Halloween is just around the corner, and spooky lovers discussing what movies they will be binging in the coming days in the lead-up to horror's favorite holiday.

For the horror genre, it's only now becoming more prevalent for studios to create creepy animated features that kids can enjoy, like Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Although there's not much room for these films to be too disturbing with a target audience of children, that doesn't mean there aren't some moderately scary films for entire families to enjoy.

UPDATE: 2022/10/19 21:43 EST BY SHAWN S. LEALOS

In the 2022 Halloween season, pickings are sadly slim, although Marvel released a throwback live-action horror movie in Werewolf by Night, which slips by an R-rating thanks to its black and white vintage look. However, for those kids who want something to give them restless nights, there are still plenty of older scary kids' horror movies out there to scare their pants off.

The Black Cauldron (1985) - 3.0

Stream now on Disney+

To no surprise, The Black Cauldron does a great job of telling a spooky story with its witchy and magical themes. Though some fans aren't impressed with this movie compared to other vintage Disney animated films, it's undeniable that it exhibits some truly spooky energy and animation styles.

From the vivid and colorful artwork to the creativity behind the many quests involved, it's a must-watch, especially during the Halloween season. If viewers are looking for a perfect mix between old-fashioned Disney styling blended with unsettlingly scary elements, this is the one to add to the watch list.

9 (2009) - 3.3

Rent now on Apple TV & Redbox

For fans of Coraline, one scary animated movie that slipped by and remains mostly underappreciated today hit in 2009 by the name of 9. Directed by Shane Acker and produced by Tim Burton, the movie followed a rag doll in a post-apocalyptic world.

While that might sound strange, the movie was way ahead of its time. While critics gave it mixed reviews and fans didn't really flock to the theaters to see it, the movie deserves a reappraisal. Letterboxd fans seem to love it, as the rag doll sets out as one of the few beings left alive who can save the world for a brighter tomorrow in a world of evil, destructive machines.

Monster House (2006) - 3.3

Stream now on Hulu

This film takes the popular term "haunted house" to the next level, and it's truly terrifying. Though the film premiered in 2006, it has already become a creepy children's classic.

Aside from the frightening concept that a house on the block is a living breathing monster, the film offers some truly terrifying imagery that's enough to spook kids. Despite the movie not initially gaining much popularity, it has over time become a beloved animated film to binge around Halloween time.

The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr. Toad (1949) - 3.3

Stream now on Disney+

A truly underrated animated movie, The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr. Toad features some of the best animation work Disney has done. Though the film consists of several short stories that are quite different from each other, the segment that tells the famous story of Sleepy Hollow takes the cake as far as spookiness goes.

With the terrifying portrayal of the Headless Horseman, it's a film that many underestimate as far as subtle horror goes. However, Disney has proven with multiple films that their older animated work is some of the best in terms of creativity and simplicity.

Frankenweenie (2012) - 3.4

Stream now on Disney+

This adorable yet freaky Tim Burton movie is an underrated story with a twist on the classic tale of Frankenstein. In a twist of events, a boy's dog passes away, and when the boy can't bear to live without him, he does all he can to bring Frankenweenie back to life.

Given that the boy's dog has risen from the dead, it's obvious that this is a darker take on traditional children's fare. From the classic and creepy Tim Burton animation style to the eerie themes of the film, it's an entertaining claymation movie the whole family can enjoy.

ParaNorman (2012) - 3.6

Stream now on Roku

Another movie where characters come back from the dead, ParaNorman tells the classic tale of zombies and the afterlife. When a curse has its grip on a small town, a local outcast who has a gift for talking to spirits decides to step up and save his people.

Any movie that involves the afterlife is bound to be a little spooky, not to mention the creatures that are seen wandering around town after rising from the dead. However, it's not as scary as some of the other creepy animated movies, making it even more tolerable for younger kids to watch while getting in the Halloween spirit.

The Last Unicorn (1982) - 3.7

Stream now on Peacock+

When it comes to a children's animated movie, The Last Unicorn remains one that parents need to show caution with. This is not one for little kids, and this has some of the creepiest scenes from any animated movie. Older kids should be okay, but this is nightmare fuel for the younger ones.

