When looking for kid-friendly horror movies, often the aim is to find films that strike the perfect balance between spooky and safe. Reddit, the vast online community with discussions on virtually every subject, is a great place to look for recommendations on this genre. Based on conversations and threads from subreddits dedicated to movies and parenting, here is a list of the 10 Best Kid-Friendly Horror Movies:

1. “Coraline” (2009) – This stop-motion animated film based on Neil Gaiman’s novel is as enchanting as it is eerie. Coraline’s adventure in a parallel universe has just enough scares without overdoing it.

2. “Monster House” (2006) – This computer-animated film provides a fantastic blend of humor and horror, making it a fun ride for kids and adults alike.

3. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) – Tim Burton’s classic stop-motion animation uniquely celebrates both Halloween and Christmas, offering catchy tunes and quirky frights suitable for most children.

4. “Hocus Pocus” (1993) – A staple of family-friendly Halloween entertainment, this comedy-horror about three witches in modern-day Salem is beloved for its light-hearted scares and humor.

5. “Goosebumps” (2015) – Bringing R.L. Stine’s famous children’s horror book series to life, “Goosebumps” mixes monsters with laughs in a way that’s perfect for younger viewers.

6. “ParaNorman” (2012) – Another stop-motion supernatural adventure that deals with serious themes while keeping things accessible and not too frightening for kids.

7. “Ghostbusters” (1984) – Often considered more comedy than horror, “Ghostbusters” remains an iconic film with spooky elements that are manageable for mature kids.

8.”Gremlins” (1984) – Although it pushes the kid-friendly boundary more than others on this list, “Gremlins,” with its clear messages about responsibility, has become a classic among older children comfortable with its mischievous scares.

9. “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004) – While not strictly a horror movie, this entry in the Harry Potter series has many Gothic elements and creature scares that can serve as a gentle introduction to horror themes.

10. “Hotel Transylvania” (2012) – As an animated comedy with classic monsters portrayed in a non-threatening manner, this movie is especially suited for young kids wanting to have some spooky fun without the fear factor.

Thanks to Reddit’s diverse parent community’s insights and experiences sharing movies their own families enjoy, navigating kid-friendly horror doesn’t have to be as intimidating as a trip through a haunted house!