27 Best Halloween Movies for Kids in 2026

Family enjoying a halloween movie night on the sofa with popcorn costumes and pumpkins

Halloween movie night sounds like a lovely idea. Until one child wants something properly scary, another wants cartoons, and the youngest decides that even a friendly ghost is too much.

Sound familiar?

The good news is that there are plenty of Halloween movies for kids that deliver the costumes, monsters, witches and spooky fun without leaving everyone too frightened to sleep.

Whether your family loves Hotel Transylvania, knows every song from KPop Demon Hunters, or is finally ready to watch Hocus Pocus, we’ve rounded up 27 Halloween favourites for 2026.

There are gentle stories for little ones, funny monster movies for primary-school kids and a few genuinely creepy choices for brave tweens.

Best Halloween Movies for Kids(By Age and Scare Level)

We’ve also included official movie sources for every recommendation, so you can find out more before choosing what to watch.

A note about ratings: We use Australian film classifications where verified. Our scare levels are editorial guidance, not official ratings or age recommendations. Even a G or PG film can frighten a sensitive child, so check the content advice before movie night.

Best Halloween Movies for Kids at a Glance

MovieBest ForAustralian RatingScare Level
Room on the BroomYounger childrenGVery mild
Monsters, Inc.Little monster fansGMild
Hotel TransylvaniaPrimary-school kidsPGMild
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy BottomA funny 2026 pickGMild to moderate
Stitch HeadKids who love monster adventuresPGModerate
Minions & MonstersMinions fansPGModerate
KPop Demon HuntersMusic and supernatural action fansPGModerate
Hocus PocusOlder primary-school kidsPGModerate
CoralineBrave older kidsPGHigh
Monster HouseKids who enjoy proper scaresPGHigh

The best guide is knowing your child. One eight-year-old might happily watch Monster House, while another would rather stick with Monsters, Inc.. Both are perfectly fine.

New Halloween Movies for Kids in 2026

If you’ve already watched Hotel Transylvania more times than you’d care to admit, these newer releases might give your family something different.

1. Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (2026)

Shaun the sheep the beast of mossy bottom movie poster with sheep characters in autumn landscape

Australian rating: G
Scare level: Mild to moderate

Shaun the Sheep is back, and this time Halloween is causing trouble at Mossy Bottom Farm.

When the Farmer ruins the flock’s pumpkin patch, Shaun tries to fix the problem with science. Unfortunately, his experiments don’t quite go to plan, and soon there’s talk of a mysterious beast roaming the woods.

If your kids love Wallace & Gromit, they’ll recognise the clever visual jokes and wonderful stop-motion animation.

It’s rated G in Australia, with advice about very mild scary scenes, crude humour and violence.

Why kids might love it: Funny sheep, monster mayhem and a Halloween mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Official movie source: Aardman: Shaun the Sheep, The Beast of Mossy Bottom
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

2. Stitch Head (2025, released in Australian cinemas in 2026)

Stitch head poster with kids and creature in front of moonlit castle

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate

High above a little town, a mad professor creates strange creatures and then promptly forgets about them.

Luckily, his very first creation, Stitch Head, is there to look after everyone.

But when a travelling showman offers Stitch Head a chance to become famous, he has to decide where he really belongs.

Based on Guy Bass’s popular children’s books, this animated adventure has spooky castles, unusual creatures and a lovely message about friendship and acceptance.

It arrived in Australian cinemas on 8 October 2026.

Why kids might love it: A lovable little monster, plenty of adventure and a story about finding your place in the world.

Official movie source: Universal Pictures: Stitch Head
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

3. Minions & Monsters (2026)

Minion surrounded by many eyeballs in a spooky scene for halloween

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate

The Minions have caused plenty of trouble over the years, but now they’re getting involved with monsters.

After attempting to make a monster movie in Hollywood, the little yellow troublemakers accidentally unleash real creatures into the world.

Naturally, everything goes completely pear-shaped.

If your kids enjoyed Despicable Me and the earlier Minions movies, this 2026 adventure should feel familiar.

There are monster attacks, cartoon violence and some rude humour, so check the Australian content advice if you’re watching with younger children.

Why kids might love it: Minions, monsters and the sort of ridiculous chaos that makes kids laugh while parents wonder how any of these characters survive.

