As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves change to shades of red, orange, and gold, there’s no better time to gather the kids for a movie marathon. Fall is the perfect season for cozy nights indoors, curled up with blankets, a hot drink, and a lineup of heartwarming, fun-filled films that capture the spirit of the season. Whether it’s Halloween spookiness, Thanksgiving fun, or the beauty of nature’s transformation, there are plenty of kid-friendly fall movies that will keep everyone entertained.
At The Kids Point, we’ve put together a roundup of the Top Fall Movies for Kids — from classic autumn tales to spooky yet friendly Halloween movies, these picks are sure to provide a great way to enjoy the season with the whole family!
Hocus Pocus (1993)
No list of fall movies for kids is complete without Hocus Pocus. This Halloween classic has been a favorite for decades, and for good reason. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, this film tells the story of three mischievous witches (the Sanderson sisters) who are accidentally brought back to life by a group of kids on Halloween night. The witches, played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker, provide plenty of laughs, while the spooky antics give a perfect mix of thrills and chills. The film is lighthearted enough for younger viewers, making it a fantastic choice for fall movie nights.
Themes to enjoy: Witchcraft, sibling relationships, friendship, Halloween fun.
Fun Fact:
If you live in or around Salem, you can even visit filming locations or attend annual Hocus Pocus themed events!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
A timeless Tim Burton classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a must-watch during the fall season. Combining Halloween with Christmas, this stop-motion animated film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he stumbles into Christmas Town and attempts to take over the holiday. The film’s whimsical characters, captivating visuals, and iconic soundtrack make it a favorite for kids and adults alike.
While it’s a Halloween movie at heart, the themes of creativity and belonging resonate with families throughout the entire fall season.
Themes to enjoy: Imagination, creativity, holiday mashups, friendship.
Coraline (2009)
Based on Neil Gaiman’s eerie, yet beautifully written novel, Coraline is an animated film that blends spooky elements with heartwarming lessons. The movie tells the story of Coraline, a curious young girl who discovers a secret door to an alternate world that seems better than her own — until she uncovers its dark secrets. With its gothic atmosphere and a slight touch of creepiness, Coraline is the perfect fall pick for older kids who enjoy a slightly more intense movie experience.
Themes to enjoy: Courage, family, the importance of appreciating what you have, fantasy.
Charlie Brown’s Halloween Special: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
What could be better than a fall movie with the beloved Peanuts gang? In It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Linus waits in a pumpkin patch for the mythical Great Pumpkin to rise, while Charlie Brown and his friends get ready for Halloween. It’s a gentle, fun movie that introduces kids to the spirit of Halloween and the importance of hope, friendship, and tradition.
This movie is also a great way to bring in the cozy vibes of autumn while teaching kids important lessons about patience and faith.
Themes to enjoy: Friendship, tradition, belief, Halloween fun.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
For a mix of spooky and silly, Hotel Transylvania is a hit with younger audiences. The story centers on Count Dracula, who runs a lavish hotel for monsters and tries to keep his daughter, Mavis, from venturing out into the human world. However, when a young man accidentally discovers the hotel, chaos ensues. The charming and quirky animation, filled with lovable characters, makes it a perfect choice for a fun-filled autumn movie night.
With its blend of slapstick humor and heartwarming moments, Hotel Transylvania is a great choice for families looking for a Halloween-themed comedy.
Themes to enjoy: Family, acceptance, differences, humor.
Monster Family (2017)
A family that gets turned into monsters? That’s exactly what happens in Monster Family. Based on the book by David Safier, this animated movie features the Wishbone family, who are cursed to turn into monsters after attending a costume party. Together, they must learn to navigate their new, monstrous lives while trying to break the curse. This fun movie is a delightful mix of Halloween thrills with a touching family story at its heart.
Themes to enjoy: Family, teamwork, self-acceptance, overcoming fears.
The Addams Family (2019)
The spooky, kooky, and altogether ooky Addams family gets a fresh animated reboot in The Addams Family (2019). This film follows the classic quirky family as they deal with a reality TV host who wants to turn their home into a tourist attraction. It’s a dark yet funny film filled with the offbeat humor that fans of the Addams family have loved for years. With plenty of Halloween flair and family-friendly themes, this movie will keep your little ghouls entertained.
Themes to enjoy: Unconventional family, embracing differences, Halloween fun.
Frankweenie (2012)
Another Tim Burton favorite, Frankenweenie is a heartwarming and quirky animated film about a young boy named Victor who brings his dog, Sparky, back to life — with unexpected consequences. This movie combines Burton’s signature dark humor with a touching tale about love, loss, and the bond between a boy and his pet. With its stop-motion animation, it’s a delightful mix of spooky and sweet, making it a perfect autumn movie.
Themes to enjoy: Friendship, love, loss, resilience.
Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2004)
Spookley the Square Pumpkin is a charming little film about a pumpkin who is different from all the others. While the other pumpkins in the patch are round, Spookley is square, and this makes him feel out of place. But when a storm threatens the patch, Spookley’s unique shape helps save the day. This colorful and heartwarming story is perfect for younger children, teaching them the value of embracing differences.
Themes to enjoy: Self-acceptance, kindness, the value of being unique.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1951)
While this one isn’t explicitly a fall movie, the whimsical, fantastical world of Alice in Wonderland certainly fits the spirit of the season. With its surreal landscape, curious creatures, and magical atmosphere, this Disney classic transports kids into a world full of adventure and quirky characters. Alice in Wonderland is a timeless tale that never grows old and always sparks creativity in young viewers.
Themes to enjoy: Imagination, curiosity, adventure, creativity.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949)
The story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a classic Halloween tale, and the Disney animated version is perfect for kids. This adaptation of Washington Irving’s short story follows the misadventures of Ichabod Crane as he faces off against the legendary ghostly figure, the Headless Horseman. The eerie atmosphere mixed with the quirky characters makes this a fun and spooky autumn movie for kids of all ages.
Themes to enjoy: Folklore, bravery, mystery, Halloween fun.
Over the Garden Wall (2014)
Though technically a miniseries, Over the Garden Wall is a perfect pick for autumn viewing. This animated series follows two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, as they journey through a mysterious forest, meeting strange creatures and encountering fantastical challenges. With its atmospheric setting, autumn-inspired visuals, and lighthearted storytelling, it’s a delightful watch that captures the mood of the fall season.
Themes to enjoy: Friendship, adventure, folklore, nature.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service isn’t specifically about Halloween, but it’s a perfect fall movie with its warm, autumnal vibe. Kiki, a young witch, sets out on her own and starts a delivery service using her broomstick. This film is filled with magic, friendship, and self-discovery, making it a delightful and uplifting choice for kids who enjoy heartwarming stories.
Themes to enjoy: Independence, friendship, growth, magic.
A Cozy Fall Movie Night Awaits
There’s no better way to enjoy the fall season than by watching movies that celebrate the cozy, spooky, and magical atmosphere of autumn. From classic Halloween films like Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas to heartwarming stories like Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Kiki’s Delivery Service, these films offer something for everyone. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa, baking cookies, or cuddling under a blanket, these movies are sure to bring a little autumn magic to your home.
At The Kids Point, we believe that family movie nights are a wonderful tradition, and we hope these top picks help make your fall season extra special. So grab the popcorn, gather your loved ones, and enjoy these fantastic fall films with the kids!