Family Friendly 31 Days of Halloween – 31 Spooky Movies for Kids

Welcome to Knockout Horror. If you have kids and want them to get into the spooky spirit this October, do we have a list for you – A Family Friendly 31 Days of Halloween 2025.

A Kid Friendly Horror Movie a Day

October is drawing near and I am sure that Autumn is in full swing for some of you. Leaves are falling, the air is crisp and cold, and you are suddenly feeling the urge to pumpkin spice literally everything. Spooky month is almost here and it is time to get into the Halloween swing of things. For those of you who want to watch a family friendly horror movie every day of October, this list is for you.

This Family Friendly 31 Days of Halloween 2025 list is designed purely for those of you who have children and those who are kids at heart. None of these films are all that scary, all of them are suitable for kids, and all of them are perfect for gathering together on the sofa as a family, grabbing some popcorn, and having a great time. Well, that’s if you can get your kids off of their phones for an hour or so, that is.

I’ve thrown in some modern kid’s horror-lite stuff, some absolute October classics, a few essential movies, and some personal favourites, here. There should be something for everyone to enjoy. Without further ado, let’s draw the curtains, grab some blankets, and get the lights dimmed for A Family Friendly 31 Days of Halloween 2025.

🎃 At a Glance: 10 Essential Family Favourites

Week 1 (October 1st to October 7th) – An animated Start and a Halloween Classic

We’ll start the month off with a movie that captures the spirit of old fashioned horror before moving on to to some live action and a true October classic.

October 1st: Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Kick off the month with a monster mash! I actually watched Hotel Transylvania in the cinema back on release with my animation loving fiancée and really enjoyed it. It is a serious treat for the whole family.

This animated comedy, where monsters go to vacation away from humans, sees Dracula trying to stop his daughter falling in love with a human. The cast is insane, the animation is fantastic, and the movie is packed with laughs and loveable, classic creatures. A great way to start the month.

October 2nd: Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Look, I’m from the UK and grew up on Wallace & Gromit; I am pretty much obligated to include this movie. I’m not sure how the very British humour will go over but it’s hard to deny just how enjoyable and charming this stop-motion movie is.

Our favourite bumbling inventor, Wallace, and his silent dog, Gromit, must solve the mystery of a giant, vegetable-munching, beast before it ruins the annual giant vegetable growing contest. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is more delightful than frightful but there’s enough cheeky humour for even adults to enjoy.

October 3rd: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

An absolute classic and essential viewing in our house every October, even though we don’t have kids. Join the Peanuts gang as Linus waits patiently in the pumpkin patch for the arrival of the Great Pumpkin.

It’s obviously not a movie but this is pure, wholesome nostalgia. The short runtime means it is an easier sell for the kids, right? “You owe me restitution!“

October 4th: The Addams Family (1991)

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, etc etc! A group of crooks plan to fleece the Addams Family out of their, frankly, ridiculous fortune. The scenes featuring the Addams family living in that tiny house actually made me feel a bit depressed when I was a kid. I’m not sure why? It just seemed so ill fitting of them.

Both millennials and Gen Z grew up on this movie so why not keep the tradition going with your kids? The Addams Family is a masterclass in gothic comedy, celebrating the weird and wonderful.

October 5th: Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021)

I’m not going to lie, I am a massive fan of all things Muppet related. While this movie wasn’t quite as great as I had hoped, it is still worthy of some October family viewing.

Gonzo and Pepe the King Prawn must spend one night in the infamously haunted mansion. With celebrity cameos and classic Muppet humour, it’s a spooky, song-filled treat that kids are sure to love.

October 6th: Halloweentown (1998)

A Disney Channel original that has become a beloved tradition for a lot of families. Why not help your kids discover Halloweentown? A place where witches, goblins, and monsters live in peace, and follow Marnie as she discovers her own magical heritage.

October 7th: Twitches (2005)

Twin witches, separated at birth, reunite on their 21st birthday and must use their powers to save their magical kingdom from the forces of darkness.

Look, as an adult, this movie looks like my idea of Hell on earth but the kids are going to love it, right? I think there is a sequel, too, if you are a glutton for punishment.

