As we get closer to the end of the month, it’s officially time to start preparing for Halloween. For some, this might include decorating, baking, carving pumpkins, and even preparing the perfect outfit. For others, this means watching horror movies: Friday the 13th, The Shining, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, Poltergeist, and so on. These are all classic horror films to get into the Halloween spirit.
While some people enjoy the suspense and the gore, horror movies are not for everyone. However, there are still spooky ways to celebrate the holiday without losing any sleep. For all my horror movie haters, here are five non-horror movies that will still get you excited for Halloween.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – Directed by Tim Burton
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a charming and quirky film that’s perfect for getting into the aesthetic of Halloween.
The movie follows Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, who becomes obsessed with Christmas after he accidentally discovers Christmas Town. Jack is captivated by the joy and cheer of Christmas Town and formulates a plan to take over the holiday.
This film is the ultimate combination of spooky and sweet. Tim Burton manages to maintain his signature gothic aesthetic with dark visuals and creepy characters, but its playful songs and stop-motion animation add a whimsical touch, allowing viewers to sleep peacefully after viewing.
Hocus Pocus (1993) – Directed by Kenny Ortega
For a dose of nostalgia and humor, add Hocus Pocus to your list. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, Hocus Pocus follows three young kids who accidentally resurrect three evil witches on Halloween night. With the help of a talking black cat, the three kids must stop the witches from becoming immortal and save their town.
While the movie didn’t do well upon release, it has gained popularity throughout the years and is now considered to be a cult classic. With its over the top humor, iconic costumes, and legendary performance of “I Put a Spell on You,” this film is perfect for October. Its creepy tone captures the spirit of Halloween, but its themes of family and friendship make it a great film for those who enjoy laughs over scares.
Beetlejuice (1988) – Directed by Tim Burton
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! Tim Burton strikes again with another Halloween classic. Beetlejuice follows two ghosts, Barbara and Adam, who are forced to haunt their old home. When our lovable main character Lydia and her family move in, Barbara and Adam must seek the help of a mischievous poltergeist, Beetlejuice, to scare the family away. Lydia begins to form a close bond with the ghosts, and realizes she’d rather hang with the dead than the living.
While the movie has dark themes, eccentric visuals, and supernatural elements, its loving characters and over-the-top humor make it the perfect film for anyone to enjoy. It’s witty, weird, and just the right amount of spooky. Just don’t say his name three times, or Beetlejuice might show up to join you.
Ghostbusters (1984) – Directed by Ivan Reitman
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
Ghostbusters follows four scientists who lose their jobs at a university in New York, and decide to become “ghostbusters” to make a little money. However, after they unleash evil spirits upon the city, it’s up to them to save the day.
Not only is the film pop-culture gold with its iconic cast and instantly recognizable theme song, but Ghostbusters is the perfect blend of comedy, action, and horror. It’s not exclusively a Halloween movie, but its spooky theme and presence of supernatural elements will leave you feeling ready for the spooky season. The cult classic focuses more on humor and adventure rather than the scares, making it a fan favorite for all ages. If you haven’t seen Ghostbusters, October is the perfect time to watch this classic film.
The Addams Family (1991) – Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld
Known for its iconic theme song and gothic aesthetic, The Addams Family is the perfect film to get you in a fun and spooky mood. When a man claiming to be Fester, the missing brother of Gomez Addams, arrives at the Addams’ home, the family is thrilled. However, Gomez quickly realizes it’s all a scheme to swindle the Addams fortune and that he must challenge Fester.
With iconic and quirky characters, dark humor, and a fun family-friendly vibe, this is the ultimate feel-good movie for October.
Whether you are looking to get into the Halloween spirit, or if you just want to watch a film with no jump scares, grab a blanket and some popcorn, and consider watching one of these fun and spooky seasonal classics.