Last Updated on July 2, 2023 by April
Halloween is a time for scares, costumes, and of course, movies. For families looking for something to watch together, animated Halloween movies can be a great choice. Not only are they family-friendly, but they also offer a wide range of options for kids and adults alike. From classic Disney films to newer releases on Netflix, there are plenty of animated Halloween movies to choose from.
One of the best things about animated Halloween movies is that they can appeal to a wide range of ages. Children can enjoy the colorful characters and fun storylines, while adults can appreciate the clever humor and references that often go over kids’ heads. Many of these movies also have important messages about friendship, bravery, and overcoming fears, making them great choices for family movie night.
Whether you’re in the mood for a spooky adventure or a heartwarming tale, there’s an animated Halloween movie out there for you. From timeless classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas to newer releases like Over the Garden Wall, these films offer something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for a Halloween movie marathon the whole family can enjoy.
Best Animated Halloween Movies, Specials, Series, & Shorts
There are plenty of animated movies, specials, series, and shorts that are perfect for Halloween. From family-friendly adventures to horror-filled scares, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best animated Halloween options to get in the spooky spirit.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece, The Nightmare Before Christmas, is a holiday classic that’s perfect for both Halloween and Christmas. The story follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas Town and tries to bring a new holiday to his hometown. With catchy songs and creative character designs, this film is a must-watch for any Halloween celebration.
Over The Garden Wall
Over The Garden Wall is a ten-episode animated miniseries that aired on Cartoon Network in 2014. Created by Patrick McHale, the series follows two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, as they travel through a mysterious forest to find their way home. Along the way, they encounter a variety of strange and fantastical things, including a talking bluebird named Beatrice, a woodsman, and a terrifying creature known as the Beast.
The series has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, animation, and music. It perfectly captures the feeling of the chilly autumn evenings and the loneliness of October. Over The Garden Wall is a surreal American folktale that has become a Halloween classic for many families.
The show’s unique blend of humor, horror, and heart has made it a favorite among audiences of all ages. It’s a perfect Halloween cartoon that fits the fall season like a warm apple cider on a cold night. The show’s ability to balance its whimsical and dark elements has made it a standout in the animated television landscape.
Over The Garden Wall has been compared to other classic Halloween movies and specials, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, and The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury. However, with its unique blend of storytelling and animation, Over The Garden Wall stands out as a must-watch Halloween series.
Coraline
Coraline is a dark and creepy adventure that’s perfect for Halloween. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, the film follows Coraline as she discovers a parallel world that seems perfect at first but quickly becomes sinister. With stunning animation and a haunting soundtrack, this movie is sure to give you chills.
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf, Scooby-Doo and the Goblin King, Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost
Scooby-Doo has been a Halloween staple for decades, and these four movies are some of the best. Each one features the gang solving a spooky mystery, whether it’s on a haunted island, in a monster-filled race, or facing off against supernatural villains. With plenty of laughs and scares, these movies are perfect for the whole family.
The Simpsons: Treehouse Of Horror
The Simpsons is a long-running animated series that has become a staple of Halloween viewing. Every year since 1990, the show has aired a special Halloween episode called “Treehouse of Horror,” which features three separate spooky stories.
The “Treehouse of Horror” episodes are known for their clever parodies of horror movies, TV shows, and pop culture. Some of the most memorable segments include “The Raven” (a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic poem), “Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace” (a parody of A Nightmare on Elm Street), and “The Shinning” (a spoof of The Shining).
In addition to the clever writing, the “Treehouse of Horror” episodes are also known for their creative animation and use of horror elements. The show’s animators often get to experiment with different styles and techniques, which makes each episode feel fresh and exciting.
One of the most beloved recurring characters in the “Treehouse of Horror” episodes is the witch named Witch Hazel. She is usually seen in the opening sequence of each episode, brewing up a potion in her cauldron.
Overall, The Simpsons’ “Treehouse of Horror” episodes are a must-watch for any fan of Halloween and horror. The episodes are rated TV-PG, which means they are suitable for most audiences.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Wallace & Gromit’s first feature-length adventure is a Halloween classic. The duo runs a pest control business that specializes in rabbits, but when a giant were-rabbit starts terrorizing the town’s vegetable gardens, they have to step up and save the day. With plenty of puns and clay animation charm, this movie is a must-watch for Halloween.
