Something new to watch for Halloween: recent (mildly) scary films to watch with the younger members of the whānau
Jane on Oct. 23, 2026
You might be tired of watching the same old spooky classics every year. We’ve rounded up a few recent releases that have some relatively mild scares in them, which might be suitable for the younger members of your whānau.
We've included links to our handy content breakdowns to help you make sure the films are right for you before you press play this Halloween. They let you know exactly what the age ratings and content warnings mean, so there are no (bad) surprises.
The Magic Faraway Tree
G | Suitable for general audiences
Based on Enid Blyton's best-selling children's classic, The Magic Faraway Tree follows a family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. Soon after they arrive there, the children discover a magical tree with extraordinary and eccentric residents.
The film contains some mildly violent and scary scenes, all of which are over quickly. Read our content breakdown.
Hoppers
PG | Parental guidance recommended for young viewers
When scientists develop a method to transfer human consciousness into robotic animals, Mabel seizes the opportunity to explore the animal world, uncovering mysteries far beyond anything she ever imagined.
There are a few scenes of mild violence that are mostly for comic effect, as well as some more frightening scenes that very young viewers may find upsetting. Read our content breakdown.
Minions & Monsters
PG | Violence and coarse language
James, Henry and Ed set out on a mission to become filmmakers and stars, dreaming of winning an Oscar rather than following in the footsteps of their fellow minions, who are determined to serve the ultimate "big boss" on a path of evil. Along the way, a series of enchantments brings monsters to life to star in their movie about minions and monsters. But chaos soon erupts when it becomes clear that the creatures have plans of their own.
Some scenes may be frightening for very young children, particularly when the enchanted monsters first come to life. The film contains mild, slapstick fantasy violence, and the overall tone is playful and humorous rather than threatening. Read our content breakdown.
KPop Demon Hunters
PG | Adult themes, scary scenes, supernatural themes, violence
When K-Pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey aren’t selling out stadiums, they’re using their secret powers to protect their fans from supernatural threats.
This film contains animated violence, mostly towards demons which the main characters kill using various sharp weapons. These scenes frequently include and are broken up by comedy, which can dampen the weight of the violence. Read our content breakdown.
Wicked
PG | Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers
Wicked reimagines the Land of Oz, focusing on the friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a fiery and misunderstood young witch with green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a charming and popular witch. While attending Shiz University, their bond is tested after an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), leading them to make choices that shape their futures and the world around them.
The film contains mildly scary scenes as well as themes of bullying and mistreatment. Read our content breakdown.
Wicked: For Good
PG | Violence & sexual references
Elphaba challenges the Wizard’s harsh rule and ends up being seen as the “Wicked Witch of the West.” The Wizard then makes Glinda “Glinda the Good” and presents her as Oz’s hero. In this sequel, both witches make choices that shape their futures.
This sequel has slightly more violence and slightly darker themes than the first film. Read our content breakdown.
Sketch
PG | Violence and coarse language
A fantasy dark comedy for families about what happens when the monsters from a grieving girl’s drawings come to life and threaten their town. She, her brother and their frenemy must team up to stop the chaos.
The monsters in the film are sinister, threatening, and scary, and there are many scenes of peril. Read our content breakdown.
Final thoughts
We are big fans of watching things alongside your whānau, both the scary and the silly stuff. That way you are on hand to talk to them about any worries or feelings that might come up. Stay calm and don't judge – ask them questions to encourage them to open up.
Take a look at some of the resources we have on this topic on our website and below.
Further suggestions
13 spooky films for Halloween | Classification Office
Further reading
Are Scary Films Good for Anything? | Classification Office
The Conjuring changed me: When sleepovers go bad, a first person experience. | Classification Office
Talking with young people about what they’re watching | Classification Office
Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
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