The article highlights ten horror films suitable for children, perfect for Halloween viewing. Each film, including classics like “Hocus Pocus,” “Coraline,” and “Casper,” is briefly described along with their themes and appropriate age ratings in Germany. While offering a mix of spooky and whimsical elements, these films aim to provide minimal scares for younger audiences, making them ideal choices for family-friendly Halloween entertainment.
Halloween is just around the corner! While adults may indulge in a variety of intense horror films this October, there are several family-friendly options that provide just the right amount of spookiness for younger viewers.
Hocus Pocus
The iconic Disney movie ‘Hocus Pocus’ features stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy. Set on Halloween night, it follows the adventure of the Sanderson sisters—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary—who return after being resurrected through a black-flamed candle. These three witches are on a mission to retrieve the children responsible for their return in this charmingly crafted horror-fantasy film.
In Germany, ‘Hocus Pocus’ comes with a rating of 12+, and this rating also applies to its sequel, ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ released in 2022.
Coraline
‘Coraline’ is a beloved animated classic that tells the story of an adventurous eleven-year-old girl who discovers a door to an alternate universe in her new home. Here, she meets her ‘other’ parents, who have button eyes. This imaginative stop-motion film has a dark twist reminiscent of ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ transforming Coraline’s adventure into a disturbing nightmare. It’s suitable for children aged six and older, although it may be a bit too chilling for those under ten.
Frankenweenie
Directed by Tim Burton, the 2012 black-and-white film ‘Frankenweenie’ offers a child-friendly take on the Frankenstein tale. It revolves around young Victor Frankenstein, who, devastated by the loss of his dog Sparky, brings him back to life, inadvertently raising other pets who pose a threat to the town. The film explores themes of love and loss and is rated for viewers aged twelve and up in Germany.
Corpse Bride
Another Tim Burton classic, ‘Corpse Bride,’ presents a unique Russian folktale. In this puppet animation film, Young Victor is about to marry when he accidentally slips the wedding ring onto the finger of a deceased bride named Emily, leading him into a fantastical world filled with surprises and complications. This gothic musical is suitable for children aged six and above in Germany.
Beetlejuice
In the imaginative horror-comedy ‘Beetlejuice,’ also directed by Tim Burton, the afterlife is depicted as a bureaucratic nightmare. This 1988 film features an impressive cast, including Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, and Geena Davis. Both ‘Beetlejuice’ and its sequel carry a rating of 12+ in Germany.
The Addams Family
Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, ‘The Addams Family’ hit the big screen in 1991 and remains a Halloween favorite. Featuring Anjelica Huston as Morticia, Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester, and Christina Ricci as Wednesday, this film brings the beloved family from cartoons and animated series to life. It is rated for ages twelve and up in Germany, as is the sequel, ‘The Addams Family in Crazy Tradition.’
Casper
The whimsical fantasy comedy ‘Casper,’ released in 1995, reunites viewers with Christina Ricci in the lead role. She plays a young girl named Kat, who befriends the friendly ghost Casper in an old mansion, while battling the sinister Ms. Crittenden. Though some special effects may look dated, this film remains a cherished classic, suitable for children aged six and older.
ParaNorman
‘ParaNorman,’ a stop-motion animated feature from 2012, follows young Norman, a boy who can communicate with the dead. He must confront a witch’s curse that has plagued his Massachusetts hometown for 300 years, with zombies adding to the excitement. This horror-comedy masterpiece from Laika is rated 12+ in Germany.
Coco – More alive than life!
Although ‘Coco’ isn’t your typical Halloween film, this Oscar-winning Pixar classic is centered around the Mexican Day of the Dead. It tells the tale of twelve-year-old Miguel, who aspires to be a musician and unwittingly winds up in the Land of the Dead. With its vibrant animation, ‘Coco’ is suitable for audiences of all ages in Germany.
Monster Busters
Lastly, ‘Monster Busters’ (originally titled ‘The Monster Squad’) stands out as a lesser-known classic. This film features iconic Universal monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein, as they confront