Top 20 Kid Friendly Horror Movies
#20: “Return to Oz” (1985)
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Sure, “Return to Oz” may not be appropriate for very young children, but for older kids ready to be introduced to horror or looking for a transitional flick that takes things to a creepy, weird and yes, dark, level of fantasy, then this is it. Not only was it praised for how closely it stuck to the books, but as an unofficial sequel to a musical fantasy based on a children’s book, the film allows viewers to find some familiarity in the returning heroine, as well as go on another Oz adventure with new friends. The Wheelers may’ve terrified a few (okay, many of us), and there are some intense and frightening scenes, but “Return to Oz”’s PG rating and Oscar-nominated special effects are worth a watch - with some adults in tow, perhaps!
#19: “Casper” (1995)
For a flick about a child ghost, this comedy-drama based on the Harvey Comics character of the same name was surprisingly wholesome. Sure, the titular spirit’s full name is actually based on Casper the FRIENDLY Ghost, so maybe we shouldn’t have been TOO surprised. But if you think about the film as a whole, it’s actually quite a bit darker than its preceding material, which includes the comics and several animated shows. Not only is Casper the ghost of a pre-teen boy, but also said 12-year-old had quite the tragic demise - and the fact it’s explored makes for quite a heavy subject for a so-called children’s movie! With its elements of the supernatural and its young leads, “Casper” strikes just the right note when it comes to family-friendly horror.
#18: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
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This is the perfect holiday movie, whether you’re celebrating the spooky day of All Hallows' Eve or the festival marking Santa Claus’ yearly visits to children both naughty or nice (and/or the birth of Jesus Christ, depending on what you believe)! Produced by Tim Burton and also known as “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” the stop-motion musical is chock-full of innovative animation of both the horror and dark fantasy variety, as well as memorable songs, and creative storytelling. Critical reviews were particularly favorable, with the Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers claiming it “explodes the notion that animation is kid stuff,” while James Berardinelli stating it “has something to offer just about everyone.” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
#17: “The Gate” (1987)
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Deciding a proper entry point to real-world, non-animated horror movies can be challenging for a parent, so why not kick things off with a film that actually features young kids as protagonists? “The Gate” was a perennial video store favorite, and its legacy lives on today for both fans who grew up loving it, as well as a newer generation who have discovered the film. “The Gate” stars a young Stephen Dorff in a flick that actually writes its parental guardians out of the story for a large chunk of time, so it’s up to a small core of kids to fight off the demons they accidentally free from a giant hole in their backyard. It’s as fun as it sounds.
#16: “The Witches” (1990)
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There were few people who tapped into the imagination of children quite like Jim Henson. From “The Muppets” and “The Dark Crystal” to “Labyrinth” and “Fraggle Rock,” the man and his team were absolute geniuses. Henson was only a producer on “The Witches,” but his stamp of quality is all over this 1990 adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel. There’s a lot of heart present within this story of some dangerous, disguised witches, not to mention the harrowing transformation sequence that hearkens their arrival. It’s just the sort of scene that is just scary enough to lead younger kids in for their first spooks and scares.
#15: “Tremors” (1990)
“Tremors” is a near-perfect example of how to do PG-13 the right way. The special effects of the subterranean worm monsters are amazing, the characters of Perfection, Nevada are kooky and full of charm, and there are some legitimate moments of tension. The film also knows where to place its F-bomb for perfect effect, which will make younger kids feel like they’re getting away with something. At the end of the day, though, “Tremors” is a balancing act that represents classic fifties monster movies, modern-day horror scares, and enough adventure for all ages.
#14: “ParaNorman” (2012)
There’s always been a market for creepy animated films tailored towards the younger set, but the modern era has seen a full-blown renaissance for family-friendly horror fare. “ParaNorman” was just one of those films, a 3D stop-motion animated feature that was cute and well-conceived, but also served as a great entry point for kids looking to dip their toes into the scary stuff. The plot of a boy with medium-esque powers trying to break a witch’s curse also features a strong voice cast, including Casey Affleck, Anna Kendrick, and John Goodman, but most of the nuts and bolts won’t really matter once the whole family fires this one up.
