(KTAL/KMSS) — Halloween movies don’t of always have to be scary. There are friendly movies that people can watch during spooky season, without the possible chance of having a nightmare or being terrified.

Many love the horror and slasher cult classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th. But what about the family-friendly cult classics that children can enjoy as well? 

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Three witch sisters from the 17th-century Salem are accidentally resurrected on Halloween night by a teenager named Max. With the help of his little sister Dani, friend Allison, and an immortal talking cat named Binx, Max must stop the Sanderson sisters from stealing the souls of all the children in Salem. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters. 

Initially, the movie was not a box office success when it first came out in 1993, but thanks to the annual reruns on the Disney Channel and Freeform (formerly ABC Family), Hocus Pocus built a huge cult following and became a beloved Halloween film classic. 

Casper (1995)

If we are talking about family-friendly films for Halloween, we can’t leave out Casper the Friendly Ghost.

 After paranormal therapist Dr. Jame Harvey and his daughter Kat move into the haunted Whipstaff Manor, they meet Casper and his mischievous uncles, The Ghostly Trio. Casper wants a friend, and with his bond with Kat, he learns about love, friendship, and letting go. 

This cult classic Halloween film was a hit at the box office, earning $287 million worldwide. According to Remind Magazine and Wikipedia, Casper was the first feature film to star a fully CGI Character in a live-action environment. This spooky flick will give you laughs and tug your heartstrings. 

The Addams Family (1991)

How could we not mention this creepy and kooky family that everyone loves? 

This dark yet funny reboot of the 1960s TV show follows the delightfully macabre Addams clan. Its gothic humor, quirky characters, and iconic performances turned it into a cult classic, spawning sequels, animated films, and spin-off shows like Wednesday, which is available on Netflix.   

Halloweentown (1998)

The Disney Channel Original Movie follows Marnie Piper, a girl who learns she’s from a family of witches and must save a magical town. The success of this film spawned three sequels and remains a nostalgic favorite for millennials and Gen Z. The movie stars iconic actress Debbie Reynolds, who plays Marnie’s beloved grandmother and Halloweentown legend. Viewers instantly fall in love with the film, anxiously waiting for what’s to come next. 

The  Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) 

This holiday-hopping Disney classic feels nostalgic to watch. Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, as he tries to take over Christmas, but with a Halloween twist. The film’s stunning visuals, unforgettable music, and crossover appeal make it a must-watch from October through December. Watch it for Halloween, watch it for Christmas. The holiday crossover edge to the film makes it truly iconic and unlike any other movie. 

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