The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies
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The build-up to Halloween gets bigger every year, with many of us looking forward to getting involved in some capacity – especially by watching spooky films. The trouble is, everyone’s threshold for scares is different. Some enjoy the thrill of blood and guts, jump scares and generally being taken to the edge of their nerves. Others, however, prefer to keep their fingernails intact! Whether you’ve got little ones to consider or just want the pumpkins without too much spice, we’ve put together a guide to some not-so-scary adventures (we promise!) that will help you enjoy late October with some drama, but no trauma.

By Victoria Luxford

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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Ghostbusters (1984) – A classic so enduring that it remains a regular at retro screenings around the world. Its charm is in its simplicity – four paranormal experts (Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd) become ghost exterminators in 1980s Manhattan. Of course, things get way out of hand, and the Big Apple is overrun with ghouls, slimers and, of course, a giant marshmallow man. There are a couple of jump scares, most notably the ghost librarian at the beginning, however largely it’s a fun comedy led by Bill Murray at his very best.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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Goosebumps (2015) – A big part of childhood for many a millennial were R.L. Stine’s Goosebump novels, which offered chilling stories starring kids and young teens around the target audience’s age. Almost a quarter of a century on, the book series is the second bestselling in history – meaning a movie was surely inevitable. 2015’s Goosebumps movie imagines the most famous characters escaping from the books, leaving Stine himself, played by Jack Black, and some neighbourhood kids to stop them. It’s a humorous, colourful romp that combines the best of the books with an updated attitude.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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Hocus Pocus (1993) – Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy made themselves immortal in the ’90s with this Disney family comedy that became a hit with several generations. The trio play witch sisters from the 17th century who are brought back to life by teenager Max (Omri Katz), and wreak havoc on a small town. Filled with catchy songs, sassy comebacks and the sweetest feline sidekick, the film became a Halloween favourite thanks to popular annual TV showings. The movie is so enduring that a sequel has been scheduled for next year, after the actors reunited in character for a charity event last winter.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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ParaNorman (2012) – The first of two animations from the celebrated studio Laika, who use stop-motion animation to give their tales an other-worldy feel. ParaNorman is the story of a meek young man who finds that he can talk to ghosts, and who uses that power to end a centuries-old curse on his town. It can be difficult to deal with big subjects like death in a way that’s suitable for youngsters, but this overlooked classic from the early 2010s manages to find a balance between creepy and kind. You may also recognise some familiar voices, with a vocal cast that includes Anna Kendrick, John Goodman and Ariel Winter.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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Monster House (2006) – Every now and again, a film’s title does all the explaining for it. Filmed with motion-capture technology (similar to Polar Express), it offered a 21st-century twist on family classics like The Goonies, with a little bit more Halloween havoc as a house comes to life to cause its neighbours harm. Nominated for an Oscar, the film takes a fresh look at the haunted house story and would be the ideal flick to throw on after a long night of trick-or-treating!

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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Frankenweenie (2012) – Tim Burton returned to his roots for this passion project, an homage to the Universal Frankenstein films and adapted from a short he made in 1984. It’s about a boy who uses electricity to bring back his beloved Bull Terrier, Sparky, but the innocent experiment soon spirals out of control. A bit lighter than The Corpse Bride, certain scenes may be ghoulish, but this black-and-white fantasy always has its heart in the right place (even if the other limbs get misplaced!).

