When we set out to list the best ’90s Halloween movies and TV shows for kids, it got us ’90s kids thinking about the many joys of being a parent. There are myriad reasons to love having kids. The way they look at you, feeling those chubby little arms around your neck as they whisper “I lub you, Mama” — both totally valid examples and, to be honest, just the tip of the iceberg.
But one of the greatest joys of having kids that people talk about less? Introducing those babies to all the things you loved when you were a kid. And, fortunately for your offspring, you were a ’90s kid. That obviously means they get the privilege of being introduced to many of the greatest cultural moments of all time. (Sure, we may be a bit biased, but come on, everyone loved the ’90s.)
There’s no better time of the year to start than fall, either. You’re going to watch all of your favorite ’90s Halloween movies, cartoons and TV specials anyway, so why not share the experience with your progeny? We’ve got 10 prime picks to kick off this nostalgic bonding time.
A version of this article was originally published in October 2018.
‘Double, Double, Toil and Trouble’
Is this Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movie as good as you remember, or is it so bad it’s good? We’re leaning toward the latter now that we aren’t tweens obsessed with all things Olsen sisters. Still, it’s cute and wholesome and basically a rite of passage in your fam (or at least it will be now!).
‘Halloweentown’
Can we all just go ahead and agree that this Disney Channel original movie will never get old? No matter that it originally debuted way back in 1998. Solid family fun, Halloweentown has everything you’d expect from ’90s Halloween gold: witches, spells, a reluctant mother, and a town where trick-or-treating is always welcome.
Plus, is there any more fitting way to pay tribute to the late, great Debbie Reynolds than to introduce one of her most beloved characters to a new generation?
‘Casper’
They just don’t make ’em like this anymore, do they? While there’s plenty of sweetness and innocence to make you happy as a parent (first love is always precious), your kids will get a few solid scares, too. It may not be the special effects they’re used to, but the story of Dr. Harvey, his daughter, Kat, and a friendly ghost will charm them regardless.
‘The Addams Family’
Da na na na num, dum dum, da na na na num, dum dum… you know how it goes. This isn’t the retro TV show your parents probably passed on to you. This movie marks the beginning of one of the greatest ’90s Halloween movie series ever: The Addams Family, Addams Family Values and Addams Family Reunion. OK, so maybe that last one isn’t the best, but you get the picture.
‘Don’t Look Under the Bed’
This sweet ‘90s flick is best watched with kids on the younger side — especially any with imaginary friends, who play a huge role in Don’t Look Under the Bed.
When the town of Middleberg starts being hit with strange disturbances, Frances turns to imaginary friend Larry for advice on how to stop it, who tells her the Boogeyman is to blame. What follows is a series of Boogeyman-catching hijinks, a trip into the Boogeyworld dimension, and a heartwarming lesson on keeping childhood wonder alive.
‘Hocus Pocus’
Clearly, we weren’t going to make a list of the best ’90s movies (or anything) without including this timeless tale of the Sanderson sisters! Doesn’t everyone watch Hocus Pocus at least three times every October? If they don’t, they’re just not doing life right.
There are a few parts that may terrify the super-little ones (Billy Butcherson coming out of the grave springs to mind), so enjoy counting down the minutes until your kids are old enough to share your Hocus Pocus love.
‘The Witches’
Anjelica Huston’s The Witches is an iconic spooky ‘90s movie: and even if it doesn’t technically mention Halloween, there are witches, costumes, and frights aplenty.
When little Luke stumbles upon the Grand High Witch’s annual convention — and uncovers their plot to turn all little children into mice — he and his grandma plot to stop them in their tracks. It’s a Roald Dahl classic and a Halloween must-watch.
‘Practical Magic’
Put this right up at the top of the list alongside Hocus Pocus. Never will a Halloween go by without Practical Magic being played in heavy rotation, and for good reason. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman shine as the Owens sisters, who make us all believe in things like sibling love and, you know, magic.
Again, this may be a bit mature for the kindergarten set, but once you hit elementary school you’re probably good to go. If not, we’ve been parenting wrong.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
Praise be to Tim Burton for gifting ’90s kids (and the world) with one of the most beloved cult characters ever: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, responsible for bringing all things spooky to Halloween Town. Because, as we all know and your kids will soon find out, ol’ Jack has a heart of gold, and that heart wants to celebrate Christmas, too.
Do you know what that means? You’re well within your rights as a “vintage millennial” parent to make The Nightmare Before Christmas mandatory viewing in both October and December. You are welcome.
‘The Halloween Tree’
Following four children, The Halloween Tree is a TV special that any kid will enjoy. In it, the four kids run into Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud (the scary guy pictured above) as he teaches them all about Halloween customs in order to save their friend.
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