Coraline (2009)

Director: Henry Selick

Synopsis: As I mentioned in my animated horror films article, Coraline is adapted from Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name and tells the story of a young girl named Coraline Jones. Coraline moves into a new house with her family and discovers a hidden door there. This door leads her to an alternate world. A strange but enchanting version of her own reality. At first, everything seems perfect, but she soon discovers that this world is filled with dark and dangerous secrets. Coraline must use her courage and wits to return to her own world and save her family.

ParaNorman (2012)

Directors: Chris Butler, Sam Fell

Synopsis: We continue with another animated film. ParaNorman tells the story of a boy named Norman Babcock. Norman has the ability to communicate with the dead, but this gift causes him to be seen as strange and outcasted by those around him. One day, his town falls under the threat of a 300-year-old curse, and Norman is the only one who can stop it. Summoning his courage and joining forces with his friends, Norman embarks on an adventure to save his town and loved ones. Along the way, he learns important lessons about himself and his abilities.

Monster House (2006)

Director: Gil Kenan

Synopsis: Monster House follows the thrilling and spooky adventure of three children. DJ, Chowder, and Jenny discover that an abandoned, creepy house in their neighborhood is actually alive and harbors an evil spirit within. The house plans to swallow children whole during the upcoming Halloween. The three friends gather their courage and embark on a dangerous adventure to solve this mystery and protect the children in their neighborhood.

The Witches (1990)

Director: Nicolas Roeg

Synopsis: Finally, we continue with a non-animated horror film. Adapted from Roald Dahl’s famous children’s book, The Witches begins with a young boy hearing terrifying stories about witches from his grandmother. His grandmother tells him that real witches hate children and plan to turn them into mice. While vacationing at a hotel with his grandmother, the young boy accidentally witnesses a gathering of witches and learns of their plan to rid the world of children. Now, together with his grandmother, he must embark on a courageous battle to stop the witches and foil their plans.

Goosebumps (2015)

Director: Rob Letterman

Synopsis: Adapted from R.L. Stine’s famous horror book series, Goosebumps tells the story of young Zach Cooper. Zach moves to a small town with his mother and befriends his mysterious neighbor, Hannah. Hannah’s father turns out to be the famous author R.L. Stine, and they discover that the monsters in Stine’s books are real. When the monsters escape from the books and begin threatening the town, Zach, Hannah, and Stine must come together to trap the monsters back inside the books, launching an action-packed adventure.

This film was inspired by the popular television series Goosebumps, which aired from 1995 to 1998 and was also adapted from the same book series. The show brought children’s horror stories to the screen, gaining a wide audience and leaving a lasting impression on many young viewers. The film revives this classic series with a modern touch, appealing to both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.

Frankenweenie (2012)

Director: Tim Burton

Synopsis: We’re returning to animated films. Directed by Tim Burton, Frankenweenie tells the story of a young boy named Victor Frankenstein. Victor experiences great sorrow when his beloved dog Sparky dies in an accident. However, using the scientific knowledge he learned at school, Victor conducts an experiment and succeeds in bringing Sparky back to life. But Sparky’s return causes unexpected events in the town, and Victor must fight to protect both his dog and his community. This film is adapted from a 1984 short film of the same name and was shot using black-and-white stop-motion animation technique.

Casper (1995)

Director: Brad Silberling

Synopsis: Casper tells the story of a friendly ghost named Casper and his spooky uncles living in an abandoned mansion with Carrigan Crittenden. Carrigan inherits the abandoned mansion from her father and discovers that ghosts live there. The film is filled with comedic and emotional adventures as Carrigan and Dr. Harvey’s daughter Kat try to get rid of the ghosts while pursuing a hidden treasure. The film has a heartwarming story that emphasizes the friendship between Casper and Kat, the importance of family, and confronting the past. Additionally, it’s adapted from the cartoon series that began in 1945 and has been beloved by many generations.