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With October in full swing, families everywhere are gearing up for Halloween. It's spooky season, and there is no better way to celebrate than by cozying up for some family-friendly flicks. There's a treasure trove of shows and movies that are fun and frightening, so that everyone can have fun without nightmares.
These picks will surely deliver comedic elements with a dash of spooky magic, from whimsical adventures to light-hearted ghost stories even younger children can enjoy. Here are ten must-watch shows and movies to make Halloween 2024 unforgettable.
Hotel Transylvania, Ghostbusters, and 8 other family-friendly shows and movies to watch this Halloween
1) Hotel Transylvania 2
In Hotel Transylvania 2, Count Dracula wants his half-human grandson, Dennis, to let the monster out before his daughter, Mavis, leaves. This flick is a Halloween hit for families. The colorful animation and quirky characters will appeal to kids, while parents will appreciate the underlying themes of acceptance and family unity.
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The best bits are Dracula's attempts to teach Dennis about his vampire heritage and the chaotic vampire summer camp scenes. Overall, it's a great laugh and life lesson combo that makes this a great Halloween movie night choice.
2) Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters is a gem for family movie nights, especially around the spooky season. The film begins with three quirky parapsychologists, Peter, Ray, and Egon, who all get fired from their university jobs and decide to start a ghost-catching business in New York City. It's got comedy and supernatural shenanigans, so it's enjoyable for all ages.
Everyone is bound to get good laughs at iconic scenes like the ghost capture at the Sedgewick Hotel and the epic battle with the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The catchy theme song will also be on repeat in everyone's head. The themes of friendship and teamwork are very relevant and make for a fun and spooky family movie to watch in the run up to Halloween.
3) Goosebumps
Goosebumps (1995) is the perfect throwback for family Halloween fun. Each episode is based on a new creepy tale from R.L. Stine's spine-tingling book series, from haunted houses to eerie creatures that'll have everyone glued to their seat. It's spooky enough to be scary for older kids but silly enough to be accessible for younger kids, which makes it perfect for family viewing.
Popular fan favorites include the chilling Night of the Living Dummy with the mischievous Slappy and the suspenseful Welcome to Dead House. Families can enjoy this Halloween with a nostalgic treat of a show that shares laughs and maybe a few screams with a campy vibe and clever twists.
4) Coraline
Coraline is a family-friendly, spooky, heartwarming, stop-motion animated film. The movie revolves around the life of a little girl named Coraline, who discovers a parallel world behind a door in her home. At first glance, Coraline's other world seems idyllic, but she soon realizes its sinister underbelly. Coraline is a fun watch for a spooky night in with the kids.
The film has enticing visuals and catchy tunes (and there is a powerfully important message about what makes a family). It has a mixture of humor, adventure, and a dash (or two) of darkness that will take care of any taste.
5) Gravity Falls
One can get into the Halloween spirit by watching Gravity Falls. Twins Dipper and Mabel Pines spend their summer with their great-uncle Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls. Each episode is filled with supernatural adventures and witty humor that will keep everyone laughing.
The fan-favorite episodes include Summerween, where the town celebrates Halloween in summer and features hilarious Jack-O-Melons, and the creepy Summerween Trickster, who demands candy from the kids. The mix of cool, spooky, fun, and heartfelt moments will be a hit with families. The show's combination of mystery and comedy is also a surefire-winning combination for a Halloween sit-down and relaxation.
6) The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a whimsical world where Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, gets bored with Halloween and finds the joy of Christmas Town. His attempts to mix up Halloween and Christmas make for a fun whirlwind of a movie perfect for the family to watch together. This flick has something for everyone, catchy songs, unique animation, and lovable characters.
Jack's quirky charm and sweet connection with Sally will captivate families. The excitement never dies down with memorable moments, such as Jack's spooky sleigh ride and Oogie Boogie's wild antics. A must-see for a fun-filled Halloween night with the family, this blend of spooky and festive is too good to miss.
7) The Addams Family
The Addams Family is a wickedly fun flick that brings the spooky season to life. This 1991 classic follows the delightfully macabre Addams clan as they try to deal with a con artist posing as Uncle Fester to swindle their fortune. It has a Halloween vibe, quirky humor, and memorable one-liners, perfect for family movie night.
Wednesday's dark humor and the iconic 'Mamushka' dance scene will have everyone laughing. The film is also heartwarming, celebrating being different and loving one's family, quirks and all.
8) Monsters, Inc.
Monsters, Inc. is about the world of Monstropolis, where the screams of children are the lifeblood of the place until top scarer Sulley and his buddy Mike accidentally let a little girl named Boo into their world. Instead of terror, they find that laughter is the ultimate power source. Families will love this flick, which is a Halloween must-watch, with hilarious moments like the monsters' goofy fear of kids and Sulley's heartwarming bond with Boo.
The movie is a feel-good adventure with its vibrant animation and catchy tunes, and it teaches lessons about friendship and courage. Everyone loves a good scare that ends in giggles, and this classic is perfect for all ages to kick back and enjoy.
9) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
In E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, directed by the great Steven Spielberg, a young boy, Elliott, finds an alien, E.T., who has been stranded, and they become best friends that span worlds. Elliott and his siblings aid E.T. in escaping government agents on a heartwarming quest of adventure and wonder. This classic flick is perfect for Halloween, with a little spooky fun mixed in with profound themes like friendship and belonging, making for a family favorite.
Unforgettable visuals are created from iconic moments like the flying bikes and E.T.'s glowing finger resonate with the audience. The film is also funny and emotional, and everyone from kids to adults will be hooked. It guarantees a magical ride that's bound to bring joy for Halloween.
10) Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice opens with a ghost couple, Adam and Barbara, trying to scare off the new family in their home, only to bring in the zany, wild, and wacky Beetlejuice for help. This film is a Halloween gem for families, a right mix of spooky and silly to keep everyone entertained. Iconic moments like the dinner party possession and Beetlejuice's outrageous antics will have the whole crew cracking up.
The characters are all memorable, with a touch of Tim Burton's unique style. The film gives a fun atmosphere to have for Halloween. Beetlejuice is a must-watch, perfect for a cozy night in with the family, with its blend of humor and light scares.
Families can gather to enjoy these enchanting films and shows that promise to deliver thrills, laughter, and heartwarming moments for everyone during this spooky season.
