Hi there, I’m Juhh!
October is right around the corner, and with it comes the most thrilling and spooky time of the year: Halloween! This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fun, spooky movies, series, and cartoons with the kids. There’s something incredibly magical about creating special moments during Halloween, and what better way to do that than with a movie night?
At home, we absolutely love diving into horror movies and series during this season. My daughter, especially, gets so excited about it! It’s become one of our favorite traditions, and it never gets old.
In this article, I’ve put together a list of 12 must-watch titles that will make your Halloween week with the kids a blast. Plus, I’ll share some tips for creating the ultimate movie night experience.
Planning a Halloween Movie Night
Creating special bonding moments with our children is so important, don’t you think? One wonderful way to do this is by using holidays like Halloween to create new family traditions. Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy; it’s a fantastic opportunity to have fun, get creative, and spend quality time together.
Think about it: the season is filled with spooky decorations, themed snacks, and an endless list of movie options that can turn a regular evening into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or just planning a cozy night in, setting up a themed movie night can be a delightful way to celebrate Halloween.
So, why not take the chance this Halloween to set up a themed movie night that will have everyone excited and engaged? Let’s dive into some tips to help you create the perfect Halloween movie experience.
Tips for a Fun Halloween Movie Night
1. Halloween-themed invitations
Kick off the excitement by sending out Halloween-themed invitations to your kids. You can use fun designs featuring pumpkins, ghosts, or other spooky icons. This small touch sets the tone for the evening and gets everyone into the Halloween spirit from the get-go.
Imagine their excitement as they receive their invitations! It’s a great way to build anticipation and make them feel special. You could even get creative and make the invitations together, adding a fun craft activity to the mix.
2. Age-appropriate movie selection
When planning your movie night, it’s important to choose Halloween movies that are suitable for your kids’ ages. You want to make sure everyone has a good time, so picking films that match their comfort levels with spooky content is key.
For younger kids, go for movies that are more on the fun and less scary side. For older kids, you can introduce them to slightly scarier options, but always check the movie ratings to ensure they’re appropriate.
Balancing between classic favorites and newer releases can also keep things fresh and exciting. And don’t forget to have some backup options in case the kids are not quite ready for the chosen film.
3. Spooky decorations
Transform your living room into a Halloween-themed movie theater with some simple decorations. Think cotton spider webs, carved pumpkins, and themed candles. You don’t have to go all out; even small touches can make a big difference in creating a festive atmosphere.
You can involve the kids in decorating as well. It’s a fun activity that adds to the excitement and gives them a sense of ownership over the movie night setup. Plus, it’s a great way to spend some quality time together before the movie starts.
4. Themed snacks
No movie night is complete without snacks, and Halloween is the perfect excuse to get creative with them. Prepare themed treats like popcorn with melted chocolate in the shape of spider webs, or cookies decorated with ghosts and pumpkins.
For drinks, you can make a “magic potion” with colorful juice or a fun Halloween punch. The idea is to make the snacks visually appealing and tasty, adding an extra layer of fun to the movie experience.
5. Dress up
Encourage your kids to dress up as their favorite Halloween characters. And why not join in on the fun and dress up yourself? Dressing up can add an extra dose of fun and authenticity to the movie night.
You could even turn it into a mini costume contest with small prizes for the most creative outfits. It’s a great way to make the evening even more special and memorable for everyone.
6. Rugs, blankets, and pillows
Create a cozy movie-watching environment by laying out a rug or blankets on the floor and adding some comfy pillows. This setup allows the kids to get comfortable while watching the movies.
If you have a large enough space, you can set up a mini “movie fort” using blankets and pillows, creating a fun and cozy area for everyone to enjoy the film. It’s like having your own little movie den!
7. Outdoor screening
If the weather permits and you have outdoor space, consider taking your movie night outside. Set up a projector to display the movies on an improvised screen in the backyard.
Watching movies under the stars can be a magical experience, making the evening even more special. Just make sure to have plenty of blankets and warm drinks on hand, and maybe even some fairy lights to enhance the ambiance.
My Halloween Movie and Series Picks
Now that you’re set with your Halloween movie night setup, let’s dive into my list of 12 must-watch movies and series for Halloween. These picks are sure to provide entertainment and fun for the whole family. Remember to choose titles based on your kids’ ages and preferences, and mix in some classic favorites with newer releases for variety.
