I have always hated horror movies. I somewhat get the appeal of being scared, but I will never understand wanting to witness the disturbing aspects that are in some horror films. However, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, so I created a list of movies that fit the Halloween vibe, but are not scary. I also ranked each movie on a 1-10 scale based on how scary it is (one being not scary and 10 being terrifying). So, grab your popcorn, ’cause here are ten not-so-scary Halloween movies!
- Hocus Pocus (1993)
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Hocus Pocus is an absolute classic. The Disney movie follows a teenage boy, Max, who accidentally releases the Sanderson sisters, three evil witches who died during the Salem Witch trials. With the help of a magical cat named Binx, Max, and his friends have to steal the witches’ spell book so they don’t become immortal and take over Salem. This movie has multiple musical numbers and tons of jokes. Although it is technically a children’s movie, it is still a fun ride for adults. You can stream it on Disney+ and Hulu.
Scariness Level: 2/10
- Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
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Nearly 30 years later, the Sanderson sisters return in Hocus Pocus 2. The sequel follows a similar plot to the first movie, but it is fun to see the three iconic witches again in 2022. The film is available to stream on Disney+.
Scariness Level: 1/10
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
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There is nothing more nostalgic than It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. I think I have watched this movie every Halloween season of my life. The 25-minute special follows the Peanuts children and the different ways they celebrate Halloween. I quote, “I got a rock,” all the time. There is literally nothing scary about this film, in fact, it is extremely comforting. You can watch it on Apple TV+.
Scariness Level: 0/10
- Beetlejuice (1988)
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Beetlejuice may be my favorite Halloween movie after It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Barbara and Adam Maitland are ghosts who are stuck haunting their former home after dying in a car accident. They attempt to scare away the new family that moves in after them, which attracts a dangerous spirit named Betelgeuse. This film is absolutely iconic and hilariously fun. Some of the visuals are a little creepy, but it’s nothing too bad. You can rent it on Prime Video.
Scariness Level: 3/10
- The Craft (1996)
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The Craft is definitely the scariest movie on this list. After moving to a new school, Sarah, a natural witch, falls into a new friend group containing three aspiring witches. When their rituals start working, Nancy, Bonnie, and Rochelle become obsessed with their power which leads to dangerous outcomes. This film is a cult classic with so many quotable moments. It is available to stream on Hulu.
Scariness Level: 5/10
- Girl vs. Monster (2012)
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Girl vs. Monster is a classic Disney Channel Original Movie. Honestly, this movie is not that great. However, if you grew up watching the Disney Channel in the late 2000s and early 2010s, nostalgia carries it through. It follows a teenage girl, Skylar, who accidentally releases a dangerous monster and later finds out that she is a 5th generation monster hunter. She goes on a mission to capture the monster before it can hurt her and her family. I remember printing out the lyrics to a song from the movie called, “Had Me @ Hello” and singing it with my friends at recess. Trust me, that song still goes hard 11 years later. The movie can be streamed on Disney+.
Scariness Level: 1/10
- Practical Magic (1996)
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This film stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, so what’s not to love? The actresses play sisters, Sally and Gillian, who were born into a family of witches. There is a generational curse placed on the family that prevents them from falling in love. If they do fall in love, their partner will die an untimely death. After Gillian’s boyfriend dies, a policeman named Gary Hallet grows suspicious of the sisters, leading to loads of chaos. This movie has entertaining elements of comedy and romance. Another major bonus is its 10/10 soundtrack. It is available to stream on Hulu.
Scariness Level: 4/10
- Knives Out (2019)
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Although Knives Out isn’t a Halloween movie, it certainly fits the spooky vibes. This star-studded murder mystery is one of my favorite films of all time. The acting, scoring, and cinematography are so perfect. I recommend going into this movie blind and allowing yourself to get wrapped up in the story. That being said, all you need to know before watching is that a Detective named Benoit Blanc is called to investigate the death of an 85-year-old novelist. The film is available to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Scariness Level: 2/10
- The Harry Potter Series
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I have only seen the first film in this franchise, however, so many of my friends love this series. They rewatch it every fall and it brings them so much comfort. You can stream the 8-movie series on Max.
- Twilight
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Similarly to the Harry Potter series, I have only seen the first Twilight movie. Yet, once again, my friends swear by the franchise, so maybe this Halloween season I’ll give it a chance. The series is available to rent on Prime Video.
Hopefully, this list helps guide my fellow scaredy cats this Halloween season. Now, go light a pumpkin candle, curl up in a seasonal blanket, and bask in the comfort you’ll feel watching these films.