#13: “Frankenweenie” (2012)
Speaking of modern animated classics, “Frankenweenie” actually possesses a lot of pathos within its tale of a young boy who loses his dog, and the struggles he endures after reanimating the pet. The film was a remake of an early short by director Tim Burton, and it has nearly all of the elements his fans have come to know and love, not the least of which is a kitschy-but-creepy animation style. More than that, however, it’s a great way to expose younger kids to Mary Shelley’s original “Frankenstein” novel, as well as the Universal series of the same name. Horror history never had so much heart.
#12: “The Frighteners” (1996)
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We mentioned the realm of PG-13 horror earlier on this list, but Peter Jackson’s “The Frighteners” pushed that rating to the very limit back in 1996. In fact, the film was eventually promoted to an R rating. We can see why since there’s a serial killer who is destroying both the living and the dead. Yet, at the same time, there’s this “Spielberg-ian” feeling to Jackson’s vision that grounds it in a realm where both parents and older kids can enjoy. The casting of Michael J. Fox helps this cause, but “The Frighteners” does possess some successful scares and a vibe that’s a perfect jumping-off point for the heavier horrors to come.
#11: “Goosebumps” (2015)
Audiences of a certain age were likely super nostalgic when it was announced that R. L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series of YA horror books were going to be adapted for a feature film. 2015’s “Goosebumps” actually gained gold stars across the board, with both fans and critics appreciating how the film treated the source material with respect, while also existing as its own thing. The key aspect to this film’s success is its sense of humor, which “Goosebumps” uses to diffuse the more frightening moments with snippets of levity. This enables young kids to feel brave watching what may or may not be their first “scary movie.”
#10: “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983)
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It may not seem like a big deal today, given the availability of hard PG-13 fare on the Disney + service, but the decision for The Mouse to go PG was a big deal back in the day. There were a number of movies from the late seventies and eighties that signified Disney’s shift towards more dramatic material, with one of them being “Something Wicked This Way Comes” from 1983. This adaptation of the classic Ray Bradbury novel pulls no punches with its measured pacing and dark subject matter, as a mysterious carnival takes up shop in a small town. Soon, the townsfolk being to fall in with the insidious Mr. Dark, a Dust Witch appears, and all hell breaks loose in the best possible way.
#9: “The Watcher in the Woods” (1980)
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We’re back to Disney’s PG period for our next entry, the underrated and amazing “Watcher in the Woods.” There’s this pervasive sense of dread that runs throughout the entire film, as the mystery behind a missing young girl reveals a story with interdimensional repercussions. “Watcher in the Woods” even managed to capture an A-list cast for its production, including Bette Davis, David McCallum, and Carroll Baker. Again, the languid pacing might not be for everyone, but for those with the patience to buy into the film’s great atmosphere and menacing mood, “The Watcher in the Woods” will reveal a bevy of scary riches.
#8: “Beetlejuice” (1988)
What is there to say about “Beetlejuice” that hasn’t already been said? It’s a full-blown Halloween classic, a horror flick with imagination to spare and ideas for days. It may be Tim Burton’s most actualized cinematic outing, a flick that gets better with every viewing, as background Easter eggs and jokes come to the forefront. Younger kids might get creeped out by all the dark humor and talk of the dead, but teens will likely come back to “Beetlejuice” again and again for their yearly dose of Halloween holiday cheer.
#7: “Corpse Bride” (2005)
Hey, it’s Tim Burton time again! And why not? The man’s work has gone on to become synonymous with all that’s creepy and kooky, and that includes his animated material “Corpse Bride” The stop-motion style lends a certain uneasiness that makes it instantly appropriate for Halloween, while the actual story balances love and death in a way that never talks down to its audience. “Corpse Bride” is a great example of a family horror film, because it can actually be watched as a family, with plenty of openings for discussion about some of its heavier moments, should the need arise.
