- Awards Season
- Big Stories
- Pop Culture
- Video Games
- Celebrities

12 Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Movies for the Whole Family

Halloween is always a night of creative costumes, delicious candy and fun frights. Of course, kids love the opportunity to challenge their courage by entering haunted houses, swapping spine-chilling stories and watching scary movies . That’s a lot of spookiness for one day, though, and with the wrong film, they may be too frightened to fall asleep at bedtime. (And of course, getting them to bed in time for you to enjoy a proper horror film , like a Stephen King adaptation or classic vampire flick might be an important part of your grown-up Halloween experience!)
Fortunately, there are lots of wonderfully fun — and only slightly creepy — movies out there that kids will enjoy this year. From oldies like Hocus Pocus to newer films like a stellar remake of The Witches , this list has plenty of options that’ll delight much more than they’ll scare. Check out 12 of the best kid-friendly Halloween flicks that make not-too-spooky treats for the entire family!
Goosebumps (2015)

The Goosebumps book series by R.L. Stine has thrilled kids across the world since the 1990s. The series has been adapted for both TV and film, including a newer franchise for younger generations who aren’t familiar with these classics.
The 2015 flick, aptly titled Goosebumps , stars Jack Black as a fictionalized version of Stine alongside Dylan Minnette, who plays his teenage neighbor. The two team up to take down monsters from the Goosebumps series that have managed to escape from the books and cause chaos in the real world. The film is frightening fun for kids, and there’s enough action to keep parents entertained — especially if they’re former fans of the series.
Hocus Pocus (1993)

A trio of 300-year-old witches (Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker) conjures up a little bit of hocus pocus in this Halloween classic. The 1993 film centers on what happens when the Sanderson sisters are accidentally brought back from the dead on All Hallow’s Eve.
Attempting to recapture their youth, the witches plan to steal the souls of the children of Salem, Massachusetts, so they can live for eternity. Three kids, a talking black cat and, eventually, a friendly zombie have to work together to stop the sinister sisters before it’s too late. Hocus Pocus is certain to put a spell on you this Halloween.
Spirited Away (2001)

If you’re new to the world of Miyazaki , Spirited Away is a great place to start. This classic film from Studio Ghibli follows our protagonist Chihiro, just as she and her parents move to a new town. As they explore, they find what appears to be an abandoned theme park, but Chihiro quickly realizes that she has somehow crossed into the realm of spirits. Oh, and her parents have been turned into pigs. As she learns to navigate the spirit world, and ultimately free herself and her parents, she meets many memorable characters along the way.
The film won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film and became the top-grossing film in Japanese history. Don’t let the strange plot deter you. This film has won the hearts of many, and is a perfect addition to a Halloween lineup for the whole family.
Ghostbusters (1984)

These guys ain’t afraid of no ghosts, probably because the ghosts in this film aren’t too scary. This family-friendly comedy-horror was a smash at the box office in the 80s and has retained its appeal in the decades to follow. Sequels and remakes have attempted to capitalize on the success of the original, but have repeatedly fallen short.
Pop some popcorn and prepare to be entertained as a trio of paranormal exterminators face off against a gluttonous ghost, a pack of demonic dogs, and the iconic Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monsters, Inc . is a fun comedy about — what else? — two monsters, Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman), who are the number-one scare team at the scream-processing factory in the town of Monstropolis. The film, released in 2001, follows their misadventures after a human girl named Boo makes her way into their world.
Together, the two have to figure out a way to get Boo home before anyone discovers this unimaginable mistake. Despite their best efforts, which include dressing Boo up as a baby monster, they run into plenty of roadblocks along the way. Kids will probably fall in love with the cuddly Sulley before they feel an ounce of fear during this film!
The Witches (2020)

