I know so many people love horror for their Halloween movies. But for me, I love a more light-hearted, non-horror Halloween movie. These movies and TV shows may have a few jump scares or sinister moments, but overall they will give you a cozy fall Halloween feeling.
This post is all about non-horror Halloween Movies to watch this Halloween!
1. Halloweentown (1998)
This childhood Disney Channel Original Movie is an classic Halloween film franchise. Without a doubt the first is the best, but the sequels aren’t bad either. Debbie Reynolds is the witchy grandmother we all want as Agatha Cromwell. But it’s the festive town square and citizens of Halloweentown that makes this movie a great watch.
2. The Addams Family (1991)
If you’re looking for something delightfully dark and subversive, but not too scary, this is the movie for you! This iteration of the Addams Family features tons of clever one-liners from excellent actors, including a young Christina Ricci. There’s also a sequel, Addams Family Values.
3. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Do I really even need to explain? This movie is the ULTIMATE Halloween film, in my opinion. This Disney Channel Original Movie is an absolute Halloween movie staple. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker delight as the Sanderson Sisters, back from the dead to “suck the lives out of the children of Salem,” but in a fun way.
4. Beetlejuice (1988)
This movie is iconic for so many reasons. A young and spooky Wynona Rider and an incredible star-studded cast bring us this hilarious film. The ghoulish lead and haunting subject matter make this a perfect Halloween movie watch.
5. Ghostbusters (1984)
This classic film has the ghosts that make it a perfect Halloween watch. But also more than anything, it has the laughs. This comedic team is next level and will leave you both with a spooky vibe and a stitch in your side from laughing.
6. Ghostbusters (2016)
While this remake may not be as iconic as the original, there is no denying that it is still a funny and fun watch. Mellissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones will, as always, have you laughing in no time. And we can’t forget the hilarious performance by Chris Hemsworth either.
7. Casper (1995)
This sweet spooky movie was an absolute staple of my childhood. There was always something so fun and playful about Casper. And this is also another great example of a young Christina Ricci being a spooky queen. This is a perfect one to watch with the whole family.
8. Under Wraps (1997)
This movie is a DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) classic as well. When these three kids find a mummy, they have to return him before midnight on Halloween. As you can imagine, chaos ensues.
9. Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
If you haven’t seen this movie before, prepare yourself. This wacky 70s romp is truly a cult classic. And if you really want to get the full experience, it is essential that you find a theater playing it live. The live screenings are incredible interactive experiences with costumes and props and more!
10. Practical Magic (1998)
Truly one of the best fall movies I can image, this Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman film brings together all the best of spooky season. In a small coastal town, two sisters are raised by eccentric aunts, who just happen to be witches. This movie has love, comedy, and a few good scares. And this witchy delight also finishes with a fun Halloween scene.
11. Young Frankenstein (1974)
If you’re looking for some classic Mel Brooks humor with a spooky twist, look no further. This Gene Wilder spoof is filled with classic comedic gags and set pieces. You truly can’t go wrong with this Halloween movie essential.
12. Zombieland (2009)
Zombies are good for spooky season right? While this seemingly isn’t set during Halloween time, there are few things more scary than zombies. But this movie falls squarely into the comedy genre and avoids any of the too scary horror tropes. It’s fun, funny, heartfelt and a little bit scary all in one!
13. the Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
While there might be some debate over whether this is a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie, I think we can agree it works for either. And there is no mistaking this Tim Burton animation has all the spooky vibes you need for a fun Halloween watch.
14. Moms on a Date With A Vampire (2000)
This film is very much on the silly side of things, but is there anything more Halloween than vampires? This DCOM follows kids as they try to convince their mom she’s on a date with a vampire. All your favorite vampire cliches are at play. It may be goofy, but it will satisfy your Disney nostalgia.
15. The Scream Team (2002)
When their grandfathers ghost is stolen by an evil ghost, they assemble a ragtag team of ghosts to help them. This spooky DCOM provides a hefty dose of comedy and nostalgia as well. You even get to see a young Kat Dennings, and Halloween queen Kathy Najimy.
16. Coco (2017)
This Disney Pixar movie is centered around the Mexican holiday the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). When a young boy who loves music travels to the afterlife through a magic guitar, he must journey to find his way back and to save his family. This movie is fun, funny, heartwarming, and is a perfect Halloween movie to watch.
17. Scooby Doo (2002)
While I realize this movie has almost no connection to Halloween, there is just something about solving a spooky mystery that screams Halloween watch. And this remake of the cartoon TV show is a hilarious and goofy take on the classic.
18. Haunted Mansion (2003)
While the name implies something from the horror genre, the Disney makers and Eddie Murphy lead ensure this is a fun family comedy. You’ll get jump scares and ghosts, but not too much. There is even a 2023 remake of the film!
19.Clue (1985)
When it comes to spooky season, is there anything better than a classic spooky whodunnit? This stylized film based on the classic board game feels like watching a murder mystery dinner unfold. Filled with laughs and mystery, this makes for a great Halloween movie choice.
20. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
If you know one thing about Tim Burton, I’m sure it’s his quintessential spooky aesthetic. And this movie is no different. The heavily stylized film makes for a great spooky watch, without any of the horror scares.
TV SHOWS
21. Wednesday (2022-)
This new Netflix show had everyone tuning in and taping into their dark aesthetic. A new spin on the classic Addams Family character Wednesday, this show follows her time at a boarding school creatures. The vibes and characters make this an essential Halloween binge.
22. The Chilling adventures of Sabrina ( – )
The beloved teenage witch gets a dark revamp in this Netflix series. Just before her 16th birthday, Sabrina is struggling with choosing between her witch side (her family) or her mortal side (her friends) as her “dark baptism” approaches. This show has the best vibes to get you ready for spooky season.
23. Buffy the vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
Buffy is quintessential 90’s sci-fi in all the best ways. She’s “susie high school” by day, and vampire slayer and protector of the innocent by night. Throw in a tortured star crossed lovers storyline between vampire and slayer and its a recipe for tasty drama. The time spent in the library and in the graveyard will be more than enough to give you the fall feels.
24. Sleepy Hollow (2013-2017)
Ichabod Crane gets thrown for a loop, when he is brought into present day to fight the Headless Horseman. The leading duo of this show make for a funny and charming pairing. And the small town fall aesthetic really puts you in a cozy mood. This classic tale is a great spooky season watch.
25. Charmed (1998-2006)
This show is an absolute staple for spooky season. Three adult sisters find out they are witches, The Charmed Ones, and they must come to terms with their fate fighting evil. This show is a 90’s classic: the fashion, the leading ladies, the cameos. It’s everything you could want for a spooky season watch.
Happy watching!
This post is all about the best non-horror Halloween movies to watch this spooky season!
If you’re looking for more fun watching guides, check out the Entertainment section of the blog, or the posts below!
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