#6: “Halloweentown” (1998)
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There’s a wealth of amazing material to be found in the world of made-for-T.V. movies. Case in point? “Halloweentown,” which was originally developed for the Disney Channel back in 1998. The film benefits greatly from its practical effects, which range from the pleasantly creepy to the surprisingly morbid. There’s a real sense of family and safety running through the film, however, so it never gets too scary. The actual setting of “Halloweentown” is a magical and memorable place, filled to the brim with imaginative monsters, while the entire cast seems game to treat the material with respect. The end results are nothing short of a semi-modern Halloween classic.
#5: “Arachnophobia” (1990)
Although the fear of spiders is not limited to young people, there’s a child-like glee with which this throwback monster movie plays out. Produced by Steven Spielberg, this dark comedy imagines what would happen if a large and deadly spider from another country ended up in a quiet little town. Large spider webs appearing in farmhouses overnight? Mysterious deaths? Aggressive jumping spiders? Don’t bother calling the local exterminator; they won’t be much help. The film relies heavily on our natural aversion to the creepy crawlies, and successfully creates a feeling of nauseating dread without needing to resort to extreme violence.
#4: “Coraline” (2009)
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If it seems that we’ve been discussing a lot of animated movies thus far on our list, it’s for a good reason: there are just so many good ones out there. “Coraline’ is perhaps one of the best, with a plot that may possess some emotionally complex beats, but it’s worth having some difficult discussion to share this one with your kids. That’s because this stop-motion classic not only is dark in execution and tone, but its themes of parental disconnect with their kids and emotional unavailability are never tackled lightly. Beyond this, however, “Coraline” is just gorgeous to watch, impeccably voice-acted, and basically a Halloween feast of riches.
#3: “The Monster Squad” (1987)
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There’s just no denying it: if you were a kid in the eighties or early nineties, you watched the HELL out of “The Monster Squad.” The film stays just barely within PG-13 territory, with an aesthetic that, well let’s be honest: it probably wouldn’t fly today. But that’s just one of the reasons why “The Monster Squad” works so well: there’s this “us against them” mentality of this group of plucky, monster-loving kids that speaks to the horror fan in us all. This sense of community that can only be shared by outcasts. At the same time, the actual monster make-up is incredible, the action is exciting, and the ending might even bring a little tear to your eye. “The Monster Squad” has it all.
#2: “Poltergeist” (1982)
The classic and iconic depiction of a haunted house, “Poltergeist,” may be a film by Tobe Hooper—the mind behind “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”—but it clearly takes most of its influence from producer Steven Spielberg. His family-friendly style can be felt throughout, as we get lots of heart-warming scenes and dramatic character building among the footage of ghosts, skeletons, and demonic televisions. Watching the Freeling family be terrorized by this poltergeist, as its energy is drawn to their small kids, taps into some seriously traumatizing childhood fears – including clowns, weird noises at the window, and monsters in the closet. Although violence in the film is practically non-existent, prepare to be up all night. Before we name our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions! “The Legend of Boggy Creek” (1972) The Greatest G-Rated Horror Flick… Ever! “Teen Witch” (1989) The OTHER Kid-Friendly Horror Flick Starring Zelda Rubinstein! “Hocus Pocus” (1993) A Modern Halloween Classic
#1: “Gremlins” (1984)
Spielberg strikes again with another PG-rated classic of 1980s horror. His influence can surely be felt throughout the decade, and especially in the filmography of director Joe Dante. Although Dante created many horror classics that walk the line between family-friendly and adult dark-humor, like “Matinee” and “The ‘Burbs,” “Gremlins” is undoubtedly his best effort at a drive-in inspired monster movie that teaches children a valuable lesson about taking care of your pets. Kids may be lulled into a sense of security by the cute Furby-looking Gizmo, but they’ll come out entertained and afraid of innocent-looking animals. With enough humor to balance out the horror, “Gremlins” shouldn’t cause too many sleepless nights. If you’re looking for something with a bit more “bite,” may we suggest “Critters?”
