Bone-jour, have we over done the puns yet? We think not. It’s that time of year where the little one’s start asking to get involved in the spooky antics. Surprisingly, research suggests having a fright can actually do some good for tots and teens when done age appropriately, due to the release of endorphins that comes along with it (1). The question is… where and when is best to start?
Making sure they’re in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by their favourite witches and wizards is a good place to start. A super scary horror film probably isn’t the best idea but there are lots of Halloween themed movies and series that will add some creepiness to your family movie night without giving them too much of a fright. So, grab their fave treats (no tricks allowed!), a cosy blanket – our wunderflex duvet is the perfect companion (shop here), and let’s have some skele-fun!
Monsters Inc (rating – U)
This film is a must when starting your little ones on their spooky journey. Although it isn’t classed as ‘scary’ there are some parts that might make you jump. The film is centred around the world of monsters and how they generate energy off children’s screams at Monsters Inc. You’ll be introduced to Sully and Mike who are the best of friends and the perfect partners in scaring.
Wednesday (rating – TV-14)
This series follows Wednesday Addams on her journey at Nevermore Academy. Whilst investigating mysteries and murders she makes new friends (and foes!).
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (rating – PG-13)
This one definitely deserves it’s rating and probably isn’t the best starting point for spooky beginners. After losing his grand father, a young boy discovers a house full of children with supernatural powers. However, he soon finds out he’s destined to protect them as they’re being hunted by evil creatures called Hallowcasts.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (rating – PG)
A Tim Burton classic that is perfect for the whole family. The musical follows Jack Skellington as he becomes obsessed with Christmas and attempts to bring it to Halloween town. He soon discovers that holidays cannot be intertwined.
Muppets Haunted Mansion (rating – PG)
Another favourite for the whole family to enjoy without being scared too much. Gonzo is challenged to spend a whole night in the haunted mansion – will he make it through the night?
Gremlins (rating – 12A)
After a young boy gets a new pet, he breaks three important rules – no water, no food after midnight and no bright lights. What he doesn’t know is the chaos that will follow him breaking these rules.
Monster House (rating – PG)
A cartoon film that kids will enjoy. Three teens discover that their neighbours house is a living, breathing monster that poses serious danger to the kids in the area. They must then try their best to convince other children not to enter.
Halloween Town (rating – 6+)
When their grandma Aggie comes to visit, the piper children catch her using magic when she thinks they’re not looking. Curious to find out more, they follow her back to Halloween town where they find their grandma and mother being attacked by evil forces. Can they help save the day?
The House with a Clock in it’s Walls (rating – 12A)
A young orphan goes to live with his strange uncle and is convinced he can hear a ‘tick tock’ sound in the walls. He soon finds out that his uncle and his neighbour have magical powers and dangerous intentions.
The Goonies (rating – 12A)
An oldie but goodie that is sure to bring some nostalgia and please all the family. Scare level = low but adventure level = high. The film follows a group of misfits who call themselves The Goonies. When they stumble across a map that apparently leads to treasure they can only dream of, they set off to find it without any idea of what dangers are coming their way.
Casper (rating – PG)
A psychologist and his daughter move into an old manor when he is hired to rid the property of it’s ghostly tenants. The daughter, Kat, develops a friendship with one of the ghosts Casper and chaos breaks out when they discover a resurrection machine.
The Haunted Mansion (rating – 12A)
Eddie murphy brings comedy and spookiness together in this Halloween must. The Evers family weekend plans are disrupted when they’re invited to help sell a huge mansion. When visiting the owner to help put up the listing, they soon discover there’s more to it than meets the eye and must solve the mystery to save their family.
Spooky Buddies (rating – U)
This has to be the cutest of them all and if you’re a fan of dogs you’ll love this one. The buddies, an adorable group of talking puppies, unleash an evil warlock and Halloween hellhound and must work together to save the day.
The Little Vampire (rating – U)
A little boy who has recently moved from America to Scotland makes a new friend, Rudolph, who just happens to be a vampire. He must help Rudolph and his family to lift the curse so they can hopefully become human.
A Babysitters Guide to Monster Hunting (rating - PG)
A babysitter is recruited by a secret society when the little boy she is looking after gets abducted by a monster on Halloween.
The Curse of Bridge Hollow (rating – 12)
A man and his daughter must work together to save their town after an evil and mischievous spirit makes everyone’s Halloween decorations come to life and wreak havoc.
Mr Harrigan’s Phone (rating – 12)
A young boy, Craig, befriends an elderly billionaire and when the man passes a way,, he sneaks his phone into his pocket before burial. He later discovers that he is able to communicate with him through the phone, despite him being in the grave. What could this mean?
best scary films for kids: our conclusion
If you're after a scary film (not too scary, mind) to watch with your little ones, there are plenty of titles to consider right here. We want to wish you all a very happy halloween. Until next time, eve sleep.
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