Top 10 Animated Movies to Watch During Halloween

As purple clouds part to reveal a pumpkin in the sky, “The Halloween Tree” reassures its viewers that they’re in for a traditionally terrifying Halloween treat. But there’s a bit more to this cartoon classic than meets the eye! Written and narrated by Ray Bradbury, “The Halloween Tree” is decidedly darker than the average kids’ film, dealing frankly with the reality of mortality. The story begins with four kids getting ready for Halloween, only to find that their friend is being loaded into an ambulance. Following him to the hospital, they come across his spirit, who leads them on a journey through Halloween history. It’s equal parts educational and entertaining, with a writing style that never feels like it’s talking down to its target audience.

If you’d prefer to watch something a bit scarier during spooky season, look no further than “Mad God.” The 2021 film is one of many examples that prove that not all cartoons are for children. With some shockingly stomach-churning stop motion animation, “Mad God” presents a post-apocalyptic story of monstrous cruelty. You may not immediately understand every aspect of its complex steampunk world, but that’s ok! Even if you’re not big on being scared, “Mad God” may be worth the watch for its artistry alone. After all, the film was the thirty year passion project of Phil Tippett, a creature designer and animator whose credits include blockbusters like “Jurassic Park” “RoboCop”, and the original “Star Wars” trilogy.

Typically, haunted houses are scary for what’s inside them. But the house in “Monster House” is plenty scary on its own! The Halloween-set movie stars Steve Buscemi in a seemingly antagonistic role as the neighbor known for stealing anything that lands in his yard and scaring away well meaning kids. As the film’s mystery unfolds, however, it becomes clear that the neighbor’s unkindness is only an act meant to protect the town from the real threat - his vengeful place of residence. Although “Monster House’s” uncanny CGI animation may initially lead you to believe otherwise, the film is a genuinely tense and well-paced animated horror, with interesting characters, tongue-in-cheek humor, and a surprisingly tragic twist.

Not since 932 AD has a bunny been this threatening. [1] A unique twist on the werewolf film, “Curse of the Were-Rabbit” is the second stop motion feature film from beloved British studio, Aardman Animations. The movie starts out with a bang, with Wallace attempting to brainwash a group of rabbit thieves to protect the town’s crops. (This is chaotic good on the alignment chart, right?) Things quickly go awry when the inventor’s machine backfires and causes his brain to merge with that of a rabbit’s. This movie won’t have you at the edge of your seat but its charming animation style and good sense of humor make it the perfect low pressure watch for Halloween night.

Before “ParaNorman,” or even “Coraline,” “Corpse Bride” put LAIKA on the map with a haunting musical romance. Co-directed by Tim Burton, the film translates many of the director’s hallmark visual aesthetics into the world of stop motion animation, with creature designs and lighting reminiscent of “Beetlejuice.” The story is similarly well-crafted, being a fresh take on an old trope - the love triangle. The movie’s protagonist, Victor, accidentally delivers the wedding vows meant for his betrothed to an undead bride, catapulting him (and the viewer) into a twisted journey to the Land of the Dead. For the hopeless romantics of the world as in love with the macabre as they are love itself, there couldn’t be a better choice to watch this Fall.

Horror movie monsters aren’t typically afforded much nuance. In fact, most horror films will have their protagonists kill off the creatures without a second thought. “ParaNorman” is different. Focusing on a preteen boy named Norman who can communicate with the dead, this animated adventure film favors compassion over carnage. We love when a villain is actually just a victim. Quirky characters, stunning settings, and a whole history lesson gives this movie a kind of depth you wouldn’t expect. Then again, given the track record of Laika's stop-motion features, we’re not sure why we underestimated it. We couldn’t ask for a warmer redemption story.

That’s right, take your pick folks! Whether it’s fan favorites like “Zombie Island” and “Witch’s Ghost,” or Halloween-based adventures like “Trick or Treat, Scooby-Doo!” (xref) and “Scooby-Doo and the Goblin King”, (xref), let’s face it, pretty much any “Scooby-Doo” movie is a good “Scooby-Doo” movie. Plus, there’s no better day to solve a mystery with the gang than on the spookiest day of the year! If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a film from this franchise, you may also be pleased to learn that a few of the modern ones include some pretty cool cameos. Cassandra Peterson in particular has featured in a few as horror host Elvira. You can spot her in “Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo!” (xref) alongside Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Be careful what you wish for! Simply put, this is the lesson of “Coraline.” But there’s nothing simple about its unique execution. From its breathtakingly intricate stop motion sets, to its creative character designs, you’re sure to be instantly enraptured by the art direction. And, of course, it helps that the story is captivating as well! A horror-infused coming of age tale, “Coraline” introduces us to a young girl who feels bored and neglected in her new Michigan home. This all changes when she finds another world where everything is just a little bit… better. Or, at least, that’s what meets the eye.

If you’ve ever wished there was a way to satiate your need for a spooky Halloween flick while watching the superheroes you know and love, you're in luck! “Batman: The Long Halloween” is the best of both worlds. Comprised of two feature length films, this animated DC story features plenty of Gotham heavy hitters including The Joker, Two Face, and Catwoman, all looking to make their mark on the city during the season. It also sees Batman going back to his detective roots, as he works to find the culprit of a series of holiday-based murders. Notably, it’s “Supernatural’s” Jensen Ackles who provides the voice for the caped crusader in these specials, alongside a brilliant posthumous performance by Naya Rivera as Selina Kyle.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (1949)
Few Disney Characters Are as Haunting as the Headless Horseman

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966)
Even the Great Pumpkin Can't Save Charlie Brown From His Bad Luck Streak

“Toy Story of Terror!” (2013)
As if Sid’s Toys Weren’t Scary Enough!

“Hotel Transylvania” (2012)
Take a Break From Humanity at Hotel Transylvania

“The Addams Family” (2019)
A New Twist on the Classically Creepy Family

What’s this? Another stop motion animation? We wouldn’t have it any other way! The hand-crafted medium is perfect for unnatural movements and unique textures, and this has never been utilized more brilliantly than in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This is a movie that truly looks as good as it sounds, with an impressively wide array of creepy characters and an unforgettable soundtrack. “This Is Halloween” is practically the theme song for the holiday at this point! You can argue with us about whether this is actually a Christmas movie or not but, honestly, we think it’s good enough to warrant a watch on both holidays!

Will you be watching any of these animated classics this Halloween season? Let us know in the comments, and check out these other great videos!