The Witches (2020) is a fantasy-comedy film based on Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name. This reimagining of the original 1990 film follows an orphaned boy who goes to live with his grandmother in Alabama. After coming across a witch, the boy and his grandmother flee to a hotel to escape her evil clutches. However, the world’s Grand High Witch happens to be staying there — along with disguised, diabolical witches from all over the world who are helping her turn children into mice.
This remake of The Witches is an HBO Max original starring Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer and Stanley Tucci — and it’s certainly a top choice for your family’s Halloween movie marathon.
Coraline (2009)

The 2009 animated film Coraline is based on a dark fantasy novella of the same name. With Dakota Fanning voicing the titular character, the movie follows a young girl who discovers an alternate world that closely mirrors her own — but seemingly much happier. It’s complete with a parallel family that appears, at first sight, to be much better than the one she has.
However, when Coraline’s Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) and the rest of this parallel family try to keep her in their new world forever, she has to fight to make it back home. Kids are sure to find the stop-motion animation and colorful sets of Coraline enchanting.
Beetlejuice (1988)

In the 1988 film, Beetlejuice , a couple dies in a car accident and finds themselves stuck in their former country home instead of a pleasant afterlife. When a new family moves in to the farmhouse, the dead couple tries to scare them away, but to no avail. They enlist the help of the troublemaking poltergeist Beetlejuice, who turns out to be a hazard to everyone involved.
The classic film has an all-star cast that includes Michael Keaton, Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin and Winona Ryder. Directed by Tim Burton, the movie offers a comedic twist on a supernatural tale that families will enjoy. Just don’t be surprised if the film’s soundtrack sparks an impromptu dance party.
Halloweentown (1998)

Starring Kimberly J. Brown and the late, great Debbie Reynolds, Halloweentown is a Disney Channel original movie that premiered in 1998. Today, it’s revered as a classic Halloween film among the now-adults who grew up watching it every year decades ago.
On her 13th birthday, Marnie Cromwell discovers that she’s a witch, as is everyone else in her family. She and her younger siblings sneak off to Halloweentown, where her grandmother lives, to learn more about their family’s history and so Marnie can begin her witch training before it’s too late. The visit goes awry when they discover that an evil force is attempting to take over the town — but with a little magic, Marnie and her siblings can save the day.
The Addams Family (2019)

There have been several reimaginings of the original Addams Family over the years — did you know the first cartoons were created in 1938? — but this animated film from 2019 is an especially fun version for kids. In the movie, Gomez, Morticia and the rest of the Addams clan prepare to welcome relatives for a visit. But when a TV personality attempts to get rid of them, the family has to prove that their creepy and kooky ways are no threat to their idyllic neighborhood.
The Addams Family features the voiceover talents of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Alison Janney, Chloë Grace Moretz and others. If your family can’t get enough of this endearingly macabre group, you’ll be happy to know a sequel was just released — and it’s available to rent on streaming .
Labyrinth (1986)

It’s time to pass this cornerstone of Halloween weirdness to a new generation! The 1986 film Labyrinth is a cult classic for so many reasons, from its fantastical setting to its magical plot to the fact that it stars the one and only David Bowie — and includes danceworthy original songs from the Starman himself.
The story follows teenager Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) as she travels through an otherworldly maze, solving riddles to rescue her baby brother from Bowie’s Jareth the Goblin King. Most of the film’s main characters are played by puppets from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, which is sure to delight kids (and deliver you an enjoyable dose of nostalgia).
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

You can’t have a kid-approved Halloween movie fest without watching 1993’s The Nightmare Before Christmas . The story follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who’s grown bored with the same old scare routine of Halloween each year. When he stumbles upon a door to Christmas Town, he decides to put his own twist on the holiday, causing complete havoc in the process.
The spooky-but-fun Tim Burton film stars Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara and Ken Page. What’s even better about this classic is that it doubles as a Halloween and Christmas movie — and there’s no better time of year to get into the holiday spirit!
MORE FROM ASK.COM