Coco
One of the most popular animated films for Halloween is Disney-Pixar’s “Coco.” This movie tells the story of a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s generations-old ban on music. On the Day of the Dead, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead and must navigate his way back to the living world while uncovering his family’s history.
“Coco” is a visually stunning movie that celebrates Mexican culture and traditions. The film features beautiful music, colorful animation, and a heartwarming story that is perfect for Halloween. It has received critical acclaim and has won several awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
The movie’s themes of family, tradition, and following your dreams make it a great choice for all ages. It is available to stream on Disney+ and is a must-watch for anyone looking for a heartwarming and visually stunning animated film to enjoy this Halloween season.
Overall, “Coco” is a fantastic animated movie that celebrates the Day of the Dead and Mexican culture. It has become a classic Halloween movie and is a must-watch for anyone who loves adventure, music, and heartwarming stories.
Corpse Bride
Tim Burton strikes again with this macabre romance. When Victor accidentally marries a corpse bride instead of his living fiancée, he finds himself in the Land of the Dead. With stunning stop-motion animation and a haunting score, this movie is perfect for Halloween.
Hotel Transylvania
Dracula runs a hotel for monsters in this family-friendly comedy. When a human stumbles into the hotel and falls in love with Dracula’s daughter, chaos ensues. With a star-studded cast and plenty of Halloween-themed hijinks, this movie is perfect for kids and adults alike.
ParaNorman
ParaNorman is a horror-comedy that’s perfect for older kids and adults. Norman can see and talk to ghosts, which comes in handy when his town is plagued by a witch’s curse. With stunning animation and plenty of scares, this movie is a Halloween must-watch.
Frankenweenie
Tim Burton’s love letter to classic horror movies, Frankenweenie, is a heartwarming tale of a boy and his reanimated dog. When Sparky is hit by a car, Victor brings him back to life with science. With nods to Frankenstein and other classic horror movies, this movie is perfect for Halloween.
The Adventures of Ichabod (Skip Mr. Toad)
This classic Disney movie tells the story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. With catchy songs and stunning animation, this movie is perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.
Wendell and Wild
This Netflix original movie follows two demon brothers who have to team up with a nun to save their home from a serial killer. With a star-studded cast and plenty of laughs and scares, this movie is perfect for Halloween.
Monster House
This animated horror movie is perfect for older kids and adults. When three kids discover that the creepy house in their neighborhood is actually alive, they have to stop it from eating trick-or-treaters. With stunning animation and plenty of scares, this movie is a Halloween classic.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
This classic Disney short tells the story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. With stunning animation and a spooky atmosphere, this movie is perfect for Halloween.
It’s the Great Big Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
This classic Peanuts special is a Halloween tradition. Charlie Brown and the gang go trick-or-treating, while Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. With plenty of laughs and Halloween spirit, this special is perfect for the whole family.
The Halloween Tree
This animated special, based on a Ray Bradbury novel, follows a group of kids who travel through time to learn about the history of Halloween. With stunning animation and a heartfelt message, this special is perfect for Halloween.
Alvin And The Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein
“Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein” is a 1999 American animated dark comedy horror film produced by Bagdasarian Productions, LLC. and Universal Cartoon Studios and distributed by Universal Studios Home Video. The film follows the Chipmunks as they perform at a theme park and stumble upon Frankenstein’s Castle. They soon find themselves in the middle of a real-life monster movie.
The movie is a Halloween-themed cartoon featuring the Chipmunks on a spooky adventure with a few musical numbers woven in. Parents need to know that there’s a lot of cartoon creepiness, including going into a cemetery for body parts, one of the chipmunks being poisoned and shocked, skeletons that pull you back into the grave, and numerous scary bats, ghosts, and more. However, the film is rated G and is suitable for children of all ages.
Despite the spooky themes, “Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein” is a fun and entertaining movie for the whole family. The film’s animation is top-notch, and the voice acting is excellent. The musical numbers are catchy and are sure to get stuck in your head.
