Casper
This 1995 fantasy-comedy follows a friendly ghost boy and a grieving girl who form a sweet friendship inside a haunted mansion, but the film is heavier than the classic cartoon suggests. Themes of death and parental loss run throughout, and the mischievous ghost uncles bring some genuinely startling and crude moments.
Most comfortable for kids around 8 and up who can sit with big feelings about loss without being overwhelmed.
If you’d rather skip
The ghost uncles first appear as a shrieking whirlwind with distorted looming faces and red eyes; sets their threatening tone for the rest of the film.
A priest enters the haunted mansion and exits with his head twisted fully backwards; played as comedy but visually shocking for young children.
Casper explains how he died as a child; the moment is genuinely sad and may be upsetting or prompt difficult questions from younger viewers.