Non-Scary Halloween Movies
I enjoy Halloween. I’m a big fan of the fall-winter seasons, especially the holidays. And Halloween feels like the real kickoff to my favorite stretch of the year. One thing I don’t love is scary stuff. I’ll pass on scary Halloween costumes. I’d rather not go to a haunted house. And horror is probably my least favorite genre of film. However as the genre most associated with this time of year, it’s hard to find movies to watch in October that won’t make you need to change your pants. So in this list I’m going to countdown some movies you can watch during the Halloween season that aren’t too scary & wouldn’t fall into the horror genre. I’ll also provide you with some watching options.
Hocus Pocus- This 1993 film and its 2022 sequel feature a trio of witch sisters played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, & Sarah Jessica Parker. Though these films feature themes of witchcraft, they lean into the comedy, so are not inherently scary films. Both films can be found on Disney+ and the original is often aired on TV during October, if that’s still your thing.
Halloweentown- A series of Disney Channel Original Movies that focuses on Marnie, a young girl who discovers she has magic powers and has ties to the secret world of Halloweentown. If you’re looking for a binge-able series of films, this film and its three sequels should do it for you at less than 90 minutes a piece. They can all be found on Disney+ and I’m sure will air on the Disney Channel as well.
Beetlejuice- While this film is categorically a horror film, it falls into the subgenre of ‘comedy horror’ which feels like a wash to me. Similar to ‘Hocus Pocus’ it leans more into the comedic tones, focusing on a family who have interactions with ghosts, ghouls, and the sorts with Michael Keaton playing the titular role. The sequel is still in theaters so if you want to make a trip to the movies, that may be a good watch, while the original film can be streamed on Max.
The Addams Family- Described as a black comedy, this film is of course based on the characters from Charles Addams’s cartoon & the 60s TV show of the same name. It stars Anjelica Huston & Raul Julia as Morticia & Gomez Addams, with Christopher Lloyd, Christina Ricci, & Jimmy Workman playing Uncle Festus, Wednesday, & Pugsley. Both it & it’s sequel, ‘Addams Family Values,’ can be found on Paramount+, while the animated remake can be found on Sling, with it’s sequel available on Prime. The show ‘Wednesday’ (I personally haven’t seen it) gained extreme popularity on release and can be streamed on Netflix.
Casper- Also starring Christina Ricci, this supernatural comedy is about ghosts, which can typically be a scary subject. However the primary ghost is not known as Casper the Friendly Ghost for nothing. The film follows Casper as he peacefully haunts a home and its new family. It can be streamed on Prime.
Hubie Halloween- This 2020 film stars Adam Sandler as a deli worker who must save his town on Halloween. It features some of Sandler’s usual players such as Kevin James, Rob Schneider, Maya Rudolph, Steve Buscemi, Julie Bowen, & Tim Meadows, while also starring Ray Liotta, June Squibb, & Kenan Thompson. The film is available on Netflix.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit- This 2005 film won the Oscar for Best Animated Film & comes from Aardman Animations, famous for their claymation style. This comedy film can be found on Netflix and follows the titular duo investigating a monster that has been eating their town’s vegetables.
The Nightmare Before Christmas- Is this a Christmas movie? Or a Halloween movie? Personally I lean towards the latter just due to the sheer volume of other Christmas flicks available. It follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, as he hopes to bring the joy of Christmas to his Halloween filled world. The film is available for streaming on Disney+.
Ghostbusters- Who you gonna call? Though this film has a slew of sequels, spinoffs, and reboots, the original is the only one that is widely beloved. It, ‘Ghostbusters II,’ & the 2016 reboot can all be found on Starz, with ‘Ghosbusters: Afterlife’ available on Fubo, and the newest ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ now streaming on Netflix.
Zombieland- My favorite of both the zombie and zombie comedy subgenres, this film starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, & Abigail Breslin (with a brilliant Bill Murray cameo) can be found on Netflix and is a guaranteed laugh. It’s sequel ‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ adds Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson, Avan Jogia, & Thomas Middleditch to the cast and can be streamed on Hulu.
The Haunted Mansion- Based on the Disney theme park attraction of the same name, this Eddie Murphy led horror comedy features a realtor and his family who go to said mansion and discover its secrets. Both it & the 2023 reboot can be found on Disney+. However, if those are too still a tad too scary for you, you can also watch the Halloween special ‘Muppets Haunted Mansion,’ also found on the House of Mouse.
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial- While every other film so far has fallen into the supernatural/fantasy genre, this sci-fi movie brings the same spirit. Taking place around Halloween (with some scenes actually on Halloween), this heartwarming story is found on Sling TV.
Coco- So this isn’t a Halloween movie, but considering Día de los Muertos falls the day after Halloween, I’m going to count it. Especially because this shares traits with some of the others here, including ghosts & supernatural forces. This film is one Pixar’s finest in my humble opinion. The animation is stellar, the story is heartfelt, the voice acting is well done, and the songs are elite. This film can be streamed on Disney+.
Scooby-Doo- While any story featuring the Mystery Inc. gang would be a good Halloween watch, I’m referring to the 2002 live action version (and it’s 2004 sequel). This film stars Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Geller, Linda Cardellini, & Matthew Lillard as Fred, Daphne, Velma, & Shaggy. The original is available on Max.
Twilight- The most prominent of the supernatural romance genre, I don’t think I need to tell you what ‘Twilight’ is. While most of the films take place over the course of about a year, they all exude autumn from start to finish, featuring Halloween favorites like vampires, werewolves, & angsty teens. The films are not currently on any streaming platform (though that may change so I recommend verifying that for yourself), but are available to rent or buy on various online platforms.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone- I may catch some heat for this. Some people like to watch the Harry Potter films during Christmas. Good for you. Personally I’m pro watching Harry Potter any chance I get. My wife & I’s annual tradition is to watch the saga between Halloween & Thanksgiving, because while they do have many good winter, spring, & even summer scenes, they just are very fall films. All the films can be streamed on Max & are often shown on TV year round.
