Scary Movies for Kids

Looking for the best scary movies for your kids? Our favorite frightening films include some good "starter" scares for younger kids, such as the kid-friendly Monsters Inc., as well as truly chilling picks for older tweens and teens, such as the thrilling Hitchcock horror masterpiece Psycho. Some of these top-rated titles are more mature than others, so be prepared to discuss the way violence is portrayed. You're sure to find something with just the right amount of spookiness for your kids. Get ready, get set, boo!

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Monsters, Inc. Poster Image
MOVIE

Monsters, Inc.

age 5+

Cute, kid-friendly monster movie; may scare sensitive kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2001)
Scared Shrekless Poster Image
MOVIE

Scared Shrekless

age 6+

Halloween "scary tale" is a real treat for families.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad Poster Image
MOVIE

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

age 6+

Two classic stories told in the best Disney style.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1949)
The Black Cauldron Poster Image
MOVIE

The Black Cauldron

age 7+

Book-based fantasy is darker than much Disney fare.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1985)
The Nightmare Before Christmas Movie Poster: Jack Skellington stands atop a curly cliff in front of a full moon, with jack o' lanterns below
MOVIE

The Nightmare Before Christmas

age 7+

Tim Burton holiday magic, with a touch of scariness.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)
Labyrinth Movie Poster: David Bowie holds a glass orb
MOVIE

Labyrinth

age 8+

Surreal coming-of-age fantasy -- with Jim Henson puppets.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
The NeverEnding Story Poster Image
MOVIE

The NeverEnding Story

age 8+

Boy bibliophile becomes part of fantasy tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1984)
Orion and the Dark movie poster: Animated nighttime characters.
MOVIE

Orion and the Dark

age 8+

Child faces fears in book-based fantasy; peril, scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
The Spiderwick Chronicles Poster Image
MOVIE

The Spiderwick Chronicles

age 8+

Book-based family fantasy is magical fun but also scary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2008)
The Boxtrolls Poster Image
MOVIE

The Boxtrolls

age 9+

Imaginative adventure has lots of peril, nasty villain.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
The Bride of Frankenstein Poster Image
MOVIE

The Bride of Frankenstein

age 9+

A riveting, funny, and suspenseful horror classic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1935)
Coraline Poster Image
MOVIE

Coraline

age 9+

Cool but creepy animated fantasy too scary for young kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Frankenweenie Poster Image
MOVIE

Frankenweenie

age 9+

Burton's creepy young Frankenstein is perfect for tweens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
The Mummy (1932) Poster Image
MOVIE

The Mummy (1932)

age 9+

This vintage classic is more funny than scary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1932)
Spirited Away Poster Image
MOVIE

Spirited Away

age 9+

Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Where the Wild Things Are Poster Image
MOVIE

Where the Wild Things Are

age 9+

Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
The Canterville Ghost Poster Image
MOVIE

The Canterville Ghost

age 10+

TV movie version of Oscar Wilde classic has mild scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
Dracula Poster Image
MOVIE

Dracula

age 10+

Classic vampire movie is more creepy than violent.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1931)
Frankenstein Poster Image
MOVIE

Frankenstein

age 10+

Classic monster movie still electrifies.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1931)
The Goonies Poster Image
MOVIE

The Goonies

age 10+

Classic '80s adventure has lots of swearing, some scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1985)