
Halloween brings out all the spooky movies but what’s a mom of teens and tweens to do? Let them watch Friday the 13th or force them to stick with Addams Family for a few more years? There’s got to be a middle point for the kids in the middle years. I’ve got a couple of children in the stage of wanting to watch scary but not too scary Halloween movies – so this year I came up with a list. This list of Halloween movies are for the tween and teen who are maybe feeling too old to trick or treat, but not old enough to hang with Freddie or Jason. Affiliate links are included in this post.
Scary (But Not-Too-Scary) Movies For Teens and Tweens
I love a good movie marathon and binge, but the list of Disney Halloween movies isn’t quite cutting it for my teens this year.
Sure, they love Descendants as much as I do, but they’re starting to ask to age out of some of the Freeform 31 Nights of Halloween shows.
I get it.
I was the kid watching Freddie and Jason at a way too young age (sorry, Mom and Dad!).
There’s something that a jump scare does to you that can’t be replaced by a fun coordinated dance number!
Horror Movies For Kids
So this year we’re branching out and I’m introducing my tween and teens to a few scary but not too scary Halloween movies.
Coolest. Mom. Ever.
My daughter hopes to make a quick round of trick-or-treating through the neighborhood, then wants to have friends over for some mild scares.
It’s a solid plan and I’m just glad she’s not taking after me and asking for the gory stuff (even though I’d totally let them watch Zombieland: Double Tap because it’s awesome.)
Here’s the list of scary movies that aren’t too scary for kids.
Think PG-13 horror movies, some you can find on Netflix, some you’ll want to rent or buy on Amazon.
Don’t forget to check out Disney+ for some good options too!
List of Horror Movies That Are More Family-Friendly Enough For Teens and Tweens
Now, let’s be clear. These are still spooky and creepy and scary in their own right.
And not all of the movies on this list will be appropriate for your family.
But I think all of them are PG or PG-13 horror movies, so at least there’s that as a barometer!
No Rated R horror movies in the bunch.
- The Others
- Edward Scissorhands
- Beetlejuice
- Ghostbusters
- Arachnophobia
- Poltergeist
- Something Wicked This Way Comes
- Watcher in the Woods
- Super 8
- Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Scary But Not-Too-Scary Horror Movies on Netflix
Streaming is the name of the game these days! And while we’re waiting to stream Disney+, we’re still in love deep with our Netflix.
Here’s a shortlist of scary but not too scary horror movies on Netflix your teens will love.
- Stranger Things
- In the Tall Grass (TV-MA)
- Curious Creations of Christine McConnell
- Goosebumps
- Creeped Out
- House of the Witch
More Movie Lists You’ll Love
Best Order To Watch the Marvel Movies Before Phase 4
Best Way to Watch Star Wars Movies in Order
Best List of Disney Christmas Movies
Patty Holliday is a movie critic, writer, and podcaster living in the Washington, DC area. Her goal is to bridge the gap between casual fandom and picky critic with parent movie and television reviews.