- Cast & crew
- User reviews
The Haunted Mansion

A realtor and his wife and children are summoned to a mansion, which they soon discover is haunted, and while they attempt to escape, he learns an important lesson about the family he has ne... Read all A realtor and his wife and children are summoned to a mansion, which they soon discover is haunted, and while they attempt to escape, he learns an important lesson about the family he has neglected. A realtor and his wife and children are summoned to a mansion, which they soon discover is haunted, and while they attempt to escape, he learns an important lesson about the family he has neglected.
- Rob Minkoff
- David Berenbaum
- Eddie Murphy
- Marsha Thomason
- Jennifer Tilly
- 245 User reviews
- 145 Critic reviews
- 34 Metascore
- See more at IMDbPro
- 1 win & 4 nominations

- Madame Leota

- Master Gracey

- (as Dina Waters)

- Mr. Coleman

- Mrs. Coleman
- (as Rachel Harris)

- Mr. Silverman

- Mrs. Silverman

- Hitchhiking Ghost

- (as Clay Martinez)

- Tiki Lounge Customer
- (as Bridget Brno)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
More like this

Did you know
- Trivia Much of the movie's plot is inspired by Phantom Manor, the version of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Resort Paris. Unlike the Haunted Mansions in the other parks, Phantom Manor has a clear storyline of a bride, her lost lover, and her haunting the mansion.
- Goofs The Evers' car has a personalized Louisiana license plate on both sides. Louisiana does not issue front license plates.
[Jim, Megan, and Michael are in the carriage riding past all the ghosts in the graveyard]
Michael : Dad?
Jim : Yeah, son?
Michael : I see dead people.
- Crazy credits Look for a "special" message from Madame Leota at the end of the credit roll. It sounds deadly familiar to the ending of the Disneyland ride.
- Connections Featured in Raven-Symoné: Superstition (2003)
- Soundtracks Grim Grinning Ghosts Written by Xavier Atencio and Buddy Baker
User reviews 245
- Jan 22, 2005
50 Family-Friendly Halloween Picks on Disney+

- How long is The Haunted Mansion? Powered by Alexa
- November 26, 2003 (United States)
- United States
- Official site
- Lâu Đài Bất Tử
- New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Walt Disney Pictures
- Doom Buggy Productions
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- $90,000,000 (estimated)
- $75,847,266
- $24,278,410
- Nov 30, 2003
- $182,290,266
Technical specs
- Runtime 1 hour 28 minutes
- Dolby Digital
Related news
Contribute to this page.

- See more gaps
- Learn more about contributing
More to explore

Recently viewed
Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes
Trouble logging in?
By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.
By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.
Email not verified
Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:
- Upcoming Movies and TV shows
- Trivia & Rotter Tomatoes Podcast
- Media News + More
OK, got it!
Movies / TV
No results found.
- What's the Tomatometer®?
- Login/signup
Movies in theaters
- Opening this week
- Coming soon to theaters
- Certified fresh movies
Movies at home
- Netflix streaming
- Amazon prime
- Most popular streaming movies
- What to Watch New
Certified fresh picks
- Killers of the Flower Moon Link to Killers of the Flower Moon
- The Royal Hotel Link to The Royal Hotel
- The Burial Link to The Burial
New TV Tonight
- The American Buffalo: Season 1
- Everyone Else Burns: Season 1
- Rick and Morty: Season 7
- Neon: Season 1
- Wolf Like Me: Season 2
- Bosch: Legacy: Season 2
- Upload: Season 3
- Billy the Kid: Season 2
- Living for the Dead: Season 1
- Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix: Season 1
Most Popular TV on RT
- The Fall of the House of Usher: Season 1
- Sex Education: Season 4
- Lessons in Chemistry: Season 1
- Goosebumps: Season 1
- Loki: Season 2
- Gen V: Season 1
- Lupin: Season 3
- Our Flag Means Death: Season 2
- Dear Child: Season 1
- Frasier: Season 1
- Top TV Shows
- Certified Fresh TV
- Most popular TV
Certified fresh pick
- Lessons in Chemistry: Season 1 Link to Lessons in Chemistry: Season 1
- All-Time Lists
- Binge Guide
- Comics on TV
- Five Favorite Films
- Video Interviews
- Weekend Box Office
- Weekly Ketchup
- What to Watch
Best Horror Movies of 2023 Ranked – New Scary Movies to Watch
30 Most Popular Movies Right Now: What to Watch In Theaters and Streaming
What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
The Ultimate TV Fang-Off: Vote for the Best Vampire
New Tomatometer Scores: Latest Ratings on Movies and Shows
- Trending on RT
- Shop Rotten Tomatoes
- TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- The Fall of the House of Usher
Haunted Mansion
2023, Fantasy/Comedy, 2h 3m
What to know
Critics Consensus
Haunted Mansion 's talented cast makes the movie a pleasant enough destination, although it's neither scary nor funny enough to wholeheartedly recommend. Read critic reviews
Audience Says
Haunted Mansion is a fun blend of horror and comedy with a great cast and a story that'll be extra entertaining for fans of the ride that inspired it. Read audience reviews
Halloween on DIsney+

