The 20 Best Horror Movies to Watch with Family – Rated PG and Below

Are you planning a horror movie night for the family and don’t know which movies to watch? Need a horror movie suitable for all age ranges?

Well, this list is just what you need. We have hand picked 20 horror movies to watch with family – movies that are Rated G, PG or PG-13 (for those with teens).

Included are horror movies that are not on every other list of family horror movies, so that maybe you would see a suggestion and think, “Oh yeah, I forgot about that movie. That’s perfect”.

There are movies for all age ranges. There are animated favorites, family classics, stop-motion masterpieces and nostalgic family treasures you will want to share with your kids.

And don’t forget to download the free Horror Movies to Watch with Family checklist!

What information is provided about each horror movie to watch with family in this selection?

• The movie title and release year of the movie
• Image of movie
• A list of actors in the movie
• Link to movie on IMDb – For movie reviews, where to stream, ratings, trailers and lots more.
• A movie summary

20 Horror Movies Suitable to Watch with the Whole Family

1. ParaNorman (2012)

• Actors: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick
• MPAA Rating: PG
• ‘ParaNorman’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

In this stop-motion adventure, young Norman, who can see and communicate with ghosts, must save his town from an ancient curse. While it has a spooky edge, ParaNorman uses humor and a heartfelt story to address themes like bravery and acceptance, making it accessible for older kids and adults alike.

2. The Canterville Ghost (1996)

• Actors: Patrick Stewart, Neve Campbell, Joan Sims
• MPAA Rating: G
• ‘The Canterville Ghost’ on IMDb

A family moves into an old English mansion, where they encounter the ghost of Sir Simon, who’s cursed to haunt the estate until he finds redemption. This adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s tale adds humor and charm to the supernatural, delivering a delightful ghost story suitable for all ages.

3. Spirit Halloween: The Movie (2022)

• Actors: Christopher Lloyd, Rachael Leigh Cook, Marla Gibbs
• MPAA Rating: PG-13
• ‘Spirit Halloween: The Movie’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

A group of friends finds themselves locked in a Spirit Halloween store overnight, only to discover that the store’s props and decorations may not be as lifeless as they seem. Aimed at tweens and teens, this movie provides light scares and nostalgic Halloween vibes, making it an ideal choice for a family-friendly fright night.

4. The Haunted Mansion (2003)

• Actors: Eddie Murphy, Marsha Thomason, Terence Stamp
• MPAA Rating: PG
• ‘The Haunted Mansion’ on IMDb

A realtor and his family get more than they bargained for when they visit a creepy mansion with mysterious residents and eerie secrets. This film brings Disney’s iconic ride to life with a mix of spooky visuals and lighthearted comedy, making it a fun watch for families with younger kids.

5. Haunted Mansion (2023)

• Actors: Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson
• MPAA Rating: PG-13
• ‘Haunted Mansion’ on IMDb

A mother and son team up with an eclectic group of paranormal experts to rid their new home of lingering spirits. Although it has more intense moments than its predecessor, this updated Haunted Mansion blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments, making it a solid pick for families with older children.

6. The Little Vampire (2000)

• Actors: Jonathan Lipnicki, Rollo Weeks, Richard E. Grant
• MPAA Rating: PG
• ‘The Little Vampire’ on IMDb

Tony, a young American boy, befriends a vampire and helps him in his quest to regain his family’s powers. This charming tale has a light, magical feel, offering a safe and whimsical introduction to vampire stories for young audiences.

7. Monster House (2006)

• Actors: Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke
• MPAA Rating: PG
• ‘Monster House’ on IMDb

Three kids discover that the spooky house in their neighborhood is not just haunted but actually alive. With thrilling adventure and a few jump scares, Monster House provides a fun balance of fright and humor that’s perfect for a family Halloween movie night.

8. Hocus Pocus (1993)

• Actors: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
• MPAA Rating: PG
• ‘Hocus Pocus’ on IMDb

Three ancient witches are resurrected on Halloween night, wreaking havoc in modern-day Salem until a group of kids tries to stop them. This cult classic mixes spooky elements with plenty of humor, making it a charming, magical choice that families have enjoyed for decades.

9. Frankenweenie (2012)

• Actors: Charlie Tahan, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short
• MPAA Rating: PG
• ‘Frankenweenie’ on IMDb

After his beloved dog Sparky dies, young Victor brings him back to life with some shocking results. Tim Burton’s stop-motion style and quirky characters deliver a heartwarming story that’s spooky yet full of affection, ideal for families who appreciate a gentle Halloween scare.