Official movie source: Universal Pictures: Minions & Monsters
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

Gentle Halloween Movies for Younger Kids

Not every Halloween movie needs a scary villain.

Sometimes a friendly ghost, a kind witch or a silly monster is more than enough to make movie night feel special.

4. Room on the Broom (2012)

Poster of room on the broom a witch flying on a broom with a cat glowing moon behind stars in the night sky

Australian rating: G
Scare level: Very mild

Based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Room on the Broom follows a kind witch who keeps making space for new animal friends on her broomstick.

There’s a dragon, a little danger and a lovely lesson about helping one another.

The original animated story is short, making it a handy option for younger children who aren’t ready for a full-length movie.

Why kids might love it: A friendly witch, adorable animals and a familiar storybook adventure.

Official movie source: Magic Light Pictures: Room on the Broom
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

5. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monsters inc Characters sulley and mike wazowski entering a door

Australian rating: G
Scare level: Mild

Mike and Sulley work at a factory that collects children’s screams to power their city.

Which seems a fairly questionable way to run a business.

Everything changes when a little girl named Boo accidentally enters the monster world.

It’s funny, colourful and packed with heart. There are some tense chase scenes, though, so very young or sensitive children might still need a cuddle.

Why kids might love it: Funny monsters, an adorable little girl and a friendship that makes even the grown-ups smile.

Official movie source: Disney: Monsters, Inc.
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

6. Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2004)

Spookey the square pumpkin movie poster with animated pumpkins and harvest setting

Scare level: Very mild to mild

Spookley is a square pumpkin living in a patch full of round ones.

He feels different from everyone else, but when a storm threatens the pumpkin patch, his unusual shape turns out to be exactly what’s needed.

It’s a sweet story about kindness, confidence and accepting differences.

There are a few moments of danger, but this is generally a gentler Halloween choice than most monster movies.

Why kids might love it: Cute pumpkins, colourful animation and an easy-to-follow story.

Official movie source: Spookley the Square Pumpkin: Official Watch Page

7. Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (2005)

Poohs heffalump halloween movie poster with festive pumpkins and friends

Scare level: Mild

Halloween comes to the Hundred Acre Wood, and Roo and Lumpy are excited about trick-or-treating.

Then Tigger tells them about a mysterious creature called the Gobloon.

Before long, the friends are off on a Halloween adventure involving wishes, friendship and a little bravery.

It’s classic Winnie the Pooh storytelling, with plenty of heart and gentle humour.

Why kids might love it: Familiar characters and a Halloween adventure that focuses more on friendship than frights.

Official movie source: Disney: Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie

Funny Halloween Movies for Primary-School Kids

Ready for slightly bigger monsters and a few more spooky surprises?

These movies bring the Halloween atmosphere without heading straight into proper horror.

8. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Stay at home mum hotel transylvania movie character poster for kids

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Mild

Count Dracula runs a luxury hotel where monsters can relax without having to deal with humans.

Then a human turns up and catches the attention of his daughter, Mavis.

Dracula is not impressed.

With Frankenstein, mummies, werewolves and plenty of jokes, Hotel Transylvania is a fun introduction to classic Halloween creatures.

Why kids might love it: Silly monsters, colourful animation and plenty of laughs.

Official movie source: Sony Pictures Animation: Hotel Transylvania
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

9. The Addams Family (2019)

The addams family family portrait from stay at home mum article

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Mild to moderate

They’re creepy, they’re kooky, and their idea of a lovely family home is very different from everyone else’s.

In this animated version of The Addams Family, Wednesday, Pugsley, Morticia and Gomez find themselves dealing with neighbours who want everything to be perfectly normal.

Of course, being normal isn’t exactly the Addams family’s thing.

It’s funny, strange and full of messages about accepting people who are different.

Why kids might love it: Wednesday’s deadpan humour, unusual family traditions and plenty of spooky silliness.

Official movie source: MGM: The Addams Family Official Trailer
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

10. Scooby-Doo (2002)

Scooby doo movie poster with the gang and a dog in a spooky setting

Australian rating: G
Scare level: Mild to moderate

Scooby and the Mystery Inc. gang reunite to investigate strange happenings at Spooky Island.

There are creepy creatures, suspicious characters and the usual hilarious chaos involving Shaggy and Scooby.

It’s a fun mystery for kids who enjoy trying to work out who the villain is.

Although the film is classified G in Australia, the official advice notes that some scenes may frighten very young children.

