If you’re like me and get scared by anything Halloween related but still want to celebrate spooky season, here are some films that I enjoy and don’t lose sleep over. Trust me, I’m a scaredy-cat.
- The Halloweentown Series
A classic Disney film from our childhood, Halloweeentown is full of the spirit of spooky season, nostalgia and few scary sights. With Debbie Reynolds playing Aggie Cromwell, the loving grandmother of Marnie Piper with secret magic with powers, Halloweentown is always my go-to. It has all the aspects of a Halloween movie: jack-o-lanterns, magic, and monsters, without the gore and terrifying graphics of real horror movies. Even if it is technically geared towards younger kids and is an older movie, it is still one of my favorites. And it has sequels that are just as good, if not better.
- Hocus Pocus
Another classic, Hocus Pocus is a little bit “scarier” than Halloweentown, per se, but if I can get through it, so can you. This movie, featuring the iconic Sanderson sister trio, is a must-watch during spooky season. With the legend of the black flame candle and witches from the 1600s, and taking place in none other than Salem, Massachusetts. In the movie, protagonist Max and his younger sister, Dani, must save the world from these ragtag sister-witches before they become immortal and take over the world. This is another movie that I watch at least once every October.
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
This one speaks for itself. Nothing scary about it, The Great Pumpkin is just one of those cute, nostalgic Halloween classics that everyone knows and loves. I mean, how could you not love Charlie Brown and his best furry friend, Snoopy?
- Anything Scooby Doo
Finally, enjoy spooky season with your favorite group of “meddling kids” and their dog. Even though this one is not technically a Halloween film, I still enjoy a night with Mystery Inc. this time of year. Each movie and/or episode is full of monsters, mystery and jump scares (at least for Scooby and Shaggy) so it works. This one is good too because there is no shortage of content to watch. There is even a newer movie, Scoob! featuring the gang.
Overall, celebrating Halloween can be tricky if you’re a scaredy-cat like me. Horror movies, no thanks, haunted houses, not a chance, but hopefully this film can get you into the season without giving you nightmares!