Spooky season is upon us and it’s time for all the Halloween necessities: costumes, candy, and scary movies! While some of your little ones might not be ready to watch certain classics like “The Exorcist” or “The Blair Witch Project”, here are some family-friendly options that are a little less spooky, but still get you in the Halloween spirit!
“Halloweentown“
After following their grandma home from an unexpected house visit, three siblings find themselves in a world of monsters and magical beings: Halloweentown. The three quickly realize that their grandmother is actually a powerful witch and wants to begin training Marnie, the eldest sibling, in witchcraft. With the onset of a demon takeover on the town, the children must work together to activate Merlin’s talisman to defeat the evil and instill peace to Halloweentown once again.
“Hocus Pocus“
Nothing says Halloween quite like this cult favorite. Three witches from the past reappear just in time to wreak havoc in present-day Salem. In a desperate attempt to achieve immortality, the perilous trio set their sights on the trick or treaters of the town. It is up to Max, Allison, and Dani to save the kids of Salem from impending doom, and send those pesky witches packing!
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown“
The whole gang is getting excited for their Halloween plans while Linus is convinced that their town will be visited by the Great Pumpkin. He believes this Great Pumpkin will rise up from the pumpkin patch and distribute presents. Everyone else scoffs at this idea and continuously pokes fun at Linus throughout the night. The rest of the gang trick or treat and have fun at Violet’s Halloween party. At the end of it all, this movie serves as a great lesson to be there for your friends no matter what, even if it’s for a Great Pumpkin.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas“
For years, Jack Skellington has led the monsters of Halloween Town for a big scare on the night of Halloween. Getting bored from this monotony, Jack decides to take over a new holiday: Christmas. Through teamwork with the whole town, Jack begins to deliver terrible gifts and toys that cause mayhem on Christmas. It is up to Sally and Sandy Claws to defeat the great Oogie Boogie, knock some sense into Jack, and save Christmas for everyone.
“Casper”
A cute and friendly ghost named Casper lives in an enormous mansion with his not so friendly ghost uncles. Upon inheritance, a woman named Carrigan moves in and immediately wants to rid the home of ghosts. Dr. Harvey and his daughter show up to help the ghosts cross over to the other side. Meanwhile, a strong friendship grows between Casper and Kat and he fulfills his journey of finding a friend.
Whatever movie you end up choosing, make sure there is plenty of popcorn, snuggly blankets, and most of all, CANDY!