The Best Animated Halloween Movies and Television Shows

As the time for spooky scares slithers in, now’s your chance to start working on that must-watch list. But in between the slashers and the creature features, why not take a few horror–comedy breaks with animated Halloween content? There’s tons of fantastic animated television series and films out there, and a few are especially suited to satisfy those spooky cravings.

Below, we’ve put together a list of some of the best animated movies and TV shows perfect for a haunted night in. So pick up that remote, grab your candy corn, and get ready for screams of delight and fright alike!

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Animated Halloween Movies

Coraline

Coraline tells a classic story of a girl hoping to escape her boring life. She wants more fun, a new family, and a fantasy home away from her mundane parents. But despite the lavish new life she finds, things soon take a turn for the worse. Witness her journey through gorgeous stop-motion and kaleidoscopic colors that break the normal spooky mold, thanks to the studio LAIKA.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Let the eternal debate began: is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween or Christmas movie? We must answer, why not both? That way, you can enjoy this animated musical twice a year (or more)! Travel to Halloween Town with Jack Skellington and Sally, twirling through their romance and Jack’s existential crisis. It’s a jolly, scary good time.

Wendell & Wild

Are you a big fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas and wish there was even more similar content? Look no further than Nightmare director Henry Selick’s recent feature film, Wendell & Wild. Written, directed, produced by Selick, this stylish infernal adventure follows young Kat, whose parents died in a car crash, as she navigates the underworld with the help of the demon brothers Wendell & Wild. Devilish fun ensues.

Hotel Transylvania

If you’re into fresh takes on the classic monsters, then Hotel Transylvania beckons you to check in. The beloved Universal Monsters pop up here in animated form, though their stories are a bit different. Dracula is now the owner of a hotel that provides monsters a much-needed break from the human world. But what happens when a human unexpectedly shows up and meets his daughter, Mavis?

ParaNorman

Also from the powerhouse studio that is LAIKA, ParaNorman puts a fun spin on the “I see dead people” protagonist trope. Because there’s also zombies. And a cursed town! If you love a whole bunch of different horror movie sub-genres, ParaNorman is going to be the best of all your favorite worlds.

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Animated Halloween Television Series

The Owl House

A horror-comedy full of heart, Disney’s The Owl House is for all the outcasts and spellcasters. It follows a human girl who gets accidentally transported to a magical place full of demons — the real and metaphorical kind. Come for the general vibe of the magic system and fantasy world, stay for the absolutely enrapturing plot and character development.

Over the Garden Wall

Cartoon Network’s Over the Garden Wall has an extremely devoted following, and for good reason. The series follows two brothers as they make their way home through a mystical forest. There’s even an episode about death and pumpkins that has changed actual lives and outlooks about passing over. And beyond those more serious and sad themes, Over the Garden Wall is just the right amount of absurd and adorable to keep you hooked through every single episode.

Scooby Doo, Where Are You!

Follow the Mystery Gang through low-stakes perils in Scooby Doo, Where Are You! The animated TV series is most definitely a cult classic at this point. The show is adored by many, and possibly holds the unofficial record for the most popular group Halloween costume. Scooby Doo is bursting with laughs, a great voice cast, fun puzzles, and a character for every type of person to relate to.

Beetlejuice

Say it three times and you know you’re in for a party! Fresh off the moldy heels of the live-action film’s success, this animated series features Lydia Deetz and her new best friend, Beetlejuice. Fans of the film will note the series’ much more light-hearted and kid-friendly tone, though the many allusions to the film and new interpretations of iconic Neitherworld haunts will definitely keep you entertained.

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Which of these scary shows and frightening films of the animated variety will you be queuing up this Halloween? Share your to to-watch list with other horror fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup.

Stir up the spirits and face the monsters within … Spooktacular has been unleashed once again!

Put the EEK! in geek during Sideshow’s Spooktacular 2025, a celebration with ghastly giveaways, deathly deals, eerie exclusive perks, and more. Join us from October 23 – October 31 by visiting side.show/spooktacular and don’t forget — sleep is for the weak!