Overall, “Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein” is a great addition to any Halloween movie marathon. It’s a fun, spooky adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
Alvin And The Chipmunks Meet The Wolfman
Alvin And The Chipmunks Meet The Wolfman is a 2000 animated movie that is perfect for Halloween. It features the famous chipmunk brothers Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, along with their gal pals, the Chipettes. The movie follows the mischievous chipmunks as they go on one hilarious adventure after another.
In the movie, Alvin has monsters on his mind and is convinced that their next-door neighbor, Mr. Talbot, has a monstrous secret. The chipmunks then set out to investigate and discover that Mr. Talbot is, in fact, a werewolf. The movie is a fun-filled adventure that is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Alvin And The Chipmunks Meet The Wolfman has a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes and was produced by Universal Cartoon Studios. The movie was well-received by critics and audiences alike, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 100% approval rating.
The movie is a great choice for families looking for a fun Halloween movie to watch together. It combines humor, adventure, and a little bit of spookiness to create a movie that is perfect for all ages. The movie is available on various streaming platforms, including Google Play, Amazon, and Movies Anywhere.
When it comes to Halloween movies, Alvin And The Chipmunks Meet The Wolfman is definitely a must-watch. It is a fun and entertaining movie that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied. Other great animated Halloween movies to check out include Hotel Transylvania, Coraline, Casper, and Shrek.
Toy Story Of Terror
One of the most beloved animated Halloween specials is “Toy Story of Terror!” This American computer-animated Halloween television special was produced by Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Television Animation, and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is based on the Toy Story franchise, set after the events of Toy Story 3, and premiered on the American television network ABC on October 16, 2013.
In “Toy Story of Terror!”, Woody and the gang are on a road trip when they stop at a roadside motel. Members of the group start to disappear, and Woody sets about getting to the bottom of the mystery. The special is a thrilling adventure that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
The special features the original voice cast, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack as Jessie. It was directed by Angus MacLane, who also directed the short film “Small Fry” and worked on the films “Finding Nemo” and “The Incredibles.”
“Toy Story of Terror!” is a must-watch for fans of the Toy Story franchise, as well as for anyone looking for a fun and spooky Halloween special to enjoy. It is available to stream on Disney+ along with other animated films and series, including “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “The Addams Family,” “Coraline,” “Casper,” “Shrek,” and more.
Overall, “Toy Story of Terror!” is a thrilling and entertaining Halloween special that is sure to delight viewers of all ages.
Room On A Broom
“Room on the Broom” is a delightful animated short film that is perfect for the Halloween season. Directed by Max Lang and Jan Lachauer, the film tells the story of a kind witch who invites an array of animals to join her on her broomstick. The witch’s generosity is tested when a fire-breathing dragon destroys her broomstick, leaving her stranded and vulnerable to being eaten by the dragon. The animals band together to save the witch and defeat the dragon, proving that teamwork and kindness can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
The film is based on the beloved children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It features an all-star voice cast, including Gillian Anderson as the witch, Simon Pegg as the narrator, Rob Brydon as the cat, Martin Clunes as the dog, Sally Hawkins as the bird, and David Walliams as the frog. The animation is beautiful and whimsical, with a charming and colorful art style that captures the Halloween spirit.
“Room on the Broom” is a family-friendly film that is suitable for children of all ages. It is a heartwarming story that teaches important lessons about friendship, cooperation, and bravery. The film is a perfect addition to any Halloween movie marathon, especially for families who are looking for a fun and lighthearted Halloween film that is not too scary.
Overall, “Room on the Broom” is a creative and charming animated film that captures the Halloween spirit in a fun and family-friendly way. It is a must-watch for families who are looking for a fun and wholesome Halloween film that everyone can enjoy.
Trick or Treaters
Trick or treating is a beloved Halloween tradition for kids all over the world. Going door to door in their costumes, collecting candy, and showing off their outfits to their neighbors is a fun and exciting experience. For those who want to keep the Halloween spirit going after trick or treating is over, there are plenty of animated movies, specials, series, and shorts that are perfect for young trick or treaters.
One of the most popular animated Halloween movies for kids is “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This classic film, directed by Tim Burton, tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas Town and tries to bring Christmas to his own town. With its catchy songs, spooky visuals, and heartwarming story, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a great choice for kids who want to keep the Halloween fun going.
