Spooky but not scary — just the right amount of magic, giggles, and family fun this Halloween.

Halloween isn’t just about sweets and costumes — it’s also a time for twinkly lights, cosy blankets, and watching the kind of spooky stories that make kids shiver and smile at the same time.

If your little ones are past Peppa Pig but not quite ready for Hocus Pocus 2 jump scares, this list is for you.
Here are my favourite Halloween movies for kids ages 3–8, along with ideas for turning movie night into a full family event — complete with cozy snacks, themed setups, and printable movie night tickets (yes, we’ll make one soon!).

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🎬 Why Halloween Movie Nights Matter

Movie nights aren’t just about entertainment — they’re about connection.
When families slow down, snuggle up, and share a story, something magical happens: kids feel safe, parents breathe out, and everyone is reminded that togetherness can be simple.

Halloween movie nights, in particular, give kids a safe way to explore “spooky” themes like courage, friendship, and facing fears — in a warm, comforting setting.

Think of it as gentle exposure to the idea that being scared sometimes is okay… especially when you’re wrapped in a blanket with popcorn.

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🍿 How to Set Up a Magical Movie Night

You don’t need a projector or fancy decorations — a few simple touches can make your evening feel special.

Here’s your mini setup guide:

🧺 1. Movie Picnic Setup
Spread blankets, cushions, and sleeping bags in the living room.
Add fairy lights, pumpkin garlands, or glow sticks.
Encourage kids to bring one cuddly toy “guest.”

🍪 2. Themed Snacks

• Monster Popcorn: mix regular popcorn with a handful of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
• Mummy Bananas: dip banana halves in white chocolate, drizzle more on top for bandages, and add chocolate chip eyes.
• Pumpkin Smoothies: blend milk, banana, pumpkin purée, and a pinch of cinnamon.

🎟️ 3. Family Movie Tickets
Print simple tickets (you can find one on spoonandsky.com soon!) and let your kids be the ticket takers.
It turns the whole event into an experience, not just screen time.

💡 Tip: Let kids “vote” on which film to watch — it gives them agency, and you can guide choices that fit your comfort zone.

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👻 Best Halloween Movies for Ages 3–8

Each of these titles offers gentle spookiness — no nightmares, just fun frights and cozy chills.

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🕯️ 1. Room on the Broom (2012)

Runtime: 25 min | Age: 3+
A kind witch and her cat make room on their broom for a growing group of animal friends — until a dragon appears!

🌿 Why it’s perfect: Sweet, funny, and full of teamwork. It’s a Halloween staple for toddlers and early school years.
🍎 Pair it with: Hot chocolate and apple slices shaped like stars.

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🕸️ 2. Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (2005)

Runtime: 66 min | Age: 3–6
Roo and Lumpy learn what it means to be brave on Halloween night in the Hundred Acre Wood.

🌿 Why it’s perfect: Gentle, heartwarming, and completely fear-free — ideal for younger viewers.
🍎 Pair it with: Honey toast and pumpkin-shaped biscuits.

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🎩 3. Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest (2013)

Runtime: 58 min | Age: 3–7
George investigates the legend of the “No Noggin” scarecrow who kicks hats off trick-or-treaters.

🌿 Why it’s perfect: A perfect mix of silly and spooky. Teaches curiosity and courage.
🍎 Pair it with: Banana muffins (George-approved, of course).

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🕷️ 4. Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2004)

Runtime: 47 min | Age: 3–7
A square pumpkin learns that being different is what makes him special.

🌿 Why it’s perfect: Wholesome message, gentle music, and zero real scares.
🍎 Pair it with: Pumpkin popcorn or roasted pumpkin seeds.

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🌕 5. The Gruffalo’s Child (2011)

Runtime: 27 min | Age: 4+
The Gruffalo’s curious daughter ventures into the snowy woods to find the “Big Bad Mouse.”

🌿 Why it’s perfect: Atmospheric, cozy, and filled with gentle suspense and clever twists.
🍎 Pair it with: A “woodland” snack plate — nuts, fruit, and animal crackers.

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🎃 6. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Runtime: 85 min | Age: 5+
The inventive duo must save their town’s giant vegetable contest from a mysterious rabbit beast.

🌿 Why it’s perfect: British humour, inventive visuals, and just the right dose of spooky silliness.
🍎 Pair it with: Veggie sticks and cheese cubes — Wallace would approve.

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🐈 7. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Runtime: 91 min | Age: 6+
Count Dracula runs a hotel for monsters, but his overprotective parenting is tested when a human stumbles in.

🌿 Why it’s perfect: Fun, fast-paced, and full of heart — great for older kids in the 7–8 range.
🍎 Pair it with: “Monster smoothies” (milk + spinach + banana + honey = green and delicious).

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🧙‍♀️ 8. Casper (1995)

Runtime: 100 min | Age: 7+
A gentle ghost befriends a young girl and helps heal her grieving father.

🌿 Why it’s perfect: A touch of nostalgia for parents, with warmth and humour for kids.
🍎 Pair it with: White marshmallows for “Casper clouds.”

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🎭 9. The Addams Family (2019)

Runtime: 86 min | Age: 7–8
The delightfully strange Addams family faces new challenges when modern suburbia moves in next door.

🌿 Why it’s perfect: Quirky, fun, and packed with visual gags — spooky without being scary.
🍎 Pair it with: Black bean wraps or chocolate pretzel “spider legs.”

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🌙 10. Super Monsters Save Halloween (Netflix Special, 2018)

Runtime: 24 min | Age: 3–6
The Super Monsters show pre-schoolers how to celebrate Halloween kindly and bravely.

🌿 Why it’s perfect: Created with empathy and young viewers in mind — bright, musical, and inclusive.
🍎 Pair it with: Orange slices and mini “monster” rice cakes.

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🪄 How to Make It a “Family Halloween Movie Night” Tradition

Consistency builds comfort for kids — and turning movie night into a ritual helps anchor the season.

Here’s a sweet tradition to try:

• Pick one night each October week for a family movie evening.
• Keep a small Halloween Movie Jar — kids pull out a title from slips of paper.
• Use the same blanket or snack tray each time for familiarity and excitement.
• Take a family photo each year with your movie-night setup — the costumes change, but the smiles stay.

💡 Tip: If you want to turn it into an educational moment, discuss the movie’s themes:
“What made that character brave?” or “Why did the friends work together?”
It’s a soft entry into emotional literacy disguised as fun.

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🕯️ Bonus: Printable Movie Ticket Template

Download your “Family Movie Night” printable ticket below — perfect for keeping little hands busy while you set up snacks.
Each ticket can be coloured in and “redeemed” for popcorn or movie choice.

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✨ Wrapping Up

Halloween movie nights don’t need to be over-the-top — in fact, the simpler they are, the more magic they hold.
The sound of giggles, the glow of the TV, and the rustle of popcorn become part of your family’s memory quilt.

So this October, dim the lights, grab the blankets, and let a few friendly ghosts and giggling pumpkins join your night in.

Because childhood is short, and moments like these — these cozy, candlelit, laughter-filled evenings — are what stick.

With hot cocoa in hand and a child under each arm,
Lily Luz – Spoon & Sky Studios