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Horror is vast, open, and wide--like the human mind. And there's no reason to miss out on new concepts and fears. That’s right! Horror and wondering what’s around the corner is for all of us and every age. This is GameSpot though, so we have lists of horror that can make you shiver and shudder--some of which are actually on Shudder, ironically enough. Those can be pretty graphic, gory, and terrifying, though. But the films on this list are good for all ages, making it easy to watch any and all of them with a parent or family member nearby. And that’s what horror is all about, isn’t it? Spilling a bowl of popcorn with family and friends while screaming at a silly scare, only to knock it over once again just moments sitting back down and reaching for a bite. We’ve got tricks and treats for the whole family on this list so grab your snacks and pull out your big cozy blankets. This is GameSpot’s list of the best all-ages frights for chilly fall nights.
1. Coraline
We’ve all seen The Nightmare Before Christmas, but Coraline is all tricks and no treats--and none the duller for it.
Director Henry Selick brings the same stop-motion charm to Coraline, but the horror is distilled and pure, a mesmerizing adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s children’s horror novel of the same name. Coraline is a sinister story but it starts simple enough. A girl and her family move from Michigan to Oregon, a new start for everyone. Like before, Coraline’s parents get lost in work, leaving her to her own devices. She finds a portal leading to another world, almost like hers, except her parents seem to love her and give her attention. Oh, and there are some weird buttons on their faces instead of eyes. Production company Laika has since gone on to do films such as Kubo and the Two Strings and Missing Link but it all started right here in the spellbinding Coraline. Coraline is appropriate for all ages, but Henry Selick’s stop-motion adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s children’s horror novel will no doubt send adults down some heavy rabbit holes, as they imagine all the possibilities and implications. It’s a classic for a reason and one that should never be missed during the fall seasons. Streaming on: Roku
2. Monster House
Monster House feels like a Stephen King, "kids on bikes" story but it’s brought to life by Steven Speilberg’s Amblin Entertainment, so we end up with something chill enough for all ages.
Don’t worry though. Robert Zemeckis’s uncanny CGI animation balances things out, keeping this weird haunted house film in the right space. But Dan Harmon and Rob Shrab’s story is ultimately what makes Monster House such a fun and spooky romp, one that the whole family should enjoy. Monster House features an almost Rear Window-like vibe, except from outside another house’s windows instead of their own. It starts off a little predictable, with a mean neighbor and cops not helping anyone. Magical realism and some heart creep through in some unexpected places, all while Monster House packs in the pacing and excitement of an adventure game you’d expect to find on the PS2, complete with an epic boss battle.https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/26-hbo-max-original-shows-and-movies-pulled-from-the-service/2900-4288/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/26-hbo-max-original-shows-and-movies-pulled-from-the-service/2900-4288/ Streaming on: Hulu, Freevee, Roku
3. The Witches
The Witches (1990) is about a boy, Charlie, and his grandmother, Helga, and a magic war between humans and witches.
Charlie and his grandmother learn that witches are planning on turning the world’s children into mice during their vacation at a fancy hotel in England. Anjelica Huston’s portrayal as the Grand High Witch just may be one of her best performances, and she takes The Witches through some terrifying moments. You’ll have to settle for the original version of The Witches, instead of the 2020 remake starring Octavia Spencer and Anne Hathaway--since Warner Bros. Discovery pulled it from HBO Max--but the 1990 take is still a good time. Although the Jim Henson production effects in the 1990 release do add a little bit of more weight and scares to situations, so it’s probably the best pick for this time of year. Streaming on: HBO Max, Kanopy
4. The Halloween Tree
The Halloween Tree is a haunting film with warm lines of animation. Underneath the blurry, warped VHS scan lines lies a film alive and rustling with the leaves of every Halloween across time.
The Halloween Tree is a Cartoon Network classic. Adapted from the Ray Bradbury story of the same name, The Halloween Tree stars four friends on a windy night, where they learn about things bigger than them, such as the world around them. The Halloween Tree is dated in some ways, particularly in the attention it pays to other cultures and time periods, but that’s a conversation parents can easily have during and after the film. It’s never too early to learn of each person’s place in a world bigger than us all. The late Leonard Nimoy’s performance as Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud is simply magical. And the whole film just feels like it’s always been here, just like the leaves whistling around on Halloween night. Streaming on: Roku
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a coming-of-age story starring Kiki, a thirteen year old witch, and her talking cat, Jiji, and it’s one of Studio Ghibli’s finest films.
It is about Kiki’s journey, after she leaves home at the age all witches usually do, to find not just herself, but her place in the world. It’s something we all need to do and the world doesn’t always make it easy, which is clearly illustrated across Kiki’s struggles. While some things were changed for the Walt Disney Adaptation, including a change to Jiji’s voice that unfortunately was lost on American test audiences, it’s one of the most wonderful witch films. Kiki’s Delivery Service is a classic and a must-watch for everyone, young and old, during the fall months, or any time of year. Streaming on: HBO Max
6. Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters is a film that needs no introduction, but we’ll give it one anyway. Ivan Reitman expertly tied ghost-hunting and SNL antics into one of the messiest and silliest ghost movies.
Dan Akroyd and the late Harold Ramis’s story contains the right amount of heart and action as a group of friends take on ghosts and a lot of slime in a battle to save Earth. The ragtag team of paranormal researchers has just enough heart and know-how to get the job done, often providing plenty of room for comedy. Ghostbusters has some heavier parts but should ultimately be a good watch for most ages, especially if it’s with popcorn and the whole family. Streaming on: Hulu, Fubo TV
7. Corpse Bride
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is a tale of love, death, and all the messy parts in between. There’s also talking skeletons and musical numbers, which is all you ever need but especially around Halloween.
Corpse Bride stars two unlikely lovers after a wedding is interrupted by a small dress fire. Oh, and the groom-to-be being whisked away to the Land of the Dead after accidentally proposing to a living dead bride. Everyone will love Corpse Bride’s grossout antics but the heartfelt moments are what will ultimately make it a classic in your home, if it isn’t already. Streaming on: HBO Max
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