Where to watch Haunted Mansion
Watch Haunted Mansion with a subscription on Disney+, rent on Amazon Prime Video, or buy on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu.
Rate And Review
Super Reviewer
Rate this movie
Oof, that was Rotten.
Meh, it passed the time.
It’s good – I’d recommend it.
So Fresh: Absolute Must See!
What did you think of the movie? (optional)
You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.
Step 2 of 2
How did you buy your ticket?
Let's get your review verified..
AMCTheatres.com or AMC App New
Cinemark Coming Soon
We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.
Regal Coming Soon
Theater box office or somewhere else
By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie.
You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.
Haunted mansion videos, haunted mansion photos.
A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.
Rating: PG-13 (Some Thematic Elements|Scary Action)
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
Original Language: English
Director: Justin Simien
Producer: Dan Lin , Jonathan Eirich
Writer: Katie Dippold
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 28, 2023 wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 4, 2023
Box Office (Gross USA): $67.5M
Runtime: 2h 3m
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Production Co: Rideback, Disney+
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1
Cast & Crew
LaKeith Stanfield
Ben Matthias
Tiffany Haddish
Owen Wilson
Father Kent
Danny DeVito
Bruce Davis
Rosario Dawson
Chase W. Dillon
Jamie Lee Curtis
Madame Leota
Crump, Hatbox
Hasan Minhaj
Sketch Artist
Justin Simien
Katie Dippold
Screenwriter
Jonathan Eirich
Nick Reynolds
Executive Producer
Tom C. Peitzman
Jeffrey Waldron
Cinematographer
Phillip J. Bartell
Film Editing
Kris Bowers
Original Music
Darren Gilford
Production Design
Laurel Bergman
Art Director
Shawn D. Bronson
Kristen Maloney
Victor J. Zolfo
Set Decoration
Jeffrey Kurland
Costume Design
Carmen Cuba
News & Interviews for Haunted Mansion
Weekend Box Office Results: Barbie Dominates Again in Second Weekend
What to Watch This Week: Twisted Metal , Talk to Me , and More
The Haunted Mansion Cast on Easter Eggs, Favorite Ghosts, and Acting with Jamie Lee Curtis’ Head
Critic Reviews for Haunted Mansion
Audience reviews for haunted mansion.
There are no featured audience reviews for Haunted Mansion at this time.
Movie & TV guides
Rotten Tomatoes Gifts Cards
RT Podcasts: Rotten Tomatoes is Wrong
Rotten Tomatoes: The Card Game
What to Watch - In theaters & streaming
- Account Settings
- The Disney Bundle
- Parks & Travel
- Walt Disney World
- Disney Cruise Line
- All Parks & Travel
- Movies Anywhere
- Disney Movie Insiders
- 20th Century Studios
- Accessories
- Disney News
- Disney on Broadway
- Disney on Ice
- Disney Live!
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Disneyland Resort
- Aulani - A Disney Resort and Spa
- Adventures by Disney
- Disney Vacation Club
- D23: The Official Disney Fan Club

Haunted Mansion
July 28, 2023
Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Horror
Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 2h 3min Release Date: July 28, 2023
Directed By
Produced by.

