Grizz Presents: The Not-So-Scary Scary Movie List

Not everyone wants to spend October hiding behind the couch during a horror marathon. Sometimes, you just want a little Halloween fun without the nightmare fuel. That’s where the Not So Scary Scary Movie List comes in, movies with just the right amount of spook, laughs, and cozy vibes to get you in the seasonal spirit.

1. Hocus Pocus (1993)

The Sanderson Sisters are basically the mascots of Halloween at this point. With campy magic, iconic one-liners, and a talking cat, it’s the perfect movie to watch while carving pumpkins or eating way too much candy.

2. Casper (1995)

A ghost story, but make it heartwarming. Casper is sweet, a little spooky, and filled with enough 90s nostalgia to make you want to dig out your VHS player.

3. The Addams Family (1991)

They’re creepy and kooky, but in the most stylish way possible. Between Morticia’s glamour, Gomez’s charm, and Wednesday’s deadpan delivery, this one’s a Halloween classic that leans more funny than frightening.

4. Ghostbusters (1984)

Who ya gonna call? This one has just enough slime, ghouls, and ghosts to keep things fun, but the comedy takes center stage. It’s more proton packs than panic attacks. But if you haven't watched Ghostbusters in a while, be sure to remember that it is pretty adult for kids, so maybe think twice before introducing Bill Murray to your lil ones.

5. Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton’s bizarre world-building makes this one of the most iconic spooky but not scary films. Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice is weird, gross, and hilarious, but not the kind of thing that’ll keep you up at night.

6. Coraline (2009)

Okay, this one is creepy, but not in a full-on horror way. It’s an animated masterpiece that toes the line between kid-friendly and spine-tingling. Perfect for those who want a little edge without full terror.

7. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)

For many kids of the 90s, this was the peak of scary but not too scary. The gang’s monster mystery feels more adventurous than horrifying, and it’s just plain fun to revisit. The live action Scooby-Doo movies are such classics, but we have to give some credit to the cartoon movies that took the gang from fun and kooky TV plots to full on cinematic adventures. Special shout out to Scooby-Doo and The Witches Ghost because The Hex Girls still have a chokehold on a lot of us.

8. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

When Dracula runs a hotel for monsters, you know it’s going to be more silly than spooky. With fast jokes, bright animation, and an all-star voice cast, this is a family-friendly Halloween go-to.

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The ultimate debate: is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Answer: both. Jack Skellington’s journey from spookiness to holiday cheer makes this one perfect to bridge the season.

10. ParaNorman (2012)

Underrated and beautifully made, this stop-motion film blends humor, heartfelt moments, and ghostly fun without going full horror. A great pick for something different this October.

If you’re not into slasher flicks or haunting nightmares, this list has you covered. These films bring the vibes of Halloween with laughs, style, and just enough spook to keep it festive. Also, this is a very short list and there are so many incredible scare-less scary flicks out there! Don't be scared to suggest more not-so-scary movies so the list can grow and we can be safely scared together.