Family-Friendly Scary Movies We Actually Love
If I had a dollar for every time my kids asked me to put on a scary movie, I would be rich. Okay, maybe not rich, but I would most definitely have built up a modest savings account by now. We’re year-round horror fans, not just during spooky season.
When you think about family-friendly horror movies, the same titles usually pop up: Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, Casper, Goosebumps… and while those classics are great, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up and try something new.
Here’s a short list of family-friendly horror movies you may not have considered ::
(Disclaimer: The term “family-friendly” covers a wide spectrum. What I let my kids watch may not be suitable for yours, and vice versa. Just something to keep in mind!)
Coraline: Coraline discovers a secret door in her house that leads to a parallel universe where everything is brighter and everyone seems “nicer.” But appearances can be deceiving.
Parents should know: Some imagery is a little disturbing. It’s genuinely creepy, but also clever and imaginative.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Based on the classic children’s book, a group of teens discover a book that makes the scary stories come to life.
Parents should know: PG-13 with some intense moments that might be too dark for the youngest viewers. It’s suspenseful and will definitely keep older kids on the edge of their seats.
Imaginary: A boy’s imaginary friend, a giant bear, helps him navigate his fears. This one is my 7-year-old’s favorite.
Parents should know: Mild suspense, very family-friendly, with an adorable and comforting twist.
Monster House: A group of kids must unravel the mystery of the creepy old house in their neighborhood, which, spoiler alert, is actually alive.
Parents should know: A few jump scares and a generally spooky theme, but animated and entertaining for older pre-teens.
The Witches (1990): A boy has to outsmart a group of witches after he’s transformed into a mouse. The 90s special effects will probably make your kids either giggle or jump.
Parents should know: Mildly frightening visuals for the era, with a touch of dark humor.
So there you have it, our go-to list of family-friendly scary movies beyond the usual classics. Whether your crew wants to laugh, gasp, or clutch each other during a jump scare, there’s something here for every level of brave. Watching them together is half the fun, the gasps, the giggles, and the “I can’t believe you just jumped!” moments make these movies more than just entertainment.
