Ten Family Friendly Horror Movies

Perhaps some of you are parents looking for fun ways to share Halloween spooky times with your kids but don’t think they are quite ready for the heavy stuff. Or maybe you would enjoy to revisit some favorites from your own childhood. Or maybe you are just a wuss. Either way, this list could be a lot of fun for you.

I had a good time compiling it. Sometimes the hardest part about watching things with your kids is finding something you will both enjoy. Some of these selections are classics and some are new, but all of them would be fun to share with the family. You don’t have to be hardcore to enjoy Halloween. The only thing that is required is a healthy imagination and a willingness to recapture the child inside. But then I recommend letting them go before someone calls the cops. Top Ten Wee Willy-Inspiring Watches

The Haunted Mansion (2003)– This Disney film will seem a little silly to those of us who are used to be showered with blood and guts, but the kids will enjoy the cool effects and overall spooky atmosphere. Never think you’d be willing to watch an Eddie Murphey film with your kids? This isn’t exactly Delirious. The family friendly Eddie of recent years has proved to be just as much fun…well not JUST as much but this is a cute movie.

The Monster Squad (1987)– I balked momentarily about adding this one to the list. After all it does mention nards as in the wolfman’s got ‘em and it touched on the subject of virginity but I was a teen when this flick came out and I think it’s fun. Perhaps this one would be better to share with the tweens rather than the super young children. But that will be your call. I grew up watching An American Werewolf in London in the theater so what do I know?

Scooby Doo on Zombie Island (1998)- If you haven’t seen this flick, you should check it out just because. We all loved those mysteries growing up and this one is actually kind of scary at times. It’s still appropriate for the kiddies I believe but if you watch it as an adult in the right “frame of mind” it can be rather spooky mostly because you won’t find an angry Innkeeper in a rubber mask as the culprit here. It’s darker than that and loads of fun for any Scooby fan.

Monster House (2006)– What could be scary about a cartoon? Several things in this cool little entry. It is definitely creepy. Some of the images could be frightening to the little ones but I think it’s a cool way to introduce them to horror. The animation is top-notch and the story is cute and engaging. I wasn’t sure I would like it when I first watched it but it was surprisingly entertaining.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)– Okay so this one straddles the line between being a Christmas film and a Halloween film. I think it serves well as both. It does take place in Halloweentown after all. I love the music and the look. It is dark and brooding like anything Tim Burton has a hand in and it is now a classic. But then I don’t have to tell you any of that. I know you’ve all seen this one.

Halloweentown (1998)– Hey speaking of Halloweentown… Debbie Reynolds does a turn as witchy grandmother in this fun little family film. It is lighthearted and magical and the kids should enjoy it. I usually watch it every year. Yeah, so what? I’m not all guts and glory you know? I do have a heart. I like it. So there.

Hocus Pocus (1993)– Heehee this movie is so cute and funny. 300 years ago three sisters were executed for witchcraft. Now they are back thanks to Max. But they are out for mischief and Max must stop them before they steal the lives of the children of Salem. Played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, these witches are the likes of witch (lol couldn’t help it) you have never seen. Coming into the future, they ride vacuum cleaners nowadays. Also look for a young Thora Birch.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad / The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949)– Okay I did the slashy thing because this Disney version of the Washington Irving classic tale was originally released as part of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad but has since become available in other collections, etc. I love this animated version of one of my favorite stories and I think the kiddies will too. And it’s narrated by Bing Crosby. How cool is that?

Mad Monster Party (1969)– Okay so we are all familiar with the Rankin / Bass animated Christmas movies we love so much. But some of you may not be aware of this Halloween tale. It is fun, fun, fun. If you love those other ones like Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus is Comin to Town, you cannot miss this feature. I really wish they would show this at Halloween but the networks seem to forget that it exists. Check it out. It’s worth a watch, even an own, and I think both you and the little ones will dig it.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)– If you didn’t see this one coming, then I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you. This is by far the most classic Halloween television event for several generations…in my own humble opinion. I have to watch this every year or I am not satisfied. I won’t bother you with the story. We all know what that is. But I will say that if you haven’t shared this one with your own kids yet, what the heck is taking you so long? Get on it.  It’s CHARLIE BROWN!!!   “I got a rock”