5 Movies To Watch This Halloween If You Hate Being Scared
Discover five movies to watch this Halloween if you dislike intense horror, from supernatural comedies like 'Ghostbusters' and 'Beetlejuice' to suspenseful classics like 'Jaws' and 'Get Out'
The Cabin in the Woods (2011). (Picture from X).
Halloween is synonymous with horror movies, creepy costumes, supernatural encounters and blood-soaked thrillers. However, not everyone enjoys watching killer clowns, masked murderers, terrifying ghosts or gruesome slasher films. For families with young children and viewers who prefer entertainment without excessive scares, finding the right movie for the spooky season can be a challenge.
Fortunately, Halloween viewing does not have to involve relentless jump scares or nightmares. Several films combine supernatural elements, dark humor, suspense and clever storytelling without relying entirely on graphic violence or conventional horror tropes. Some also offer social commentary, while others lean into comedy and adventure to create a more accessible viewing experience.
From a ghost-busting comedy to a genre-defying thriller, here are five movies to consider this Halloween if you want some seasonal thrills without too many chills.
1. ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ (2011)
If you enjoy horror movies but wish they would stop taking themselves so seriously, The Cabin in the Woods offers a refreshing twist. The story initially follows a familiar slasher setup, with a group of college students heading to a remote cabin, only to encounter terrifying creatures and increasingly dangerous circumstances.
However, the film gradually reveals a much more elaborate premise, turning familiar horror conventions into the foundation for a genre-bending comedy. Its inventive approach, unexpected developments and playful references to horror classics make it an entertaining choice for viewers who appreciate the genre’s traditions as much as its absurdities.
Where to watch: HBO Max.
2. ‘Get Out’ (2017)
Jordan Peele’s Get Out delivers psychological tension through a story that extends far beyond conventional horror. The film follows Chris, a Black photographer who visits the family home of his white girlfriend, Rose. What initially appears to be an ordinary introduction to her parents soon develops into a disturbing experience as Chris discovers their sinister intentions.
Although the movie contains violent sequences and unsettling moments, its most powerful element is its examination of race, prejudice and the exploitation of Black people. Peele combines suspense with sharp social commentary, creating a film that encourages viewers to think about its underlying themes long after the story ends.
It is a strong option for audiences who prefer intelligent, thought-provoking thrillers over straightforward scares, although some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers.
Where to watch: Peacock and YouTube TV.
3. ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)
For those who would rather laugh than scream this Halloween, Ghostbusters remains a dependable choice. The supernatural comedy follows a group of scientists who establish a business catching ghosts in New York City. Their unusual venture soon attracts attention, but their growing success brings them face-to-face with a potentially apocalyptic supernatural threat.
Featuring an iconic cast, memorable comedy and plenty of paranormal chaos, the film balances spooky encounters with lighthearted entertainment. Its most recognizable creature is the enormous Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, whose appearance turns an already extraordinary situation into an unforgettable spectacle.
While the movie includes ghostly imagery and some potentially frightening scenes for very young children, its comedic tone makes it considerably more approachable than many traditional horror films.
Where to watch: Fandango at Home Free and Hulu.
4. ‘Jaws’ (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws may not be a conventional Halloween movie, but its suspenseful storytelling makes it a compelling choice for viewers looking for thrills without the usual supernatural elements. Set around the Fourth of July, the blockbuster follows a community threatened by a great white shark that begins attacking people in its waters.
The film builds tension through the danger lurking beneath the ocean’s surface, transforming an otherwise familiar summer setting into a place of constant uncertainty. Its relentless predator and carefully constructed suspense give it many of the qualities associated with a slasher film, even though the threat comes from nature rather than a masked killer.
However, Jaws is not entirely free of frightening content. Its attacks, moments of peril and suspenseful sequences can be intense, particularly for younger audiences or viewers who are uncomfortable with sharks.
For those who enjoy adventure-driven suspense, it offers a different kind of Halloween viewing experience.
Where to watch: Netflix.
5. ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice brings together supernatural comedy, eccentric characters and macabre humor in a film that has become a seasonal favorite. Michael Keaton stars as Beetlejuice, an outrageous self-described bioexorcist who becomes involved when two deceased homeowners attempt to drive away the living family occupying their house.
Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin play the ghostly couple, whose efforts to reclaim their former home lead them into a series of bizarre and increasingly chaotic encounters. Rather than building its story around relentless terror, the film embraces imaginative visuals, dark comedy and an unconventional take on the afterlife.
Its quirky atmosphere and playful treatment of ghosts make it a natural fit for Halloween audiences who enjoy spooky entertainment with a humorous edge. Some imagery and jokes may be unsettling for very young children, but the film offers a distinctive alternative to bloodier horror productions.
Where to watch: HBO Max.