This Halloween, you probably aren’t looking to show the children one of these Top 100 Horrors, so what’s a good spooky film for kids that’s not too spooky?
We posed that question to Flicks readers for last month’s Hoyts Poll and got back a mighty fine selection as well as comments. The best part? All of these films are available to watch in New Zealand in one form or another.
12. The Witches
Anjelica Huston stars as the Grand High Witch in this family adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book about an orphan who discovers a secret coven of witches and their plot to rid the world of children.
“Classic Roald Dahl story with just the right element of horror to stick with your kids for life without traumatizing them… much.” -Jaysin from Auckland
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11. Frankenweenie
Tim Burton’s monochrome stop-motion animated film about young Victor who conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back.
“A good blend of the old classic horrors and introduces kids to black and white films.” -Miriam from Auckland
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10. The Corpse Bride
Another Tim Burton stop-motion animated tale, this time about a timid young man caught between the woman he was meant to wed and the undead bride he accidentally married.
“Tim Burton, duh.” -Mandy from Auckland
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9. ParaNorman
Stop-motion animated zombie comedy about a spooky, misunderstood boy called on to save his small town from the undead, a centuries-old curse and—worst of all—moronic grown-ups.
“It’s hilarious and I need a really good laugh.” -Lynda from Taranaki
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8. Goosebumps
Jack Black is author RL Stine, writer of the popular horror books for kids, in this spooky family adventure that celebrates the series.
“Love this movie, a bit scary and action-packed for all the family!” -Brooke from Taranaki
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7. Monster House
Praised as this generation’s Goonies back in 2006, this animated suburban adventure follows a trio of kids and their irrepressible curiosity with the creepy house over the road.
“Not TOO scary for my mokopuna/grandkiddies—or me!” -Rosemary from Wellington
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6. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Aardman Animation’s beloved inventor Wallace and his canine pal Gromit are out to catch a monster in this Oscar-winning family-friendly comedy.
“Hilarious with lots of tense moments. This film is lots of fun.” -James from Wellington
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5. Coraline
Coraline is based on Neil Gaiman’s international best-selling book and is helmed by stop-frame animation freak Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas).
“My almost-3-year-old likes to scare himself (in the safety of my arms) watching the eery Coraline over and over and over again.” -Lauren from Auckland
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4. The Addams Family
Macabre family adventure, inspired by the ’60s TV show and cartoon strip (originating in the 1930s), about the strange and ghoulish Addams Family.
“It shows powerful women, loving relationships, and that you don’t have to be always smiling etc to be an amazing person (like Wednesday).” -Erin from Wellington
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3. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s beloved stop-frame animated musical following Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who searches for something new and stumbles upon Christmas Town.
“It’s such a classic film. No matter how many years pass, this film is still one of the best. Every year, my kids and I watch this film on both Halloween night and Xmas.” -Alanna from Wellington
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2. Hocus Pocus
Screen greats Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker are a trio of witches in this 1993 Disney family-friendly horror comedy.
“Undoubtedly a classic. Enough to scare you as a kid, but not too much that you cannot sleep for a week. Looking back on my childhood it’s an absolute favourite.” -Adara from Waikato
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1. Hotel Transylvania
Adam Sandler is the voice of Dracula, owner of the finest ‘five stake’ monster resort outside of the human world in this animated family comedy.
“Liked all three movies. Good for Halloween. Very funny. Age appropriate for anyone (even adults lol).” -Catherine from Auckland
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