Halloween and the season of spookiness seems to be all the rage nowadays, with multiple horror films being released every October and elaborate scary costumes being sold for hundreds of pounds online, but what happens for the poor people who are left behind in all of this? Some of us just do not like to be scared! Why would you want to suffer for two hours solid watching a horror film? So here we have for you the ultimate list of must-watch Halloween films, which will get you in the spooky spirit, without giving you nightmares for weeks to come...
1. 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'
This classic animation, directed by Henry Selick, is a childhood favourite of everyone born in the 90s. The delicate stop-go animation, incredibly painted backdrops, and iconic characters make this film un-missable for this time of year. Not to mention the legendary soundtrack (which will be the only thing to haunt your dreams after watching it).
2. 'Edward Scissorhands'
Of course the list would not be complete without this classic Tim Burton film, starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder. The eerily sad tale follows a young man, Edward Scissorhands, who has spent his young life isolated in a castle, and who is brought to join the all-too-perfect suburban town where he falls impossibly in love with the beautiful Kim. Despite his artistic talent, he remains an outcast from society. You won't have nightmares, but we can't promise you won't shed a tear or two...
3. 'Harry Potter'
If all else fails, there is only one answer: Harry Potter. With eight films to choose from, this one is a bit of a cheat, but really you cannot go wrong. Return to childhood and comfort in the walls of Hogwarts, where the wonderful wizarding world will welcome you with open arms.
4. 'The Witches'
If as a child you watched this 1990s adaptation from the classic Roald Dahl children's novel, the creepy witches surely made an impression on your young soul. However, this beloved film combines just enough elements of Dahl's infamous flare for horror, with the all the comfort and warmth of childhood.
5. 'Casper'
Forget hauntings, possession, and exorcism. The only ghost I want to watch is Casper, the friendly yet mischievous phantom who befriends Kat and embodies the imaginary friend we always dreamed of as a child.
6. 'Corpse Bride'
You didn't think we'd only include one Tim Burton film, did you? This other classic Burton film is similarly hauntingly sorrowful. With odd combination of the plot of a typical romcom (a man choosing between two women), the animation style of a childhood classic, and the underlying spookiness of a thriller, this film is the perfectly weird mixture of genres which makes it unforgettable and unmissable.
7. 'Coco'
This magical Disney-Pixar film follows the story of a young boy named Miguel who lives in Mexico and dreams of becoming a musician. He finds himself in the colourful Land of the Dead where he goes on a fantastical adventure. It is impossible not to fall in love this heartwarming film, with its characters, animation, and music.
If You're Feeling a Bit Braver...
A small step up from the uplifting tone of Disney, yet still a world away from any of the chilling horrors which seem to delight so many, here we have three final suggestions (if you're feeling a little braver).
8. 'Shaun of the Dead'
A change of tune from the previous suggestions, the film dips its toes into the genre of horror, without actually quite getting there. This comedy, starring the ultimate duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, has just enough zombie-fighting action for you to feel like you've made a bit of an effort with the Halloween season, but enough comedy to make up for any vaguely jumpy moments.
9. 'Ghostbusters'
Who you gonna call? That's right. It's an undeniable classic, and whether you prefer the original 1984 film with Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Harold Ramis, or the 2016 remake, starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, and Kate McKinnon, you know that with these ghostbusters around, you're safe from any haunting.
10. 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'
This age-defying musical never gets old. Directed by Jim Sharman, it stars Tim Curry in his most iconic role as Frank N. Furter. The soundtrack, dance numbers, and general colourful splendor will lift the spirits and pick you up out of that autumn gloom.
