Cuddle up on the couch for family movie night with this selection of horror movies rated PG and below. These are the best horror movies to watch with family.
Are you planning a horror movie night for the family and don’t know which movies to watch? Need a horror movie suitable for all age ranges?
Well, this list is just what you need. We have hand picked 20 horror movies to watch with family – movies that are Rated G, PG or PG-13 (for those with teens).
Included are horror movies that are not on every other list of family horror movies, so that maybe you would see a suggestion and think, “Oh yeah, I forgot about that movie. That’s perfect”.
There are movies for all age ranges. There are animated favorites, family classics, stop-motion masterpieces and nostalgic family treasures you will want to share with your kids.
For more information about any particular movie, you can visit:
IMDb – For movie reviews, where to stream, ratings, trailers and lots more.
Common Sense Media – For movie ratings, reviews and comprehensive content warnings. This is a go-to source that parents trust.
Vid Angel – This is a paid service for parents to filter out the stuff you don’t want to see or hear in your streaming movies & TV shows, like profanity, nudity, violence & more.
In this stop-motion adventure, young Norman, who can see and communicate with ghosts, must save his town from an ancient curse. While it has a spooky edge, ParaNorman uses humor and a heartfelt story to address themes like bravery and acceptance, making it accessible for older kids and adults alike.
A family moves into an old English mansion, where they encounter the ghost of Sir Simon, who’s cursed to haunt the estate until he finds redemption. This adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s tale adds humor and charm to the supernatural, delivering a delightful ghost story suitable for all ages.
3. Spirit Halloween: The Movie (2022)
Actors: Christopher Lloyd, Rachael Leigh Cook, Marla Gibbs
A group of friends finds themselves locked in a Spirit Halloween store overnight, only to discover that the store’s props and decorations may not be as lifeless as they seem. Aimed at tweens and teens, this movie provides light scares and nostalgic Halloween vibes, making it an ideal choice for a family-friendly fright night.
4. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Actors: Eddie Murphy, Marsha Thomason, Terence Stamp
A realtor and his family get more than they bargained for when they visit a creepy mansion with mysterious residents and eerie secrets. This film brings Disney’s iconic ride to life with a mix of spooky visuals and lighthearted comedy, making it a fun watch for families with younger kids.
5. Haunted Mansion (2023)
Actors: Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson
A mother and son team up with an eclectic group of paranormal experts to rid their new home of lingering spirits. Although it has more intense moments than its predecessor, this updated Haunted Mansion blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments, making it a solid pick for families with older children.
6. The Little Vampire (2000)
Actors: Jonathan Lipnicki, Rollo Weeks, Richard E. Grant
Tony, a young American boy, befriends a vampire and helps him in his quest to regain his family’s powers. This charming tale has a light, magical feel, offering a safe and whimsical introduction to vampire stories for young audiences.
Three kids discover that the spooky house in their neighborhood is not just haunted but actually alive. With thrilling adventure and a few jump scares, Monster House provides a fun balance of fright and humor that’s perfect for a family Halloween movie night.
8. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Actors: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
Three ancient witches are resurrected on Halloween night, wreaking havoc in modern-day Salem until a group of kids tries to stop them. This cult classic mixes spooky elements with plenty of humor, making it a charming, magical choice that families have enjoyed for decades.
9. Frankenweenie (2012)
Actors: Charlie Tahan, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short
After his beloved dog Sparky dies, young Victor brings him back to life with some shocking results. Tim Burton’s stop-motion style and quirky characters deliver a heartwarming story that’s spooky yet full of affection, ideal for families who appreciate a gentle Halloween scare.
A group of kids discovers that classic monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster have come to life and threaten their town. This movie combines ‘80s adventure vibes with classic monster lore, making it a fun introduction to horror icons for preteens and up.
In a small town plagued by werewolf attacks, a young boy and his uncle take matters into their own hands to uncover the creature’s identity. Though rated R, this Stephen King adaptation is often considered one of the milder entries in his collection and can be suitable for older teens, especially those interested in classic werewolf tales.
12. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Actors: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette
A young boy with a supernatural gift finds help from a troubled psychologist as he grapples with his ability to see and speak with the dead. Known for its iconic twist, The Sixth Sense is more of a psychological thriller than outright horror, making it a gripping choice for families with teens.
13. Poltergeist (1982)
Actors: JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O’Rourke
A suburban family’s home becomes a gateway for restless spirits, leading to mysterious disturbances and a terrifying disappearance. Despite its scares, Poltergeist is a classic that balances the supernatural with family unity, appealing to families with older kids.
14. The Others (2001)
Actors: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston
A mother and her children, isolated in a dark, shadowy mansion, start experiencing eerie events that challenge their beliefs about the world beyond. With minimal violence, The Others creates suspense through atmosphere and mystery, making it a suspenseful yet approachable ghost story for teens.
15. The Witches (1990)
Actors: Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher
A young boy discovers a convention of witches planning to turn children into mice, and he must find a way to stop them. Though occasionally intense, The Witches has a playful tone that makes it a quirky and thrilling watch for families with younger children.
16. Critters (1986)
Actors: Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, Billy Green Bush
Small alien creatures with a voracious appetite land in a small town, wreaking havoc as they go after anyone in their path. Critters combines sci-fi and comedy with mild horror elements, making it a fun creature feature for families with teens.
Ernest accidentally unleashes an ancient troll on Halloween, and chaos ensues as he teams up with local kids to stop it. With goofy humor and light scares, Ernest Scared Stupid is a great choice for younger kids who enjoy a playful Halloween adventure.
The Mystery Inc. gang heads to a mysterious island where they encounter real zombies for the first time. This animated film brings a darker tone than the usual Scooby-Doo fare, creating just the right amount of chills for kids and longtime fans.
19. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Actors: Zoe Margaret Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush
A group of teens must survive terrifying creatures brought to life from the pages of a mysterious book. With creepy visuals and suspenseful scenes, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark captures the essence of horror for a teen audience, making it ideal for families looking for spine-tingling thrills.
When an American family moves into a secluded English manor, two sisters uncover a mysterious presence linked to a girl who vanished years ago. This Disney classic combines supernatural mystery with eerie atmosphere, creating a haunting experience that remains family-friendly.
BONUS Horror Movies to Watch with Family Streaming FREE on Tubi
Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005.
She loves all things horror! Movies, Books, Magazines, Podcasts and Film Festivals. *****
Fav Author: Richard Laymon — Fav Director: Dario Argento — Fav Magazine: Cemetery Dance — Fav Podcast: Final Girls Horrorcast *****
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