The Best Halloween Movies From The '90s To Re-Watch With Your Kids

A scientist creates Edward in a lab, but dies before he can get a chance to give Edward real hands, and Edward is stuck with scissorhands forever. This classic film directed by Tim Burton tells its story from the “monster’s” perspective which is an unusual choice, and while it’s scary at times, it’s ultimately a story about accepting people for who they are, and not feeling pressure to conform. It’s also a sweet love story between Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder, two ‘90s icons.

Rent Edward Scissorhands, rated PG-13, on Amazon Prime Video, for $3.99.

This is the ideal Halloween movie for older kids who like making potions or casting spells. It follows a group of four Los Angeles teens who form a witch group, having just realized their powers when they put a spell on a classmate, causing his hair to fall out. Just note that this movie is rated R (though some parent-reviewers on Common Sense Media said it feels more like PG-13) but this movie is definitely best for older kids who can handle some violence, gore, and profanity.

Watch The Craft, rated R, on HBO Max.

A journalist goes to an abandoned hotel to investigate how and why five people went missing in 1939. It’s a Disney movie (that’s actually filmed at The Tower Of Terror ride in Orlando), so while it’s spooky and exciting, it’s not too scary for most. Plus, it stars a young Kirsten Dunst which is peak ‘90s movie.

Purchase Tower of Terror, unrated, from Amazon for $6.56.

When three 12-year-old children encounter a thousand year old undiscovered mummy, they’re tasked with returning him to his resting place on Halloween so he can be reunited with his long lost love. Awww.

Buy Under Wraps, rated TV-G, on YouTube Movies for $5.99.

This 1991 film, based off of the classic New Yorker cartoons, introduced a generation to the spookiest and kookiest family in the neighborhood — the Addams family. The film is more than just a comedy about a spooky family trying to fit in in the real world — there's a substantial plot in it, too.

In The Adams Family, a mother and son duo attempt to steal the family's fortune, and each special member of the family uses their wits, talents, and love of dangerous things to outwit them. Kids will love the gags and comedy in the film, while parents will appreciate the core family dynamic. It's a win-win situation.

Watch The Addams Family, rated PG-13, on plutotv.

Kids who love fantasy novels (or any book by Roald Dahl for that matter) will love The Witches, a movie based on the Roald Dahl book by the same name. The Witches is about a brave boy who encounters a group of witches (hidden in plain sight thanks to their clothes and wigs disguising them) and gets turned into a mouse.

Although the appearance of the witches might be a bit grotesque, according to Common Sense Media, and kids might be distracted by the mediocre CGI animation (it was only 1990, after all), the plot and campiness of the film will sell them. It's a cute film with just the right amount of horror to please any child, above the age of 9, as Common Sense Media advises.

Rent The Witches, rated PG, for $2.99 on Amazon Prime Video.

No list of Halloween movies is complete without Hocus Pocus, the film about the Sanderson sisters — three children-hungry witches — who have returned to Earth on Halloween night 300 years after they died to plot their revenge on Halloween lovers.

But the movie isn't that sinister; the town is saved at the end of the day, and there is a great song and dance scene that any person would be silly not to love. It also is great at portraying Halloween so well — it puts everyone in the mood to go trick-or-treating.

Watch Hocus Pocus, rated PG, on Disney+.

This animated Tim Burton directed classic is both an appropriate Halloween movie and Christmas movie. The film tells a tale of a town where everyday is Halloween (they even sing a song in the film explaining what Halloween is) but when main character Jack Skellington discovers Christmas, his world is changed forever.

The film, which is rated PG, is full of positive messages and amazing character development, according to Common Sense Media. Most importantly, it's one of the only Halloween films that is super appropriate for kids older than 7, as noted by Common Sense Media.

Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas, rated PG, on Disney+.

In this 1993 Olsen twins classic film, the twins discover that their aunt is a witch and decide they must stop her before she ruins their family.

The film might seem a little "young" or "cute" to kids, especially if they've seen a lot of movies on this list, but no one can deny this Olsen twins film is a classic.

Rent Double, Double Toil and Trouble, unrated, on YouTube Movies, for $2.99.

This animated film is an adaptation of the story by Ray Bradbury, where a group of kids receive a crash course on the origins of Halloween and the holiday's customs.

This is a great film to ease into the holiday with, especially for kids who are easily afraid.

Rent The Halloween Tree, unrated, from YouTube Movies for $3.99.

‌They call Casper "the friendly ghost" for a reason — he isn't the kind to scare kids, or scare kids away from this movie. In the film, Casper bonds with a young girl, named Kat, and together they try to save a home. Although the plot doesn't sound too intense, it's a great way of introducing slightly scary concepts (like ghosts) to kids in a friendly way.

Rent Casper, rated PG, on YouTube Movies for $3.99.

In this not-so-sequel to Casper, Casper is back again — but this time, teams up with Wendy, "the Good Witch." Together, Casper and Wendy use their powers to fight off an evil warlock, but the plot isn't as scary as it sounds.

The movie is very light and filled with fun animation that kids will definitely enjoy.

Watch Casper Meets Wendy, rated PG, on YouTube.

This 1998 Disney Channel original movie tells the story of young girl who finds out she comes from a family of witches and that her grandmother lives in a magical place called Halloweentown.

This film is shown year after year on the Disney Channel for a good reason — it transports kids into a land where Halloween doesn't have to last for one day every year. And who doesn't want that? It's filled with great costume ideas, strong family values, and the coolest grandmother in the world.

The best thing is, Halloweentown is streaming online on Disney's website, so parents and kids can watch this movie whenever they wish.

Watch Halloweentown, rated TV-PG, on Disney+.

Beetlejuice is just one of those movies with the kind of plot that is hard to explain — you just have to watch it to be impressed and be blown away by how funny it is. The main character of Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, has a spirit that can not be compared. He's weird, he's funny, and he will definitely put viewers in the mood to play a few tricks on their friends (and give them a few treats while they're at it).

The dark imagery, heavy subjects, and strong language might not be suitable for most young kids, according to Common Sense Media, but parents familiar with the Tim Burton classic will know their kids best and know if they can handle the movie. While the film is from 1988, 90s kids will definitely remember growing up watching it.

Watch Beetlejuice, rated PG, on Hulu.

If you’re looking for an underrated movie from the 90s, this film is for you. This movie focuses on Ernest, a trash collector living in a small town who accidentally unleashes an evil troll into his town. Ernest must team up with an old, superstitious woman living in her town in order to get rid of the beast and restore the chaos in his home.

Rent Ernest Scared Stupid, rated PG, on YouTube Movies for $3.99.

After strange things start occurring in Frances McCausland’s hometown, and it’s looking like she is the one to blame, she must team up with her little brother’s imaginary friend to help solve the mystery and clear up her name.

If you were obsessed with the Disney Channel growing up, then you’re probably very familiar with this classic Disney Channel Original Movie.

Watch Don’t Look Under the Bed, rated TV-PG, on Disney+.