In a year in which families are debating between braving the cold and COVID-19 or trick-or-treating, Movie Reelist is sharing some of our favorite family films to watch this holiday season. Gather the kids, grab your favorite candy, and catch one of these classics from renowned filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton.

Hotel Transylvania

While Adam Sandler may not be for everyone, it's hard not to fall In love with this animated tale of Dracula's (Adam Sandler) love for his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez), and his desire to protect her from humans. Best suited for children 5+ years old.

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Hocus Pocus

After the reawakening of three witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) killed during the Salem witch trials, it's up to a teenager, his girlfriend, and kid sister to stop to them before they become immortal. Best suited for children 7+ years old.

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Gremlins

Who can resist the adorable Gizmo? In this Steven Spielberg horror-comedy fan favorite, Bill Peltzer (Zach Galligan) receives the gift of a lifetime, but when three simple rules aren't followed, mayhem ensues. Best suited for children 8+ years old.

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The Nightmare Before Christmas

A visual masterpiece for it's time, Tim Burton's is considered by many to be the best Halloween film ever made. Using stop motion, it follows Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon and with songs sung by Danny Elfman) as he discovers Christmas Town and attempts to bring that joy back to Halloween Town. Best suited for children 7+ years old.

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ParaNorman

An outcast at home and school, Norman (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) must use his gift of talking to ghosts to save his town from the witch's ghost. Best suited for children 6+ years old.

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Monster House

When 13-year old D.J.'s (voiced by Mitchel Musso) parents go away for the weekend, he and his friends investigate the spooky house on the block that appears to be alive. Best suited for children 7+ years old.

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E.T.

Brother and sister, Elliott (Henry Thomas) and Gertrude (Drew Barrymore), discover everyone's favorite alien, E.T., and attempt to reunite him with his family in perhaps Spielberg's most adored film. Best suited for children 7+ years old.

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Beetlejuice

When two ghosts can't scare the residents out of their house, they call upon Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) and his bag of tricks to scare them away. Laughs abound in this hilarious comedy. Best suited for children 8+ years old.

Ghostbusters

Who you going to call for one of the most popular 1980's comedies? The Ghostbusters, of course. Bill Murray leads a ragtag team of paranormal researchers called upon to save New York City. Best suited for children 7+ years old.

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It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

It wouldn't be right to not include the 1966 Charles Schulz classic that finds Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang celebrating Halloween while Linus awaits the Great Pumpkin. Best suited for children 4+ years old.

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Articles by
Mark Eaton
Movie Reelist Contributor: Mark Eaton
Mark is an entertainment junkie, spending much of his leisure time watching movies, TV, or listening to any and all genres of music. Most evenings, after finishing a day of work and hanging with his wife and kids, Mark can be found in an eternal battle with his DVR, trying to clear it before another 5-6 hours of shows are recorded the next day. Still reeling from his unpaid gig for the Detroit News where he was fired for being too cruel with his American Idol recaps, Mark is thrilled to be sharing his wicked sense of humor with Movie Reelists.

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