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Spooky Movies for Family Fun

By Sharon Weinberg

For a cinematic treat, sit back and enjoy a not-too-scary movie. Age recommendations provided by commonsensemedia.org.

  • Hotel Transylvania

    2013

    A cute father/daughter story. Adam Sandler is perfect as Dracula, who's an overprotective dad. Make this a double feature with Hotel Transylvania 2. The lighthearted winks and nods to classic horror films should entertain all. Recommended for age 7+.

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  • Goosebumps

    2016

    Adapted from the children's book series, this movie delivers plenty of action, humor and chills. Jack Black is marvelous as a fictionalized version of author R.L. Stine--a guy with a huge secret about the terrifying characters he created. Recommended for age 9+.

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  • Coraline

    2009

    Based on the book by Neil Gaiman, here is a dark and thoughtful tale about an adventurous young girl who finds a parallel dimension concealed in her new home. The stylized animation adds an especially creepy layer. Recommended for age 9+.

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  • ParaNorman

    2012

    A first-rate zombie flick with a deeper message than expected. Eleven-year-old Norman can talk to ghosts, which a few consider odd. I love this for the ParaNorman in all of us. Recommended for age 10+.

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  • Corpse Bride

    2006

    Like Orpheus and Eurydice, maybe. This plot has a romantic underworld horror twist and some lively tunes to keep you grooving. Recommended for age 10+.

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  • Monsters, Inc

    2013

    Hardworking scare-the-kids experts must help a lost little girl return home, despite their own fears. Really, this is great for the young and the youthful at heart. John Goodman and Billy Crystal get kudos for voicing life into such lovable creatures. Recommended for age 5+.

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  • Monster House

    2006

    It's alive! A clever haunted house story that delivers genuine, spine-tingling scares via a demonic dwelling and the kids brave enough to solve a neighborhood mystery. Recommended for age 10+.

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  • Casper

    2003

    With its retro vibe, I have a soft spot for the cartoon character Casper the Friendly Ghost. However this is a little darker than the source material. The CGI is cool and it has Christina Ricci (The Addams Family) as Casper's girlfriend interest. Recommended for age 8+.

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  • The Nightmare Before Christmas

    2008

    The soundtrack is awesome, and I cannot resist a movie about both Halloween and Santa Claus. Recommended for age 7+.

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  • Hocus Pocus

    2002

    Three infamous Salem witch sisters want to put a spell on you. Enjoy the inspired performances from Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy in this cult classic. Recommended for age 11+.

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  • Frankenweenie

    2012

    A boy and his dog; this is the best Frankenstein send-up ever. The black and white animation is brilliantly effective. Recommended for age 9+.

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  • Room on the Broom

    2013

    How many creatures can fit on a witch's broomstick before mayhem ensues? For something short and sweet, with mild scares via a stalking dragon, this hits the mark. Based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson. Recommended for age 3+.

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  • A Monster in Paris

    2013

    Phantom of the Opera meets The Fly. A botanical accident makes a flea turn human-sized and gives him haunting musical talent. French pop songstress Vanessa Paradis knows a good voice when she hears it; in this case it belongs to Sean Lennon. Recommended for age 8+.

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