Week 2 (October 8th to October 14th) – October Modern classics

We’ll start this week with a staple of gateway horror cartoon fun before revisiting some October modern classics

October 8th: Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)

Anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s knows that cartoons didn’t come much spookier than Scooby-Doo so why not revisit a classic? Don’t worry 90s kids with PTSD, there is no Scrappy-Doo in this one.

Perhaps the best of the animated Scooby-Doo films, this one sees the gang reunite to investigate a haunted island where the monsters might actually be real this time.

October 9th: Casper (1995)

Does anyone remember the theory that Casper was actually the ghost of Richie Rich? Ahh to be a child again. Anyways, the friendly ghost gets a live-action treatment in this 90s classic.

An afterlife therapist and his daughter meet a friendly young ghost when they move into a crumbling mansion. Casper is a touching story about friendship and loss, with just the right amount of ghostly shenanigans. It also has a pretty crazy cast with Christina Ricci and even Final Destination’s Devon Sawa.

October 10th: The Haunted Mansion (2003)

Let’s clear this up before any of us make a terrible mistake and ruin the entire night. We don’t mean the awful 2023 version, we mean the 2003 original of The Haunted Mansion.

Based on the iconic Disney ride, this Eddie Murphy comedy is a fun-filled romp through a house full of ghosts. Look, you are probably going to hate it but your kids will have a good time and isn’t that what this is all about?

October 11th: Frankenweenie (2012)

We made it all the way to the 11th without any Tim Burton films but that’s about to change. The legendary director’s black-and-white, stop-motion tribute to classic monster movies is perfect October viewing with the family.

When young Victor brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life, he unleashes hilarious and heart warming chaos. There’s enough cheeky bits of humour in here to keep the film entertaining for adults as well as kids. Check out our review of Frankenweenie right here.

October 12th: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

We are specifically referring to the second half of this Disney double feature: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It’s a masterful piece of classic animation that culminates in the thrilling chase with the Headless Horseman.

It might be a bit on the old side (re: extremely on the old side) but there’s still plenty to like with this old school classic. It’s not too scary and has bags of charm.

October 13th: Monster House (2006)

This animated film pushes the spookiness a little, making it a really good option for older kids. Three friends discover that their neighbour’s house is a living, breathing, and very hungry monster.

I’m not going to lie, this movie has aged pretty poorly when it comes to animation. It has that whole low texture, cheap morning kid’s show, thing going on but there are definitely some good laughs to be had in Monster House.

October 14th: ParaNorman (2012)

From the studio that brought you Coraline, this is a visually stunning stop-motion film about a boy who can speak with the dead.

I am a huge fan of ParaNorman! This is one of those movies that holds up perfectly as either a kids film or something adults can enjoy, too. It’s charming, funny, and does a very nice job of showing how we should all except each others differences. Check out our review right here.

Week 3 (October 15th to October 22nd) – A Lot of Laughs and a Couple of Trips Back to the 80s

We’ve got a few 80s horror-lite classics for you this week and a serious focus on some spooky laughs.

October 15th: The Little Vampire (2000)

Remember when it felt like young actor Jonathan Lipnicki was in literally everything? Well, he is in this, too. The story follows a young American boy who moves to Scotland and befriends a family of vampires.

It’s not a great movie if you are over 9 years old but it is sweet and charming enough for kids to really enjoy. It’s also a really positive story about friendship and acceptance that is full of good vibes.

October 16th: Goosebumps (2015)

All of R.L. Stine’s famous creations are unleashed upon a small town, and it’s up to a teenager and the daughter of the author himself to get them back in their books.

Goosebumps is another 90s kid’s mainstay that is still doing the rounds now. This somewhat meta adaptation is a great entry point to both the books and the old series for kids today.

October 17th: Labyrinth (1986)

While more fantasy than horror, the eerie atmosphere, David Bowie’s Goblin King, and the host of strange creatures make this a perfect Halloween season watch.

Not so long ago, I had kinda crazy hair, wore eyeliner, and was a bit of a rip-off of Robert Smith. A friend’s kid asked her if I was the Goblin King. Still one of my favourite compliments to this day. Kids still absolutely love Labyrinth and it is just spooky enough to make for great October viewing.

