This past week I wanted to see how my kids would react to watching a family-friendly Halloween movies to prepare for the upcoming holiday.
I didn’t want to scare them too much so I chose to watch, The Shallows (2016).
As a result from reading online, the movie wasn’t too intense or gory for the children, just enough for me to gauge their interest in these types of movies.
My kids are six and three, so I thought that watching a shark in the water would be a good lead into the horror/thriller genre. I was sadly mistaken.
The first 45 minutes was off to a good start, half naked woman in the middle of no where wanting to surf, so far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary was going on and the family was enjoying the movie.
Until, the shark showed itself.
Both of my kids jumped off of the couch, ran and hid under the table screaming. My daughter shouted out this very annoying cry while running and hiding under the table, while my son not knowing exactly what was happening, did the same thing.
At this point my wife stepped in to protect her children by asking me to stop the movie due to the scary and violent nature of the shark.
Her timing was impeccable, just when the allure of the movie was starting to get me hooked.
I’m not saying that I totally ignored my daughter’s behavior but, we finished the movie against my her wishes and everyone was okay by the end.
As a result here’s a drawing of what my daughter remembered from the movie. She showed it to us unexpectedly after picking her up from grandma and grandpa’s! My wife and I couldn’t help but laugh. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll recognize this scene.
After The Shallows I decided to play another movie, Ghostbusters (2016). While this movie had plenty of ‘scary’ visuals, more than the previous but everybody was fine with it…interesting.
I guess a floating, glowing, see through ghost is more entertaining and not as scary than a hungry shark.
The first 30 minutes went by quickly, I fell asleep and my wife and kids finished the rest of the movie. No crying, no whining, and no running and hiding under the table.
I’m confused, I am still on this kick to find a balance between what family-friendly Halloween movies both parents and kids will enjoy this Halloween.
I started looking at the movies that we had and decided to create a list of what I think would be a good fit.
In conclusion below is a list of family-friendly Halloween movies along with trailers and favorite quotes from each movie.
Leave a comment to let us know what you’ll be watching this Halloween season. And for more family-friendly fall ideas check Fall Bucket List.
Family-Friendly Halloween Movies
1. Goosebumps (2015)
Hello. My name is Mr. R.L. Stine. Every story ever told can be broken down into three parts. The beginning. The middle. And the twist. – R.L. Stine
2. Paranorman (2012)
Can you see my dog, Bub? He was hit by an animal rescue van. Tragic and ironic. – Neil
3. Corpse Bride (2005)
With this hand I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never be empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way into darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine. – Victor Van Dort
4. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Evil and darkness have fallen this night. But now, to survive, you must gain new sight. – Madame Leota
I must first gain new underwear. – Jim
5. Casper (1995)
There’s a girl… on my bed. YES! – Casper
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
[singing] Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it! – Jack Skellington
7. Hocus Pocus (1993)
You know, I’ve always wanted a child. And now I think I’ll have one on toast! – Winifred Sanderson
8. The Addams Family (1991)
I’m a homicidal maniac, they look just like everyone else. – Wednesday
9. The Monster Squad (1987)
Wolfman’s got nards! – Horace
10. Gremlins (1984)
Well, that’s the story. So if your air conditioner goes on the fritz or your washing machine blows up or your video recorder conks out; before you call the repairman turn on all the lights, check all the closets and cupboards, look under all the beds, ’cause you never can tell there just might be a gremlin in your house. – Randall Peltzer
11. It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
I got a rock. – Charlie Brown
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Great list! Hocus Pocus has to be my favorite!!
I love Hocus Pocus too, those witches crack me up. I never get tired of them. Thanks for stopping by Nicole.
These are so good!! LOVE Casper!!
I forgot about some of these! A few days ago we were trying to think of Hallowe’en movies to watch with our 6 year old. A Netflix search didn’t bring up much, so we went with Labyrinth. We’ll definitely be using your list, thanks!
Love this!!! Casper is DEFINITELY a long-time favorite. I think having these movies on hand for the kiddos is super important-especially because of the issues you pointed out. Haha. Hopefully she isn’t too scared of sharks now! Thanks for sharing <3
Hocus Pocus and Casper are both excellent family-friendly Halloween movies!
Gremlins still scares me. One of my favorite Halloween movies has always been Halloweentown and the sequels.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is our favorite by far. Great choices!
lol! this whole post made me laugh! great list, but i wouldn’t take gremlins off of it. i was terrified for months after watching that as a child. haha! i loved paranorman. i saw that when my oldest was about 8, and it first came out. i remember commenting that i really enjoyed it even as an adult, AND that if it were real peoplei would have been scared! good movie!
Yeah Casper is definitely up there!
No problem Stephanie, my kids loved The Haunted Mansion, be sure to watch it and let us know!
Well, we won’t be watching Jaws anytime soon that’s for sure. Hopefully she wasn’t too traumatized.
Yup two classics during this time of the year.
Haha Gremlins for sure. Just waiting to for the right time to introduce that one, because it can go either way.
That is a great one! Angela loves that movie also.
Gremlins! Yes, it will be an interesting watch to say the least, I’m excited to see how pinky will react to watching it.
Oh my gosh I had forgotten about so many of these! Thank you! We just watched Hocus Pocus as a family and the kids loved it (it’s my favorite) but now we have so many more to get us in the Halloween spirit!
Hocus Pocus is my all time favorite Halloween movie. Can’t get enough of those Sanderson Sisters 😉 I’m so glad you found some movies in the list you’d like to watch with the family, Chelsey! Happy Halloween!
Great list, I’m saving this for when my little one gets a little bit older. I’m not the biggest Halloween person but maybe some family movie time will help me get into the spirit!
I’m glad you enjoyed the list, Allison. I wasn’t into Halloween until I had kids. I mainly just love all the festivities that come along with it (pumpkin carving, dressing up, etc.) Thanks for stopping by.
I’m not into scary movies but these are movies I could love!
Hocus Pocus is one of my favorite Halloween movies! I look forward to it every year!
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Thanks, Allison! I’m glad you found these ones interesting.
Oh my goodness, Hocus Pocus and Casper seem to be the more popular movies! Hocus Pocus is definitely my favorite too.
Great movie recommendations! 😉
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Thanks, Suzette. That means a lot coming from you! Happy Halloween!