Love getting into the Halloween spirit with a good movie but not getting scared?
Written by Sophie Farrar
As the fall time approaches, Halloween lovers such as myself can have a difficult time finding thematic movies to watch when many of them can be a little too scary and difficult to watch. To help my fellow easily spooked get in the right mood for the holiday, I’ve compiled a list of 20 fall -- and Halloween -- themed movies that have been vetted by me. The list is divided into categories describing the movies’ overall vibe, and gets progressively scarier as it continues. Happy viewing! 👻
Back to School:
The return of fall also brings along the return of school. If the start of the semester is wearing you down, here are some movies to get you into the back-to-school spirit.
1. Perks of Being a Wallflower
Perfect for reminiscing your Tumblr phase and sobbing profusely.
Where to Watch: HBO Max or Paramount+ with subscription
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
This one is for all the people that dressed up as wizards or witches for Halloween growing up.
Where to Watch: Peacock with subscription
3. Dead Poets Society
Nothing says fall like a homoerotic tradgedy!
Where to Watch: Available to rent on Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu and Amazon Prime Video for $3.99
4. Kill Your Darlings
Interested in how some of the earliest Beat Generation authors got their start? Interested in Daniel Radcliffe? Try Kill Your Darlings!
Where to Watch: Free on Tubi
Fall Vibes:
Sometimes you don’t need something spooky to get in the Halloween spirit. The mood, plot and music of a film can all transport you into an autumn atmosphere.
5. Fantastic Mr. Fox
The epitome of the fall movie.
Where to Watch: Hulu or Disney+ with subscription
6. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
A Charlie Brown special is a staple for any holiday.
Where to Watch: Apple TV with subscription
7. Knives Out
Chris Evans wears a cable knit sweater. That’s all you really need to know.
Where to Watch: Available to rent on Youtube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu and Amazon Prime Video for $3.99
8. Twilight
You better hold on tight, spider monkey. It’s officially binge-watching-“Twilight” season.
Where to Watch: Peacock with subscription
9. Little Women
Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Saoirse Ronan — oh my!
Where to Watch: Hulu with premium subscription
Lighthearted Spooks:
More than just the fall feeling — but also not too terrifying — these movies are ideal for reminiscing your childhood or simply having a good time.
10. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
If you grew up watching “Glee,” you may be familiar with this cult classic. Watch with an open mind and have a fun time at the late-night, double-feature, picture show!
Where to Watch: Available to rent on Youtube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu and Amazon Prime Video for $3.99
11. Monster House
There’s no time like the present. If “Monster House” scared you as a kid, it's time to give it another try!
Where to Watch: Netflix with subscription
12. Coco
Good to watch all the way through Día de Los Muertos.
Where to Watch: Disney+ with subscription
13. Hocus Pocus
There’s no more perfect time to watch than when there’s a brand new sequel to watch right after.
Where to Watch: Disney+ with subscription
14. Halloweentown
This Disney Channel Original Movie is an absolute classic, especially at this time of year.
Where to Watch: Disney+ with subscription
Actually Spooky:
Finally, we’ve reached the movies that (at least to me!) are actually spooky. Despite their freaky nature, I’ve survived these scary movies without being traumatized.
15. It
How would I describe “It”? Camp. Pennywise feeds off children’s fear, so get ready for some exaggerated gags like moving paintings that lean more silly than scary.
Where to Watch: Netflix or HBO Max with subscription
16. It: Chapter Two
Bill Hader as Richie Tozier? Yeah. “It: Chapter Two” is not only a horror movie I enjoyed without getting too scared, but also one of my favorite movies of all time.
Where to Watch: HBO Max with subscription
17. A Quiet Place
More suspenseful than scary with the exception of a few jump scares.
Where to Watch: Paramount+ with subscription and Hulu or Amazon Prime Video with premium subscription
18. Scream
What’s your favorite scary movie? “Scream” is one of mine.
Where to Watch: Paramount+ with subscription and Hulu or Amazon Prime Video with premium subscription
19. Get Out
Jordan Peele’s must-watch directorial debut will leave you thinking in a different way than most horror movies do.
Where to Watch: Hulu with premium subscription
20. Midsommar
Florence Pugh is a girlboss and can do no wrong.
Where to Watch: Paramount+ with subscription and Hulu or Amazon Prime Video with premium subscription