15 Spooky (but Not Too Scary) Movies for a Family Halloween Night

One of the very best things about Halloween? Curling up together on a dark October night, lighting a few candles, making a big bowl of popcorn, and settling in for a spooky movie marathon.

But if you’re a family with teens (or even younger kids), choosing the right film can be tricky. You want something that sets the mood without being nightmare-inducing. Teens might roll their eyes at cartoons, but they’re not quite ready for a full-on horror flick either.

That’s where this list comes in. Here are 15 spooky (but not too scary) Halloween movies that strike just the right balance — atmospheric, a little eerie, and full of seasonal fun, without being over the top.

movie clap board in hands over autumnal leaves of willow tree — Photo by Anya Juárez Tenorio on Pexels.com

The Movies

1. Hocus Pocus (1993)

The ultimate Halloween classic. Witches, spells, and just the right amount of spookiness — perfect for a family movie night. Bonus points if you follow it with Hocus Pocus 2!

2. Casper (1995)

A friendly ghost with a big heart. This one mixes humour, warmth, and a few spooky moments — ideal for younger kids and still nostalgic fun for teens.

3. The Addams Family (1991)

Quirky, gothic, and full of iconic one-liners. It’s spooky, stylish, and cool enough for teens to enjoy without complaint.

4. Monster House (2006)

An animated film that’s surprisingly spooky. It has jumpy moments but keeps the humour alive, making it just the right mix for a family night.

5. Goosebumps (2015)

Based on R.L. Stine’s beloved books, this one is adventurous and a little creepy, but fun enough for the whole family to watch together.

6. Coraline (2009)

Dark, eerie, and atmospheric, but still firmly in the “family-friendly” category. Teens especially love the slightly gothic edge.

7. Ghostbusters (1984)

Not too scary but definitely spooky. Funny, iconic, and endlessly quotable, this one appeals to every generation.

8. ParaNorman (2012)

A brave boy who talks to ghosts? This stop-motion gem is quirky, clever, and surprisingly heartfelt.

9. Frankenweenie (2012)

Tim Burton’s black-and-white animated story about a boy and his reanimated dog. Eccentric, gothic, and sweet.

10. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Lighthearted, silly, and packed with classic monsters. Great for younger siblings, but still fun for older kids too.

11. The Witches (1990)

Based on Roald Dahl’s book, this one has genuinely creepy moments (those witches are something else!) but it’s still family-appropriate.

12. Corpse Bride (2005)

Another Tim Burton classic — spooky but sweet, with beautiful animation and music.

13. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Not strictly a Halloween film, but it fits the autumnal, gothic mood perfectly. Plus, it’s a great pick for older teens.

14. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Is it a Halloween movie? A Christmas movie? The answer is yes! This crossover classic works beautifully in October.

15. Practical Magic (1998)

Best suited to older teens, this witchy favourite is full of sisterhood, magic, and cosy autumn vibes. A perfect “teen pick” for your list.

Enjoy these family movies…

Halloween movie nights don’t have to mean nightmares or watered-down cartoons. These films strike that perfect middle ground: atmospheric, spooky, a little bit magical, and fun for everyone in the family.

So grab some snacks, light a few candles, and let everyone vote on a favourite. Whether you go with a timeless classic like Hocus Pocus or something quirky like ParaNorman, you’re in for a night of cosy, spooky fun.

Chat soon,

Ciara x