1. Corpse Bride
Corpse Bride is a stop-motion animation directed by Tim Burton, known for his unique take on the spooky and whimsical. The film tells the story of Victor, who accidentally marries a corpse bride and is transported to the Land of the Dead. It’s a perfect introduction to the horror genre for kids, blending dark themes with magical elements. You can stream Corpse Bride on Netflix, and its PG rating means it’s suitable for children with parental supervision.
2. Coraline
Based on Neil Gaiman’s book, Coraline takes viewers to a parallel reality that seems perfect but hides dark secrets. Coraline discovers a secret door in her new home that leads her to a world that’s both charming and sinister. It’s an engaging film that explores themes of bravery and self-discovery. You can find Coraline on Amazon Prime Video, and its PG rating makes it a great choice for younger kids.
3. Hocus Pocus
No Halloween movie list is complete without Hocus Pocus. This classic film features the Sanderson sisters, three witches from the 17th century who are resurrected in the 20th century. With a mix of comedy, adventure, and a talking black cat, it’s a family favorite. You can watch Hocus Pocus on Disney+, and its PG rating indicates it’s suitable for children with parental supervision. It’s a film we watch every year!
4. ParaNorman
ParaNorman is a charming animation with a spooky twist. The story follows Norman, who can see and talk to ghosts. When his town is threatened by an ancient curse, Norman becomes the town’s last hope. The film is not only entertaining but also conveys important messages about acceptance and understanding. You can watch ParaNorman on Netflix, and its PG rating suggests it’s appropriate for children with parental supervision.
5. Frankenweenie
Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie offers a delightful twist on the classic Frankenstein story. Victor, the young protagonist, brings his pet dog Sparky back to life, leading to a series of hilarious and thrilling events. It’s a film that blends comedy and horror in a captivating way. You can find Frankenweenie on Disney+, and its PG rating makes it a good choice for kids with parental supervision.
6. Monster House
Monster House takes the haunted house concept to a new level when a house comes to life. Three brave kids uncover the dark secrets of a neighbor’s house in this thrilling adventure. It’s an exciting film that’s perfect for Halloween. You can stream Monster House on Netflix, and its PG rating means it’s suitable for children with parental supervision.
7. The Witches
The Witches is an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved book. The story follows a brave boy who uncovers a witches’ conference and tries to thwart their evil plans. This film blends comedy and adventure in an exciting way. You can watch The Witches on HBO Max, and its PG rating makes it appropriate for kids with parental supervision.
8. Casper
Casper is a classic film featuring a friendly ghost who just wants to make friends but ends up causing a bit of chaos. It’s a lighter option for kids, perfect for the Halloween season. You can find Casper on Amazon Prime Video, and its PG rating suggests it’s suitable for children with parental supervision.
9. Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters is a classic paranormal action comedy that follows a team of experts battling ghosts and supernatural beings in New York City. It’s filled with hilarious and thrilling moments. You can watch Ghostbusters on Amazon Prime Video, and its PG rating makes it a fun choice for kids with parental supervision.
10. Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice combines comedy and romance in a spooky setting. A ghost hired to scare a house ends up falling in love with a resident. It offers a unique perspective on the ghost world and is great for Halloween. You can stream Beetlejuice on Disney+, and its PG rating makes it appropriate for children with parental supervision.
11. Goosebumps
Goosebumps revolves around a boy who discovers a magical book that brings the monsters from his stories to life. This exciting adventure keeps viewers engaged with its surprising twists and magical creatures. You can
watch Goosebumps on Netflix, and its PG rating suggests it’s a suitable choice for children with parental supervision.
12. Hocus Pocus 2
Hocus Pocus 2 continues the adventures of a black cat named Thackery Binx, who was turned into a cat by witches and now helps kids face new challenges. This film blends fun and magic, making it a perfect addition to your Halloween movie lineup. You can stream Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+, and its PG rating indicates it’s appropriate for kids with parental supervision.
Halloween is a wonderful time to enjoy a movie night with your kids, and with the titles listed here, you’re sure to create lasting memories. Choose films based on your kids’ preferences and ages, and don’t forget to enjoy the process of setting up your movie night.
As you settle in for your Halloween movie marathon, remember to be present with your kids. They might have questions or need reassurance if they get scared, and it’s all part of the fun.
I hope this list helps you create a fantastic Halloween atmosphere for your family. Enjoy the season of spooky delights, and may your movie night be filled with laughter, thrills, and unforgettable moments!
Kisses, Juhh!
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