Halloween movies for kids that we’re still obsessed with as adults

By Laura kadner

October 28, 2014

By Laura kadner

October 28, 2014

It doesn’t matter how old we get, when Halloween rolls around, we get to be silly and immature and act like a kid again, and that is just plain awesome. Whether you’re playing dress up and headed out to a party or staying in and gorging on candy and horror films, you’re gonna have a good time. But some of us don’t want to watch real horror movies. Some of us want to be innocent bystanders in the Halloween game of spooks and scares and instead, watch our far tamer (and usually more entertaining!) childhood faves. Let’s take a look back at some of the classics. . .

1. Hocus Pocus

The crown jewel of childhood Halloween films is Hocus Pocus. The cast is absolutely star-studded and even features a talking cat, as well as ample references to the main character’s virginity. Not to mention, young Thora Birch is the sassiest little witch you’ll ever meet. The cherry on the sundae? A musical number led by the queen of Halloween: Bette Midler, with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy singing backup.

2. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang add a new touch of mystery to Halloween in the quest to spot the Great Pumpkin. The best part of the movie? When the gang goes trick-or-treating and Charlie Brown gets a rock instead of candy. Repeatedly.

3. Casper

Another outstanding cast featuring the likes of Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman. Pullman, guys! And, duh, Devon Sawa. Though, much to the dismay of ’90s tweens everywhere, he spends most of the movie stuck in the body of an animated ghost. This one is hilarious, haunting, and a tugger of the old heartstrings. Don’t we all wish Devon could’ve kept Christina?

4. Halloweentown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNzazQmQyGE

Not really a part of my childhood, but I know this movie is beloved by many. And give it a chance if you haven’t–it’s got Debbie Reynolds in it for ghosts’ sake!

5. The Witches

This movie, based on a Roald Dahl classic, is flippin‘ terrifying. It still gives me nightmares. The kid turning into a rat. The wigs and long skeletal fingers. Yikes! Not to mention Anjelica Huston is the Grand High Witch herself.

6. E.T.

Not strictly a Halloween movie, but it does feature an alien and they do dress him up for Halloween. Besides, who can pass up this Spielberg classic that has a fantastic and magical story, an adorable Drew Barrymore, and that iconic flight silhouetted against a giant moon?

7. Beetlejuice

The king of Halloween, Tim Burton, introduced us all to so many things as children and has all the elements you look for in a Halloween flick: ghosts, haunting, Winona Ryder, and, of course, a musical number or two! It’s the movie that launched a thousand perfect Halloween costumes: Lydia and Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice FTW!

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpvdAJYvofI

The classic tale of the Pumpkin King falling in love with Christmas. You’ve got romance, adventure, and awesome stop-motion animation. Yes, please! I mean, come on: pumpkins scream in the dead of night.

9. Teen Witch