Gathering around for a movie night can be a thrilling experience, especially when the films are designed to give you a little scare without going overboard. This curated list of family-friendly horror movies offers a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and heartwarming moments, ensuring that everyone from kids to grandparents can enjoy the chills and thrills together. These films not only entertain but also provide a safe space for discussing fears and facing them as a family.

The Witches (1990)
Description: Based on Roald Dahl's novel, this film tells the story of a boy who discovers a convention of witches planning to turn all children into mice. It's a blend of dark humor and fantasy, perfect for a family movie night.
Fact: Anjelica Huston's portrayal of the Grand High Witch is considered one of the most memorable villain performances in children's cinema.


The Addams Family (1991)
Description: This dark comedy brings the iconic Addams Family to life, showcasing their macabre yet loving family dynamics. It's a fun, spooky ride that celebrates the uniqueness of family members.
Fact: The film was a box office success, spawning a sequel and a TV series. Christina Ricci's performance as Wednesday Addams became iconic.


Hocus Pocus (1993)
Description: This cult classic follows three witches resurrected in modern-day Salem. It's filled with magic, mischief, and a touch of horror, making it a fun, family-friendly Halloween watch.
Fact: The film has become a Halloween staple, gaining a massive following over the years, and there's even a sequel in the works.


Casper (1995)
Description: Casper is a friendly ghost who befriends a young girl, teaching lessons about friendship, loss, and the importance of family. It's a heartwarming story with just enough spookiness to keep it interesting for all ages.
Fact: The film was the first feature-length movie to feature a fully CGI character in a lead role.


Coraline (2009)
Description: Based on Neil Gaiman's novel, this stop-motion masterpiece follows Coraline as she discovers a parallel world behind a secret door. While it has its eerie moments, it's ultimately about the importance of family and appreciating what you have.
Fact: The film took over 3 years to animate, with over 100,000 individually crafted facial expressions for the characters.


The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Description: Based on the Disney theme park ride, this film follows a family who inherits a haunted mansion. It's a mix of comedy and mild horror, exploring themes of family and legacy.
Fact: Eddie Murphy stars as the real estate agent turned ghost hunter, bringing his comedic flair to the role.


Monster House (2006)
Description: This animated adventure tells the tale of three kids who discover that their neighbor's house is actually a living, breathing monster. It's a perfect mix of spooky fun and family bonding, teaching kids that sometimes the scariest things aren't as frightening when faced together.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The voice cast includes Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Kevin James.


Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Description: Dracula runs a hotel for monsters to escape from humans, but when a human stumbles upon it, chaos ensues. It's a hilarious take on monster lore with a strong emphasis on family bonds.
Fact: Adam Sandler voices Dracula, marking one of his first major animated roles.


Goosebumps (2015)
Description: When the monsters from R.L. Stine's books are released, it's up to a group of kids to put them back. This film captures the essence of the beloved book series, offering scares and laughs in equal measure.
Fact: The film features cameos from several famous monsters from the Goosebumps series, including Slappy the Dummy.


ParaNorman (2012)
Description: Norman, a boy who can speak with the dead, must save his town from a centuries-old curse. It's a story about understanding and accepting differences, wrapped in a spooky adventure.
Fact: The film uses stop-motion animation, with each frame painstakingly crafted by hand.