- motionpictures.org
- filmratings.com

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | Now Streaming on Disney+

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | October 4 on Disney+

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | Featurette

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | Now Playing

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | In Theaters Tonight

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | Dream Cast

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | Haunt Box

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | Boo

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | In 5 Days

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | Escape

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | Haunted ASMR

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | New Trailer

Haunted Mansion | Assemble

Haunted Mansion | Welcome To The Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion | Hatbox

Haunted Mansion | Paranormal

Haunted Mansion | Enter The Mansion

Haunted Mansion | Sign

Haunted Mansion | Welcome

Haunted Mansion | Tickets On Sale

Haunted Mansion | Tickets On Sale Now

Haunted Mansion | Welcome Foolish Mortals

Haunted Mansion | Enter

Haunted Mansion | Official Trailer

Haunted Mansion | Official Teaser Trailer

(L-R): Chase Dillon as Travis, Rosario Dawson as Gabbie, LaKeith Stanfield as Ben, Owen Wilson as Father Kent, and Tiffany Haddish as Harriet in Disney's HAUNTED MANSION. Photo by Jalen Marlowe. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

(L-R): Chase Dillon as Travis and Rosario Dawson as Gabbie in Disney's live-action HAUNTED MANSION. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

A scene from Disney's live-action HAUNTED MANSION. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

(L-R): Owen Wilson as Father Kent, Danny DeVito as Bruce, Rosario Dawson as Gabbie, and Tiffany Haddish as Harriet in Disney's live-action HAUNTED MANSION. Photo by Jalen Marlowe. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

(L-R): Rosario Dawson as Gabbie, Tiffany Haddish as Harriet, LaKeith Stanfield as Ben, and Owen Wilson as Father Kent in Disney's live-action HAUNTED MANSION. Photo Jalen Marlowe. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

(L-R): Tiffany Haddish as Harriet, Rosario Dawson as Gabbie, LaKeith Stanfield as Ben, and Danny DeVito as Bruce in Disney's live-action HAUNTED MANSION. Photo by Jalen Marlowe. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota in Disney's HAUNTED MANSION. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Recommended Movies

Strange World


Raya and the Last Dragon

Artemis Fowl

Kim Possible

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Toy Story 4

The Lion King

Spies in Disguise

Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2

Freaky Friday

Incredibles 2

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Olaf's Frozen Adventure
Visit the Georgia Film Site:

- For Parents
- For Educators
- Our Work and Impact
Or browse by category:
- Movie Reviews
- Best Movie Lists
- Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More
Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

- Best TV Lists
- Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
- Common Sense Selections for TV
- Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix
- Book Reviews
- Best Book Lists
- Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12
- Game Reviews
- Best Game Lists
Common Sense Selections for Games
- Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

- Podcast Reviews
- Best Podcast Lists
Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

- App Reviews
- Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps
- YouTube Channel Reviews
- YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers
- Preschoolers (2-4)
- Little Kids (5-7)
- Big Kids (8-9)
- Pre-Teens (10-12)
- Teens (13+)
- Screen Time
- Social Media
- Online Safety
- Identity and Community

Explaining the News to Our Kids
- All Articles
- Family Tech Planners
- Latino Culture
- Black Voices
- Asian Stories
- Native Narratives
- LGBTQ+ Pride

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads
Haunted mansion, common sense media reviewers.

