Believe it or not, not everyone is a fan of spine-chilling horror movies featuring menacing clowns, masked villains, or gruesome scenes filled with gore. So, what alternatives do they have during the Halloween season?
While horror films like “Terrifier 3” dominate box office sales, they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially for those who dislike scares or young children not yet ready to encounter characters like Art the Clown or Pennywise. Fortunately, there are plenty of horror-themed movies that skip the usual clichés, offer more substance than scares, and gently introduce newcomers to the genre without the need for sleepless nights or a nightlight.
Here are 25 films that deliver excitement without an overload of frights:
‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)
Michael Keaton shines in his iconic role as the wildly entertaining “bioexorcist” in this beloved ’80s comedy. The story centers on two ghosts, played by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin, who try to scare away the new living residents of their home.
Where to watch: Max
‘The Cabin in the Woods’ (2011)
This film starts as a typical slasher with college students visiting a remote cabin, only to encounter a twist that turns the horror genre on its head in this cleverly crafted satire.
Where to watch: Peacock
‘Coco’ (2017)
This animated Pixar masterpiece not only tugs at the heartstrings but also delivers a visually stunning portrayal of the Day of the Dead, complete with a memorable villain.
Where to watch: Disney+
‘Coraline’ (2009)
Ideal for children ready for a bit more thrill, this PG-rated animated film tells the story of a girl who discovers an alternate reality that initially seems better than her own, until she uncovers its darker side.
Where to watch: Tubi
‘Get Out’ (2017)
Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking film combines mild horror with deep social commentary on race, delivered through the story of an African-American photographer who uncovers disturbing secrets about his white girlfriend’s family.
Where to watch: Peacock
‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)
More funny than frightening, this classic features a team of ghost-catching scientists dealing with supernatural forces in New York City, with the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man providing iconic moments.
Where to watch: Apple TV and video on demand
‘Goosebumps’ (2015)
Based on R.L. Stine’s popular children’s books, this adventure brings to life the series’ various monsters through a story of teenagers tackling these creatures head-on.
Where to watch: Prime Video
‘Gremlins’ (1984)
A horror-comedy that blends Christmas and Halloween themes, telling the story of a cute creature and his not-so-cute kin wreaking havoc in a small town.
Where to watch: Max
‘Happy Death Day’ (2017)
A mix of time loop narrative and slasher genre, this movie follows a college student reliving the day of her murder repeatedly, adding a light-hearted twist to the horror.
Where to watch: Peacock
‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)
A Disney film that has become a Halloween tradition, featuring a trio of witches resurrected in modern Salem, has captured multiple generations of fans.
Where to watch: Disney+
‘Jaws’ (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s thriller about a menacing shark terrorizing a beach community might just reveal a hidden appreciation for horror among its fans.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (1986)
A musical comedy featuring a man-eating plant, a quirky romance, and a memorable performance by Steve Martin as a demented dentist.
Where to watch: Apple TV and video on demand
‘The Lost Boys’ (1987)
This film offers a stylish take on vampires in California, blending horror with teenage angst and plenty of campy humor.
Where to watch: Apple TV and video on demand
‘Monsters, Inc.’ (2001)
Perfect for young children, this Pixar film turns monsters into lovable characters who realize that laughter, not screams, is more powerful.
Where to watch: Disney+
‘Nightbooks’ (2021)
A modern horror tale for kids, featuring a young boy who must tell a scary story every night to survive his captivity by a witch.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘ParaNorman’ (2012)
Blending elements of John Hughes’ teen dramas and classic Scooby-Doo adventures, this animated movie follows a boy who can speak with the dead.
Where to watch: Tubi
‘Psycho’ (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece of suspense and psychological horror, known for its groundbreaking scenes and storytelling techniques.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘Ready or Not’ (2019)
This film mixes dark comedy with thriller elements, following a bride’s deadly game of hide-and-seek with her new family.
Where to watch: Hulu
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)
A cult classic that combines elements of horror, sci-fi, and musicals, known for its eccentric characters and memorable music.
Where to watch: Hulu
‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004)
A British zombie comedy that parodies the apocalyptic genre, focusing on an underachieving duo dealing with a sudden undead outbreak.
Where to watch: Peacock
‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)
M. Night Shyamalan’s breakout film famous for its twist ending and the chilling line, “I see dead people.”
Where to watch: Hulu, Max
‘Tucker & Dale vs. Evil’ (2010)
A comedy that flips the slasher genre on its head, depicting two well-meaning friends mistaken for killers by a group of college students.
Where to watch: Peacock
‘Wendell & Wild’ (2022)
An animated film about dealing with personal demons and correcting past mistakes, featuring voices of popular comedians.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘Werewolves Within’ (2021)
A fun mix of mystery and horror set in a quirky town cut off by a snowstorm, where residents must discover the werewolf among them.
Where to watch: AMC+, Shudder
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2014)
A mockumentary following the daily (or nightly) lives of a group of vampires struggling with the modern world in New Zealand.
Where to watch: Apple TV and video on demand
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Ellis McDowell is a trend analyst with a sharp eye for spotting the next big thing in entertainment. With years of experience in digital media and trend forecasting, Nora tracks the movements of influencers, viral content, and entertainment trends. Her insights help shape the stories that captivate our audience.