Why kids might love it: Scooby Snacks, monsters and a mystery to solve.

Official movie source: Warner Bros.: Scooby-Doo, The Movie
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

11. Halloweentown (1998)

Halloween town poster with a witch and three kids in a magical blue glow

Scare level: Mild to moderate

Marnie discovers that her grandmother is a witch and that there’s a whole town where magical creatures live.

Naturally, she wants to know everything.

This Disney favourite has witches, goblins, family secrets and that wonderfully nostalgic late-1990s Halloween feel.

The special effects might look a little old-fashioned to today’s kids, but that’s part of the charm.

Why kids might love it: A secret magical world, family adventures and plenty of Halloween atmosphere.

Official movie source: Disney: Halloweentown

12. Casper (1995)

Casper movie poster with three blue friendly ghosts peeking over the word casper and the tagline seeing is believing

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Mild to moderate

Casper is a friendly ghost who just wants someone to be his friend.

When Kat moves into a haunted mansion with her father, Casper finally meets someone who understands him.

It’s funny and sweet, with three mischievous ghostly uncles creating chaos.

There are also themes of death, grief and losing a parent, which may be more upsetting for some children than the ghosts themselves.

Why kids might love it: A lovable ghost, a spooky mansion and a surprisingly touching story.

Official movie source: Amblin Entertainment: Casper
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

13. Coco (2017)

Coco movie poster with miguel and skeletal characters playing guitars in colorful day of the dead街

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate

Miguel dreams of becoming a musician, but his family doesn’t share his enthusiasm.

During Día de los Muertos, he finds himself in the Land of the Dead and discovers some surprising truths about his family.

The music is beautiful, the animation is gorgeous and the story will probably have the adults reaching for tissues.

Important: Coco is about the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos, not Halloween. We’re including it because families often enjoy its colourful supernatural adventure at this time of year, but the two celebrations are distinct.

Why kids might love it: Catchy songs, colourful characters and a story about family.

Official movie source: Disney and Pixar: Coco
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

14. Hocus Pocus (1993)

Hocus pocus movie poster with three witches and a glowing moon behind them

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate

Three witches are accidentally brought back to life on Halloween night.

Now it’s up to a group of kids and a rather memorable black cat to stop them.

The Sanderson sisters are funny, dramatic and completely over the top.

There are some unsettling scenes involving children, death and witchcraft, along with jokes younger viewers may not understand.

Why kids might love it: Hilarious witches, Halloween magic and a classic adventure.

Official movie source: Disney: Hocus Pocus
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

15. Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Hocus pocus 2 poster with the three witches under a full moon

Scare level: Moderate

The Sanderson sisters return, and Salem has another witch-related problem on its hands.

This sequel brings back the familiar characters and introduces a new group of teenagers who have to stop the witches from causing chaos.

It’s an obvious follow-up if your family enjoyed the original.

Like the first film, it has supernatural themes and some spooky moments that may not suit younger children.

Why kids might love it: Familiar characters, Halloween magic and more Sanderson sister nonsense.

Official movie source: Disney+: Hocus Pocus 2 Official Media Kit

16. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Stay at home mum the nightmare before christmas   halloween movie poster

Australian rating: G
Scare level: Moderate

Jack Skellington is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town.

Unfortunately, he’s getting a little bored with Halloween.

When he discovers Christmas Town, Jack decides to give Christmas a go himself.

What could possibly go wrong?

With unforgettable music and wonderfully strange characters, this stop-motion classic has become a favourite for both Halloween and Christmas.

It’s classified G in Australia, but the gothic designs and some frightening imagery may still unsettle younger children.

Why kids might love it: Memorable songs, imaginative creatures and Jack Skellington’s unusual world.

Official movie source: Disney: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

17. The Haunted Mansion (2003)

The haunted mansion movie poster with eddie murphy and ghostly figures

Scare level: Moderate

Eddie Murphy plays a busy real estate agent who takes his family to a mysterious old mansion.

Unfortunately, the house is full of ghosts.

There are secret passages, supernatural surprises and plenty of comedy as the family tries to escape.

Some ghostly scenes may be too intense for younger viewers.

Why kids might love it: A haunted house, funny characters and a family adventure.

Official movie source: Disney: The Haunted Mansion (2003)

Spooky Halloween Movies for Older Kids and Tweens

Now we’re moving into movies with more intense supernatural themes, darker animation and some proper scares.

