*Spoilers Ahead*
Scary movies are a Halloween trademark. There’s nothing quite like turning off all the lights, getting cozy on the couch, popping some popcorn and watching a horror movie, right? Scary movies are a part of the Halloween culture, and they seem to be next to impossible to avoid. As October 31st creeps closer, every movie channel on TV is playing scary movies. And on top of that, streaming platforms start to advertise horror movies as soon as September rolls around. Before you even make it to October, Halloween is already in the air.
The only problem with all of these great horror movies showing up everywhere you look is being someone who doesn’t enjoy the horror genre. I completely understand. It took me until the age of 13 to build up enough courage to watch Harry Potter. So, for all of you who want to experience scary movies without really getting scared, here’s my personal list of not-so-scary scary movies you’ve been searching for.
1. The Shining
I know how this sounds, but I promise I’m not pulling any tricks on you (only treats here!)! The Shining is one of those movies that looks and feels like a horror movie without actually giving you anything to be afraid of. The truth is the only “scary” part of this movie is how incredibly long the introduction scene is. The Shining is a psychological thriller. In other words, it’s supposed to evoke that roller-coaster pit in the bottom of your stomach without giving you anything to fear.
The movie uses background music to do this. The music makes you feel like something is going to pop up and scare you, but nothing does. There are no jump scares, no paranormal activity and no monsters hiding in any closets. Admittedly, there are a few scenes that are mildly uncomfortable but nothing that will give even the most terrified movie watcher any real scares.
2. Hocus Pocus
When I think “Halloween”, Hocus Pocus is one of the first movies that comes to mind. All Hallows Eve, witches, costume parties, trick-or-treating, it really does have it all. The best part is it showcases all of the classic Halloween symbols without scaring you. How? Comedy. The movie is incredibly comedic and it’s not hard to tell some of the characters were created for the sole purpose of being comedic relief (honestly if they weren’t entertaining, Jay and Ernie would be incredibly useless).
Like most of the others on this list, there are some short scenes or objects that are uncomfortable to think about (seriously Sanderson Sisters? A skin book?) but overall, it’s just pure 1990s Disney fun. All in all, Hocus Pocus is one of those films that makes you want to eat some pumpkin pie with a witch’s hat on your head. Scare-free Halloween bliss!
3. Coco
Disney’s Coco is one of the best Halloween movies out there. The movie itself takes place on October 31st and follows the Mexican tradition, Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Most of the movie takes place in The Land of the Dead and introduces the audience to many Día de Los Muertos traditions (like Alebrijes or spirit guides). It showcases October 31st in a light many don’t usually get the chance to see.
The movie doesn’t focus on Western Halloween and therefore some of the more traditional Western aspects of Halloween like pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating are omitted. Instead, we see people honouring lost loved ones and celebrating life. It’s a nice change from the common horror movie. Coco is an incredibly fun way to get into the Halloween spirit while avoiding any real scares. And as a bonus, there are arguably some of the best Disney songs in this movie.
4. Misery
This sounds bad again, I know, but I promise this “horror” movie isn’t as horrifying as it may appear. Like The Shining, Misery is based on a book by top-selling novelist, Stephen King. It is the perfect middle ground between scary and not. It’s another psychological thriller that’s meant to create a sense of fear in your mind, without there being anything to be afraid of. It does take place in the winter, which can take away from the “Halloween-ness” of it; however, like The Shining, Misery is more of a non-scary horror movie rather than a Halloween movie.
Of course, there are the unavoidable couple of scenes that leave you feeling uneasy, but other than the typical “something bad is about to happen” feeling, most of the fear that comes from this movie is a result of your own mind. It’s what’s so perfect about it and why it’s found its way onto this list. It makes you afraid of something that doesn’t end up happening, so you get that Halloween scare, without the nightmares! It’s a win/win!
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Yes, I did save the best for last. Honestly, I’d be surprised if you haven’t seen this movie already, but I’m not here to judge! For those who haven’t seen it yet, this movie is a Halloween classic that no Halloween watch list (scary or not) is complete without. It’s the perfect movie to get you into that spooky spirit. I mean, it takes place in Halloween Town. Can you really get any more “Halloween” than Halloween Town?
There are some casual childish spooky scenes in this movie but nothing the incredible soundtrack won’t make you forget about. It’s the perfect movie to end this list as it would be the perfect movie to end any Halloween movie viewing party. It’s silly, it’s funny, it has childish scares and it makes you excited for the coming Halloween (as well as future Halloweens)!
Halloween should not be a trying time for anyone. You should be able to have fun, whether you enjoy the “normal” scariness of it or not. The most important thing to remember is that you can still have a great Halloween without torturing yourself. So, grab your popcorn, gather some buddies, cozy up and enjoy the show!