A lot of children want to watch scary movies, but frightening scenes can easily overwhelm younger viewers. So how can parents balance their children’s desire for horror with something that won’t scar them for life? I’m happy to help with that! Here’s a list of family-friendly horror movies perfect for younger viewers. (Warning: children still might find these milder films a little too intense. Don’t be afraid to turn off the video if your youngster is hiding under their blanket!)
The Nightmare Before Christmas—1993
The Nightmare Before Christmas is more than a holiday classic. It balances fun and fright with a wonderful cast of fantastic characters. The musical movie includes a lot of catchy tunes compliments of composer Danny Elfman. Yes, there are a few frightening scenes (namely the ones with the Oogie Boogie), but the happy ending is sure to ease those nightmares.
The Addams Family—1991
Although the 1991 version of the Addams Family is rated PG-13, it is a mild movie that’s full of fun. The excellent cast includes Anjelica Huston as Morticia and Christina Ricci as Wednesday. It’s a hilarious romp with a family who loves the darker side of life.
Monster House – 2006
This PG-rated movie might seem tame, but believe me when I tell you that the haunted, monster house is scary! At the same time, this movie offers a lot of laughs. The story revolves around 13-year-old DJ who discovers that the grouchy old man across the street lives in a monster house. It’s a whole new take on haunted houses.
The Haunted Mansion – 2003
This one is another of Disney’s ride-based movies (some others being Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise). The premise is simple: a career-driven father and his family is summoned to a crumbling, old mansion. However, Eddie Murphy brings plenty of laughs to this light-hearted ‘horror’ movie.
Tremors – 1990
I’ve saved the scariest for last! This PG13-rated movie is a great way to introduce tweens and teens to adult horror. It’s funny enough to draw laughs, but gross enough to qualify as genuine horror. It involves a small town in the middle of the desert that finds itself attacked by a strange, worm-like creature. It’s definitely frightening, but in a campy way that makes it a very fun movie.
There are many more family-friendly horror movies, but these are my favorites. Have fun introducing your family to horror with a scary movie night! What about you? What are your favorite family-friendly horror movies? Let me know in the comments.
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There’s a vampire war on, and it’s time to choose sides. Cassie doesn’t know why she fainted on stage, or why she woke up with a two-hour hole in her memory. She doesn’t understand the twin puncture marks on her neck, and can’t comprehend why she’s suddenly terrified of being in the dark. All she knows is that her ordinary life has completely changed…for the worse. Then she meets Isaiah, a mysterious man with a dark past. He has answers to her questions, but he’s reluctant to give them and put her in more danger. Only when Cassie proves herself does he trust her with what he knows: there’s a vampire war in Detroit, and those who don’t take sides will be caught in the crossfire. Now, it’s up to Cassie and Isaiah to put a stop to things before the warring vampires claim more victims. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan, of course, but some things can’t be helped.
I believe I’ve seen all of those and like you say, I think the last one is the scariest
I thought I’d include one for older kids too!