Ten “Not-So-Scary” Movies to Get You in the Halloween Spirit – The American River Current

For people who aren’t horror fans, this list is perfect to get into the Halloween spirit.

• “The Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a horror, a comedy and a musical at the same time. This creepy classic is about a sad little flower shop on Skid Row struggling with business. One day, the employee who enjoys experimenting with different kinds of plants ends up with a particular variant of the plant that ends up saving the business (at the cost of some people’s lives). While the premise is a bit morbid, the musical numbers are fantastic.

• “Hocus Pocus” (1993)

“Hocus Pocus” has been a fan favorite for many years, and it can be said that it has become a cult classic. This story takes place on Halloween day in Salem, Massachusetts, and is the result of what happens when three infamous witches are accidentally resurrected by a teenage couple. This witchcraft movie stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy and is a must see show for your friends who think tales from the past are “just a bunch of Hocus Pocus”.

“Casper” has been remade many times, but in this version of “Casper, Casper meets a girl who needs a friend as much as he needs a friend. Together they are trying to fix a machine that can bring people back from the dead. It’s sad, healthy and nostalgic. There’s a lot of humor to laugh at, but mostly it’s just a great adaptation of a timeless tale.

• “Practical Magic” (1998)

“Practical Magic is a movie starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock and is about a family of cursed witches and their attempts to break the rules and fall in love. What’s great about this movie is its anti- stereotypical of the witch, and instead focuses on the good of being a witch.

• “Halloween Town” (1998)

“Halloweentown” is less spooky and more fun, making it a good choice for the whole family. This is a quirky teenage girl obsessed with Halloween finding out that she is a very powerful witch. The film follows her and her siblings as chaos and adventure ensue.

• “Mom has a date with a vampire” (2000)

Taken from deep within the vault of Disney Channel Original Movies, “Mum Has a Date with a Vampire” is a movie about what happens when kids try to set up a date with their mom, and that does not go quite as expected. It’s family-friendly, includes canon vampire lore, and is also healthy.

• “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” is a family movie based on the ride to Disneyland. This film is about a family that is linked to the tragic past of a very haunted mansion. Their quest ultimately involves trying to make it out alive while helping some ghosts along the way. It’s full of friendly and hostile spirits and awe, comedy and heartfelt moments.

• “Shaun of the Dead” (2004)

“Shaun of the Dead” is considered the very first romantic comic zombie film. He paved the way for all kind of funny zombie horror movies. The best part of this movie is its underlying themes of bravery, of ordinary people stepping up in times of turmoil and friendship. It’s much more than just a zombie movie, and it’s not too bloody, either.

• “The Corpse Bride” (2005)

Directed by Tim Burton, this clay film is incredibly well done and the soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful. This film involves arranged marriages, wealth, a journey to the world of the dead, and a murder plot. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should add it to your list.

Last but not least, “Coraline” is possibly the scariest movie on this list. “Coraline” is disturbing but brilliant, and has a lot of lessons incorporated into the film. The film is based on the book, but the book is more detailed and therefore has more spooky elements than the film. This movie isn’t necessarily a Halloween-based movie, it can be watched year round, but if you’re looking for something a little spooky this season, check it out.