It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
The quintessential Halloween classic, this 1966 special is pure nostalgia. Following the Peanuts gang as they trick-or-treat while Linus waits sincerely in a pumpkin patch is a gentle, heartwarming tradition. It's a perfect, low-stakes introduction to
Halloween for the youngest viewers, full of charming animation and Vince Guaraldi's iconic jazz score. Apple TV+ is its exclusive home, but the platform often provides free viewing windows around Halloween for everyone to enjoy.
Hocus Pocus
A cult classic for a reason, this 1993 film about three witchy sisters resurrected in modern-day Salem is the pinnacle of campy Halloween fun. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are delightfully chaotic. It’s spooky enough to feel festive but silly enough that it won’t cause nightmares, making it ideal for families with elementary-aged kids and up. It has become a Halloween staple and is readily available on Disney+.
Coco
While technically centered on Día de los Muertos, Pixar’s visual masterpiece is a perfect October watch. It follows a young boy named Miguel on a magical journey into the Land of the Dead to discover his family's history. The story is a beautiful, heartfelt exploration of family, memory, and tradition that is more touching than terrifying. Its stunning animation and award-winning music make it a favorite for all ages, typically streaming on Disney+.
Hotel Transylvania
This animated hit puts a hilarious spin on classic monsters. Adam Sandler voices Dracula, an overprotective dad running a high-end resort for monsters who gets flustered when a human boy stumbles upon it and falls for his daughter, Mavis. It’s fast-paced, goofy, and full of laughs, making it a surefire hit with younger kids. The entire franchise offers a monster mash of fun, with the films often available across Netflix and other rental platforms.
Toy Story of Terror!
This 22-minute TV special is a fantastic, bite-sized adventure for fans of the 'Toy Story' crew. When the toys take a detour to a roadside motel, one of them goes missing, and the gang must solve a spooky mystery. It gently plays with horror movie tropes in a way that’s thrilling for kids without being truly scary. Look for this short-and-sweet special on Disney+.
Muppets Haunted Mansion
Leave it to the Muppets to deliver a Halloween special that’s perfectly balanced with humor, heart, and just the right amount of spookiness. Gonzo and Pepé the King Prawn accept a challenge to spend a night in the titular haunted mansion. Full of celebrity cameos and classic Muppet antics, this musical special is a loving homage to the iconic Disney ride and a joy for the whole family, available on Disney+.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The eternal debate doesn't change the fact that Tim Burton's stop-motion marvel is a must-watch in October. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and his misguided attempts to co-opt the holiday result in a visually inventive and musically brilliant adventure. It's a great pick for families with slightly older kids who appreciate its gothic charm. You can typically find it haunting Disney+.
Over the Garden Wall
For families with tweens ready for something more atmospheric, this Emmy-winning Cartoon Network miniseries is an autumnal masterpiece. Two brothers find themselves lost in a mysterious forest, encountering strange and wonderful characters on their journey home. The ten short episodes combine to feel like a feature film, blending folk-tale aesthetics with a surprising emotional depth. Its eerie, beautiful, and funny tone makes for an unforgettable watch that has become an annual tradition for many.
Casper
This 1995 live-action film is a dose of 90s nostalgia that still holds up as a sweet and spooky tale. The story of the friendly ghost who just wants a friend is packed with charm and impressive (for its time) special effects. It strikes a wonderful balance between supernatural hijinks with Casper's ghoulish uncles and a touching story about friendship and loss. It’s a great 'my first haunted house' movie for kids, widely available for rent or purchase.
Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Perfect for the littlest pumpkins in your patch, this animated special delivers a gentle story with a valuable message. Spookley, a pumpkin who is square instead of round, is teased by the other pumpkins until he proves that being different can save the day. It’s a story about kindness and accepting differences, set against a friendly, harvest-themed backdrop. You can often find this special on Netflix or for rent during the Halloween season.
