Top 10 non-scary Halloween movies to get you in the holiday spirit

Alyssa Eimer

Fall movie setup at home

As leaves start to turn, pumpkin spice everything fills the shelves, and the weather gets (slightly) cooler, it is apparent fall has arrived. The crown jewel of fall — Halloween — is just weeks away, so I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 non-scary Halloween movies for those who hate the horror genre or just want to change it up a bit. Movies are always an essential part of fall, but this year they’ll especially come in handy due to the many activities we can no longer participate in; so gather up some blankets, pop some popcorn and happy watching!

 

“Hocus Pocus”

“Hocus Pocus” is one of the quintessential Halloween movies that is played religiously on Freeform and channels alike leading up to the big day. The movie follows the Sanderson Sisters, three witches who were hanged in the Salem witch trials, who have come back to life. If you haven’t seen this movie yet I urge you to watch it as it’s the perfect mix of magic and comedy.

 

“Halloweentown”

While “Halloweentown” is a little childish and the graphics are outdated, this movie holds its own due to the nostalgia and fun it brings. A Disney Channel classic, this movie follows a family who learns about their mysterious heritage by following their grandmother on Halloween night to Halloweentown. This movie is such a rewatchable one and has an allure to it as I continue to watch it each year.

 

“The Addams Family”

“The Addams Family”, originally a show, has been adapted to a live-action movie, and just last year, a cartoon. Out of these the one I’m referring to, and the one I’d recommend watching is the live-action movie. “The Addams Family” movie follows the bizarre family, known as both “spooky and kooky,” according to their theme song, as they are enraptured in a plot to steal their large family fortune from under their noses.

 

“The Nightmare Before Christmas”

While some debate remains as to whether this is a Halloween or Christmas movie, I tend to lean towards the side of Halloween, however, if you’re unsure you may as well just watch it on both holidays! One of Tim Burton’s most notable films, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” delivers on a whimsical movie, and on the plus side is a musical. The movie is about Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween, who is feeling conflicted until he learns of Christmas, which sparks joy and mayhem as his Halloween friends take over the holiday.

 

“Beetlejuice” 

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! After Barbara and Adam die, they are left to haunt their old house, but when a terrible family moves in they must scare them into leaving. When their lackluster scare attempts provide no results, they call upon Beetlejuice, a crazy spirit who soon proves too much to handle. As a notable ‘80s movie, my parents introduced me to “Beetlejuice” and it is now I love rewatching it.

 

“Zombieland”

An apocalyptic zombie movie comedy, what more could you ask for? After a virus turns most of the human population into zombies, an oddball group forms as they look out for each other on their way to a rumored safe house. 

 

“Clue”

The movie “Clue” is based on the popular board game of the same name. Fans of mystery and the board game will love this movie that centers around a murder occurring at a party. The famous characters such as Mrs. Scarlet and Colonel Mustard must figure out who among them is the murderer before they’re too late. “Clue” places you in another time period and world, and the twist at the end is worth waiting for. 

 

“Edward Scissorhands”

Another classic Tim Burton movie, “Edward Scissorhands” is the title and protagonist of the movie. He is taken in by a well-meaning mother but has trouble fitting into the otherwise seemingly perfect neighborhood. It’s easy to root for Edward who has a kind, gentle soul, opposite of what one might think due to his appearance. I watched this movie for the first time last year and I am so glad I did because it is a terrific feel-good movie that still conveys the Halloween spirit.

 

“Coraline”

“Coraline” is a stop-motion movie centered around the protagonist, an 11-year-old named Coraline. Coraline and her family move to a new town and while Coraline struggles to find friends and entertain herself, she stumbles upon a door that leads her to an alternate reality. The alternate reality is glaringly similar to Coraline’s life with the exception that everything is better until she realizes that all is not as it seems. This movie reminds me of a creepy version of Alice in Wonderland and I am here for it.

 

“A Quiet Place”

This movie is a little scarier than the rest, but if you’re OK with that than I’d highly recommend it. “A Quiet Place” builds on suspense with the premise of the movie revolving around creatures who track humans through sounds. “A Quiet Place” is an interesting concept and well-executed as having little to no sound within the movie is an interesting experience. This works well though because it causes you to pay close attention when watching it and keeps your attention rapt.