Halloween is a holiday that simply is not for everyone. A large part of Halloween is the fear-based environment surrounding festivities, such as going to haunted houses or watching horror films with friends, but some people do not have the same excited attitude about these activities, especially surrounding watching scary movies.
“I don’t like watching horror movies because they are creepy and I hate jump scares,” said OH senior Mandy Glashagel. “If I am going to take the time to watch a movie, it should be something that I like and that I’m not afraid to watch.”
Horror movies often prey on existing fears to create a thrilling experience. So as horror movies get more creative they often get scarier and harder to watch, thus making the Halloween tradition of watching them very unenjoyable for some.
“Sometimes I wish I could handle them as much as people that enjoy them can, but I cannot sit through a horror movie without being anxious,” said junior Jazzy Abella.
For those less into gore and thrillers, here is a list of the movies to watch for groups who would rather participate in Halloween fun rather than scares.
Hocus Pocus (No gore, all laughs)
The story is about Max, a teenager angry about his family’s move, and his little sister Dani. Their new town is the birthplace of the Sanderson Sisters, three witches from the 17th century who were executed for their scheme to steal the souls of children to make themselves young again, but not before casting a spell that would allow them to return one day. When Max accidentally brings them back on Halloween, he needs to figure out a way to keep himself, his sister, and the rest of the children of Salem safe from their plan.
Hocus Pocus is arguably one of the most iconic Halloween films of the 20th century. Although only at a PG rating, there is enough humor to make it an enjoyable watch for older kids and a fun watch for adults as well. With no gore or scares, it is the perfect watch for those just looking for a fun addition to Halloween movie night.
Halloweentown (Disney Channel’s Halloween pride and joy)
Despite arguments with their mother, the Piper children have lived an extremely mundane life, so when their grandmother shows up on Halloween explaining that they come from a long line of witches, they are eager to join her in Halloweentown, a place full of all things delightfully Halloween-y. Now confronted with the existence of werewolves and warlocks, among a multitude of other creatures, the children must try their hardest to save the town, and their grandmother and mother, from the evil that threatens them all.
If you grew up with Disney Channel in the 2000s, you’ve probably heard of the PG-rated Halloweentown series. These movies are cute kids films full of nostalgia and Halloween goodness, without any of the horror.
Scream (The least scary horror movie you’ll ever watch)
After her dad goes out of town, Sydney Prescott, who loses her mother a year before the story begins, and her classmates are subjected to a series of attacks and must try and survive the anniversary of her mother’s death. The murders are committed by a masked killer, Ghostface, who uses scary movies as a part of his scheme to murder Sydney and her friends.
Even with its R rating, Scream is hardly a terrifying movie. Mainly serving as a commentary on common horror tropes, this movie has comedy, both purposeful and accidental, that largely outweighs the horror aspects. Although it is not considered scary, it does have violence and gore, of the 90’s quality, as well as dark topics and cheap scares, so this movie is intended for older audiences.
Hopefully, everyone is able to enjoy their festivities this Halloween, especially if it is something as simple as watching a movie that will make everyone comfortable.
I am a senior at OH and so excited to be a Managing and Opinions Section Editor this year! I love working on 42Fifty, but I am also very involved in band and numerous honor societies here. Looking forward to doing great work this year!
