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Top Scary Movies for Kids

It's time for black cats, witches' hats, and the best scary movies for kids. If you're looking for family-friendly frights that you and your little kids can enjoy this spooky season, we've compiled a list of our favorite family Halloween movies. Check out our picks for the best not-so-scary Halloween movies, and learn which ones have just the right amount of eeek! for your family.

Common Sense Media isn't just the place to find scary movies for kids. We also rate and review thousands of movies according to child developmental criteria recommendations from some of the nation’s leading authorities. We take into account movie messages, role models, violence, language, and more. Our editors then handpick lists of the best movies -- including scary ones -- according to overall quality and age-appropriate content.

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DVD: Halloweentown

Movies on DVD

Tween brew: Witchy fun, a pinch of fright.

Release date: 10/17/1998

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DVD: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Movies on DVD

Tim Burton magic with just a touch of scariness.

Release date: 10/19/2006

video review available

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DVD: Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge

Movies on DVD

Concoction of magical fun and fright for tweens.

Release date: 10/10/2001

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DVD: Return to Halloweentown

Movies on DVD

A cauldron of witchy magic and malice for tweens.

Release date: 10/20/2006

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DVD: The Bride of Frankenstein

Movies on DVD

A riveting, funny, and suspenseful horror classic.

Release date: 1/1/1935

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DVD: Beetlejuice

Movies on DVD

Creepy, dark fun.

Release date: 3/30/1988

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DVD: Young Frankenstein

Movies on DVD

Brooks' corniness yields plenty of belly laughs.

Release date: 12/15/1974

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DVD: Monster House

Movies on DVD

Frightful fun for tweens and up.

Release date: 7/21/2006

video review available

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DVD: Ghostbusters

Movies on DVD

Paranormal fun for tweens and up; some scares.

Release date: 6/8/1984

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