As a Christian Family we love 80’s Kids Halloween Movies because they’re relatively mild and simply fantasy, rather than gore or violence. You may be here because you’re in the same boat and if that’s the case – then grab your scrunchies and leg warmers, mamas! Today, we’re stepping into the time machine to revisit the golden era of ’80s kids Halloween movies. Ahh, can’t you just smell the crisp fall air and taste the candy corn as you think back to those cozy movie nights?
In this blog post, we’re going to be counting down the top unforgettable ’80s Halloween movies that whisked us away to enchanted realms and filled our childhood Halloweens with spooktacular fun.
These films are a treasure trove of wholesome entertainment. They’re an escape from the often too-graphic offerings on today’s screens, a chance to share a piece of your childhood with your kids. So pop some popcorn, and get ready for a family movie night that’s sure to be a hit with both the young and young at heart. Stay with me as we journey back to a time when Halloween was less about the scares and more about the magic, one ’80s movie at a time.
The Golden Age of 80’s Kids Movies
Maybe I’m biased because I was a kid of the ’80s… but honestly it really was a golden age for children’s films. They were movies that weren’t too scary, and often shared a good family moral or two.
I still recall those Halloween seasons from my own childhood. Nestled in our family’s living room, my siblings and I would eagerly await the start of our favorite ’80s Halloween movie on our bulky, yet beloved, VHS player. There was something magical about those nights – the air filled with anticipation, the shared laughter and suspense as we lost ourselves in the thrilling world of ’80s cinema.
But what makes these favorite Halloween movies from the 80’s so special, you ask? Why do they continue to captivate us, decades later? Well, I think it’s because these movies weren’t all about the special effects. They were filled with heart, teaching us valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the power of believing in oneself. They showed us that even the smallest among us could make a difference, a message that resonates with kids (and adults) of all ages.
Criteria for Selection
Now, before we dive into our list, let’s establish the criteria for selection. After all, there were countless ’80s movies with a Halloween theme – some good, some not so much. So what makes a truly unforgettable ’80s kids Halloween movie? Here are the key factors that we took into consideration:
- Timelessness: These movies should still be enjoyable to watch today, despite being made decades ago.
- Family-friendly: Absolutely no horror movies here! These movies should be appropriate for all ages, with no excessive violence or inappropriate content.
- Halloween theme: The movie should have a clear connection to the holiday of Halloween, or at least the world of make-believe.
- Impact and influence: These movies should have had a lasting impact on pop culture and continue to inspire new generations.
So without further ado, let’s get started on list of kid-friendly Halloween movies from the 80’s that have stood the test of time. Get your bowl of popcorn ready – it’s going to be a wild ride!
1. Goonies (1985)
PG, 13+
This adventure-comedy film follows a group of misfit kids. They’re on a quest to find hidden treasure in order to save their homes from foreclosure in a small town in Oregon. Along the way, they encounter booby traps, puzzles, and the infamous Fratelli crime family. The Goonies is not only filled with thrilling action and humor, but also themes of friendship, bravery, and overcoming obstacles. This movie is a must-watch for anyone looking for some nostalgic Halloween fun.
2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
PG, Age 7+
“E.T.” is a heartwarming tale of friendship between a boy and an alien stranded on Earth. Not strictly a Halloween movie, but its iconic trick-or-treating scene makes it a perfect watch for the season10. You can’t go wrong with this Steven Spielberg favorite. It’s probably one of the very best kids Halloween movies.
3. Garfield’s Halloween Adventure (1985)
Not rated, Any age
Who doesn’t love the lazy, lasagna-loving cat Garfield? In this Halloween special, Garfield and Odie go trick-or-treating and stumble upon a haunted house. It’s a light-hearted, fun adventure that perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween night.
4. Labyrinth (1986)
PG, 11+
Join a teenage girl named Sarah on her quest through a maze of peculiar creatures to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King (David Bowie). With its enchanting puppetry, “Labyrinth” is a magical journey like no other8 from Jim Henson.
5. The Dark Crystal (1982)
PG, 9+
Jim Henson’s “The Dark Crystal” is an ’80s fantasy movie that takes viewers on a magical journey. While not strictly a Halloween movie, its eerie puppetry and mystical storyline make it a great watch for the spooky season.
6. Disney’s Halloween Treat (1984)
Unrated, Any age
A compilation of short animations and vintage Disney cartoons that make a delightful Halloween watch3. Overall this pick is sure to please the younger kids – but be advised there is a short scene of live action you may want to fast forward.
7. The NeverEnding Story (1982)
PG, 7+
A fantasy film about a young boy who enters a magical world through a mysterious book8. While not a Halloween movie, its themes of courage and imagination make it a great watch for kids during the spooky season.
8. Little Monsters (1989)
PG, 12+
“Little Monsters” is a dark comedy that follows the misadventures of a young boy who discovers a world of monsters under his bed. With its quirky humor and lovable characters, this movie is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Have Fun Revisiting These Classics
Revisiting these classic ’80s Halloween movies isn’t just about nostalgia or reliving a golden era of cinema. It’s about creating opportunities for families to connect, laugh, and share experiences together in a world where we’re often too busy to pause and enjoy the moment. Watching these films is a platform for parents to share a piece of their childhood with their kids, bridging the generational gap with a shared love for timeless stories and characters.
These movies are also perfect catalysts for starting new Halloween traditions. Gather the whole family around the TV with your favorite snacks and lost in the magical world of ’80s cinema. Such traditions create cherished memories, offering a chance to step away from the screen-driven individual entertainment and foster a sense of unity and togetherness.
In essence, these ’80s Halloween classics are more than just movies. They are a portal to shared experiences and timeless values, a tool to foster family bonds, and an opportunity to create unforgettable moments. So this Halloween, let’s turn off our smartphones, and step back in time to the magic of ’80s Halloween classics – all without having to run the video store (thank you streaming service).
Conclusion
From the adventurous “Goonies” to the magical “Labyrinth,” and from the supernatural “Ghostbusters” to the heartwarming “E.T,” these films have successfully passed the test of time and continue to inspire and entertain new generations. They capture the spirit of Halloween and create an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.
But, of course, this list is not exhaustive.
There are numerous other ’80s classics that are worth revisiting this Halloween. So, we encourage you to share your own favorite ’80s Halloween movies in the comments below. There’s nothing like a bit of ’80s cinema to get us all in the Halloween spirit!
