Parents know best when their children are ready to watch scary movies. Often that comes with observing how they react to suspenseful situations in other types of movies, or in seeing which movies they want to watch over and over again.

Still, as adult horror fans who have seen hundreds and hundreds of terrifying films over the years. we have a good idea of what disturbs more mature viewers, and we've applied that knowledge to come up with a handful of suggestions for parents to consider showing their terror-loving tykes. We focused especially on recent movies that remind us of those we saw when we were younger, movies that made us want to see more "just like that one." Watch the trailers for these PG-rated movies below, with your children in mind. We welcome your comments and further suggestions for viewing.

Frankenweenie (2012)

Children who already have a ghoulish sense of humor are more likely to enjoy Tim Burton's affectionate, modern-day tribute to classic monster movies. Beware, however, that a major plot point revolves around something very sad and tragic that happens to a beloved pet. On the upside, it has a happy resolution!

ParaNorman (2012)

Our young hero is a wonderful young man, but everyone else, even his immediate family, thinks of him as abnormal, in part because he can talk to dead people. When he's given the opportunity to help others, though, he displays his inner bravery in a very fine manner, and gains the respect and friendship of other people in the community.

Coraline (2009)

The heroine initially spends a fair amount of time bemoaning her sad state of affairs after her family moves, and those feelings of isolation and alienation are something that many children will find familiar. Things pick up when she makes a fantastical discovery in the house, and by the time things get dangerous, she's ready to learn a few new lessons.

Monster House (2006)

Due to its faster pace and greater intensity, Gil Kenan's haunted house thriller may be better suited for older children. The appropriately-aged audience is more likely to appreciate the snappy humor and the heroic intelligence of 12-year-old D.J. Walters.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The stop-motion animation mitigates to a degree some of the more haunting aspects of the story, which nonetheless provides well-spaced jolts to keep kids awake throughout the holiday-themed fantasy.