As you all know, Halloween is right around the corner and if you don’t have any plans to go trick or treating or to a costume party, staying at home doesn’t have to be boring.
Grab a bag of your favorite candy and watch some horror movies that will give you nightmares for the whole week. But if you don't do horror, or you get scared easily, or simply can’t stand horror movies, here are 11 of the best non-horror movies to watch this Halloween.
1. The Addams Family (1991)
This is not your average family. Each member has their own intriguing spookiness, and especially now as an adult, I can relate to Wednesday Addams more than ever. And don’t worry- there’s also plenty of comedy to keep the whole family entertained. This movie adaptation of the classic TV show is perfectly cast, and if you’ve never heard of it, I highly recommend it; it is my go-to movie this Halloween.
You could watch Addams Family Values too, but that’s better for Thanksgiving.
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Don’t let the word “horror” fool you. This movie is more of a comedic musical, but it is also oddly charming. I watched it for the first time last Halloween and Tim Curry is absolutely phenomenal as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the fabulous transvestite.
The characters are rather eccentric, and- without giving too much away- some moments are pretty bizarre. There’s more than enough comedy and there are a few songs you can’t help but sing along to. Give the movie a shot, unless you were looking for horror, because then you’re definitely in the wrong place.
3. Coraline (2009)
Not only does it realistically portray our desire to escape and be understood by our parents, but it also teaches us to appreciate what we have. This movie, though it is animated, definitely freaked me out as a kid, and it is very spooky for a children’s movie.
It is, however, visually stunning with stop-motion animation and has a mesmerizing imaginative world full of wonder and madness. Despite not being a live-action film, and not having what we associate horror with nowadays, it would probably still give me nightmares watching it as an adult. Nevertheless, the movie is truly a masterpiece with Grimm elements, mixing fantasy and reality, and at the end of the day it shoves down our throats the overall message of such an entrancing & thrilling tale: Be careful what you wish for.
You also will never look at dolls with button eyes the same way again.
4. The Corpse Bride (2005)
Directed by the amazing Tim Burton, this film is also a stop-motion-animated film, but with fantasy and romance. It is a whimsical tale that is also quite macabre, and will even pull on your heartstrings. With both Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in the main cast, I always have high expectations. Although I am not a fan of the macabre, this movie deserves to be noticed. Burton truly delivers visually remarkable work and this film is one among many.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Blending both Christmas and Halloween, this eerie film is perfect for both holidays. Though it is often disturbing, it provides plenty of laughs and intriguing content. Arguably one of Tim Burton’s best animated films, it is truly an imaginative spectacle with enchanting visuals.
After watching this film, you can’t help but listen to “This is Halloween” on repeat, singing along until your lungs give up. It is without a doubt the most memorable song from the whole movie, with its haunting yet entrancing melody, joined by the voices of the creepy monsters.
6. Hocus Pocus (1993)
This is the ultimate Halloween throwback, bringing nostalgia to every ‘90s kid who grew up watching it on Disney Channel. Although quite haunting for children, it is very entertaining and comedic.
As soon as you hear, “I put a spell on you and now you’re mine,” you already know what movie is on.
7. Halloweentown (1998)
This is perhaps the best Disney Channel Halloween movie and it is truly a childhood favorite. It teaches children to be brave and to believe in yourself, and that there are such a thing as good witches. It is a whimsical and magical tale, that also shows us that evil is never what it seems.
The rest of the Halloweentown series is also worth watching, until the main actress changes.
The most important line from the movie: "Being normal is vastly overrated."
8. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Though it did give me nightmares when I watched it as a kid, it is a notable Tim Burton classic. Johnny Depp is remarkable in this film as the lead role, and Burton is definitely a pro at making hauntingly beautiful masterpieces. With this fantasy, we also see a rather emotional journey, dealing with self-discovery and isolation. The film won’t give you a scare, but it is quite the tear-jerker.
9. Monster House (2006)
One of the spookiest movies from my childhood, this movie is quite the thriller. Filled with fantasy, action, and comedy- it has everything a kid could want from a movie. Beware- the ghastly house will without a doubt give you nightmares. Nevertheless, it is pretty great for both children and adults, keeping you on the edge of your seat while also having plenty of laughs.
10. Ghostbusters (1984)
If you haven’t heard the famous catchphrase “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” where have you been? This film is an award-winning classic, with one of the main characters played by the one and only Bill Murray, who is considered one of the greatest American comedians. The film is a fun blend of special effects and comedy, and if you’re ready to say “I ain’t afraid of no ghost,” this is the Halloween movie for you.
11. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
For those who get scared easily or simply can't stand horror movies, any of these movies will suffice for a fun Halloween night.
Sometimes you just don't want to watch a movie that's so frightening you're scared to close your eyes. However, I do warn you that some of the movies from this list can cause nightmares, so beware.
And last of all- Happy Halloween! Stay safe lovelies x.