The story features some tough life lessons, and it is not a movie for anyone looking for happily ever after endings. As the title hints, the last unicorn on Earth sets out to find out what happened to the rest of her species. What she finds is death, betrayal, and ultimate heartbreak. The scenes with the Red Bull remain terrifying to this day, as the animated movie remains one of Redditor's favorites.

Watership Down (1978) - 3.8

Stream now on HBO Max & Criterion Channel

Based on the beloved novel by Richard Adams, Watership Down is not a movie made necessarily for kids. The movie features a group of rabbits who live in the wild, but have their own culture, customs, language, and myths. This story features their attempts to escape the destruction of their warren and find a new home.

The creepy themes put this animated movie into the realm of older audiences, as the rabbits end up fighting for their lives, with temptations and betrayals throughout their journey. With the violence inflicted on the rabbits, this movie traumatized an entire generation of kids and remains a distressing experience to this day.

The Secret Of NIMH (1982) - 3.8

Stream now on Roku & Tubi

One of the weirdest animated movies from the 80s was The Secret Of NIMH. The movie is one of the top-rated animated movies according to Letterboxd users, but it is also a frightening and scary movie for kids. The story is about a mother who will do anything to save her sick son.

This movie is not only scary for kids, but it is terrifying at moments. There is one flashback scene of the animals facing terrible torture that can negatively affect the younger viewers. It also has a strange tact with the movie going from cheerful adventures to grim and dire moments, something kids might not be used to until they get older.

Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island (1998) - 3.8

Stream now on Prime Video

The Scooby-Doo franchise has been successful for ages, and its many spin-off specials and movies have done equally well. While the show is seen as more lighthearted and fun, there are quite a few occasions where the cartoon got kinda scary.

It's no secret that Scooby and the gang frequently get into sticky situations, however, these specific enemies were quite different from the rest as dangerous zombies and werewolf hybrids. The cartoon special features some creepy visuals, including their flesh melting off their bones, so it's safe to say that this film could be considered disturbing to some younger viewers.

Corpse Bride (2005) - 3.8

Stream now on HBO Max

Featuring a dead bride and a nervous fiancé, this animated movie has a fun twist on an unlikely and unexpected love triangle. This Tim Burton film depicts a creative take on the afterlife and its "rules," so fans can only imagine just how creepy this film can get.

Though the movie does feature some lighthearted moments with show tunes, fans can't help but feel spooked when watching. From the undead to the uncomfortable family matters, the movie is truly scary on several occasions, between real-life situations and creepy imagery.

Fantasia (1940) - 3.8

Stream now on Disney+

This magical film is the definition of a classic, as it has stood the test of time since its release in the 1940s and still stands as one of the best animated Disney films. Featuring a cameo by Walt Disney himself, this film was his passion project, and boy did that passion shine through.

From the imaginative artwork to the truly scary imagery surrounding Chernabog, it's only natural that some kids get a little creeped out watching this movie. However, the anthology film showcases a perfect balance between the good and the bad and shows the true magic of Disney that started it all.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - 4.0

Stream now on Disney+

Known as one of the greatest claymation movies of all time, The Nightmare Before Christmas undoubtedly set the tone for future spooky animated films. This well-known film has seen immense success and popularity since its release and the story only gets better with time.

The Tim Burton story not only offers some lighthearted moments associated with Christmas, but it's also the perfect movie to watch around Halloween. Between the ultra-spooky imagery and the truly creepy yet beautiful soundtrack, there are endless reasons this film is a classic to this day. It also featured great direction from Henry Selick, who later directed Coraline.

Coraline (2009) - 4.1

Stream now on Roku

Arguably the scariest kids' movie of them all, this Henry Selick film even creeps out adult horror lovers. There's a reason this film is the most talked about among the rest, and that's because of its unique and truly horrifying storyline and execution that's never been done before quite like this.

From the disturbing presentation of "The Other Mother's" final form to the lucid visions and hallucinations Coraline experiences, this creative tale is unlike any other. Coraline unveils the darkness that can come from opening another dimension, no matter how tempting and promising it may seem. It is quite a frightening concept in itself to not be able to discern the good from the bad.

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