Movies to Watch This Halloween If You Don’t Like Scary Movies

I am not a scary movie fan. I absolutely love fall, but when it comes to seasonal and holiday movies, Christmas movies are my jam. Hallmark Christmas movies and the classic holiday films are definitely on my list for this Christmas season.

However, I can’t not just ignore all of the classic non-scary Halloween movies and cozy, autumn films. As someone who used to jump at her own shadow, I rounded up some movies that aren’t the slasher horror films that usually dominate Netflix and other streaming platforms this month.

Halloweentown

I can’t not include the classic Halloween movie. Who can’t ignore the legendary Debbie Reynolds, but also Judith Hoag and Kimberly J. Brown. Oh, and the big pumpkin. On her 13th birthday, Marnie discovers her family are witches and that she also has magical powers. Not only that, but she has to fight against the evil that is threatening to take over the world of Halloweentown, the world that she only just began to discover.

Oh, did I mention that this movie released on my birthday in 1998?! (On my second birthday!)

Tune in on Disney Plus or Hulu.

Harry potter marathon

Why not have a Harry Potter marathon one weekend? Or, for the super fans, try cramming all eight movies into one day. Go ahead, I dare you.

Twilight saga

All five Twilight movies are on Netflix, and guys, go ahead and devote one weekend to watching the entirety of this intriguing vampire saga. You will not regret it. I recently completed my re-watch of the Twilight movies and believe me, it’s worth the re-watch. So much teen angst from Kristen Stewart and Rob Patz and Taylor Lautner, and throw in a dash of vampire drama, and you got yourself a fun-filled spooky weekend.

Have a Twilight marathon on Netflix.

Hocus pocus

Can October go by without watching Hocus Pocus? Absolutely not. It’s such a feel-good movie that you’re not even scared by the three witchy sisters, who are also played by the amazing Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. And directed by Kenny Ortega!

Gather your best witchy brew of choice and tune into this classic 1993 Halloween movie on Disney Plus.

Practical magic

Just like Horus Pocus, but for a little bit of an older audience! Two sisters born into a magical family have never used their magic. However, when one sister’s boyfriend dies unexpectedly, the two must use their magic to bring him back possibly. But when they do, and bring back an evil spirit that threats to end their family line, they must learn hard magic—and fast.

Rent on YouTube, Apple TV, and/or Prime Video for $3.99.

Ghostbusters

There have been many versions and remakes of the original Ghostbusters, out in 1984, but why not treat yourself to Ghostbusters in your October spooky-a-thon? You can watch the original version on Hulu, starring Harold Ramos, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Sigourney Weaver. Then, go ahead and watch the latest film with Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones on Hulu as well!

Maleficent

This Disney movie stars THE Angelina Jolie as THE Maleficent. This woman just wants to live her life in a forest kingdom, but when an invading army threatens the land, she rises to become the protector. However, when a betrayal happens, she ends up battling the invading king’s successor, and then curses his newborn daughter, Aurora. Go ahead and watch this beloved Disney villain film on Disney Plus!

Twitches

This twin sister witches movie, a Disney Channel original movie, stars THE Tia and Tamera Mowry who are twin sister witches who were separated at birth and put into adoption/foster care, but reunited on their 21st birthday. They learn of their magic powers … but they also learn that they must use their magic powers to save their kingdom from the forces of darkness. Oh yeah, and they meet their birth parents via friends of the family. One of those friends? Played by Jennifer Robertson, aka Jocelyn Schitt from Schitt’s Creek.

Watch this beloved Disney film (and its sequel!) on Hulu or Disney Plus!

Murder mystery

This Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston movie is a must-watch comedy/mystery film. Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston play a husband and wife duo who go on a European vacation to reinvigorate the spark in their marriage. A chance encounter leads to them being framed for the murder of an elderly billionaire.

Watch and try to solve this murder mystery on Netflix now!

The addams family (1991)

This was one of my FAVORITE Halloween movies to watch growing up, and then Addams Family Reunion right after that! Munster was just the Halloween character that wasn’t too spooky, but definitely gave Halloween vibes. You should most definitely add this film to your Halloween watch list, and then watch the most recent versions.

Rent on Prime Video or YouTube for $2.99, and the Addams Family animated version on Hulu.

Coco

Okay, so this technically isn’t a “Halloween” movie, it the movie takes place on the Day of the Dead, the day after Halloween. Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician just like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. He wanders into the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead and embarks on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Watch on Disney Plus.

the nightmare before christmas

Christmas may be in the title, but I’d say watch it on both holidays (or all year round, that’s up to you). The King of Halloweentown, Jack, stumbles upon Christmastown and begins celebrating the holiday. Enjoy this dark fantasy holiday Tim Burton film that stars Catherine O’Hara, pre-Home Alone (and obviously Schitt’s Creek).

Watch on Disney Plus!

monsters inc.

Who can not fall in love with Sully? The adorable monster is not so adorable at his place of work, aka Monsters Inc. As one of the top scarers at Monsters Inc., Sully encounters a little girl who’s accidentally found herself in the monster world. Sully and his best friend/roommate/assistant Mike must return her safely before Roz, the evil lizard villain (lol) finds her first.

Watch this delightful kids movie on Disney Plus.

descendants

I love this movie SO freaking much, like it has to be one of my favorite Halloween movies of all time—which is strange because it’s more recent and I think the older a movie gets, the better? But no—this movie is high up in the rankings with Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown. It stars Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart, and Cameron Boyce.

Go watch this AMAZING Disney movie (and the second and third movies) on Disney Plus.

the haunted mansion

This Eddie Murphy Halloween movie is such a delight and a must watch for your Halloween movie weekend!

Watch on Disney Plus now.

into the woods

Intoooo the woooods, here we go! Just kidding, but this movie is overlooked by the more well-known Halloween movies, that I can’t not include this in the round-up! Meryl Streep plays an evil witch who plays with a baker and his wife who go on a mission for her, and they encounter all of these storybook characters like Cinderella and Prince Charming, Rapunzel and her Prince Charming, Jack and the beanstalk (and the giants), and a few more.