Ghostly comedy is a spirited ride with peril, some scares.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
The specifically stated message is that "Grief can
Characters show compassion and bravery, using team
Written by female screenwriter Katie Dippold and d
Suggested death via suicide: A character drinks so
Flashbacks to Ben and Alyssa falling in love and B
"Pissed off."
Many brand and store names mentioned. A Burger Kin
Frequent drinking by several adult characters, inc
Parents need to know that Haunted Mansion is a tween-friendly supernatural comedy that's the second movie inspired by the classic Disney theme park ride (the first was released in 2003). The frights are similar to horror-comedy classics like Ghostbusters and Beetlejuice : Spirits have an edge…
Positive Messages
The specifically stated message is that "Grief can be a doorway to joy, if one's willing to work on it." But it's more likely to be understood as "we can't let grief consume us." Either way, the film supports the expression of loss and grief, which is a positive thing.
Positive Role Models
Characters show compassion and bravery, using teamwork to face terrifying ghouls in an effort to bring peace to the captured souls. Characters are allowed to experience grief in vulnerable ways and find support through those around them, finding connection.
Diverse Representations
Written by female screenwriter Katie Dippold and directed by Justin Simien (who's Black and gay). Diverse cast: Main characters include Black actors LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, and multiracial actor Rosario Dawson (Afro-Latino with Native ancestry), as well as White actors Owen Wilson and Danny DeVito. Centers around romantic and familial love between characters of color and shows Black characters' humanity and vulnerability.
Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.
Violence & Scariness
Suggested death via suicide: A character drinks something that would kill him, and his body is shown lying on the floor next to the bottle. Ghouls, ghosts, and skeletons abound -- including some without heads. Jump scares. A "black widow" type of bride repeatedly flings her ax at the characters. A duel, which leads to the duelers' demise. Character hit by a car, but the scene cuts before impact. Lots of peril. Alligator chases and snaps at characters. Supernatural elements like dark magic, seances, the appearance of a Ouija board.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Sex, Romance & Nudity
Flashbacks to Ben and Alyssa falling in love and Ben proposing. Characters hug and embrace. Implied romantic interest through lingering looks and knowing smiles. Characters discuss spouses who've passed away.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
Products & Purchases
Many brand and store names mentioned. A Burger King bag is shown; lingering shot of the logo and a mention of one of their food items, indicating likely product placement. The movie is based on an iconic Disneyland ride.
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
Frequent drinking by several adult characters, including to indicate deep depression and to build courage.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Haunted Mansion is a tween-friendly supernatural comedy that's the second movie inspired by the classic Disney theme park ride (the first was released in 2003 ). The frights are similar to horror-comedy classics like Ghostbusters and Beetlejuice : Spirits have an edge of silliness to them, but a couple (like an ax-wielding bride with demon eyes) are genuinely unsettling. Ghosts swirl through the screen in bulk, and characters -- including a child -- are in constant peril. All of this makes the movie more appropriate for older tweens and teens than younger or more sensitive children. Kids who do want to have the (often powerful) experience of "surviving" watching a scary movie will definitely feel like they're watching a fright fest -- but it's creepy, not screamy, and it's balanced with a sense of humor. Themes do touch on moving on after death and loss (for both the spirits and for living characters who are mourning the loss of a loved one). Adult characters drink throughout, and there are hugs/embraces and references to romance and departed spouses. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .
Where to Watch
Videos and photos.

