Stream, Don’t Scream: Choosing Films and Series Safely for a Halloween Sleepover
Jess on Oct. 29, 2025
Halloween lands on a Friday this year – perfect timing for spooky sleepovers, movie marathons, and way too many lollies. If your child is hosting or attending a sleepover, it’s worth taking a moment before the scary stories start (and the popcorn hits the microwave) to check what’s on the watchlist.
When I was 13, I went to a Halloween sleepover and my horror-obsessed bestie snuck on a film we definitely shouldn’t have been watching. I barely slept for a week and I still remember some moments vividly. That moment of “too scary, too soon” is something most parents remember – and it’s worth avoiding with a bit of prep.
With so many films and shows available on streaming platforms, it can be hard to know what’s suitable for everyone at the sleepover. Instead of handing over the remote, it’s a good idea to scroll through together and agree on a few options that suit the age and comfort levels of everyone staying over.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- If you’re planning a movie marathon – like Harry Potter – check the ratings and content warnings. Some films or series have noticeable jump in intensity (and sometimes in rating too).
- Think about timing too – watching something lighter later in the night might help avoid nightmare territory.
- Keep the conversation open. Encourage children to speak up if something feels too intense or uncomfortable – it’s totally fine to switch it off.
Luckily, we’ve made it easy to check what’s age-appropriate. Head to our Find a Rating page to look up ratings for heaps of popular films and series. Talk through what’s in them and decide together what feels right for your group.
Want some inspiration? Our Through the Ages blogs list popular film collections by age suitability – including Tim Burton, Studio Ghibli and Marvel – all with a few iconic Halloween-worthy picks in the mix.
In our blogs section, we’ve also got our “Can my child watch…?” series, which walks you through whether films and shows like Wicked, K-Pop: Demon Hunters, and Agatha All Along are right for your whānau. It’s a great place to start if you’re not sure what’s suitable for different ages.
And if you’re tempted to relive your own childhood favourites like Hocus Pocus, check out our blog on nostalgia and film choices. It’s full of great tips for whānau movie nights: choosing films together, paying attention to how kids react, and having those post-movie chats to unpack the story and any tricky themes.
Before the lights go out, here’s a quick checklist for a stress-free (and scream-free) sleepover:
- Pick age-appropriate films or shows
- Check ratings together
- Talk about what’s okay to watch
- Encourage honest reactions – even if that means turning it off
A little planning can go a long way towards making sure your Halloween sleepover is the right mix of fun and fright. 🕸️
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