If you’re a self-proclaimed scaredy cat, you probably watch Halloween movies from the holes between your fingers. Why resign yourself to another sleepless night when there are so many scaredy-cat-friendly movies to ring in the spooky season? These are the best non-scary Halloween movies to indulge your scary spirit ranked from the least frightening to on-the-cusp.
Halloweentown (1998)
Kick off Spooktober with the family-friendly kid's classic, Halloweentown. Generations of kids have gotten their first taste of Halloween’s magic thanks to Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds at its helm. The silly film is chock-full of family hijinks, serious stakes, and kids saving the day. It’s one you’ve got to cross off your list.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
No non-scary Halloween movie bridges the gap between fall and winter better than The Nightmare Before Christmas. A feel-good family Claymation centered on Jack Skellington’s identity crisis of sorts, The Nightmare Before Christmas never goes out of style.
Because most of these are seasonal classics, they're often only available on streaming platforms from September-October.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus is one of those breakout Disney features that cements itself in pop culture. Helmed by multi-talented artist Better Midler, this witchy romp is a masterclass in tight storytelling. Coming in with a runtime that’s just over an hour and a half, it’s the perfect movie to pop on when you’ve got a little time on your hands.
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Another family-friendly Halloween classic takes inspiration from the iconic Disney ride, Haunted Mansion. Forget the reboot. We’re here for the original that brought you Eddie Murphy at his comedic peak. A tragic love story wrapped up in a family drama, The Haunted Mansion goes just as hard in 2024 as it did in 2003.
Related: 21 Kids' Halloween Movies That Are More Fun Than Frightening
Practical Magic (1998)
If you love a multi-generational tale where love conquers all, then Practical Magic should top your October to-watch list. With heavy hitters like Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, this magical adventure has all the feel-good moments of old-school Hallmark and the production quality of a big-budget studio.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
We’re heading down under for this next non-scary Halloween movie. This marvelous mockumentary following a house full of vampires was the film that put Taika Waititi on the map. With iconic lines like “We’re werewolves, no swearwolves,” What We Do in the Shadows is a must-watch if you're in an irreverent mood. And you can always follow it up with the Emmy Award-nominated spin-off television series.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Break out your dancing shoes because you can’t sprint through the spooky season without revisiting a musical or two. We won’t let you shiver with anticipation for too long — Rocky Horror Picture Show is it. This whacky and sexy cult classic is perfect for those late October nights.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
What’s the opposite of a scream? A laugh, of course! Join Mel Brooks and the cast of Young Frankenstein this fall. With hilarious physical gags and comedic wit, this 1970s classic will keep you laughing well into the night.
Clue (1985)
While not strictly a holiday movie, Clue sets the stage for one of the best comedy-murder mystery plots you’ll ever see played out on screen. Comedy legends like Madeline Kahn and Eileen Brennan play off one another in a whodunnit so delightfully constructed that you’ll come back to it time and time again.
Related: 8 Collectible Vintage Horror Movie Posters (& What They're Worth)
Death Becomes Her (1992)
We don’t know about you, but nothing can drag us out of bed faster than Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep. Death Becomes Her is stuffed full of enough glamour and camp to get you through the scary season. Just be careful about wishing Halloween was over — remember that everything comes with a price.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice is an improv-heavy 80s film that put Tim Burton on the map. While Michael Keaton’s Betelgeuse has less than 30 minutes of screentime, his larger-than-life villain steals the show. You shouldn’t make it through October without giving this one a go.
The Craft (1996)
While you’re time traveling to the 1990s, spend some time with the cult classic movie, The Craft. While there are a few intense moments of the decade-typical girl-on-girl violence, the witchy vibes are unparalleled.
Flatliners (1990)
Want the thrill of a scary movie without any of the lasting intensity? Toe the line with Joel Schumacher’s philosophically compelling film Flatliners. It’s easy to get caught up in the suspense that the cast of characters feel, but the movie edges between fright and fun. If you want all the thrills without the chills, check out this one.
Feel the Halloween Thrills Without the Chills
Halloween has a scary reputation, but not every movie that has the holiday spirit will leave you shivering in fear. There are so many fun, silly, and feel-good non-scary Halloween movies to enjoy — you just haven’t watched them yet.
