8 PG-13 Halloween movies to watch this October 2024 (and where to stream)

8 PG-13 Halloween movies to watch this October 2024 (and where to stream)

As someone who has grown up with a heart full of Halloween spirit and a penchant for all things spooky, I can wholeheartedly recommend these PG-13 horror movies that are perfect for family viewing this season. From the nostalgic charm of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” to the modern twist on Halloweentown with “The Curse of Bridge Hollow”, there’s something for everyone.


Horror movies often have a reputation for being excessively violent, gory, and unsuitable for young audiences, but this stereotype doesn’t apply to every horror film. In reality, the horror genre is diverse with numerous subcategories, offering a variety of family-friendly options in the form of G, PG, and PG-13 rated movies.

For those looking for entertainment slightly spookier than family-friendly films, but not too intense or violent, here’s a list of PG-13 movies perfect for watching during this Halloween season. You can find these films streaming online at the following locations:

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

If you’re similar to many kids born in the 1990s like myself, you might have spent countless hours delving into Alvin Schwartz’s chilling “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” books. In 2019, this classic was brought to life on the big screen, offering a blend of terror and comfort since some scenes unfold during Halloween night. Currently available for streaming on Netflix.

8 PG-13 Halloween movies to watch this October 2024 (and where to stream)

The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)

A relatively unnoticed Halloween movie on Netflix, titled “The Curse of Bridge Hollow“, can be likened to Netflix’s take on the popular series “Halloweentown”. Starring Priah Ferguson from “Stranger Things”, Marlon Wayans, and Kelly Rowland, this film follows a young woman and her father who join forces to stop a mischievous spirit that is causing Halloween decorations to come alive and cause chaos in their town.

8 PG-13 Halloween movies to watch this October 2024 (and where to stream)

Hubie Halloween (2020)

Instead of Adam Sandler + Halloween, how about “Hubie Halloween” as a delightful option? It might not be the scariest Halloween movie, but its charm makes it a must-see if you find yourself drawn to it or are simply a fan of Sandler and want a family-friendly, Halloween-themed film to watch every year. Available on Netflix for streaming.

Poltergeist (1982)

Including “Poltergeist” (1982), directed by Tobe Hooper, in our list isn’t really bending the rules as it was initially rated PG upon release. However, considering the PG-13 rating didn’t exist at that time, if it did, I believe Poltergeist would have easily qualified for it due to its shocking face-melting scene which left a lasting fear on an entire generation of viewers. Now you can watch this classic horror film on Max.

Gremlins (1984)

Discussing movies on Max and the fascinating story behind the PG-13 rating, we felt compelled to incorporate a film that played a significant role in shaping this rating. Although Gremlins wasn’t the first movie to receive the PG-13 rating, it was among several films in the 80s that influenced the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) to revise their rating system. Some argue that it could be considered a Christmas movie, but why limit it to just one genre? Additionally, Max offers the animated series The Wild Batch and Gremlins 2.

8 PG-13 Halloween movies to watch this October 2024 (and where to stream)

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

In this charming sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 film, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, and Catherine O’Hara reprise their roles. The new addition to the cast is Jenna Ortega, who portrays Ryder’s character’s daughter Astrid Deetz on screen. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” released in cinemas this September, continues the story of the Deetz family after a heartbreaking event. Lydia is already struggling when her daughter discovers the gateway to the afterlife, and Beetlejuice is called upon once more. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” can now be rented or purchased on PVOD.

8 PG-13 Halloween movies to watch this October 2024 (and where to stream)

Trap (2024)

M. Night Shyamalan’s newest movie is an edge-of-your-seat, unexpectedly humorous psychological thriller featuring Josh Hartnett as a chilling serial killer who doubles as a caring father to his teenage daughter. However, Cooper, or “The Butcher,” as he’s known by the public and law enforcement, doesn’t realize that the concert he attends with his daughter is actually a cleverly hidden trap intended for him. “Trap” can now be rented or purchased on PVOD, and it will begin streaming on Max on October 25.

8 PG-13 Halloween movies to watch this October 2024 (and where to stream)

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

All of the Ghostbusters could technically fit on this list, though some are PG and some PG-13, but if you’re a long-time franchise fan and haven’t had the chance to watch the newest movie in the series, now is your chance. A direct sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Frozen Empire follows the Spengler family as they return to the original NYC firehouse. The discovery of an ancient artifact heralds a wave of evil that units new and old team members to work together and prevent an ice age. Streaming on Starz and available on VOD.

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2024-10-12 20:25

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