10. The Monster Squad (1987)

• Actors: Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, Stephen Macht
• MPAA Rating: PG-13
• ‘The Monster Squad’ on IMDb

A group of kids discovers that classic monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster have come to life and threaten their town. This movie combines ‘80s adventure vibes with classic monster lore, making it a fun introduction to horror icons for preteens and up.

11. Silver Bullet (1985)

• Actors: Gary Busey, Corey Haim, Megan Follows
• MPAA Rating: R
• ‘Silver Bullet’ on IMDb

In a small town plagued by werewolf attacks, a young boy and his uncle take matters into their own hands to uncover the creature’s identity. Though rated R, this Stephen King adaptation is often considered one of the milder entries in his collection and can be suitable for older teens, especially those interested in classic werewolf tales.

12. The Sixth Sense (1999)

• Actors: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette
• MPAA Rating: PG-13
• ‘The Sixth Sense’ on IMDb

A young boy with a supernatural gift finds help from a troubled psychologist as he grapples with his ability to see and speak with the dead. Known for its iconic twist, The Sixth Sense is more of a psychological thriller than outright horror, making it a gripping choice for families with teens.

13. Poltergeist (1982)

• Actors: JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O’Rourke
• MPAA Rating: PG
• ‘Poltergeist’ on IMDb

A suburban family’s home becomes a gateway for restless spirits, leading to mysterious disturbances and a terrifying disappearance. Despite its scares, Poltergeist is a classic that balances the supernatural with family unity, appealing to families with older kids.

14. The Others (2001)

• Actors: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston
• MPAA Rating: PG-13
• ‘The Others’ on IMDb

A mother and her children, isolated in a dark, shadowy mansion, start experiencing eerie events that challenge their beliefs about the world beyond. With minimal violence, The Others creates suspense through atmosphere and mystery, making it a suspenseful yet approachable ghost story for teens.

15. The Witches (1990)

• Actors: Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher
• MPAA Rating: PG
• ‘The Witches’ on IMDb

A young boy discovers a convention of witches planning to turn children into mice, and he must find a way to stop them. Though occasionally intense, The Witches has a playful tone that makes it a quirky and thrilling watch for families with younger children.

16. Critters (1986)

• Actors: Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, Billy Green Bush
• MPAA Rating: PG-13
• ‘Critters’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

Small alien creatures with a voracious appetite land in a small town, wreaking havoc as they go after anyone in their path. Critters combines sci-fi and comedy with mild horror elements, making it a fun creature feature for families with teens.

17. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

• Actors: Jim Varney, Eartha Kitt, Austin Nagler
• MPAA Rating: PG
• ‘Ernest Scared Stupid’ on IMDb

Ernest accidentally unleashes an ancient troll on Halloween, and chaos ensues as he teams up with local kids to stop it. With goofy humor and light scares, Ernest Scared Stupid is a great choice for younger kids who enjoy a playful Halloween adventure.

18. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)

• Actors: Scott Innes, Billy West, Mary Kay Bergman
• MPAA Rating: Not Rated
• ‘Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island’ on IMDb

The Mystery Inc. gang heads to a mysterious island where they encounter real zombies for the first time. This animated film brings a darker tone than the usual Scooby-Doo fare, creating just the right amount of chills for kids and longtime fans.

19. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

• Actors: Zoe Margaret Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush
• MPAA Rating: PG-13
• ‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’ on IMDb

A group of teens must survive terrifying creatures brought to life from the pages of a mysterious book. With creepy visuals and suspenseful scenes, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark captures the essence of horror for a teen audience, making it ideal for families looking for spine-tingling thrills.

20. The Watcher in the Woods (1980)

• Actors: Bette Davis, Lynn-Holly Johnson, Kyle Richards
• MPAA Rating: G
• ‘The Watcher in the Woods’ on IMDb

When an American family moves into a secluded English manor, two sisters uncover a mysterious presence linked to a girl who vanished years ago. This Disney classic combines supernatural mystery with eerie atmosphere, creating a haunting experience that remains family-friendly.

BONUS Horror Movies to Watch with Family Streaming FREE on Tubi

Coraline (2009)
The Addams Family (2019)
Beetlejuice (Series) (1991)
The Boxtrolls (2014)
A Monster in Paris (2011)
Missing Link (2019)
Lady in White (1988)
13 Ghosts (1960)

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Thanks for reading this article for inspiration on the best Horror Movies to Watch with the Family !

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