Halloween isn’t just about jump scares and candy binges; it’s an ideal opportunity to gather the family for a cozy movie night filled with laughter and just the right amount of spookiness. Whether you’re in search of giggles that will leave everyone in stitches, goosebumps that send shivers down your spine, or engaging tales that won’t have the kids scrambling to your bed afterward, these seven carefully selected movies strike the perfect balance of fun and fright.
Get ready for a night of enchanting storytelling and delightful thrills that everyone will love!
© Getty Images
© Boston Globe via Getty ImagesHocus Pocus (1993)
Three resurrected witches in Salem, a talking cat, and a candle that never should’ve been lit. Hocus Pocus is as Halloween as it gets. Parents get a hit of nostalgia and clever humor, while kids get spells, chaos, and flying brooms.
Where to watch: Disney+
Halloweentown (1998)
This Disney Channel classic takes you straight into a world where goblins go grocery shopping and witches run errands. Marnie Piper discovers she’s from a family of witches—and the real fun begins.
Where to watch: Disney+
© LMPC via Getty ImagesCasper (1995)
Before Pixar made us cry, Casper showed us that ghosts could be adorable. A friendly ghost befriends a girl and her paranormal-expert dad, and somehow, you end up caring deeply about the afterlife of a cartoon ghost.
Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
© Disney General Entertainment ConThe Addams Family (1991 or 2019)
They’re creepy, they’re kooky, and they redefine what “family goals” means. Whether you go with the live-action classic or the animated reboot, The Addams Family is a reminder that being weird is wonderful.
Where to watch: Paramount+ or Netflix
© Getty ImagesMonster House (2006)
Three kids realize the neighbor’s house isn’t haunted—it’s alive. The film blends humor, mild horror, and heart with incredible animation that holds up surprisingly well.
Where to watch: Netflix
© Getty Images for LaikaCoraline (2009)
When Coraline finds a secret door to a “better” version of her life, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot—until it turns dark. It’s eerie, mesmerizing, and gorgeously animated.
Where to watch: Max, Apple TV
© Getty ImagesThe Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, gets obsessed with Christmas—and it all goes hilariously sideways. It’s equal parts spooky, sweet, and stunningly creative.
Where to watch: Disney+
How to Make It a Perfect Family Movie Night
- Set the mood: Light a pumpkin candle, throw on cozy socks, and serve popcorn with candy corn mixed in.
- Add a little game: Before each movie, have everyone guess who’ll scream first—or who’ll laugh the loudest.
- Create a mini tradition: End each night by ranking your favorite characters or quoting the funniest line.
Halloween doesn’t have to mean hiding behind a pillow; it can be about laughter, imagination, and just the right amount of spooky sparkle. So grab the blanket, pour the cocoa, and let your living room become your family’s Halloween theater tonight.
