There are lots of movies available on DVDs that are meant to terrify its viewers. These films prove to be very popular leading up to Halloween. However, here are some that will allow kids to enjoy this time of year in a not so scary way.

For the Entire Family

It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
In this Charlie Brown special, Linus with his unyielding belief spends the night in a pumpkin patch waiting to catch a glimpse of The Great Pumpkin. According to Linus, The Great Pumpkin (the holiday equivalent to Santa Claus), rises from the pumpkin patch and travels the world giving goodies to children. However, none of the other kids, including his sister Lucy, believes in The Great Pumpkin. So, while Charlie Brown and the other kids are having their Halloween fun, Linus waits and believes. Is he finally rewarded?

Preschoolers+

Sesame Street – A magical Halloween Adventure
In the Sesame Street tradition, this DVD is mixed with fun, songs and education. Kids can learn about Fall activities on a farm, Halloween crafts and activities and get a message about not being afraid of monsters. Although, Sesame Street is normally targets preschoolers, don’t be surprised with how much interest this DVD holds for older kids.

Sesame Street- Elmo Says BOO
This DVD begins a bit differently, so parents with toddlers or kids who are easily scared will want to watch it with their children. However, the message will go a long way with these kids especially at Halloween. Elmo goes to visit The Count at his spooky castle and is alarmed by the scary sights and sounds. Soon, Elmo’s fears are gone once her realizes there’s nothing to be afraid of, after all. This DVD is meant to teach kids about fear and how to deal with their fears.

Middleschoolers+

Harry Potter
The Harry Potter series consists of seven books and thus far six movies, five of which have been released on DVD. The sixth movie Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is due to be released on DVD in December 2009. The fans of all ages will love watching the series at Halloween and even having a “Potter” inspired Halloween party. (Turning your home into Hogwarts may be fun). In addition, the costumes for adults and kids can be very inexpensively created at home or purchased from a costume store. This series is not for young kids or those easily scared. It’s PG or PG-13 is mostly for the frightening images.

Hocus Pocus
Although it’s a Disney movie, the movie’s storyline may be a little too scary for very young viewers. In this comedy, three witches are accidentally resurrected and plan to keep their youth by stealing the souls from young kids. However with the Bette “Divine Miss M” Midler and Kathy Najimy (Sister Act) and Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex in the City) playing the lead role as witches, the comedy from the chaos and weird happenings in the town of Salem is entertaining. Rated PG for some scary sequences.

Teens

Practical Magic
The equivalent of a chick flick (romantic comedy) where the main characters are sisters and also witches. Can a witch fit in and find real love? This is a movie for Moms to watch with their teen daughters as it has more than one (subtle) conversation started. PG-13