Are you looking for a different way to spend your Halloween? If you can’t go out trick or treating here are some great movies to give you a spooktacular night!
These 11 movies are for all different ages so have a read and choose a few you think will suit your family.
The Boxtrolls (2014) PG
If you’re in the mood for a quirky laugh out loud movie then this is the one for you. The quirky and eccentric trash collectors who live beneath the city and the orphaned boy that lives with them go on a hilarious adventure to save themselves from the exterminators persecuting them.
Bonus Tip: If you have younger children a couple of extra film options that might be better are Room on the Broom, Monsters Inc, Monsters Vs. Aliens, Mr Peabody and Sherman and Monster Family.
Goosebumps (2015) PG
When teenager Zach moves into a new town and falls for the girl next door things begin to heat up in this small town. Especially after finding out that her father is the writer R.L Stine and all his imaginary creatures are real but kept prisoner by the books he writes.
Casper (1995) PG
A Halloween classic. When afterlife therapist, Dr James Harvey (Bill Pullman) and his daughter Kat (Christina Ricci) move into an old mansion they soon meet the friendly ghost haunting it, Casper (Malachi Pearson). But all is not as it seems as Kat must quickly make sure her wits are about her to drive out Caspers three uncles from the house.
Coco (2017) PG
On Día de Muertos (the day of the dead), after the young aspiring musician, Miguel falls out with his family after they try to ban him from music. Miguel is then driven to run away and finds himself in the land of the dead. He then goes on a journey to attempt to return to the land of the living in the process uncovering hidden family truths and finding new friends.
The Adams Family (1991/2019) PG
Both of these versions are full of spooky fun. Though the versions differ in style too they are both very family-friendly.
In both films the plot centres around the core family of 7 and their interactions.
If you want to see a family who lives every day as if it’s Halloween then this is the house for you.
Hocus Pocus (1993) PG
The accidental actions of Max (Omri Katz) lead to the 3 Sanderson sisters rising from the grave 300 years after their death. Throughout the film, the 3 Sanderson witches act to try to secure their existence through completing a spell by the end of the night. Will Max be able to stop them and save the town? For that answer, you will have to watch and find out.
The Haunted Mansion (2003) PG
Starring Eddie Murphy as Jim Evers, the quirky realtor who goes to stay at a run-down mansion with his family in the hope of putting it on the market. The family quickly discover the mansion is haunted and attempt to escape.
It is a great film for all the family with lots of laughs as well as a few edge of your seat moments. If you’re in the mood for a comedy then this is definitely the one for you at Halloween.
The Witches (1990) PG
Based on the Roald Dahl children’s novel of the same name, the film focuses on a young, recently orphaned boy called Luke. He is taken to England by his Grandmother and at a hotel, they are staying at he happens to stumble into a meeting of witches. The group are preparing to rid England of children so it’s up to Luke to stop them.
Full of quirky jokes and occasionally a bit terrifying but not too much for children. It is very well-paced and definitely keeps your interest throughout the film with a couple of great twists in the story.
Hotel Transylvania (2012) U
For families with younger children, this is a great option.
The film centres around Dracula who owns and manages a high-end resort for monsters. The hotel is designed to be a haven away from the frightening humans but human Johnny, wonders in Dracula must try and get him to leave.
There’s a lot of slapstick and monster jokes in this film sure to give the whole family a giggle.
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) PG
Wallace and Gromit run their own pest control business in this film. Days before the annual Giant Vegetable Competition a mysterious pest begins attacking the vegetable plots at night. It then falls to Wallace and Gromet to catch the pest responsible and save the day by catching the beast.
If your looking for a slightly shorter film for kids and young families at Halloween this could be the one. Hilarious for all ages in the classic Wallace and Gromit style with a spooky twist.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) U
Travel back to World War 2 England to see what happens when 3 children are sent to live with apprentice witch, Miss Eglantine Price. She shows them how to use magic to travel to London and various other destinations. Later in the film we get a chance to see more of her magic and how it can help the war effort.
This film is a very quirky, adventure-fantasy option for the whole family. It’s very Mary Poppins-esque in its mix of live-action and animation.
Bonus Tip: If you have older children or teens you may want to go for films with a bit more of a spook factor such as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children; Men In Black;
Ghostbusters; Dark Shadows; Twilight; and The Host.
