10 Family-Friendly Films Set in Cemeteries

Description: While more of a romantic drama, this film involves a widow who moves into a seaside cottage haunted by the ghost of a sea captain. The cemetery and the captain's grave are central to the plot, offering a gentle exploration of life after death.

Fact: The film was later adapted into a TV series, and its story has inspired numerous remakes and adaptations.

Description: This Disney animated feature includes the segment "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," where Ichabod Crane encounters the Headless Horseman in a graveyard. It's a fun, spooky tale that's been a Halloween favorite for generations.

Fact: Bing Crosby provided the voice for both Ichabod Crane and the narrator in this segment, adding to its charm.

Description: This classic comedy features Don Knotts as a timid typesetter who inadvertently becomes a hero when he spends a night in a haunted house, which is actually part of a cemetery. It's a light-hearted take on the spooky setting, making it perfect for family viewing.

Fact: The film was a box office success, and Don Knotts' performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.

Description: Although not strictly a children's movie, "Beetlejuice" has become a family favorite for its quirky humor. The film involves a recently deceased couple trying to scare away new homeowners, with much of the action taking place in and around their own gravesite.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Makeup, and its success led to an animated TV series and a Broadway musical.

Description: This beloved film tells the story of a friendly ghost named Casper who befriends a young girl. The setting is Whipstaff Manor, which is surrounded by a cemetery, and the movie explores themes of friendship, family, and the afterlife in a way that's accessible for all ages.

Fact: The CGI used to create Casper was groundbreaking at the time, and the film was a major success, leading to a television series and several direct-to-video sequels.

Description: Directed by Peter Jackson, this film stars Michael J. Fox as a man who can see and communicate with ghosts. While not strictly a family film, its mix of comedy and horror, with scenes in a cemetery, makes it suitable for older children and teens.

Fact: The film was a precursor to Jackson's work on "The Lord of the Rings," showcasing his ability to blend genres.

Description: Tim Burton's stop-motion animation tells the story of Victor, who accidentally proposes to a deceased bride in the afterlife. The film uses a cemetery as a gateway between the living and the dead, offering a whimsical take on life and death.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and its unique visual style has made it a cult classic.

Description: Based on the Disney theme park ride, this film follows a real estate agent and his family who get trapped in a haunted mansion. While not strictly set in a cemetery, the mansion's grounds include a graveyard, and the movie explores themes of family and the afterlife.

Fact: The film features a cameo by the original voice of the ride's Ghost Host, Paul Frees, through archival recordings.

Description: This stop-motion animated film follows Norman, a boy who can speak with the dead, as he tries to save his town from a centuries-old curse. The cemetery plays a crucial role in the story, blending humor with themes of acceptance and understanding.

Fact: "ParaNorman" was the first stop-motion film to use 3D color printing technology for character faces, allowing for more expressive and detailed animation.

Description: Based on Oscar Wilde's story, this film features a ghost who has been haunting his ancestral home for centuries. The cemetery and the ghost's tombstone are key elements, and the story teaches about forgiveness and moving on.

Fact: The film was adapted into several versions, but this one is particularly noted for its faithful adaptation of Wilde's humor.