These are better suited to children who already enjoy spooky stories. Check the Australian content advice before watching.

18. KPop Demon Hunters (2025)

Kpop demon hunters group image with vibrant pink background and silhouettes

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate

If you’ve heard Golden approximately a thousand times, you’ll understand why this one made the list.

KPop Demon Hunters follows a hugely successful girl group whose members secretly protect the world from demons.

Their biggest challenge comes when a rival boy band turns out to have supernatural secrets of its own.

With catchy songs, colourful action and characters kids can’t stop talking about, it’s become a huge favourite.

There are demon battles and some darker moments, so check suitability for younger viewers.

Why kids might love it: K-pop, supernatural action and songs they probably already know by heart.

Official movie source: Sony Pictures Animation: KPop Demon Hunters
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

19. Goosebumps (2015)

Goosebumps movie poster featuring jack black and a group of kids with a monstrous creature in the bg

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate to high

Imagine discovering that the monsters from R. L. Stine’s books could actually escape into the real world.

That’s the problem in Goosebumps.

A group of teenagers must help the famous author get his terrifying creations back where they belong.

There are creepy dummies, dangerous monsters and plenty of action, with Jack Black adding some laughs.

Why kids might love it: Familiar Goosebumps creatures and an adventure that feels like stepping inside a scary book.

Official movie source: Sony Pictures: Goosebumps

20. Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018)

Goosebumps 2 haunted halloween movie poster featuring kids and monsters

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate to high

Two boys find a mysterious manuscript, and before long, Halloween decorations are coming to life.

The creepy dummy Slappy is back, along with a whole collection of supernatural creatures.

It’s a fun Halloween adventure for kids who enjoyed the first film, although some scenes may still be frightening.

Why kids might love it: Monsters, mischief and a town full of Halloween decorations behaving very badly.

Official movie source: Sony Pictures: Goosebumps 2

21. ParaNorman (2012)

Young boy in red hoodie surrounded by strange elongated creatures in a spooky halloween night scene

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate to high

Norman can see and speak to ghosts.

As you might imagine, that doesn’t make school life particularly easy.

When his town faces a supernatural curse, Norman discovers that his unusual ability might be the one thing that can save everyone.

This stop-motion film has zombies, creepy scenes and a surprisingly moving message about bullying and empathy.

Why kids might love it: Ghosts, zombies and an unlikely hero with a special talent.

Official movie source: Focus Features: The Story Behind ParaNorman
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

22. Monster House (2006)

Kids with toy ray guns in front of spooky house

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: High

The creepy house across the street isn’t just haunted.

It might actually be alive.

Three children discover that their neighbour’s house has a frightening secret, and Halloween is getting dangerously close.

It’s a great adventure story, but the house itself is genuinely scary.

Why kids might love it: A mystery, a monster house and plenty of suspense.

Official movie source: Sony Pictures: Monster House
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

23. Coraline (2009)

Coraline character in blue tunnel with surprised expression

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: High

Coraline discovers a secret door leading to another world.

At first, everything seems wonderful. Her other parents are more attentive, the food is better and life feels much more exciting.

Then she notices something strange about their eyes.

With button-eyed characters and an unsettling atmosphere, Coraline is much scarier than its animated appearance might suggest.

Why kids might love it: A mysterious hidden world, beautiful stop-motion animation and a genuinely creepy villain.

Official movie source: Focus Features: Coraline
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

24. Frankenweenie (2012)

Frankenweenie movie poster with dog silhouette and full moon background

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate to high

When young Victor loses his beloved dog Sparky, he uses science to bring him back to life.

But bringing a pet back from the dead doesn’t exactly go smoothly.

This black-and-white stop-motion film is a charming tribute to classic monster movies, with strange creatures and spooky surprises.

It also deals directly with the death of a pet, which may upset some children.

Why kids might love it: An adorable dog, a young inventor and classic monster-movie fun.

Official movie source: Disney: Frankenweenie (2012)
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

25. Corpse Bride (2005)

Stay at home mum promo poster for a halloween movie featuring a gothic couple under a full moon

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate to high

Victor accidentally finds himself engaged to a bride from the Land of the Dead.

Which is fairly awkward when he’s already supposed to be marrying someone else.

