Halloween movies for kids: Hocus Pocus 2, Halloweentown, Harry Potter...
To get kids in the Halloween spirit, we have compiled a list of some spooky classics that that they are sure to love!
The popularity of Halloween is now truly a global phenomenon with many countries outside the US now truly embracing pumpkins, trick or treating, costumes and and movies dedicated to the spooky holiday.
The holiday, which is beloved by children, has created an entire genre of movies for younger audiences. Here’s a brief overview of five Halloween themed films for the youngest ghouls and demons in the household.
Halloweentown
The first installment of Halloweentown hit the silver screens in 1988 and this Disney Channel Original Movie was a huge success starring the late, great Debbie Reynolds. There are total of four movies in the franchise:
- Halloweentown (1998) starring
- Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge (2001)
- Halloweentown High (2004)
- Return to Halloweentown (2006)
Actress Kimberly J. Brown takes the lead as Marine Piper in the first three films but the character was recast and played by Sara Paxton in the fourth. Nonetheless, all four can be streamed on Disney+.
Hocus Pocus 1 and 2
Fans of the original Hocus Pocus have been forced to wait almost thirty years for the sequel but this October, the follow up finally gets a release and will see Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles from the first film. For those old enough to remember the original, the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2 provides all the nostalgia many were seeking.Both the 1993 original and the 2022 return of the Sanderson sisters can be seen on Disney+.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas is a visually spectacular tour de force of Gothic styles and themes, which follows the simple children’s tale of Halloween Town resident Jack Skellington, who finds Christmas Town and is instantly captivated. The plot thickens when his new-found obsession with Christmas leads him to abduct Santa Claus. The 1993 classic can be streamed via Amazon Prime.
Corpse Bride
Another animated effort from Tim Burton classic, with voice acting from Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp as Emily and Victor, is Corpse Bride. The film was released in 2005 and follows the story of a Victor who on accidentally brings Emily back to life when practicing his vows the forest before his wedding that was arranged by his family. Emily explains that she was murdered by her finance who has run off with her money and she requires Victor’s help in getting justice.
The film can be streamed on Amazon Prime.
Harry Potter
Aimed at the teenage demographic, the Harry Potter film series were based on the novels by English author J. K. Rowling and consists of eight fantasy films, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and culminating with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
While J.K. Rowling has seen her own fan base dwindle in recent years after making transphobic comments on multiple occasions, the love for her books and movies has not changed. The books chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The entire series is available for streaming on HBO Max.