As someone who doesn’t enjoy horror movies—especially gory slasher flicks—I totally get the dread that comes with Halloween season movie nights. Every year, friends rave about Halloween marathons or start planning a night of jump scares, but if you’re anything like me, you’d rather avoid spending two hours hiding behind a pillow. But Halloween doesn’t have to be all about blood and guts. There are plenty of spooky, fun, and even heartwarming movies that capture the spirit of the season without terrifying you.

Here are my picks for the 12 best Halloween movies for people who hate horror movies (me included!):

1. Hocus Pocus (1993)

Let’s start with a classic. Hocus Pocus is one of those movies that screams Halloween but with more humor than horror. It follows the Sanderson sisters, three witches hilariously played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, who are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem. It’s got just the right amount of spooky magic without anything too frightening. Plus, I love that it’s more fun than scary—perfect for a cozy night in.

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is the ultimate crossover between Halloween and Christmas, making it perfect for October. It’s a stop-motion animated film about Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who decides he’s had enough of Halloween and tries to take over Christmas instead. With catchy songs, quirky characters, and a dark yet whimsical tone, this movie captures the Halloween spirit without a hint of horror.

3. Casper (1995)

I remember watching Casper as a kid, and even now, it holds up as a sweet, spooky story. It’s about a friendly ghost who befriends a young girl and helps her navigate some emotional challenges. Casper is heartwarming, with a dash of spooky fun, and absolutely no terrifying moments. It’s a great choice for a light-hearted Halloween movie night.

4. Beetlejuice (1988)

Another Tim Burton gem, Beetlejuice is a wild, offbeat comedy that mixes the supernatural with absurd humor. The story follows a recently deceased couple who try to scare away the new owners of their house by summoning a mischievous spirit, Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton’s performance as Beetlejuice is iconic, and while the movie has ghosts and ghouls, it’s far more funny than it is frightening. With Beetlejuice 2 currently in theaters, you could make this one a double feature watching the original at home before heading to the theater.

5. Coraline (2009)

This one might be on the creepier side, but Coraline is more of a dark fantasy than a horror film. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, it’s about a young girl who discovers a parallel world that seems perfect at first but soon reveals a sinister side. While it’s eerie and suspenseful, it’s a beautifully crafted film with a fascinating story—and no gore to worry about.

6. The Addams Family (1991)

You can’t go wrong with The Addams Family if you’re in the mood for something spooky but also hilarious. This kooky family is endearing, even with their love for all things macabre. The humor is dark but not scary, and the characters—Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday—are iconic. It’s one of those movies I can watch over and over without ever feeling uneasy.

7. Practical Magic (1998)

If you prefer a dash of romance with your Halloween movie, Practical Magic is the perfect pick. Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters from a family of witches, the movie blends magic, love, and a bit of mystery. There are some supernatural elements, but it’s more of a cozy, magical vibe than anything scary. Plus, the soundtrack is great!

8. Ghostbusters (1984)

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! This one’s a must-watch during Halloween season. It’s packed with paranormal activity, but with a comedic twist that keeps things light and entertaining. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and the rest of the cast make ghost-hunting look like a hilarious adventure rather than a scary ordeal. You could make this one a complete marathon with it’s sequels too!

9. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monsters, Inc. is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something that’s family-friendly and charming. The premise? Monsters that scare children to power their city actually end up caring about the kids more than they’d like to admit. It’s sweet, funny, and entirely un-scary, but still perfect for the Halloween vibe with all its quirky creatures.

10. The Witches (1990)

This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches (not the recent remake) is a fun, slightly creepy adventure. It’s about a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches who plan to turn children into mice. While there are some darker elements—because, let’s face it, witches can be spooky—it’s more about the fantastical story than any real fear factor.

11. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

For something animated and laugh-out-loud funny, Hotel Transylvania is the way to go. It’s all about classic monsters—Dracula, Frankenstein, werewolves, and more—but it’s light, funny, and kid-friendly. The film turns these monsters into lovable, goofy characters that won’t keep you up at night.

12. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Okay, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic, and while it’s not scary, it is wonderfully weird. It’s got everything from singing and dancing to an eccentric cast of characters, and it’s become a Halloween staple for many. If you’ve never experienced it, it’s definitely worth watching for the sheer fun of it.