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Best Halloween Costumes for Kids

Kids’ Halloween costumes got you stuck for ideas? Here’s a list of some of our favorite TV and movie characters to inspire the best boys' and girls' Halloween costume ideas -- whether you make your own or buy them at your favorite party store or online Halloween shop. These characters are just the thing to inspire your mini-Harry Potter, princess, pirate, gypsy, cowgirl, or Star Wars favorite. Disney costume ideas include Snow White, Peter Pan, and Tinker Bell. Have fun browsing -- and be sure to take lots of pictures of your trick-or-treater!

Common Sense Media isn't just the place to find Halloween costume ideas. We also rate and review thousands of books, movies, and other media according to child developmental criteria recommendations from some of the nation’s leading authorities. We take into account messages, role models, violence, language, and more. Our editors then handpick lists of the best media according to overall quality and age-appropriate content -- all so that you can pick the best for your family.
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DVD: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Movies on DVD

First Potter movie is a big-budget magical ride.

Release date: 11/16/2001

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DVD: Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope

Movies on DVD

First of a sci-fi phenomenon, #4 in the series.

Release date: 1/1/1977

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DVD: Nancy Drew

Movies on DVD

Big-screen teen sleuth is cute, if a bit bland.

Release date: 6/14/2007

video review available

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DVD: Scooby-Doo

Movies on DVD

Too scary for most kids, too dumb for most teens.

Release date: 6/14/2002

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DVD: Spider-Man

Movies on DVD

A fun movie; may be too intense for younger kids.

Release date: 5/3/2002

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DVD: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Movies on DVD

Rip-roaring fun for kids who don't mind skeletons.

Release date: 7/9/2003

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