Halloween is one of the biggest holiday’s of the year. It not only represents everyone being able to dress up as something creepy or cute, it also means that it’s the start of fall, one of the best seasons.
From getting candy from neighbors, to baking cookies and drinking hot chocolate, there’s nothing better than spending a cozy night in as the leaves start to change outside. That’s why finding a cozy movie to watch on the evenings can be so fun.
But sometimes Halloween movies are primarily scary, and not everyone is a fan of that. So, what are some of the best Halloween movies that aren’t scary for those that would rather just find a nice romance, cozy, bewitching movie to fall asleep to.
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15. Ghostbusters
One of the best Halloween movies that aren’t scary is Ghostbusters, an action, comedy and fantasy film starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis and William Atherton. The film follows Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz and Egon Spengler who work at Columbia University where they dive into the paranormal and try experiments on their students.
When they get kicked out of the university, they start a business to focus on ridding New York City from paranormal phenomena for a price. However, people believe that they’re the cause of the paranormal activity and are thrown in jail.
But little does everyone know, a long dead Gozer worshiper is the true cause of the paranormal activity. The worshiper is working to resurrect the Gozer, and bring end to all humanity. Can the Ghostbusters stop him in time?
14. Goosebumps
Based on the novels, Goosebumps has had several adaptations. One such adaptation is the 2015 adventure, comedy fantasy movie starring Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee and more. The film follows a teenager (Minnette) who teams up with the daughter (Rush) of young-adult horror author R.L. Stine (Black) world becomes a reality.
Stine’s monsters in his books are real, and the only way he keeps them contained is through his books as they’re locked in. But once they’re unleashed, the monsters in the books begin to terrorize their town. It’s up to the three of them to put those monsters back in the books.
13. Beetlejuice
A classic Halloween movie is Beetlejuice, the 1988 film that follows the spirits of a normal couple, Adam and Barbara. Even though they’re dead, they still live in the same house and live their lives normally, that is, until a family begins to move in.
Adam and Barbara do their best to scare away the new family but end up becoming a main attraction for the family and help them make money. In order to scare away the family for good, and get their life back, they bring in Beetlejuice, a malicious spirit, to do it for them.
This is a great comedy fantasy film and is going to finally receive a sequel in 2024.
12. Scooby-Doo
The iconic television show received a live action adaptation in 2002 and is one of the best Halloween movies that aren’t scary. This is the perfect family-friendly film to watch for an evening. After being apart for some months, the Mystery Inc. gang is back together after receiving an invitation.
Fred, Daphne, Velma, Scooby and Shaggy all go to an island resort where they must investigate the strange happenings going on. While there is a bit of tension between the gang, they realize that they must work together if they have any chance at solving this mystery.
11. Coraline
Some might argue that this could be a horror movie, as it’s pretty creepy at times. The film follows Coraline Jones who wishes that life was a bit more exciting than the world she lives in. But eventually, she discovers a portal to a parallel world where life is a bit more fun and good. But life is not what it seems.
Soon, something feels amiss, and Coraline realizes that an exciting life might not be worth it. Coraline must find a way back home and escape the parallel world, all while uncovering the dark secrets along the way. This animated fantasy film is incredibly imaginative and crazy, making it one of the best Halloween movies.
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10. Twitches
Magic is in the air, and Halloween is the best time to fantasize about what it would be like if you were a witch or wizard, and potentially even dress up! So why not watch a great Halloween movie about it? Twitches is a 2005 Disney movie that follows two teen witches who were separated at birth and adopted by two different families.
But on their 21st birthday, they both bump into each other and meet. Soon, they realize their connection and their purpose, to save the world that they were truly born in and where their birth both is, Coventry. Can they trust each other, learn their powers and save the magical world in time?
9. Matilda
The 1996 Matilda, which recently received a 2022 musical adaptation, follows Matilda, a brilliant girl who is always being told what to do. From her parents belittling her and a principal who is violent and harsh, she just tries to live freely.
When things seem too complicated, she learns that she has psychic powers, and is able to stand up against those that don’t believe her and help those around her feel more confident. it’s a great, inspirational movie that is both funny and meaningful. It’s one of the best Halloween movies that you can find right now.
8. Corpse Bride
Animations can be some of the best Halloween movies as creators can truly bring to life some beautiful, yet haunting stories. One such example is the Corpse Bride, a Tim Burton romantic drama film that is set in the 1800s in a Victorian village.
