Whether you’re looking for mild scares or family-friendly adventures, this article will help you find the best Halloween movies to watch with your little ones.
Halloween is a time for spooky fun and for families looking for thrilling yet age-appropriate Halloween movies to watch with their kids, Netflix offers a range of fantastic options. While animated films dominate the Halloween season, there are plenty of live-action movies that cater to young audiences and offer the right mix of suspense, adventure and family-friendly scares. Below is a curated list of the best kid Halloween movies on Netflix complete with plot details, actor information, release years and IMDb ratings.
1. A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting (2020)
- Plot: This movie follows Kelly Ferguson, a high schooler and babysitter who is unexpectedly thrust into the world of monster hunting. When a young boy she’s babysitting is kidnapped by the Boogeyman, she joins a secret society of babysitters who protect children from mythical creatures. With Halloween approaching, Kelly must confront her fears and save the child from the hands of evil.
- Main Actors: Tamara Smart, Oona Laurence, Alessio Scalzotto
- Year: 2020
- Rating: 5.4/10 on IMDb
- Why It’s Great: The movie blends action, adventure and mild horror in a way that is exciting for kids but never too terrifying. The special effects and vibrant characters make this an engaging pick for a Halloween movie night.
2. Goosebumps (2015)
- Plot: Based on the iconic R.L. Stine book series, “Goosebumps” follows Zach Cooper, a teenager who moves to a small town and befriends his mysterious new neighbor, Hannah. He soon discovers that her father, R.L. Stine (played by Jack Black), is the author of the “Goosebumps” series and all of his monsters are real. When the monsters escape from the books, Zach, Hannah, and Stine must work together to stop them before they wreak havoc on the town.
- Main Actors: Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush
- Year: 2015
- Rating: 6.3/10 on IMDb
- Why It’s Great: With its perfect blend of humor and horror, “Goosebumps” offers mild scares that kids will love especially if they’re fans of the books. Jack Black’s comedic performance adds a light-hearted tone that balances out the monster mayhem.
3. Monster House (2006)
- Plot: While technically not animated in the traditional sense, “Monster House” uses motion-capture technology to tell the story of three kids who discover that a creepy house in their neighborhood is actually alive. As Halloween approaches they must find a way to stop the house from devouring everything in its path. This thrilling, slightly eerie movie is packed with suspense but it never crosses into outright horror.
- Main Actors: Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke
- Year: 2006
- Rating: 6.6/10 on IMDb
- Why It’s Great: Although not a fully live-action movie, “Monster House” is worth mentioning due to its unique animation style and a gripping storyline that engages older kids. The film is a perfect mix of spooky and adventurous, making it a Halloween favorite.
4. The Boy Who Cried Werewolf (2010)
- Plot: This Nickelodeon original movie centers around Jordan Sands, a clumsy teenage girl who after visiting a castle in Romania with her family, begins to transform into a werewolf. Her transformation sets off a series of comical events, all while her younger brother Hunter tries to uncover the castle’s hidden secrets and save the day.
- Main Actors: Victoria Justice, Chase Ellison, Brooke Shields
- Year: 2010
- Rating: 6.0/10 on IMDb
- Why It’s Great: With a balance of humor, family dynamics and a light horror theme, “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf” is a fun option for kids who are just beginning to explore the world of Halloween-themed films. It’s a non-scary, supernatural flick filled with quirky twists.
5. The Witches (2020)
- Plot: Based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, “The Witches” tells the story of a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches while staying at a hotel with his grandmother. The witches, led by the terrifying Grand High Witch, have a plan to turn all children into mice. It’s up to the boy and his grandmother to foil their evil plan before it’s too late.
- Main Actors: Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci
- Year: 2020
- Rating: 5.4/10 on IMDb
- Why It’s Great: This modern adaptation is visually stunning and offers a balance of suspense and humor that keeps younger audiences engaged without being too frightening. Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of the Grand High Witch is particularly memorable.
6. Nightbooks (2021)
- Plot: “Nightbooks” follows a boy named Alex who is captured by a witch and forced to tell her scary stories every night. With the help of another prisoner, Yasmin, Alex tries to outwit the witch and escape her enchanted apartment. Based on the popular book by J.A. White, this film blends elements of fairy tales and dark fantasy.
- Main Actors: Winslow Fegley, Krysten Ritter, Lidya Jewett
- Year: 2021
- Rating: 5.8/10 on IMDb
- Why It’s Great: This movie offers a darker yet still kid-friendly, take on the fantasy genre with an engaging storyline and atmospheric visuals. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy a little extra suspense with their Halloween entertainment.
7. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
- Plot: While this film pushes the envelope for older kids and tweens, “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is a thrilling anthology based on the popular book series. Set in 1968, a group of teenagers discovers a book of scary stories that come to life, leading them on a race against time to break the curse and survive. The film is spooky and atmospheric, with more intense scenes that may not be suitable for very young viewers.
- Main Actors: Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush
- Year: 2019
- Rating: 6.2/10 on IMDb
- Why It’s Great: This movie is perfect for older kids looking for something a bit scarier though it’s still family-appropriate. Its anthology format and classic horror references make it a nostalgic watch for parents too.
8. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
- Plot: This dark fantasy film follows the three Baudelaire orphans—Violet, Klaus and Sunny—as they try to escape the clutches of their evil guardian, Count Olaf. While not a traditional Halloween film, the gothic atmosphere and dark humor make it a fitting choice for the spooky season.
- Main Actors: Jim Carrey, Liam Aiken, Emily Browning
- Year: 2004
- Rating: 6.8/10 on IMDb
- Why It’s Great: Jim Carrey’s over-the-top portrayal of Count Olaf is both hilarious and chilling, making this movie an excellent blend of humor, suspense and quirky scares. The film’s unique aesthetic is ideal for kids who enjoy fantasy mixed with a dash of darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best kid Halloween movies on Netflix without cartoons?
Some of the best live-action Halloween movies for kids on Netflix include A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting, Goosebumps and The Boy Who Cried Werewolf.
Are these Halloween movies too scary for younger kids?
Most of the Halloween movies on this list are mild in terms of scares and suitable for children aged 8 and up. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is more appropriate for older kids or tweens due to its intensity.
Is there a mix of comedy and horror in these Halloween movies?
Yes, many of the Halloween movies on this list like Goosebumps and The Witches, balance humor with spooky elements, making them entertaining without being too frightening.
Can these Halloween movies be enjoyed outside of Halloween?
Absolutely! While these Halloween movies have a Halloween vibe, their engaging plots and family-friendly themes make them great for year-round viewing.
Are these Halloween movies available in all regions on Netflix?
Availability of these Halloween movies may vary based on your region, so be sure to check your local Netflix listings to see which of these movies are available.