested in the story of the Sanderson Sisters - a trio of witches who kidnapped children and sucked the lives out of them to keep themselves young and beautiful. On Halloween night, Max is forced to take his little sister trick or treating and after bumping into Max's crush, Alison they all head to the old Sanderson house to look around. It all seems like a bit of harmless fun until Max lights the black-flamed candle which brings the Sanderson Sisters back to life!

2) "Monster House" (2006)

Animated Halloween movies for kids are quite common - particularly if you include cartoon Halloween specials, but "Monster House" is in a league of its own. DJ Walters is a twelve year old boy who spends his free time spying on Mr Nebbecracker who lives across the street. While his parents are away and he is being looked after by rather frightening teenage babysitter, Zee, DJ's best friend Chowder loses his basketball on Nebbecracker's front yard. When DJ steps on to Nebbecracker's property to fetch it, Nebbecracker grabs DJ and begins screaming, but collapses. When DJ and Chowder see him being carried off in an ambulance they believe he is dead. Later, Chowder decides to investigate the house but it scared when it tries to eat him! Along with smart schoolgirl, Jenny, the two boys are determined to get inside the house - but they are unprepared for what is inside!

3)"Casper" (1995)

"Casper" is all about a ghost, but he isn't scary! He is friendly and cute! Dr Harvey is a ghost therapist, and he moves into a haunted house with his daughter, Kat at the request of the house owner, Carrigan Crittenden. Casper, the friendly ghost of the house falls instantly in love with Kat but his feelings are mocked by his ghost uncles, Stretch, Stinkie and Fatso. In spite of their torture, Casper forms a strong friendship with Kat, with very touching results.

4) "Scooby Doo: The Movie" (2002)

Scooby Doo is well known for monsters and ghost, which makes "Scooby Doo: The Movie" one of the greatest Halloween movies for kids. When the members of Mystery Inc. are called to Spooky Island, they are forced to re-unite to solve a brand new puzzle. Initially, they are too proud to work together and conduct separate investigations but when things on Spooky Island start to get weirder, they realise that they need each other as much as they always did.

5) "The Addams Family" (1991)

"The Addams Family" movie was spawned from the old television show of the same name. Although it may seem that it is quite outdated for the children of today, this still qualifies as one of the best and most quirky Halloween movies for kids ever made. Gomez Addams regrets falling out with brother, Fester and is astonished when he suddenly turns up at the Addams' house. However, Gomez becomes increasingly suspicious when Fester can't seem to remember anything about their childhood, begging the question - is it really Fester, or an imposter?

Halloween movies for kids are harmless for the most part, but if you are unsure if they will be suitable for your child be sure to watch alone first so you can judge for yourself.