As Halloween gets closer, you’re sure to become inundated with a variety of horror movie suggestions. But for the many horror-film haters out there, there are lots of fun Halloween movies that don’t rely on cheap horror conventions and tropes to enjoy too.
Halloweentown
A 1998 Disney Channel Original movie directed by Duwayne Dunham, Halloweentown encompasses what it was like to be a kid experiencing Halloween in the early 2000s.
When Marnie Piper, a young girl living with her secret witch mother finds out she is a witch too, the world finally starts to make a little bit of sense. However, when things start to go wrong in her grandmother’s magical hometown, Marnie must help her save Halloweentown from the evil forces that threaten to destroy it.
A classic Disney Channel Halloween movie, Halloweentown explores what it means to be a young person who feels out of place all while giving the viewer a warm hug that reminds them of their childhood.
Hocus Pocus
A 1993 American fantasy comedy directed by Kenny Ortega, Hocus Pocus is THE Halloween movie for ’90s and 2000s babies.
Max, a teenage boy, has trouble fitting in when he and his little sister move to Salem, Massachusetts. When he accidentally awakens a trio of fiendish witches that were executed in the 17th century, he finds himself in way more trouble than he can handle on his own.
A classic, Hocus Pocus is a great way to put yourself in the Halloween mood without having to give yourself a scare.
Practical Magic
A 1998 American fantasy romantic drama based on a novel of the same name; Practical Magic is peak witch Halloween content.
Two sisters, Sally and Gillian, are witches facing a curse that might keep them from finding ever-lasting love. When their powers get them into some supernatural trouble, the girls must learn to embrace their magical roots to save the day.
A great movie for a bit of an older audience, Practical Magic explores what it means to be “normal” in a perfect, warm ‘90s package.
Monster House
A 2006 animated movie directed by Gil Kenan, Monster House scared a lot of kids at the time of its release.
When the cranky neighbour of three teens unexpectedly dies of a heart attack, DJ, Chowder and Jenny think that their nightmare is over. When the house comes to life with nefarious plans, the three kids have to save the day before it’s too late.
Monster House is a great way to kick back and relive the spooks of your childhood without getting yourself too scared.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
A 1966 American animated classic directed by Bill Melendez, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a cozy, fun and super nostalgic television special.
When Charlie Brown is invited to his first-ever party, he couldn’t be more excited. But when Linus tells them all about the rise of the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang are torn between going trick-or-treating and attending Violet’s awesome party or waiting for the arrival of the Great Pumpkin.
While a lot older than the other movies on this list, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a classic that simply cannot be missed.
Everybody has their take on what makes a Halloween movie good but sometimes the horror genre just isn’t for everyone. That’s why these nostalgic movies could be the perfect choice for your cozy, spooky Halloween movie night.