With beautiful animation, memorable songs and plenty of quirky characters, Corpse Bride is a wonderfully unusual love story.

But it’s also sad in places and filled with skeletons, corpses and death-related imagery.

Why kids might love it: Gothic animation, memorable characters and a magical world of the dead.

Official movie source: Warner Bros.: Corpse Bride
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

26. Ghostbusters (1984)

Ghostbusters movie poster with three adults in containment gear and the text theyre here to save

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate to high

Who are you going to call?

The original Ghostbusters follows a group of paranormal investigators who turn their unusual talents into a ghost-catching business.

It’s packed with memorable characters, supernatural comedy and one very famous marshmallow man.

There are frightening ghosts, adult jokes and some language, so it’s generally better suited to older children.

Why kids might love it: Ghost-catching gadgets, hilarious characters and an iconic theme song.

Official movie source: Sony Pictures: Ghostbusters (1984)
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

27. Haunted Mansion (2023)

Haunted mansion movie poster featuring a glowing portal and ensemble cast

Australian rating: PG
Scare level: Moderate to high

A woman and her son move into a haunted house and discover they’re definitely not alone.

They enlist an unusual group of experts to help get rid of the ghosts.

Inspired by the Disney theme park attraction, this film combines supernatural adventure, comedy and a mystery.

It’s more emotionally serious than the earlier Haunted Mansion movie, with themes involving death and grief.

Australian classification advice specifically warns that some scenes may scare young children.

Why kids might love it: Ghostly mysteries, unusual characters and an elaborate haunted house.

Official movie source: Disney: Haunted Mansion (2023)
Australian rating source: Australian Classification

Five Short Halloween Specials for Kids

Not every Halloween movie night needs a full-length film.

If you’ve got younger children, an early bedtime or someone who loses interest halfway through, these shorter specials are worth considering.

Toy Story of Terror! (2013)

Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang find themselves caught up in a spooky mystery after stopping at a roadside motel.

It’s a fun choice for Toy Story fans who want a little suspense without committing to a full movie.

Official source: Disney: Toy Story of Terror!

Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021)

Gonzo and Pepe spend Halloween night in a haunted mansion, with plenty of familiar Muppet humour and musical numbers.

If your family enjoys the Muppets, this one is full of silly supernatural fun.

Official source: Disney+: Muppets Haunted Mansion

The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist (2024)

The Bad Guys plan to steal a valuable amulet from a spooky mansion.

Unfortunately, the building may have a few surprises waiting for them.

It’s a fun, shorter Halloween adventure for fans of the Bad Guys characters.

Official source: Netflix Australia: The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang celebrate Halloween while Linus waits patiently for the Great Pumpkin.

It’s gentle, nostalgic and wonderfully charming.

Official source: Apple TV Australia: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Spidey and the Avengers: Halloween Team-Up! (2026)

Spidey’s Halloween plans are interrupted when the mysterious Hallows’ Eve starts causing magical trouble.

This 2026 special brings together familiar young Marvel heroes for a superhero Halloween adventure.

Official source: Disney+: Spidey and the Avengers Halloween Special Announcement

Halloween Movies That Might Be Too Scary for Younger Kids

One thing worth remembering when browsing Halloween movie lists online is that an animated film isn’t automatically suitable for children.

And American ratings don’t always match Australian classifications.

These five films are all classified M in Australia, meaning they’re not recommended for viewers under 15:

MovieAustralian Classification Source
Beetlejuice (1988)Australian Classification
The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)Australian Classification
Wildwood (2026)Australian Classification
I Am Frankelda (2026)Australian Classification
Roald Dahl’s The Witches (2020)Australian Classification

An M rating is advisory rather than legally restricted, but it’s worth taking seriously when choosing a film for younger children.

You can check the latest ratings and detailed content advice through the Australian Classification website.

Where Can You Watch Halloween Movies for Kids in Australia in 2026?

Streaming libraries change, so there’s no guarantee that a film available today will still be on the same service next month.

Here’s where to start looking:

Disney+ is worth checking for Disney and Pixar favourites such as Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and the Haunted Mansion films.

Netflix has supernatural family adventures such as KPop Demon Hunters and The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist.

Apple TV is the official home of the Peanuts Halloween classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

For recent cinema releases, including Stitch Head and the 2026 monster movies, check Australian cinema listings or digital rental services.

