1. Coco 2017，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 604392, ID: 2380307 Photo by geekblast.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Coco is a vibrant and heartwarming tale that beautifully intertwines Mexican culture with a touching story about family and legacy. The film’s colorful animation and captivating music make it an engaging watch for kids, while its themes of love and remembrance resonate deeply with adults. It’s a perfect introduction to the concept of the afterlife, presented in a way that’s both respectful and accessible for young viewers.
2. Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 863385, ID: 0245429 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Spirited Away is a mesmerizing journey into a fantastical world filled with spirits and magic. The film’s stunning animation and imaginative storyline captivate both children and adults alike. Its themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery make it an excellent choice for a first scary movie, offering just the right amount of suspense and wonder.
3. Monsters, Inc. 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 990509, ID: 0198781 Photo by popkult.blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Monsters, Inc. is a delightful and imaginative film that turns the concept of monsters under the bed on its head. With its charming characters and humorous plot, it provides a gentle introduction to the idea of fear and how to overcome it. The film’s heartwarming message about friendship and understanding makes it a perfect choice for young viewers.
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas 1993，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 378333, ID: 0107688 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Nightmare Before Christmas is a visually stunning and unique film that blends Halloween and Christmas in a way that’s both spooky and enchanting. Its stop-motion animation and memorable characters make it a captivating watch for kids. The film’s themes of curiosity and acceptance provide valuable lessons, making it an ideal first scary movie.
5. Coraline 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 267641, ID: 0327597 Photo by yam-mag.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Coraline is a dark and thrilling adventure that offers a perfect balance of suspense and wonder for older kids. The film’s stop-motion animation and eerie storyline captivate viewers, while its themes of bravery and self-reliance resonate deeply. It’s a great choice for a first scary movie, providing just the right amount of chills without being too frightening.
6. Monster House 2006，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 140506, ID: 0385880 Photo by popkult.blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Monster House is a delightful blend of humor and spookiness, making it an ideal first scary movie for kids. The story of three friends discovering that their neighbor’s house is alive is both thrilling and heartwarming, with themes of friendship and bravery. The animation, though a bit dated, adds to the charm and the Halloween setting makes it perfect for a family movie night. It’s a great way to introduce children to the horror genre without overwhelming them.
7. The Dark Crystal 1982，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 72348, ID: 0083791 Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Dark Crystal is a visually stunning fantasy film that captivates with its unique puppetry and dark themes. While the story may be a bit complex for younger kids, its imaginative world and epic tale of good versus evil make it a memorable experience. The film’s darker tones are balanced with moments of wonder and adventure, making it a great choice for introducing older children to more intense fantasy films.
8. Return to Oz 1985，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 30749, ID: 0089908 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Return to Oz is a darker, more faithful adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s Oz books, offering a thrilling adventure for kids. The film’s eerie atmosphere and unique characters, like Tik-Tok and Jack Pumpkinhead, provide a captivating experience. While it may be too intense for very young children, it’s a fantastic choice for older kids ready for a more mature and imaginative take on the Land of Oz.
9. The Witches 1990，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 55151, ID: 0100944 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Witches is a wonderfully dark and whimsical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale. Anjelica Huston’s performance as the Grand High Witch is both terrifying and mesmerizing, making the film a thrilling watch. The story of a young boy turned into a mouse and his quest to stop the witches is filled with suspense and humor, making it a perfect introduction to scary movies for kids.
10. Hocus Pocus 1993，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 157037, ID: 0107120 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Hocus Pocus is a fun and spooky Halloween classic that kids will love. The story of three witches resurrected in modern-day Salem is filled with humor, magic, and a bit of fright. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy deliver memorable performances that make the film a joy to watch. It’s a perfect blend of comedy and scares, making it an excellent choice for a family movie night.
11. Casper 1995，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 148077, ID: 0112642 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Casper is a heartwarming tale that blends humor and emotion, making it a perfect introduction to the world of spooky movies for kids. The friendly ghost Casper and his mischievous uncles provide plenty of laughs, while the touching friendship between Casper and Kat adds depth to the story. The special effects are impressive for its time, and the film’s message about acceptance and friendship is timeless. It’s a charming family film that balances light scares with heartfelt moments.
12. Poltergeist 1982，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 181515, ID: 0084516 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Poltergeist is a classic horror film that manages to be both terrifying and family-friendly. The story of a suburban family haunted by malevolent spirits is filled with suspense and memorable scares, but it also has a strong emotional core. The film’s portrayal of childhood fears and the bond between parents and children makes it relatable and engaging for younger audiences. It’s a great choice for introducing kids to the horror genre without overwhelming them.
13. Gremlins 1984，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 250438, ID: 0087363 Photo by reelscary.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Gremlins is a delightful blend of comedy and horror that is perfect for kids who are ready for a bit more excitement. The mischievous creatures wreak havoc in a small town, providing plenty of laughs and thrills. The film’s playful tone and memorable characters, especially the adorable Gizmo, make it a fun and engaging watch. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the concept of horror-comedy and the importance of following rules.
14. Beetlejuice 1988，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 346769, ID: 0094721 Photo by cinematicrandomness.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Beetlejuice is a wildly imaginative film that combines dark humor with a unique visual style. Tim Burton’s quirky direction and Michael Keaton’s unforgettable performance as the titular character make it a standout. The film’s playful take on the afterlife and its eccentric characters make it a fun and entertaining watch for kids. It’s a great introduction to the world of supernatural comedies and Tim Burton’s distinctive style.
15. Goosebumps 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 96058, ID: 1051904 Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Goosebumps is a fun and thrilling adventure that brings R.L. Stine’s beloved books to life. The film’s mix of humor, action, and spooky moments makes it an ideal choice for kids. Jack Black’s performance as Stine adds a layer of charm, and the various monsters provide plenty of excitement. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the world of horror in a lighthearted and entertaining manner.
15 ‘First’ Scary Movies to Watch With Your Kids: A Spooky Starter Pack