Community Reviews
- Parents say (15)
- Kids say (10)
Based on 15 parent reviews
A child nearly commits suicide in this movie
Moderate scares with a great message about grief and working as a team, what's the story.
In HAUNTED MANSION, single mom Gabbie ( Rosario Dawson ) and her 9-year-old son, Travis (Chase W. Dillon), move into a New Orleans mansion that's filled with long-buried secrets -- and several unpleasant ghosts. Hoping to cleanse the house of the evil within, Gabbie hires a scrappy team of paranormal experts to help.
Is It Any Good?
Satisfactorily spooky and just the right amount of scary for tweens and young teens, director Justin Simien 's film is a true adaptation of the iconic Disney attraction. And in this case, "true" means more accurate than the actual Haunted Mansion ride itself, which was created in 1969 and, although set in New Orleans, didn't feature any people of color. Simien corrects that disconnect by casting Black actors in the primary roles and infusing the movie's backdrop with the sounds, sights, and culture of the Crescent City, from alligators to zydeco.
That said, the ride probably has more twists than this film. The story is pretty routine: There's a problem (a haunted house), we meet the experts who will solve the problem, and then they solve it. The humor level is enough to keep a feeling of lightness, which balances the specters on screen. Many of the characters are mourning the loss of a loved one, and the movie does address this with real heart. As a way to spend a couple of hours as a family, this fright-light comedy is a hauntingly good time. Still, a matinee may be advisable to give kids a few hours of daylight to process everything, in case -- just like in the ride -- an apparition jumps into the backseat of a kid's brain and follows them home.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Haunted Mansion compares with other haunted house movies. Were the scary moments too scary? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
Discuss the movie's message. Do you agree that death isn't the end, but the beginning of a new chapter?
What elements of New Orleans culture did you notice? How does the jazz "second line" funeral connect with the film's theme?
Considering how little iffy content is in this movie (other than the scares!), why do you think drinking was included?
Do you believe in ghosts? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 28, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : October 4, 2023
- Cast : LaKeith Stanfield , Rosario Dawson , Jamie Lee Curtis
- Director : Justin Simien
- Inclusion Information : Gay directors, Black directors, Black actors, Female actors, Indigenous actors, Latino actors, Female writers
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating : PG-13
- MPAA explanation : some thematic elements and scary action
- Last updated : October 16, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Our editors recommend.

We Have a Ghost

Muppets Haunted Mansion

Monster House

Scary (But Not TOO Scary!) Halloween Movies
Scary games (but not too scary), related topics.
- Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
Movie Reviews
Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, haunted mansion.

Now streaming on:
From the original ride to now-three of film adaptations, Disney's Haunted Mansion is properly cemented into the company’s spooky canon. This installment is in line behind 2003’s nostalgic Eddie Murphy chapter and 2021’s Muppets edition. Justin Simien (“ Dear White People ,” “Bad Hair") directs this return to a Black-led live-action iteration of the story.
The simple plot lends to simple execution across the board. Single mother Gabbie ( Rosario Dawson ) has moved into the antique house of her dreams with her nine-year-old son Travis ( Chase Dillon ). But not long after stepping into the home, they become blatantly aware of the spirited tenants occupying the creepy abode. Enlisting the help of grieving astrophysicist Ben ( LaKeith Stanfield ), priest Father Kent ( Owen Wilson ), medium Harriet ( Tiffany Haddish ), and haunted house expert Professor Bruce Davis ( Danny DeVito ), the gang hopes to put their heads together to rid the house of its supernatural tormentors.
“Haunted Mansion” is star-studded but shoddy at best. Despite the talent of writer Katie Dippold (“ The Heat ” “Parks and Recreation”), the script’s punchlines are forced and flat. Everyone is doled their share of one-liners, but Wilson and Haddish carry most of the weight. While Wilson often runs dry, Haddish delivers in her classic tone and cadence, executing flimsy jokes to her best ability. The script does toe the line of Disney’s boundaries, tossing in some light innuendos in a somewhat concerted effort to draw in more mature audiences.
Simien's film does display its fun-loving origins in how the house can transform into a surrealist landscape. Halls that never end, ceilings that extend into impossibility, gargoyles, hidden rooms, and the ever-so-classic ghost-inhabited portraits recall nostalgia for the film’s classic Gothicism. “Haunted Mansion” boasts a handful of playful chases and spooky sequences, but they’re fleeting and soon bring us back to the film’s stuttering pace. It's hard to find any true tension in "Haunted Mansion" until the climactic faceoff in the third act.
Perhaps the greatest letdown of Simien's movie is how little the cast delivers. The ensemble is brimming with lively, prolific candidates, yet the script hardly seems to keep this in mind. Their talents are either underused or misdirected. Stanfield’s Ben mourns the loss of his wife, his grief becoming a cornerstone of the story. Yet while we’ve seen Stanfield display emotional depth in other roles, every tearful moment feels like a soap opera, not on account of sentiment, but performance. There’s a sense of watered-down contrivance across the board. The forced, postured will-they won’t-they romance between Stanfield and Dawson showcases this also. And with seasoned comedic actors in Wilson, DeVito, and Haddish, too few of their comedy efforts actually hit.
“Haunted Mansion” is constructed with the familiar bricks of a Gothic tale, down to the theme of grief that runs throughout. There’s a thoughtful examination of how grief makes us vulnerable while also being able to harness the power of that love to connect with one another and appreciate the lives we lead. There’s also value for family audiences in the nostalgic spookiness that rides along the surface. But with a repeated sourness in the film’s comedic efforts and a tragically misused ensemble, “Haunted Mansion” misses the chance to become a Halloween classic.
In theaters now.
Peyton Robinson
Peyton Robinson is a freelance film writer based in Chicago, IL.
Now playing