The film follows Victor Van Dort who is betrothed to a Victoria Everglot due to financial problems. But as Victor is practicing his vows before the wedding, he realizes that he ended up marrying Emily, the corpse bride.
However, his initial bride is still waiting for him. With two brides and a timid man, who will Victor choose, and how will he get out of his situation?
7. Halloweentown
This is one of the best Halloween movies that aren’t scary. This adventure comedy that follows a family that is about to embark on many adventures. The film follows a family of witches who are responsible for protecting not only their magic, but those around them.
The story starts on Halloween when Marnie and her mother, Gwen, are fighting, the grandmother, Aggie comes to visit.
The grandmother pushes to start magic training before Marnie loses her powers, but there is more to the training than she says, as there is evil near, and the family must do everything they can to protect their town.
6. Knives Out
But what about a murder mystery that doesn’t involve anything too scary? Sometimes, murder mysteries can make great comedies and make you really think. A great example is Knives Out starring big names like Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson and much more.
This 2019 film is comedy, crime, mystery thriller that also has a second installment called the Glass Onion, released in 2022.
The film follows Harlan Thrombey, who mysteriously is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday. Inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Craig) is enlisted to investigate. As he goes through speaking with each family member who was present, it becomes obvious that the family is extremely dysfunctional and all have their own motives.
Blanc must move through the information in hopes to find the true killer. This is one of the best Halloween movies that aren’t scary, as you’re able to learn with Blanc and potentially try to guess the killer before the answer is revealed.
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5. Coco
Coco is an inspiring Disney film that is vibrant, even when talking about hard topics. While not an entirely a Halloween movie, many people consider it a close enough movie.
The main difference is that Coco is focused around the Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, rather than Halloween, which is usually celebrated around November 1st and 2nd. It’s a blend of Catholic tradition and Mexican mysticism, commemorating death as another element of life and to honor loved ones.
The 2017 film follows Miguel and his family. Miguel has dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Crus, despite his family’s wishes against it. To prove his passion and talent, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead, and ends up meeting Hector, a charming trickster, as they go on a journey to unlock the mysteries of Miguel’s family history.
4. Hubie Halloween
A comedy that is perfect for a fall evening near Halloween is Hubie Halloween starring Adam Sandler as well as Kevin James, Julie Bowen, Rob Schneider and more. Hubie Dubois (Sandler) is an eccentric, good-natured yet cowardly community volunteer who watches the town during the Halloween as it’s his favorite holiday.
However, things take a turn when Hubie finds himself at the center of a real murder case on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts. While he tries his best, he is often made fun of and picked on by the town, even when he tries to solve the mystery. Can Hubie save the day?
3. The Addams Family
There are several renditions of The Addams Family that you can find. From the 1964 TV series to the 2019 animated film to the modern TV series Wednesday, you’re able to learn about the family and their wacky behaviors.
However, the best Halloween movies to watch is by far the 1991 movie that follows con artists who plan to take from the Addams Family, a wealthy eccentric family, by acting as their long-lost uncle. Will he be able to find the vault that holds all of their wealth, or will the family scare him away before he can make it?
2. Hocus Pocus
Finally given a sequel, Hocus Pocus is a film that has a large follower base, with some watching it several times for Halloween. This comedy fantasy movie follows three sisters, the Sanderson sisters, who were executed for practicing dark witchcraft.
After 300 years, they’re finally back thanks to a combination of spells accidently through Max, a new kid in town. The sisters have one night to make sure they can secure their continuing existence, and Max needs to do everything in his power to make sure that doesn’t happen and save Salem.
The sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, released in 2022 and has the Sanderson Sisters coming back once again in modern day Salem after two women accidently bring them back. With the same cast, you can spend a wonderful evening binge watching both movies.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas
While the name sounds a bit frightening, The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the most iconic Halloween films that you can find. There’s actually quite a cult following for the film, as some declare it the best Disney movie. What’s even better about it is that it’s both a Halloween and Christmas movie.
The film follows Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas Town. When he attempts to bring his town the new custom of Christmas, it creates quite a stir.
While not scary, some have found the animation style a bit creepy, but it’s still a must try when it comes to finding the best Halloween movies that aren’t scary.
