Not everyone who loves Halloween is a die-hard fan of horror. And yet, this genre has become a prominent, nearly unavoidable staple of the holiday season much like the infamous sweet, candy corn—it's probably not your first choice, but it's everywhere. With holiday specials running on TV, streaming services posting spooky suggestions to your watch list, and horror flicks flooding the cinema, it's nearly impossible to avoid these seasonal features. But, fear not! Here, you'll find a compiled list of scare-free and only moderately spooky movies and TV shows that are sure to kick-start your Halloween spirit.
1. "The Nightmare Before Christmas"
This charming, stop-motion classic is a two-for-one deal, bringing you all the magic of Halloween and Christmas combined into one thrilling adventure. Available for live-stream on Hulu.
2. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
You can rest easy this season knowing that Buffy is here to take care of all those pesky goblins and ghouls. Available for streaming on Hulu.
3. "Monster House"
Join this ragtag group of friends in their quest to uncover the mystery behind the spooky house across the street. View with Google Play, Amazon Prime, iTunes or YouTube.
4. "Ghost Busters"
This one's got it all folks—ghosts, catchy 80's music, Bill Murray. Honestly, what more could you wish for? Watch it on Amazon Prime, Vudu, YouTube or iTunes.
5. "Hocus Pocus"
Shenanigans ensue when a trio of curious kids accidentally unleash a coven of witches on unsuspecting trick-or-treaters. Stream it on Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu.
6. "The Addams' Family"
With their wholesome values and spooky aesthetic, the Addams's are sure to make you feel like part of the family this holiday season. Watch it with Amazon Prime, Vudu or YouTube.
7. "Scooby-Doo"
Channel your inner detective and help the Mystery Inc. team crack this paranormal case. Netflix streaming available for both "Scooby-Doo" and "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed".
8. "Paranorman"
If you're looking for some family-friendly fun this Halloween, look no further than ParaNorman. With all the elements of a spooky classic- monsters, mystery, adventure, and a healthy dose of humor—you're sure to get a kick out of this flick. View it on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play or iTunes.
9. "Sabrina the Teenage Witch"Â
Tag along with Sabrina as she learns how to survive high school and life as a witch. Available for streaming on Hulu.
10. "Halloweentown"
Another family-friendly option, take a trip to Disney's "Halloweentown" to experience the adventure that kicked off this classic tetralogy. Watch it on Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube or iTunes.
11. "Beetlejuice"
Accompany the recently deceased Barbara and Adam Maitland in this coming-of-death story in which the couple humorously attempts to navigate the afterlife and hone their haunting skills. Available on iTunes, Amazon Prime or Vudu.
12. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"
Journey back to the beginning and join Harry in his discovery of the magic that is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Watch it on Amazon Prime, Vudu, YouTube or iTunes.
13. "Casper"
Watch a heart-warming friendship blossom between the daughter of a paranormal investigator and the friendly ghost haunting her new home. View it on Vudu, Amazon Prime, YouTube or Google Play.
With all of these options, you can enjoy the holiday without the scares.