Ghosts and spirits have long been a staple of family entertainment, offering a blend of chills, thrills, and heartwarming moments. This curated list of 10 family-friendly films about ghosts and spirits provides a delightful mix of humour, adventure, and mild scares, all with an authentic British touch. These films are perfect for family movie nights, offering a safe introduction to the supernatural for younger viewers while still entertaining adults with their clever storytelling and cultural nuances.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Description: A romantic ghost story where a widow moves into a cottage haunted by the ghost of a sea captain. It's a gentle, touching film that explores themes of love and companionship.
Fact: The film was adapted into a TV series in the 1960s, further cementing its place in pop culture.


The Haunting (1963)
Description: A psychological horror film that focuses more on atmosphere and suspense than on jump scares, making it suitable for older children and adults looking for a classic ghost story.
Fact: The film was directed by Robert Wise, who also directed "The Sound of Music," showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.


Ghostbusters (1984)
Description: While not strictly a family film, the original "Ghostbusters" has become a beloved classic with its comedic approach to ghost hunting, making it suitable for older children and adults.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a darker horror-comedy but was lightened up for broader appeal. The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man was inspired by a childhood memory of one of the writers.


Beetlejuice (1988)
Description: Tim Burton's quirky take on ghosts with a mischievous bio-exorcist named Beetlejuice. It's a blend of dark comedy and family-friendly spookiness.
Fact: The film was originally much darker, but Burton toned it down for a broader audience. The character of Beetlejuice was inspired by a friend of Burton's.


Casper (1995)
Description: This heartwarming tale of a friendly ghost who befriends a young girl is a classic in the family ghost movie genre. It's a story of friendship, acceptance, and the afterlife that appeals to all ages.
Fact: The film was based on the comic book character created by Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo. The CGI used for Casper was groundbreaking at the time.


The Frighteners (1996)
Description: Directed by Peter Jackson, this film blends comedy and horror as a man who can see and communicate with ghosts uses his abilities to scam people, until he encounters real evil spirits.
Fact: Michael J. Fox was cast after Jackson saw him in "Back to the Future." The film was a precursor to Jackson's work on "The Lord of the Rings."


The Others (2001)
Description: While more of a psychological thriller, this film about a woman who believes her house is haunted by ghosts has a twist that makes it suitable for older children and adults.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, but the setting was meant to be the Channel Islands, giving it a distinctly British feel.


Monster House (2006)
Description: An animated film where three kids discover that a house in their neighborhood is actually alive and haunted. It's a fun, spooky adventure for the whole family.
Fact: The film was the first animated feature to be released with a PG rating in the U.S. for "scary images and thematic elements."


The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966)
Description: This Don Knotts comedy about a timid typesetter who spends the night in a haunted house is a light-hearted entry into the ghost movie genre, perfect for family viewing.
Fact: The film was a major success for Knotts, leading to several similar roles in his career.


The Canterville Ghost (1986)
Description: Based on the Oscar Wilde story, this film follows an American family who moves into an English manor haunted by a 300-year-old ghost. It's a humorous take on the ghost story with a British flair.
Fact: This version was one of several adaptations of Wilde's story, but it's particularly noted for its British charm and the performance by John Gielgud as the ghost.