October 18th: Corpse Bride (2005)

Another Tim Burton stop-motion gem. I actually covered this movie for our 31 Days of Halloween 2024 event so you can check out my review of Corpse Bride right here.

A shy groom accidentally proposes to a deceased young woman, who whisks him away to the lively and colourful Land of the Dead. It’s not as scary as it sounds and kids are going to love the absolutely whacky residents of the underworld. There are a ton of catchy songs, too.

October 19th: Addams Family Values (1993)

We are going back to the Addams Family well once more for this 31 Days of Halloween list. There is a good reason for that, though. The sequel, Addams Family Values, is arguably even better than the first!

The story follows the family trying to rescue Fester from a gold digging woman. Wednesday Addams’ trip to a summer camp is legendary, and the family’s macabre sense of humour is sharper than ever. Awesome stuff!

October 20th: The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)

Now, this one is directed by Eli Roth of Hostel fame but no need to worry. Rather than a horrifying example of torture horror that will leave your children traumatised for years after. This is a charming dark fantasy movie.

A young orphan goes to live with his eccentric warlock uncle (Jack Black) in a creaky old house with a mysterious ticking heart. This film is a delightful blend of magic, mystery, and family friendly frights, perfect for keeping the spooky spirit going.

October 21st: Ghostbusters (1984)

Who you gonna call? A group of parapsychologists open up a ghost busting business in the middle of New York city in this classic comedy. Now, there is some rude humour, a few adult moments, and even a few swears in this movie. It’s an 80s family movie, after all.

With that being said, there are few spooky films better for some October viewing. This iconic flick is the perfect blend of supernatural action and sharp comedy. A must watch for any generation.

Week 4 (October 22nd to October 28th) – A Scary Kid’s Horror Classic and Christmas Chaos

We are kicking the week off with one of the scarier kid’s movies before visiting some mischievious gremlins and rounding out with something fairly new.

October 22nd: The Witches (1990)

I’m not going to lie, this is a kid’s film but it scared the hell out of me when I was young. The thought of being turned into a mouse really burrowed into my head, for some reason. The story follows a young boy who stumbles on a witches convention while on holiday and realises he must do whatever he can to stop them.

Anjelica Huston’s performance as the Grand High Witch is genuinely unnerving in the best way possible. This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book is a spooky classic that will thrill braver children.

October 23rd: Coco (2017)

How about we get a different culture’s idea of spooky stuff in here? An aspiring musician enters the underworld to try and meet his great-great-grandfather who was supposedly a legendary singer.

While technically centred around Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), this insanely well animated Pixar film’s exploration of the afterlife makes it a stunning watch during the Halloween season.

October 24th: Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

A nerdy florist, a talking, man-eating plant from outer space, and an all-star cast. Little Shop of Horrors is one of those quintessential 80s movies that is mandatory viewing for horror fans even now.

The story follows a shy florist who attempts to find love utilising the help of a giant man eating plant. It’s a rock musical that is campy, catchy, and a whole lot of fun, even for the kids.

October 25th: Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

Does Jim Varney’s legendary Ernest character still hold up for kids today? Why not give it a try with Ernest Scared Stupid. The story sees the bumbling Ernest unleash a vicious troll that wants to turn children into wooden dolls.

This was the perfect Halloween film back in the 90s. Ernest’s farcical, slapstick silliness is pretty timeless and should still have younger kids laughing their asses off, even today. It’s some fun, silly, spooky viewing.

October 26th: James and the Giant Peach (1996)

Another Roald Dahl adaptation with a bit of a spooky edge. An orphan who lives with his cruel aunts finds a world of fun when he befriends anthropomorphic bugs inside a giant peach.

The journey inside the peach is magical, but the skeletal ghost pirates and mechanical sharks add a touch of Halloween fright. It’s not too scary so should be suitable for kids of all ages.

October 27th: Gremlins (1984)

Don’t expose him to bright light, don’t get him wet, and never, ever feed him after midnight. Gremlins follows the story of Billy who unleashes chaos on the town after failing to follow the few simple rules that come with his new pet Gizmo.

This horror-comedy is a chaotic and thrilling creature feature that’s proved to be pretty damn timeless. Sure, it’s a bit more of a Christmas movie than an October movie but it’s the perfect introduction to horror for kids. Keep in mind, however, that there are a few swears and some rude humour. Check out our review of Gremlins right here.

