October beckons movie viewers to indulge in spine-tingling flicks from the spooky to the downright terrifying. But not every viewer enjoys being scared out of their wits. That doesn't mean those with milder tastes need to forgo a Halloween ambient film-fest or a snug night in.
No matter why horror flicks are off the table, plenty of Halloween-adjacent material is out there, just waiting to bring in those cozy fall feels. Get ready to curl up and enjoy watching these flicks without needing the lights on. From comedy to kid-friendly viewing, here are six winners to watch.
Coco Celebrates Día de los Muertos
Technically, Día de los Muertos takes place the day after Halloween, but since it's a celebration of family members who have passed on, it certainly pulls that Halloween feeling. Disney brings to life the rich mesoamerican traditions of this holiday in Coco. Full of songs, colorful animation, and a heartwarming story of family, Coco certainly sets the mood without the frights.
Music is life to Miguel. Unfortunately, he was born into a family that bans music. Through family stories, he knows this wasn't always the case. His great-great-grandfather was a legendary musician, but he broke the heart of Miguel's great-great-grandmother, Coco. Miguel's insistent journey to reconnect with his ancestors brings love, joy, and music back to the whole family.
Coco is available on Disney+.
Casper Brings the Capers of the Classic Friendly Ghost Home
Casper, the Friendly Ghost, has been around since the late 1930s in one form or another, visiting the pages of books and comics and making appearances as a cartoon. In 1995, he entered full-length movies alongside Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman in Casper. And like he's been doing for the last eighty-some years, Casper's movie showcased the lighter side of being haunted.
Pullman and Ricci, playing father and daughter, move into a house haunted by three troublesome ghosts. Casper, never having enjoyed haunting the living, helps Ricci and Pullman put a stop to their pranks and claim the house as a proper home. Casper has all the ghosts October deserves. Get into the Halloween spirit with none of the scares.
Prime Video has Casper available to rent.
Bewitched Is the Classic Story of 'Boy Meets Witch'
Looking for a comedy about witches to get in the Halloween mood without having to watch Hocus Pocus yet again? Bewitched is here to deliver the magic. With actors Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine, and Michael Caine, Bewitched certainly dabbles in the power of the stars.
This movie spoofs on the '60s sitcom Bewitched. In the film, an egotistical actor with a stalled-out career decides to reboot the television show with him as the male lead. To make himself shine, he demands a no-name be cast opposite him. Unwittingly, the part of the witch-housewife gets filled by a real witch. From there, the trouble and laughs unravel easily.
Bewitched is available on Hulu or Prime Video.
Have a Hell of a Good Time with Adam Sandler's Little Nicky
Adam Sandler walks a fine line with his movies, keeping his humor cheeky but not overly crass. His jokes run ridiculous but not too dumb, and the plots tend toward the lovably dorky. Little Nicky plays out true to form. Sandler has his usual crew acting beside him, and the chemistry is unmistakable.
In Little Nicky, Sandler plays the Devil's awkward son, who likes butterflies and death metal. When his two violent older brothers decide to overthrow their father, the Devil, and rule both Hell and Earth with rampant sin, it's up to Nicky to save the day. It goes without saying that what follows is a delightfully irreverent romp from Hell to Heaven and everywhere in between.
Watch Little Nicky on Netflix.
Enchanted's Ball Puts Halloween Costume Parties to Shame
Disney's Enchanted makes the list for its lavish costumes, dragons, and evil stepmother. While not set during Halloween, Enchanted captures plenty of those necessary feelings. And if costumes matter, then Enchanted has it covered. The grand climax takes place at a New York costume ball which will have princesses-at-heart of all ages dreaming of dressing up and attending.
Enchanted blends 2D animation and live action in a classic fairy tale. A clueless damsel desires nothing more than true love's kiss. She struggles to cope when she's accidentally transported into modern-day New York City. While the city holds lessons for her about love in the real world, she has plenty to teach New Yorkers about hope and happiness. The hardest part? Finding kindness. Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, and James Marsden bring this search to life in a wonderful way.
Enchanted is available to stream on Disney+.
Rom-Com You've Got Mail Unfolds During Sweater Weather
You've Got Mail's main character, Kathleen Kelly, revels in the changing seasons in her beloved New York City neighborhood. Much of the romantic comedy unfolds through the fall and Christmas seasons, treating viewers to fantastic visuals of New York, which illustrate the charm she loves. Regardless of the season, You've Got Mail beautifully sets the scene and the atmosphere for cozy romance.
Kathleen Kelly inherited her mother's bookshop, which the locals love. Like many small businesses, she runs into trouble when the corporate mega-store moves in across the street. She takes her problems online and finds anonymous comfort in a blossoming Internet romance. In real life, she's plagued by the owner of the bookstore chain, whom she hates for destroying the local ambiance. Predictably, they're both falling in love with the supposed enemy. Still, the sweetness with the way they eventually connect leaves plenty of warm fuzzies behind.
Watch You've Got Mail on Hulu.