2000s Animated Horror ‘Monster House’ Finds New Streaming Home

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Disney was a leader in animation, but many other studios now create excellent animated films too. These studios often experiment with different styles, which can attract a wider range of viewers. Today, there’s a huge variety of animated movies available, meaning everyone can find something they enjoy.

Most animated movies stick to a familiar pattern, especially those aimed at children. While a few filmmakers have dared to be different and add unique touches, fantasy and science fiction are the most common additions. Surprisingly, horror has also worked well in animation, as seen in films like Hotel Transylvania, Frankenweenie, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. However, one animated horror movie from 2006 really stood out, successfully appealing to both kids and adults.

Gil Kenan’s Monster House, which was nominated for an Academy Award, is a fantastic animated horror film that still holds up today. Released about 20 years ago, it’s a thrilling and fun adventure the whole family can enjoy, with a captivating story that balances spooky moments with plenty of laughs.

Something’s Lurking Inside That Creepy House

In the movie Monster House, a boy named DJ Walters and his friend Chowder believe the spooky house across the street is haunted. Horace Nebbercracker, the grumpy old man who lives there, doesn’t want kids near his property. When Chowder accidentally gets his basketball in the yard, Nebbercracker gets angry and appears to die, leading the boys to think strange things happening around the house are connected to his death.

I was absolutely captivated watching this house… it wasn’t just a building, it was alive! Poor Jenny, a sweet Girl Scout, wandered too close, and these amazing boys had to rescue her from this crazy carpet – it was like a giant, hungry tongue! Then, unbelievably, even the police officers got pulled inside! It became clear that DJ, Chowder, and Jenny had to figure out what Old Man Nebbercracker wanted so he could finally rest in peace. But what they – and we – soon discovered was that the real threat wasn’t Nebbercracker at all. Something else was lurking beneath the house, and it was driven by revenge!

Yet Another Strong Blend of Horror and Family-Friendly Entertainment

The key to making horror movies enjoyable for kids is finding the right balance. Films like The Monster Squad, Ghostbusters, and The Witches succeed because the scary parts aren’t too intense for younger audiences. Others, such as The Gate, are riskier because they venture closer to traditional horror—and often lack the reassurance of having adults around to help.

Animated movies and shows not made specifically for adults often strike a balance between lightheartedness and spookiness. Monster House falls into this category, and its scarier moments can feel a little uneven. Ultimately, though, it’s a kid-friendly horror movie that’s enjoyable for younger audiences. This mix of tones actually works best when viewers, especially children, understand the film’s overall style—a quality shared by similar movies like Coraline and ParaNorman.

Monster House is a really enjoyable adventure movie with a spooky vibe that families can enjoy together. While the animation looks a little outdated due to the technology used at the time, the engaging story more than makes up for it. It’s not overly frightening like some other movies in the genre, and it’s more suited for older kids and teens than a typical Disney cartoon. Interestingly, you’ll be able to stream Monster House on Hulu, which is owned by Disney, starting April 1st. We highly recommend checking it out – it’s a great watch for everyone!

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2026-03-29 16:18