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) – Jack Black loved being in a spooky story so much that he came back for more! Eli Roth, known for blood-spattered torture movies like the Hostel franchise, makes a foray into PG territory as he tells the tale of a young man who discovers that the uncle he has come to live with (Black) is in fact a warlock. Featuring the wonderful Cate Blanchett as Black’s neighbour and fellow magic user, this hasn’t yet had the time to gain cult status around Halloween, but we think it will only grow in popularity.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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The Addams Family (1991) – They may be creepy and kooky, but The Addams Family have kept coming back ever since the 1930s when they first appeared in Charles Addams’ cartoon strips. Since then, the comic Gothic household have featured in a ’60s TV show and two computer-animated feature films. For us, however, they’ve never been better than in Barry Sonnenfeld’s irreverent live-action film starring Raul Julia as spirit patriarch Gomez, the unforgettable Anjelica Huston as his wife Morticia, and Christina Ricci in a career-making role as daughter Wednesday. The script is still fresh and funny, and the story will have something for everyone from 1-100.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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Casper (1995) – Speaking of Christina Ricci, she played the lead in this adaptation of the popular US comic book about a friendly ghost. An early use of computer characters in a live-action environment, the adventure is a warm-hearted treat. Look out for the many cameos from the likes of movie royalty Clint Eastwood, a horror icon, and even an original Ghostbuster!

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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The Haunted Mansion (2003) – What better inspiration for a movie than one of the most famous spooky theme park rides in the world? The Haunted Mansion has been a fixture of Disney theme parks around the world since 1969. The film version stars Eddie Murphy as a real estate agent who becomes trapped in the mansion, encountering the spooky residents along the way. While a huge hit like fellow ride-turned-movie Pirates of the Caribbean, the film still holds a place in the hearts of many who like their scares with a sprinkling of humour. A new version starring Tiffany Haddish and Owen Wilson is currently in development.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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Halloweentown (1998) – TV movie Halloweentown may not be as immediately recognisable as some names on this list, but if you grew up around the turn of the millennium, then this – and its sequels – may have been your first entry into scary movies! Starring silver screen legend Debbie Reynolds (Singin’ in the Rain), this family movie follows a group of children who find out their mother and grandmother are witches! Filled with colour and mischief, it inspired several sequels and is still enjoyed by millions every October.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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Coraline (2009) – Our second Laika film is a work that is considered by many to be a modern masterpiece. Neil Gaiman’s beloved novel was adapted by Henry Selick, who directed The Nightmare Before Christmas (no, it might have been conceived and produced by Tim Burton, but he wasn’t the director). The imagination of Gaiman’s words is brought to life through mesmerising design, as a girl angry with her parents enters a parallel world where all isn’t as it seems. It certainly has some unsettling moments (the Other Mother and Other Father will certainly leave an impression), but the intention is to make you sigh with wonder, rather than jump in terror.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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The Corpse Bride (2005) – Another Tim Burton creation, with regular collaborator Helena Bonham-Carter as a woman from the land of the dead who tricks an unsuspecting groom (Johnny Depp) into marrying her. This is on the creepier end of the scale, with squeamish viewers advised to perhaps watch through their fingers, but those who know what to expect from a Burton film will be fully aware of the dark and ghoulish world that’s about to unfold!

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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Practical Magic (1998) – How do you date when you’re a witch with a curse that kills anyone who falls in love with you? That’s the eye-catching premise for this entertaining ’90s rom-com with a supernatural twist. Future Oscar winners Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play the witches in question, who have very different attitudes toward their plight. It’s built up a cult following over the years, and is the ideal choice if you want something Halloween-themed that also satisfies your desire to see a bit of romance. Fun fact: A scene featuring the stars getting drunk was filmed ‘for real’, with Bullock and Kidman reportedly tipsy on tequila.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies.
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The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – We end with the fabulous, unforgettable musical that celebrates identity, science fiction and a little bit of horror! Lampooning horror movies of the ’50s, as well as a number of other classics, Tim Curry became an icon as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the owner of a mysterious country house that newlyweds Brad and Janet (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) happen to come by one night. Very naughty in all the best ways, Rocky Horror celebrates the misfit in all of us. The longest-running cinema release of all time (it’s technically never been pulled from cinemas), if you haven’t discovered the absolute pleasure of this cult genius, now is the time.

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The Greatest Scary (But Not Too Scary) Movies

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