You can also use JustWatch Australia to compare current streaming and rental options.

A quick check before promising the kids a particular movie can save a lot of disappointment later.

How to Make Halloween Movie Night Fun Without Spending a Fortune

You don’t need to turn the lounge room into a haunted cinema to make Halloween movie night special.

A few little touches are more than enough.

Bring over the comfiest blankets in the house, pile up the cushions and let the kids choose their spots. If you need a few extra cosy layers, Spotlight’s kids’ fleece throws and blankets are an easy place to look without buying something that will only be used for Halloween.

If your lounge room was already due for an update, Fantastic Furniture’s Black Friday Sale is also running from 27 October to 30 November 2026, with up to 20% off selected products. We wouldn’t redecorate the whole room for one movie night, obviously, but it could be worth checking if a new sofa, chair or other living-room piece was already on the family shopping list.

Put out a big bowl of popcorn and use whatever cups, bowls and serving platters you already have. Halloween movie night does not require an entirely new set of themed crockery, despite what the internet may suggest.

You could even let everyone dress up as a character from the movie.

A Dracula cape for Hotel Transylvania? Easy. A white sheet for a friendly ghost? Even easier. For kids who want to go all-in, Spotlight’s kids’ Halloween costumes include plenty of spooky options, including this Spooky Hollow Kids Skeleton Jumpsuit.

And if most of your movie watching involves bouncing between streaming apps, a Hubbl Hub 4K streaming device can bring supported entertainment apps together on an existing TV. It is absolutely not necessary for Halloween night, but it can be useful for families already considering a simpler streaming setup.

Most importantly, if you’ve got a child who scares easily, keep a lamp on and the remote handy.

Halloween movie night is supposed to be fun, not a test of bravery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween Movies for Kids

What are the best Halloween movies for kids who don’t like scary films?

Room on the Broom, Monsters, Inc., Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie are gentler options.

Even these may have moments that worry sensitive younger viewers, so it’s worth checking first.

What Halloween movies are suitable for 5-year-olds?

A short special such as Room on the Broom may be a better starting point than a full-length haunted-house movie.

Monsters, Inc. can also work for some children, although Australian classification advice notes that certain scenes may frighten young viewers.

What Halloween movies might 8-year-olds enjoy?

Depending on their sensitivity, children around this age may enjoy Hotel Transylvania, the animated Addams Family, Scooby-Doo or Halloweentown.

More intense films may be better left until they’re older or more comfortable with spooky stories.

Is Coraline suitable for young children?

Coraline is rated PG in Australia, but the official consumer advice mentions menacing themes and scary scenes.

We’d save it for older children who enjoy genuinely creepy stories.

Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween or Christmas movie?

Both, really.

Jack Skellington lives in Halloween Town but becomes fascinated with Christmas, making it a popular choice for October and December.

What are the best Halloween movies for kids on Netflix in 2026?

KPop Demon Hunters and The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist are worth checking in Netflix Australia’s catalogue.

Streaming availability can change, so confirm before movie night.

Are PG Halloween movies suitable for all children?

Not necessarily.

In Australia, PG means parental guidance is recommended. Some PG films contain scary scenes, violence, mature themes or other content that may not suit every child.

Checking the official classification and detailed content advice can help you choose.

Which Halloween Movie Will Your Family Choose?

The best Halloween movie isn’t always the newest release or the one everyone at school is talking about.

Sometimes it’s an old favourite you’ve watched a dozen times. Sometimes it’s a silly cartoon about monsters. And sometimes it’s the film your child is finally brave enough to try this year.

Whether you’re watching a cosy storybook adventure with the littlies or getting properly spooked with the older kids, there’s something on this list for your family.

So grab the popcorn, find the good blanket and settle in.

And if someone decides halfway through that the movie is too scary? There’s absolutely no shame in switching back to Monsters, Inc.

Happy Halloween!


Editor’s note: Updated for Halloween 2026

Animated group of circus style characters posing together outdoors under a blue sky centered by a man with a top hat and mustache wearing a red coat

Each recommended movie or special includes a direct link to an official studio, production company, distributor or streaming-service source. Australian ratings are included where independently verified, while the suggested scare levels are editorial assessments. Classifications and streaming availability can change. Parents and carers should check the current Australian rating and content advice before watching.

author avatar
Clare Whitfield Chief Editor
Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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