Like Halloween, but not horror? Here are 15 films for you

CNN
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My boss hates Halloween and struggles every year to find movies that fit the spirit of the season but don’t give her nightmares. Honestly, I’m tired of telling her to watch the same movies every year, so I’m putting them in a list for easier reference. (Bosses like that, right?)

Yes, Megan, this list is for you.

In fact, this list is for the Megans in everyone’s life – who cringe at the sight of overpriced bags of candy, who shudder when the TV guide shows a seemingly endless marathon of every “Halloween” movie ever made, and who would rather step on one stickier than in a costume shop.

You can call them Halloween haters. You can describe them as horror shy. They can be described as hollow fun. But they also need films! (Some of these films were produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, which, like CNN, is part of Warner Bros. Discovery.) So here we go:

“Hubie Halloween” A silly Adam Sandler classic about a neighborhood misfit who faces his fears to save his hometown. TLDR: It’s so weird, it’s good.

“Hocus Pocus” The original film is an annual must-see if you appreciate nostalgia and want to see Sarah Jessica Parker outside of New York City, and check out the 2022 sequel for an extra special treat.

“Practical Magic” Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play witch sisters with great hair. Do I need to say more?

“Labyrinth” This Jim Henson-directed 1986 classic has it all: David Bowie singing about magic, a young Jennifer Connelly on a mission, and strangely endearing animatronic creatures that talk… On second thought, skip this film maybe off if dolls scare you.

“Harry Potter” Relive the first Halloween at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, or choose any film in the series for some magic that will make you smile instead of scream.

“Zombieland” Before Emma Stone won two Oscars, she taught us all how to survive a zombie apocalypse in this 2009 comedy.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show” Killer soundtrack for all music nerds who like Tim Curry (it’s me, hello).

“The Batman” If you’re in the mood for a brooding Robert Pattinson but have already seen all five “Twilight Saga” films, check out this 2022 Matt Reeves-directed iteration of the Caped Crusader.

“Naturally blonde” For all people who, like Elle Woods, show up to the party in a sexy instead of scary costume.

“Bad Girls” For all the people who show up to the party in a scary instead of sexy costume like Cady Heron.

“Halloweentown” This is a great choice if you miss Debbie Reynolds (and your youth) as much as we do. Fun fact: The film’s star, Kimberly J. Brown, is married to “Halloweentown II” star Daniel Kountz. Sweet, right?

“ET the Alien” There’s never been a cuter alien dressed up like a ghost. Don’t forget to have a box of tissues nearby because, you know…

“Sabrina the Movie” Enchant yourself with this throwback film starring the original Teenage Witch Melissa Joan Hart and a very young Ryan Reynolds.

“Double, double trouble and trouble” All Millennials are screaming right now, not because they’re scared, but because they’re so excited that we just reminded them of that iconic Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen film that defined their childhood.

“Casper” A friendly Ghost film, with “Addams Family” star Christina Ricci to boot.