Spooky season is officially here! Time to dig out all your Halloween decorations and get ready for all things dark and scary. However, if you’re like me, you don’t want things to get too scary or intense. For those of us whose Halloween vibe is more The Munsters than Scream, check out these movies that have the season’s spooky vibe without crossing into the horror genre.
Clue
This cult classic murder mystery based on the board game of the same name is the perfect mix of dark and humorous. With six deaths throughout the film and no clear murderer until the end of the film, it certainly has its suspense-filled moments. However, the overall humor and unique style of the script moves this story closer to comedy than a true suspense film. Plus, with a cast including comic icons Christopher Lloyd and Michael McKean, horror favorite Tim Curry, and more you’re sure to be impressed. Not to mention the, quite literal, surprise ending – the film actually has three different possible endings!
Stream it now with a Showtime subscription.
The Addams Family (1991)
One of America’s favorite spooky families, the Addams live in spooky season year around. So, it’s no wonder that the movies featuring them earn a spot on this list. While there are many different versions of their story that would fit the bill, the 1991 live-action film is the perfect fit for Halloween. With the macabre yet wealthy family looking for their long-lost Uncle Fester, this film takes a turn, as an impersonator appears in his place. As the supposed Uncle Fester tries to please his loan-shark father, viewers are treated to a series of comic moments everyone can enjoy. Plus, who can resist Christina Ricci as young Wednesday and Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester (or is he)?
Stream it now on Amazon Prime Video.
Scooby-Doo (2002)
While Scooby-Doo might not be the first character to come to mind when you’re looking for spooky movies, he’s not as out of place on this list as you might think. The 2002 live-action film definitely crosses into spooky territory. With a mysterious figure sending demonic monsters to possess vacationing young adults, the Scooby gang has to reunite — rather unhappily — to solve the mystery. While this film definitely falls more into the comedy realm than the scary realm, it is definitely spooky, especially for a younger crowd. Don’t be afraid to pull out this film with confidence this Halloween season.
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Stream it now on HBO Max.
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
A classic Don Knotts film, this story centers on a haunted house. When a small town’s meek newspaper typesetter decides to try his hand at being a reporter, he gets his shot covering the local haunted house. Unfortunately, to do this he has to spend a night there – a night during which he is completely terrified of what he sees and experiences. From this point, things get more complicated and more real as guilty parties from the deaths that gave the house its haunted status are revealed.
This is the oldest title on our list, but if you’re looking for something different this might be for you. It straddles the line between scary, and Knott’s signature comedy perfectly and is a solid choice for any spooky movie night.
Rent it now on Amazon Prime Video for $3.99.
Little Shop of Horrors
While this musical has Horror in its name, it certainly isn’t a true horror film. Starring Rick Moranis, this adaptation of the Broadway show of the same name is a fun watch any season, but it’s especially suited to spooky season. With a monstrous talking plant, a sprinkling of murder, and one rather graphic dismembering scene this is not necessarily a film to watch with the kids. However, if you’re looking for a film that hits all the right notes for dark and sinister while still holding on to its comedy, this film might be for you.
Rent it now on Amazon Prime Video for $3.99.
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Labyrinth
A film starring the late, great David Bowie and directed by Muppets creator Jim Henson might not seem like a natural choice for a list of spooky films but Labyrinth definitely fits the bill. Diving into the world of the supernatural with goblins who took away her brother, the film follows Sarah as she tries to navigate the Goblin King’s maze to retrieve her baby brother before it’s too late. This cult classic takes dark fantasy to a new level and is dark enough to feel spooky season appropriate without crossing into true horror.
Rent it now on Amazon Prime Video for $3.99.
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Based on the book by the queen of murder mysteries, Agatha Christie, this film is not the first adaptation of this book and it likely won’t be the last. However, the cast and cinematography of this version make it stand out from the rest, helping earn it its place here. Although what really places Murder on the Orient Express on this list is the nature of the mystery itself — it all happens on a train in the middle of nowhere. For anyone who has not seen the movie or read the book, I won’t give too much away but suffice to say the many twists and turns of the story will keep you on the edge of your seat without leaving you an anxious, terrified mess.
Rent it now on Amazon Prime Video for $3.99.
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island
Yes, Scooby-Doo is back for a second appearance on this list with the only animated film included. However, I cannot think of a non-horror/scary movie that creeped me out more the first time watched it than Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.
Taking a sharp turn from the traditional Scooby-Doo formula, the monsters in this film are terrifyingly real. One of the darker Scooby movies, Zombie Island see the gang back together again after some time apart, but their vacation takes a nasty turn as they discover a mystery involving zombies and werecats. With the threat of soul-devouring monsters, this film puts our favorite mystery-solving dog and his friends in very real danger and definitely edges toward being a true scary movie in the most Scooby-Doo way possible.
Stream it now on Amazon Prime Video or HBO Max.
Hopefully, this list can help you find some good choices for the spooky movie nights this season when you want things to be a bit more lighthearted. Be sure to check in throughout the rest of this month for more spooky content!
