Maybe you’re in the mood for something spooky but not splattered with blood or scenes that’ll keep you up all night.
The good news?
There’s a wealth of scariest Halloween movies out there that masterfully blend suspense, supernatural chills, and a bit of dark humor without venturing into gore territory.
So grab your popcorn, and a cozy blanket, and let’s get insight about 25 of the best Halloween movies that bring the thrills without spilling the guts.
Best Halloween Movies of All Time
Here’s a guide to some seriously spooky (but safely gore-free) viewing.
1. Coraline (2009)
Why You’ll Love It: “Coraline” is the perfect stop-motion animation movie in the list of ‘best Halloween movies’ that brings unsettling vibes without stepping into horror film territory.
Plot: A curious young girl named Coraline stumbles upon a mysterious door leading to an alternate universe that appears idyllic until its dark secrets begin to unravel. Soon, she’s fighting to save herself from a creepy “Other Mother” who wants to keep her there forever. If you’re someone who loves anime-based scary movies, this is the best Halloween movies you should watch.
2. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Why You’ll Love It: A cult classic, this one is lighthearted yet perfect for Halloween. It’s charmingly odd, slightly eerie, and humorous, making it a perfect choice for a family movie night.
Plot: This is one of the best Halloween movies based on Halloween night in Salem, three witches are brought back to life, and chaos is unleashed upon the town. A group of children, alongside a talking cat, must band together to thwart their plans.
3. Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Why You’ll Love It: The Sanderson sisters are back, and they’re as wickedly funny as ever! This sequel brings nostalgia with a modern twist, making it perfect for both new fans and those who grew up with the original.
Plot: Set 29 years after the first film, the three witches are resurrected again, and it’s up to a new trio of friends to stop their reign of chaos.
4. Casper (1995)
Why You’ll Love It: This family-friendly best Halloween movies is perfect for Halloween. It’s spooky without being scary and has heartwarming moments alongside the laughs.
Plot: A young girl befriends a friendly ghost while her father tries to communicate with the spirits haunting their new mansion.
5. Hubie Halloween (2020)
Why You’ll Love It: Adam Sandler delivers a hilarious performance in this family-friendly comedy that captures the spirit of Halloween without the scares.
Plot: Hubie Dubois, a good-hearted but eccentric man, tries to protect his town from a mysterious threat on Halloween night, proving that everyone can be a hero.
6. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Why You’ll Love It: This fantasy adventure brings to life a world of magical creatures, striking a perfect balance between excitement and creepiness.
Plot: When the Grace children discover a field guide to fairies and other magical creatures, they become embroiled in a battle to protect their home from a dark force.
7. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Why You’ll Love It: A love letter to the original series, this sequel introduces a new generation to the world of ghostbusting with humor and a touch of nostalgia.
Plot: A family moves to a small town and uncovers their grandfather’s legacy as a ghostbuster, leading to hilarious and spooky adventures.
8. A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting (2020)
Why You’ll Love It: This Netflix original is a fun mix of adventure and comedy, perfect for younger audiences looking for thrills without the scares.
Plot: A babysitter teams up with a secret society of babysitters to save a child from a coven of monsters.
9. Monster House (2006)
Why You’ll Love It: This animated feature has a perfect balance of spooky and adventurous, making it great for kids and adults alike.
Plot: Three kids discover that their neighbor’s house is not only haunted but alive—and it’s up to them to stop it.
10. The Addams Family (1991)
Why You’ll Love It: This spooky comedy brings the quirks and weirdness of the Addams family in all their macabre glory, without going into gory territory.
Plot: The Addams family attempts to reconnect with a long-lost family member, but suspicions about his identity arise.
11. The Addams Family 2 (2021)
Why You’ll Love It: This animated sequel captures the charmingly bizarre essence of the Addams family while delivering laughs and some light spooky elements.
Plot: The family goes on a road trip, encountering all sorts of creepy and kooky adventures, showcasing their unique take on family values.
12. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Why You’ll Love It: Based on the beloved children’s book series, this film combines nostalgia with genuine chills, all while keeping it accessible for younger audiences.
Plot: A group of teens discovers a book of scary stories that come to life, forcing them to confront their fears and fight against the creepy tales.
13. Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (2022)
Why You’ll Love It: The latest in the “Hotel Transylvania” series is filled with laughs and fun, showcasing beloved characters in a family-friendly environment.
Plot: Drac and his friends are turned into humans, leading to hilarious misadventures as they try to regain their monster forms.
14. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Why You’ll Love It: Inspired by the famous Disney attraction, this family-friendly film has spooky moments but keeps things lighthearted.
Plot: A real estate agent and his family get more than they bargained for when they visit a haunted mansion with a storied past.
15. Corpse Bride (2005)
Why You’ll Love It: Another Tim Burton stop-motion hit, this one’s charmingly dark, with humor and heart to balance the creepy.
Plot: A young man accidentally becomes engaged to a deceased bride, leading to a journey through the land of the dead.
16. The Ring (2002)
Why You’ll Love It: Known for its psychological scares and haunting imagery, “The Ring” is eerie without being gory.
Plot: A journalist investigates a cursed videotape that seems to kill viewers seven days after they watch it.
17. The Village (2004)
Why You’ll Love It: This Shyamalan thriller has a mysterious, almost hypnotic quality that’s all about atmosphere.
Plot: An isolated village is haunted by creatures in the surrounding woods, but the truth is more complicated than it seems.
18. Jumanji (1995)
Why You’ll Love It: More adventurous than scary, “Jumanji” is suspenseful enough to get the Halloween vibe going.
Plot: A magical board game unleashes wild creatures and challenges on unsuspecting players.
19. The Babadook (2014)
Why You’ll Love It: This indie horror film is psychological and deeply unsettling, focusing on grief and fear rather than gore.
Plot: A mother and her son are haunted by a sinister creature from a storybook that starts to consume their lives.
20. The Witch (2015)
Why You’ll Love It: Set in 1600s New England, this one’s atmospheric, creepy, and masterfully built with suspense.
Plot: A family’s isolation and paranoia mount as they believe an evil presence lurks in the nearby woods.
21. The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)
Why You’ll Love It: This is one of the best Halloween movies which is a delightful mix of mystery and magic, perfect for those looking for a light scare.
Plot: A young boy discovers his uncle’s house is filled with magical secrets, and together, they must uncover the mystery of a hidden clock that could bring about the end of the world.
22. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Why You’ll Love It: A sequel to previous Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021). It has all the elements to keep you haunted in a hilarious way. The best thing about this movie is its engaging storyline.
Plot: In this chilling Halloween movie, an ancient artifact leads to an evil force and the Spengler family fighting with it to save the world from the second ice age.
23. Halloween Ends (2022)
Why You’ll Love It: The finale of the reboot trilogy is the best Halloween movies, this one is packed with classic slasher scares and iconic Michael Myers moments.
Plot: Laurie Strode faces her final showdown with Michael Myers, wrapping up a legendary horror saga.
24. Scream (2022)
Why You’ll Love It: A modern take on a classic slasher, this fifth entry adds fresh twists while honoring its roots.
Plot: Ghostface returns to Woodsboro, targeting a new group of teens linked to past survivors, blending suspense and nostalgia.
25. The Black Phone (2022)
Why You’ll Love It: With a unique supernatural twist, this thriller has scares without the gore.
Plot: A kidnapped boy discovers he can communicate with past victims through a mysterious phone in his captor’s basement.
In a Nutshell
There you have it, 25 Halloween movies that deliver all the chills, thrills, and spooky vibes without the gore. Whether you’re into supernatural tales, quirky comedies, ghostly mysteries, or animated adventures, these best Halloween movies offer something for everyone looking to keep things creepy yet family-friendly (or just stomach-friendly!). With these family-friendly Halloween movies, you’re in for a Halloween movie marathon that’s spooky enough to feel the season but light enough for everyone to enjoy.
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