5 Halloween movies for people who don’t like horror

Halloween is almost upon us, and that means that enjoying “spooky season” is almost over. But before October ends and we switch out ghosts for turkeys, curl up and watch some Halloween movies that will make you laugh and smile rather than scream. Here are a few of my favorite Halloween movies, as someone who doesn’t like the ‘horror’ genre.

Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus is my all-time favorite Halloween movie. When I explain to people just why that is, I start by saying that it is the perfect mix of stupid and fun. The Disney cult classic from almost 30 years ago continues to stay fun year after year, in large part because of the witches. Their antics are hilarious, and they are so dumb that you can’t help but “laugh maniacally” – as the subtitles would say – when they come on screen. Add in others, like Binx the cat and the main character’s sassy little sister, Dani, and you’ve got a Halloween movie for the ages.

Beetlejuice

No Halloween movie marathon is complete without watching Beetlejuice. It is quirky, creative, and full of incredible actors and actresses who bring the story to life. I was certainly skeptical before seeing it because I thought it would be boring or too weird, but I was pleasantly surprised with how fun it was. After so long, it still remains in pop culture through reminders not to say “Beetlejuice” three times in a row and due to the successful Broadway musical of the same name. Even if you don’t enjoy it, this is one everyone should watch at least once in their life.

Coco

I don’t like getting scared by movies, which is why I never opt for horror. Luckily, Disney movies aren’t known for their spine-chilling villains nor gruesome violence, so they are always a good bet. Of the animated Disney films, “Coco” is one of my favorites. While not explicitly about Halloween, this movie surrounds Día de los Muertos and a young boy’s journey to reconnect with his ancestors in order to find a sense of belonging in music. It is heartfelt, colorful, and so fun. I think it’s a year-round movie, but it is the perfect movie for getting in the spooky spirit.

Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters is not technically a Halloween movie either, but what goes together better than ghosts and Halloween, right? An 80’s classic, Ghostbusters gets you in the spirit of Halloween as the protagonists hunt down ghosts in New York City, delivering quippy one-liners and priceless reactions along the way. Honestly, it’s just fun; I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who truly dislikes Ghostbusters.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas could be considered a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie, depending on how you look at it. Personally, I classify it as a Halloween movie because of the characters, the plot, and even some of the more unsettling songs. This one is an indisputable classic, with exceptional music, developed characters, and stop-motion animation that holds up to this day.

So whether you want heartwarming, humorous, or a fun sort of spooky, there are Halloween movies out there that don’t thrive on jump scares and terrifying plots. Halloween can and should be fun… so, enjoy it!

Sources:

• Hocus Pocus: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/ 
• Beetlejuice: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094721/ 
• Coco: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2380307/ 
• Ghostbusters: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/ 
• The Nightmare Before Christmas: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107688/

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