When the leaves start to turn and the days grow shorter, there’s almost a pull toward the eerie realm. The cooler air begs you to sip something warm and throw on something spooky. However, the subtext “based on a true story” sends some people into a spiral of sleeping with the lights on. Some of us are just self-proclaimed scaredy-cats, and that’s okay, too.
But fear not, literally, there are ways for the horror-hesitant fall lover that turns the brightness up on their TV screen during Stranger Things, to enjoy spooky season. Here is a curated collection of spooky-not-scary movies that will let you enjoy the Halloween vibes without needing to sleep with the lights on.
1. Coraline (2009)
It’s creepy but not scary.
This classic is a stop-motion from Laika that is both a masterpiece and unsettling in the perfect way. In a world with button eyes and secret doors, Coraline captures the spooky tone of fall without causing a single jump scare. The film is dark, whimsical, and has enough weird visuals to keep you alert, but not running to lock the front door.
Scare Level:(spooky but in a fantasy-esc way)
Vibe: A dream-like world turns nightmare
Watch if you like: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Pan’s Labyrinth
2. Hocus Pocus (1993)
It’s more camp than creepy.
This is a 90s cult classic about three resurrected witches in Salem, and it also serves as a Halloween comfort meal. There are talking cats, magical tricks, and the perfect amount of spooky flavor without ever really being scary. And, Bette Midler’s “I Put a Spell on You” performance is indeed a seasonal legend.
Scare Level:(eerie with no scares)
Vibe: Classic small town witchy vibes
Watch if you like: Beetlejuice, Practical Magic
3. Ghostbusters (1984)
All gooey with no ghoul.
This is a film for comedy fans who like their paranormal coded with sarcasm. Ghostbusters combines supernatural elements with a clever script and a sense of 80s charm that holds up very well. Ghosts in concept are scary, but the execution here is fun.
Scare Level:(it’s honestly a comedy about ghosts)
Vibe: The supernatural realm, except it’s not scary
Watch if you like: Men in Black, Back to the Future
4. The Others (2001)
Elegant and only slightly spooky.
This is a conventionally “scary” film, but it’s a great introduction for people who want a ghost story without blood and horror. Nicole Kidman stars in the atmospheric thriller, and her performance brings on more mystery and mood than pure fear. It’s strange but not terrifying. Just watch out for a twist.
Scare Level: (mildly spooky, but a slow-burn)
Vibe: Classic haunted house, but make it classy
Watch if you like: The Sixth Sense, Rebecca
5. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Vampires have never been portrayed so stupidly.
The film is a New Zealand mockumentary that follows a group of ancient vampires. The weirdest part is that they live together like awkward college roommates. It’s a dry humor with the perfect antidote for people who don’t want to watch horror. It also birthed a TV show that’s equally a hit.
Scare Level: Nonexistent
Vibe: Schitt’s Creek but with vampires
Watch if you like: Flight of the Conchords
Loving fall doesn’t have to mean subjecting yourself to sleepless nights and psychological terror. There’s a sweet spot between autumn vibes and bone-chilling trauma, and these films live in that cobwebbed corner.
Halloween isn’t just for horror buffs! Any lover of fall can put on an ugly sweater, grab a cider, and cue up a movie that lets you enjoy the spooky season without checking your locks twice.
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