With fall in full swing and Halloween around the corner, what better way to spend a night in with the kids than with a family-friendly (not so) scary movie? Some of the best Halloween movies ever are made for kids, so kick back, grab your popcorn and get ready to be entertained!
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
Don’t even think about celebrating Halloween without first watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. This seminal classic should be part of every family’s holiday repertoire. Join the Peanuts gang in their search for the best trick-or-treating costumes and, of course, the mythical Great Pumpkin. This classic feel-good movie will keep you warm, despite the chilly temperatures. (Rated G)
Casper (1995)
Casper the Friendly Ghost was at his cutest in this classic film adaptation. Hilarity ensues as a ghost “therapist” and his daughter move into a haunted mansion. They are soon greeted by the loveable Casper and his not so loveable “fleshy”-hating uncles. Suitable for all ages, Casper is now available on special edition DVD. Featuring fun extras like games, deleted scenes and even a classic Casper cartoon, this is a must-have for any collection. (Rated PG)
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Absolutely bewitching! Hocus Pocus tells the story of a brother and sister who accidently awaken three witches some 300 years after the witches’ deaths. The women wreak havoc upon the town of Salem, Massachusetts, and it is up to the kids to stop them. While this movie may be frightening for children under the age of eight, older children are sure to get a kick out of the film’s fantastic use of music, humor and magic. Meanwhile, parents will be equally entertained by the always engaging Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and a hilarious Sarah Jessica Parker as the hapless witches. (Rated PG)
The Addams Family (1991)
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re altogether ooky! Who are they? Why, the Addams Family, of course. Director Barry Sonnenfeld’s feature film brings the old Charles Addams comic strip to life with a bold and fresh take that is sure to keep you laughing. With an all-star cast that includes Anjelica Huston and the late Raul Julia as Morticia and Gomez Addams, it is a young Christina Ricci who steals the show as the stone-faced Wednesday Addams. Make it a double feature with the equally entertaining sequel, Addams Family Values. (Rated PG-13)
Harry and the Hendersons (1987)
What’s Halloween without a few monsters thrown into the mix? When a family man (played by John Lithgow) accidentally hits a Sasquatch with his car and brings the lumbering, but sociable, monster home to live with his family, belly laughs abound. However, things take a turn when a hunter discovers the creature and becomes obsessed with capturing him. The family must band together to save their newest member, learning to love the Bigfoot in the process and all the while telling a touching story of what family really means. (Rated PG)
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
The magic of Disney has never been so, well, literal. Hop aboard a magical flying bed as you are guided on a musical journey you won’t soon forget. Angela Lansbury stars as Miss Eglantine Price, a witch-in-training with no tolerance for tomfoolery. When she is charged with caring for three orphans during World War II and finds her mail-order witch classes canceled, she enlists the kids for help. Unforgettable songs and a strong message make Bedknobs and Broomsticks a Halloween tradition. (Rated G)
