Children's horror films offer a unique blend of thrills and chills tailored for younger audiences. This curated list showcases ten films that have been dubbed into British English, ensuring that the spooky fun is accessible to all. These films provide a gentle introduction to the horror genre, combining elements of humour, adventure, and mild scares, making them perfect for family movie nights or Halloween gatherings. Each film has been selected for its ability to entertain while keeping the frights at a level suitable for kids.

The Monster Squad (1987)
Description: A group of kids form a club to fight classic movie monsters. It's a fun, nostalgic take on horror for younger viewers, with plenty of laughs and light-hearted scares.
Fact: The film features cameos from classic horror icons like Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Wolfman. It was initially not well-received but has since gained a cult following.


The Witches (1990)
Description: This adaptation of Roald Dahl's book features a boy and his grandmother battling a convention of witches. Its dark humour and memorable scenes make it a classic in children's horror cinema.
Fact: Anjelica Huston, who played the Grand High Witch, had to endure hours of makeup application each day. The film was initially rated PG but was later re-rated PG-13 due to its intensity.


Hocus Pocus (1993)
Description: Three witch sisters are resurrected in modern-day Salem and wreak havoc. Its mix of comedy and mild horror makes it a perennial Halloween favourite for families.
Fact: The film was not a box office success initially but has since become a cult classic, especially around Halloween. Bette Midler's performance as Winifred Sanderson is particularly memorable.


Casper (1995)
Description: This live-action/animated film about a friendly ghost and his efforts to befriend a living girl is both funny and touching, with just the right amount of spookiness for kids.
Fact: The film was the first feature-length movie to feature a CGI character in the lead role. It also features a cameo by Mel Gibson as the voice of the ghost of Stretch.


The Little Vampire (2000)
Description: A young boy befriends a vampire family, leading to adventures and mild scares. It's a heartwarming story with just enough spookiness to keep kids entertained.
Fact: The film was based on a series of books by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg. It was shot in Scotland, with many scenes filmed in and around Edinburgh.


Coraline (2009)
Description: Based on Neil Gaiman's novel, this stop-motion animation tells the story of Coraline, who discovers a parallel world behind a secret door in her new home. It's eerie yet enchanting, making it a standout in children's horror.
Fact: The film uses over 650 different faces for Coraline to capture a wide range of emotions. It was also the first stop-motion film to be shot entirely in 3D.


The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Description: A real estate agent and his family encounter ghosts in a mansion they're trying to sell. It's a light-hearted horror-comedy with plenty of jump scares suitable for kids.
Fact: The film is based on the Disney theme park ride of the same name. Eddie Murphy's character was originally written for Steve Martin.


Monster House (2006)
Description: This animated film follows three kids as they discover their neighbour's house is actually a living, breathing monster. Its blend of humour and mild horror makes it a perfect entry into the genre for children.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The house was designed to look like a face, with windows as eyes and the door as a mouth.


Goosebumps (2015)
Description: Based on R.L. Stine's book series, this film brings to life many of the iconic monsters from the books, offering a fun, family-friendly horror experience.
Fact: Jack Black, who plays R.L. Stine, also wrote and performed an original song for the film's soundtrack. The movie features over 100 different creatures from the Goosebumps series.


ParaNorman (2012)
Description: Norman, a boy who can speak to the dead, must save his town from a centuries-old curse. Its mix of comedy, heart, and horror elements makes it a great pick for kids.
Fact: The film was produced by the same studio that made "Coraline." It features a scene where zombies perform a dance number, which was inspired by Michael Jackson's "Thriller."
