Spooktastic Recommendations: More Not-So-Scary Halloween Movies

Since Halloween season is here, I thought I would put together a list of cozy Halloween-themed films that I recommend. Some are funny, others are a just bit spooky, and all films are categorized as “not-so-scary” films. Enjoy!

To see last year’s list, click here.

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Monster Squad

Five youngsters find themselves up against the combined might of Dracula, the Mummy, the Gill Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster who arrive in town in search of a magic amulet.

I was enamored with the story and characters from beginning to end. I think this will easily become one of my regular Halloween watches. It’s campy, nostalgic, and reminds viewers of the joy of the Autumn season. This movie is just fun to watch and laugh along with. I loved the concept of a kids treehouse club taking on formidable supernatural monsters in the most unorthodox ways. It reminded me of The Goonies except its set around Halloween. A must watch if you like nostalgic films and a nod to classic Universal Monster movies in the best way possibile!

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The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Ten-year-old Lewis goes to live with his oddball uncle in a creaky old house that contains a mysterious ticktock noise. He soon learns that Uncle Jonathan and his feisty neighbor, Mrs. Zimmerman, are powerful practitioners of the magic arts. When Lewis accidentally awakens the dead, the town’s sleepy facade suddenly springs to life — revealing a secret and dangerous world of witches, warlocks and deadly curses.

This is probably the only film on this list that is more fantasy than Halloween, but it’s Autumnal setting and fantasy elements make it fitting for the season. It is based on the1973 gothic mystery novel for children written by John Bellairs. This film has the perfect blend of horror along with humorous moments making it a cozy watch. I love the setting of a house full of mysteries and all the magical elements that come into play throughout the film. The cast for this film is solid and their characters are what make this film so entertaining along with the action scenes.

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Addams Family

Members of the mysterious and spooky Addams family — Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley, Wednesday, Uncle Fester and Grandma — are readily preparing for a visit from their even creepier relatives. But trouble soon arises when shady TV personality Margaux Needler realizes that the Addams’ eerie hilltop mansion is standing in the way of her dream to sell all the houses in the neighborhood.

This movie was so much fun to watch and I love that they re-booted this beloved classic for a new generation. It kept every aspect of The Addams Family that I know and love, while also adding in some new features and characters too. Most of all it had some good commentary on today’s society and sent a positive message about always staying true to yourself.

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When Good Ghouls Go Bad

A new kid in town must drive away ghosts with the help of his zombie uncle. When Halloween decorations begin to mysteriously disappear around town, the boy and his reanimated uncle join forces to find out who is behind the attempt to destroy the residents’ enjoyment of the spooky holiday.

This is new discovery watch for me since I never knew about this film before. It’s a cool R.L. Stine crafted story about the Halloween season, things that go bump in the night, and hard lessons the the townspeople have to learn. The draw of this movie is Christopher Lloyd who is his usually zany and energetic character on screen. I love his role as the eccentric uncle and a kid who has to discover why this town is so reluctant to celebrate the holiday. It’s cheesy in the best of ways and the attention to detail in the costumes and Autumn/Halloween season makes it an immersive viewing experience.

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The Little Vampire

After he moves to Scotland with his parents, only child Tony struggles to make friends at his new school. But he is bullied and picked on by the other boys, and has little hope of overcoming his miserable new life. Then he meets Rudolph, a kid vampire with whom Tony becomes very close. But, when Rudolph’s life and the future of the vampire race are threatened by a ruthless vampire hunter, Tony must find the courage to save his best friend.

This is one of my favorite seasonal films that I’ve watched every year since my childhood and it holds a special place in my heart. Even though it’s older, the story is charming and heartfelt which resonates with its audience. It’s a fish out of story tale with some creepy vampires that turn out to have more in common with the main character Tony, after a newfound friendship. This movie is funny, will make you smile, and I love its message of found family.

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What are some of your favorite cozy Halloween films? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!