10 not-so-scary Halloween movies the whole family can enjoy
Any wise parent knows the horrors that entail after letting their kids watch an R-rated Halloween movie. While parents are fully aware that Freddy Krueger, Jason and Chuckie are all just fictional characters, they can easily invade a child's mind, ensuring that the Halloween fun turns into real life nightmares. But there are a group of movies that provide ample scares and laughs to appeal to horror enthusiasts of any age. Check out these classic spooky and not-so-scary movies the whole family can enjoy.
"The Nightmare Before Christmas"
A film that doubles properly as a Halloween/Christmas flick, Tim Burton's spooky claymation classic still holds up over 20 years since its initial release. Following the charismatic Jack Skellington as he tries to inject some Christmas life into the undead Halloween Town, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" doses out a healthy, undead mix of frights and fun for viewers of all ages.
"Young Frankenstein"
Those of a younger age may not understand the film's more risque jokes, but Gene Wilder crafts up enough physical comedy to keep kids entertained even when the films broader strokes fly over their head.
"Beetlejuice"
Another Tim Burton classic, "Beetlejuice" is wildly inventive, humorously dealing with themes of mortality that adults so woefully understand, while providing enough action onscreen to keep younger audiences hooked. Be forewarned though, the costume design in "Beetlejuice" is fantastic, but if your child easily frightens by giant snakes or shrunken heads, you might need to tell them to close their eyes three times before starting the movie up again.
"Ghostbusters"
Parents love it for the classic comedic stylings of Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis. Kids love it for the giant stay-putt marshmallow man that destroys New York City. To each their own, but there ain't no audience out there afraid of "Ghosbusters'" good times.
"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"
If you're trying to give your kids a warm and fuzzy feeling that doesn't involve them gorging on pounds of candy, look no further to "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." This holiday classic has been going strong for nearly 50 years, and is airing on ABC again on Thursday, October 30 at 8:00 EST/PST / 7:00 CST.
"Hocus Pocus"
A classic for nostalgic millennials who grew up with the Disney Channel, "Hocus Pocus" enchants viewers at home with its good natured fun.
"The Addams Family"
*Snap Snap.* After watching "The Addams Family" for the first time, everyone seems to notice they have a Cousin Lurch in their own clan, but this spooky classic truly embodies what Halloween is all about: frights and terrors, but also spending time with family you love the most.
"Casper"
A proper introduction to scary movies if you have a child afraid of ghosts, "Casper" proved that just because someone was undead didn't mean they were unfriendly. Parents will definitely get a spooky treat with celebrity cameos including Clint Eastwood and Rodney Dangerfield.
"The Corpse Bride"
An undead love story for the ages, "The Corpse Bride" saw Tim Burton returning to his stop motion animation in full form.
"Gremlins"
Rule 1: Never expose it to bright light. Rule 2: Never get it wet. Rule 3: Never let it eat after midnight. There's a lot of rules to take into account when watching "Gremlins," but this hilarious horror classic will prove a big reward for disciplined viewers.
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