Dark Harvest

Expend4bles
Peter sobczynski.

Marya E. Gates

She Came to Me

Flora and Son
Monica castillo.

Simon Abrams
Film credits.

Haunted Mansion (2023)
Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and scary action.
123 minutes
Rosario Dawson as Gabbie
Chase W. Dillon as Travis
LaKeith Stanfield as Ben Matthias
Owen Wilson as Father Kent
Tiffany Haddish as Harriet
Danny DeVito as Bruce Davis
Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota
Winona Ryder as Pat
Jared Leto as Crump / Hatbox
- Justin Simien
- Katie Dippold
Cinematographer
- Jeffrey Waldron
- Phillip J. Bartell
- Kris Bowers
Latest blog posts

Creating an Atmosphere: Justin Simien on Haunted Mansion

Short Films in Focus: Peter and the Wolf

Love Wins: Stephen Apkon's Thoughts on Love in the Time of War

CIFF 2023: All Happy Families, Bike Vessel, Departing Seniors, Memorial

IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Do you enjoy the adrenaline rush of being scared out of your wits? Are you a fan of horror movies and looking for a new way to experience fear? Look no further. In this article, we will explore some of the most terrifying scary horror games...
Filming of the movie “Giant” took place in a small Texas town named Marfa in 1956. The movie’s main filming location is the Reata mansion on the Ryan Ranch within the Marfa city limits.
Halloween is always a night of creative costumes, delicious candy and fun frights. Of course, kids love the opportunity to challenge their courage by entering haunted houses, swapping spine-chilling stories and watching scary movies.
Haunted Mansion: Directed by Justin Simien. With LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish. A single mom named Gabbie hires a tour
Haunted Mansion is a 2023 American supernatural horror comedy film directed by Justin Simien from a screenplay by Katie Dippold. It stars LaKeith Stanfield
The Haunted Mansion: Directed by Rob Minkoff. With Eddie Murphy, Terence Stamp, Nathaniel Parker, Marsha Thomason. A realtor and his wife and children are
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 4, 2023. Box Office (Gross USA): $67.5M. Runtime: 2h 3m.
The Haunted Mansion is a 2003 American supernatural horror comedy film directed by Rob Minkoff and written by David Berenbaum, based on Walt Disney's theme
Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called
Ghostly comedy is a spirited ride with peril, some scares. Read Common Sense Media's Haunted Mansion review, age rating, and parents guide.
A movie like Haunted Mansion is always going to be, at its heart, a ... Duration 2 h 3 m. Rating PG-13. Genres. Comedy · Drama · Family · Fantasy.
Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual
haunted movies on dvd · Halloween (2018) [DVD]. halloween dvds · Insidious.
“Haunted Mansion” is constructed with the familiar bricks of a Gothic tale, down to the theme of grief that runs throughout. There's a