Now Streaming Halloween Edition: Netflix Instant Picks For A Perfect Spooky Evening

With so many titles to choose from, Netflix Instant's library can be overwhelming. So we typically bring you this biweekly column as a tool to cut through the clutter by highlighting some now streaming titles that pair well with the latest theatrical releases. But with Halloween upon us, we decided to treat you all to a bonus column filled to the brim with scary cinema, terrifying TV shows, and spooky selections for all ages.


Halloween Viewing For Kids
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) This movie musical from the deranged mind of Tim Burton imagines what would happen if the ghosts and ghouls who make October 31st fun took over Christmas. Jack Skellington has grown bored with being the king of Halloween, so he kidnaps Santa Claus to take his place and bring joy to children all over the world Christmas morning. But when Jack's idea of gifts prove more horrifying than fun, he puts himself and the whole Christmas holiday at risk. Danny Elfman, Catherine O'Hara, Chris Sarandon, and William Hickey lend their voices. Henry Sellick directs.

ParaNorman (2012) The little town of Blithe Hollow has a rich history of spooky witch stories. But when these urban legends come to life, the only person who can save the residents from an vengeful witch is a little misfit named Norman, who has the unusual ability to be able to converse with the dead. Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse lend their voices; Chris Butler and Sam Fell direct.

DreamWorks Spooky Stories (2009-2011) The company behind such charming animated efforts as Shrek, Monsters vs. Aliens, and Megamind have created a series of spin-off shorts that have their wacky heroes engaging in a wide-array of Halloween shenanigans. Whatever your age, you'll like find these cartoons entertaining as they include mutant pumpkins, zombie carrots, and the ghost of Lord Farquaad. Volume 2 is also streaming.

Goosebumps (1995) Based on the popular books by R.L. Stine, this anthology series has children at the center of every creepy adventure. Aside from haunted houses, werewolves, vampires, and ghosts, this show also boasts tales about a cuckoo clock that changes the future, a family with a monstrous secret and a living ventriloquist dummy whose up to no good. All five seasons are now streaming.