Another great option for young trick or treaters is the “Hotel Transylvania” series. These movies follow the adventures of Dracula and his family as they run a hotel for monsters. With its colorful characters, silly humor, and spooky setting, “Hotel Transylvania” is a hit with kids of all ages.
For those who prefer animated series, “Scooby-Doo” is a classic choice. This long-running series follows the adventures of a group of friends and their talking dog as they solve mysteries involving ghosts, monsters, and other spooky creatures. With its fun characters, goofy humor, and spooky settings, “Scooby-Doo” is a great choice for kids who love Halloween.
Finally, for those who want something shorter, there are plenty of animated Halloween shorts available. One great example is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” This classic short follows the Peanuts gang as they prepare for Halloween, with Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. With its iconic characters, charming animation, and nostalgic feel, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a Halloween classic that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Overall, there are plenty of great animated Halloween movies, specials, series, and shorts that are perfect for young trick or treaters. Whether they prefer spooky stories or silly humor, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Scared Shrekless
Scared Shrekless is a Halloween-themed television special that was released in 2010. It was directed by Gary Trousdale and Raman Hui and features the beloved characters from the Shrek franchise. The special is a compilation of three stories, each told from a different character’s perspective.
In the first story, Shrek challenges his friends to a scary story contest. The winner will be the one who comes up with the scariest story. However, the catch is that they have to spend the night in Lord Farquaad’s haunted castle before the winner is declared.
The second story features Ginormica and the Monsters as they fight mutant alien pumpkins that have invaded their town. This story is a fun and action-packed adventure that is perfect for Halloween.
In the final story, Shrek battles a ghost who is haunting his swamp. This story is filled with spooky moments and is sure to give viewers a few scares.
Scared Shrekless is a great Halloween special for the whole family. It has a perfect mix of humor, action, and spooky moments that will keep viewers entertained from start to finish. The special also features some of the most beloved characters from the Shrek franchise, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.
Overall, Scared Shrekless is a fun and entertaining Halloween special that is perfect for the whole family. It is a great addition to any Halloween movie marathon and is sure to become a family favorite.
Festival of Family Classics: Jack O’ Lantern
“Festival of Family Classics” is a series of animated television adaptations of classic literature and folk tales. One of the episodes of the series is “Jack O’ Lantern,” which is a Halloween-themed episode that first aired in the United States in syndication on October 29, 1972. The episode was produced and directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass.
In “Jack O’ Lantern,” an old man named Michael is visited on his farm by his young grandson and granddaughter. Michael tells them the story of how he met a man named Jack, who was known for his mischievous ways. One Halloween night, Jack tricks the devil and makes a deal with him to never take his soul to Hell. When Jack dies, he is not allowed into Heaven or Hell and is forced to wander the earth with a lantern made from a carved-out turnip. The episode ends with Michael and his grandchildren carving their own Jack O’ Lanterns.
The episode is a family-friendly retelling of the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, who is said to have inspired the tradition of carving Jack O’ Lanterns. The episode’s animation style is reminiscent of Rankin/Bass Productions’ other holiday specials, such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman.”
Overall, “Jack O’ Lantern” is a charming and entertaining Halloween special that is suitable for viewers of all ages. It is a great way to introduce children to the tradition of carving Jack O’ Lanterns and the legend of Stingy Jack.
Casper’s Halloween Special
Casper’s Halloween Special is a classic animated television special that first aired in 1979. Produced by Hanna-Barbera, the show follows the friendly ghost Casper as he tries to make friends with a group of trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.
The special features a variety of spooky characters, including Hairy Scary The Ghost, Winifred The Witch, and Screech The Ghost. The trio of villains are plotting their mean-spirited spookings, but Casper tries to show them the error of their ways and convince them to be friendly instead.
Casper’s Halloween Special is a fun and lighthearted Halloween-themed show that is perfect for kids and adults alike. It has a great message about the importance of kindness and friendship, and it is sure to put a smile on your face.
Overall, Casper’s Halloween Special is a classic Halloween cartoon that has stood the test of time. It is a must-watch for anyone looking for a fun and family-friendly Halloween-themed show to enjoy during the spooky season.
