For young children, Halloween is all about the two Cs: costumes and candy. But there’s one holiday tradition that they often feel left out of—watching a scary movie. They see their older siblings watching PG-rated Halloween fare such as Hocus Pocus or full-on R-rated shockers like Halloween and want in with the big kids, nightmares be damned.
For parents who want to keep Halloween viewing age appropriate, we’ve conjured up a brew of feature films and vintage cartoons that are more fun than frightening for youngsters – or even older folks who prefer their scares on the mild side. So, pass the candy and enjoy these happy hauntings with the whole family.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Official Trailer #1 – (1948) HD (Uploaded to YouTube by Movieclips)
“I know you’ll think I’m crazy, but in a half an hour the moon will rise and I’ll turn into a wolf,” Larry Talbot warns Lou Costello’s Wilbur. “You and 20 million other guys,” Wilbur responds. This horror-comedy, the iconic comedy team’s best film, is a Universal monsters starter kit with Dracula (Bela Lugosi), Frankenstein’s Monster (Glenn Strange), the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney, Jr.), and a hilarious surprise cameo you’ve got to see. Lou Costello’s panic attacks in the face of dangers he cannot convince anyone are real will certainly tickle viewers of all ages. Available on Amazon Prime.
Betty Boop in Snow-White (1933)
Betty Boop: Snow White (1933) HD (Uploaded to YouTube by Riley)
Sweet Betty runs afoul of the evil Queen in Dave Fleischer’s cartoon masterpiece that somehow hits all the high points of the classic fairy tale in a mere seven minutes. The highlight is an eerie detour into the Mystery Cave where a ghosted Koko the Clown sings a haunting rendition of “St. James Infirmary” (sung by Cab Calloway).
Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)
Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) | trailer (Uploaded to YouTube by MDB trailers)
Two orphan siblings possess supernatural powers that bring them to the attention of millionaire Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland), who wants to harness their psychic abilities. Eddie Albert costars as a crotchety recluse who comes to the children’s aid. This is the 50th anniversary of this G-rated Disney adventure that Roger Ebert called “scary, but not too scary… provides chills and thrills and still tones down the violence.” Available on Disney+.
The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953)
The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T. – Theatrical Trailer (Uploaded to YouTube by Vince Connor)
Theodor Geisel, the artist more commonly known as Dr. Seuss, conceived, wrote, and designed this musical fantasy that is every reluctant piano student’s ultimate nightmare. Tommy Rettig (Timmy on the original “Lassie” TV series), stars as Bart, who dreams that his dread piano teacher, Dr. Terwilliker (Hans Conried), is holding him and 499 other boys prisoner to play at the grandest of grand pianos. Few films can be described as one-of-a-kind. This is one of them. Available on Amazon Prime.
Hair-Raising Hare (1946)
Hare Raising Hare (1/3) (Uploaded to YouTube by X-Blade9636)
This Chuck Jones classic is one of Bugs Bunny’s funniest cartoons, as the rascally rabbit is lured to an evil scientist’s castle, where he outwits a ferocious gym shoe-wearing monster. This is the one in which Bugs momentarily bests the giant orange beast by adopting the guise of a manicurist (“I’ll bet you monsters lead interesting lives”).
Labyrinth (1986)
Labyrinth (1986) Official Trailer (Uploaded to YouTube by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers)
Jennifer Connelly stars as Sarah, who instantly regrets wishing her little brother would be taken away by goblins after the goblin king (David Bowie!) does just that. Can she solve the mysteries of the labyrinth in time to save him? Jim Henson directed, his Creature Shop supplied the incredible puppets, and Monty Python’s Terry Jones wrote the script. This is not a goofy Muppet parody like Muppet Treasure Island; parents may want to preview this one. Available for free on Pluto TV.
Mad Monster Party? (1967)
Mad Monster Party? – Trailer (Uploaded to YouTube by srsnoid)
You are cordially invited to the Isle of Evil where Baron von Frankenstein plans to choose his successor as head of the Worldwide Organization of Monsters. Boris Karloff and Phyllis Diller head the voice cast in this stop-motion animated feature from Rankin/Bass, the producers of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Available for free on Plex.
Room on the Broom (2012)
Room on the Broom – Official Trailer (Uploaded to YouTube by MagicLightPictures)
A sterling voice cast, including Gillian Anderson, Sally Hawkins, Rob Brydon, and Simon Pegg shine in this 25-minute animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s cherished British picture book about a friendly witch who offers animals a ride on her broom, much to the displeasure of her cat. Available on Apple TV.
The Skeleton Dance (1929)
The Skeleton Dance (Uploaded to YouTube by HarleyQuinnx313)
This black and white Disney cartoon kicks off in a graveyard one dark and windy night, but really comes to life when four chattering skeletons emerge from their graves to hop, skip, and dance.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit Trailer (Uploaded to YouTube by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers)
Another stop-motion animated treat. Eccentric inventor Wallace’s latest scheme to brainwash local rabbits to stop raiding local gardens goes hilariously wrong. As always, it’s Wallace’s dog, Gromit, to the rescue. This Oscar-winning feature pays homage to classic monster movies that may upset children under four who are not fans of spooky behavior. Available on Apple TV.
Become a Saturday Evening Post member and enjoy unlimited access. Subscribe now
Comments
Lots of good stuff Don, for sure. I watched each one you enclosed here. Betty Boop in Snow-White, Hair-Raising Hare and The Skeleton Dance are my 3 favorites. In ‘Hare’ I loved the opening with the witch’s hands. maybe (?) inspired by ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Also love the creepy Peter Lorre villain. I recently watched ‘The Chase’ from 1946, and he’s very scary.
The effects in the 3 cartoons cannot be improved upon. They were state-of-the art then, and always will be. Same with sound, color, and picture quality. Mainly its devolved into the mess everything’s sadly in now. ‘The Skeleton Dance’ from 1929 is fantastic. ‘Mad Monster Party’ I’ve got to check out further. Love Phyllis Diller. Saw her in ‘Boy, Did I Get A Wrong Number!’ in August. A great mid-60’s comedy I’d certainly recommend for a fun time.