October 28th: Nightbooks (2021)

How about something a bit more recent that you can find on Netflix right now? A young boy obsessed with scary stories is captured by an evil witch (Krysten Ritter) and must tell her a new spooky tale every night to survive.

This modern fantasy-horror is filled with visual flair and kid friendly frights. There’s enough for adults to enjoy and the kids are going to love the light scares and compelling tales.

October 29th, October 30th & Halloween – An Underrated 80s Classic and Spending Halloween in Halloweentown

We are checking out an 80s classic that’s scarier than you might remember before finishing up the month with a pair of perfect Halloween night movies.

October 29th: The Burbs (1989)

I’ve got to include this movie. Like I said, I am a 90s kid and loved The Burbs growing up, even though it isn’t exactly horror. Tom Hanks stars in this brilliant dark comedy about a suburbanite who becomes convinced his new, mysterious neighbours are part of a murderous cult.

It’s a hilarious and suspenseful mystery that perfectly captures the paranoia of neighbourhood life. Similar in tone to Gremlins, it’s a great pick for older kids and adults. Younger kids might find it a little bit slow and maybe even a bit rude. I love seeing the new lease on life this movie seems to be getting, lately.

October 30th: Coraline (2009)

Now, I might be overstating it a little but I actually think that Coraline is the spookiest movie on this list. Even if it isn’t an outright horror and is made with kids in mind. This is one of the most gloriously gorgeous stop-motion movies ever made.

A young girl discovers a secret door leading to an idealised version of her life… except the world hides a sinister secret. Its button eyed characters are unforgettable and some of the scenes are downright creepy. Check out our review of Coraline right here. A perfect Halloween-eve option.

October 31st: Hocus Pocus (1993)

We are going to give you two movies for Halloween itself. One to start the night and one to get the kids excited for the upcoming holiday season just a few weeks away. Let’s start with the ultimate Halloween night movie – Hocus Pocus.

Three witch sisters from Salem are resurrected after 300 years and it’s up to a few kids (and a talking cat) to stop them. It’s the perfect blend of spooky, funny, and festive. Bette Midler is on top form and there are a ton of laughs to be had.

October 31st: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Why not both! Let’s finish off our Halloween night with something cheerful, festive, and just a little dark before the kids go to bed. What better way to bow out of spooky month and into the holiday season?

Jack Skellington’s discovery of Christmas Town is a visual masterpiece filled with loveable characters and unforgettable songs that your kids will be annoying you with for weeks. Check out our review of The Nightmare Before Christmas right here.

Happy Halloween!

So that’s our A Family Friendly 31 Days of Halloween list. Hopefully you have found some great movies here to make both this October and your Halloween all the more special for you and your family. It goes without saying that these moments with your children are precious so it’s always fantastic to make memories together. Even if those memories come in the form of scary movies and eating way too many Halloween snacks.

If this list was a bit sugary and sweet for your kids or they are a little older. I will be putting together a 31 Days of Halloween list for older kids next week so check back for that. If you enjoyed this list, why not stick around a bit? We are constantly reviewing horror movies, curating essential lists, and explaining those brain-melting endings. Support your local one-man horror site. Thanks for reading!

🍬 Quick Picks: The Best Family Horror Movies by Vibe

The Absolute Essential: Hocus Pocus (1993)
It simply isn’t Halloween without the Sanderson Sisters. If you only watch one movie this month, make it this one. It captures the fun, the magic, and the atmosphere of the holiday perfectly without being too scary for younger viewers.

For the Brave Kids: Coraline (2009)
For when you want something genuinely spooky. This stop-motion masterpiece is beautiful to look at but has a creepy undercurrent that will delight older kids and might just give the younger ones the chills.

The Nostalgia Trip: The Addams Family (1991)
For when the parents want to have as much fun as the kids. It is endlessly quotable, perfectly cast, and celebrates the weirdness in all of us. It is the perfect choice for a Saturday night movie marathon.

The “Safe” Scare: Hotel Transylvania (2012)
For the little ones who might be easily frightened. This is all about laughs, slapstick comedy, and colourful animation. It introduces classic monsters in a way that makes them lovable rather than terrifying.

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