Believe it or not, some folks aren’t fans of terrifying clowns, masked killers, gruesome slaughters, spine-chilling ghosts, and bloody chaos.

So what can they enjoy during Halloween?

While scary films are popular – just look at how well “Terrifier 3” did at the box office – they aren’t for everyone, especially those who dislike being scared or kids who aren’t quite ready for Art the Clown or Pennywise antics. The good news is that there’s a range of horror-themed films perfect for these audiences, steering clear of overused clichés, focusing on interesting narratives, and gently introducing younger viewers to this beloved genre without causing lasting fright or needing a night light.

Below is a collection of 25 films that will bring excitement without overwhelming fear:

‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

Michael Keaton shines in his iconic role as the hilariously mischievous “bioexorcist” in this classic 1980s comedy featuring two ghosts (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) trying to scare away the annoying living who have taken over their home.

Available on: Max

‘The Cabin in the Woods’ (2011)

It kicks off like a typical slasher flick with college students venturing to a secluded cabin in the woods, only to be confronted by monsters. However, the film takes a renowned twist that playfully thumbs its nose at numerous horror clichés.

Available on: Peacock

‘Coco’ (2017)

This animated Pixar masterpiece is well-loved for its emotionally touching conclusion. However, it also features a young boy’s unexpected adventure in a vibrant afterlife, enriched with stunning Day of the Dead-inspired visuals and a truly menacing antagonist.

Available on: Disney+

‘Coraline’ (2009)

For younger viewers who can handle light frights, this outstanding PG-rated stop-motion film follows an unhappy girl who discovers a portal in her home that leads her to a parallel universe where her parents have buttons for eyes.

Available on: Tubi

‘Get Out’ (2017)

This film by Jordan Peele presents some intense scenes as it follows a Black photographer who goes to visit his white girlfriend’s parents, only to uncover their malicious plans. However, the most chilling element is the broader social critique regarding race.

Where to watch: Peacock

‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

The terrifying highlight? A massive marshmallow man! This story follows scientists who suddenly gain fame in New York City by capturing ghosts while facing an impending disaster, creating a classic horror-comedy blend.

Where to watch: Apple TV and on-demand video

‘Goosebumps’ (2015)

Based on R.L. Stine’s famous children’s horror books, this lively adventure follows a group of teens confronting various monsters unleashed from the stories, featuring an evil ventriloquist dummy and Jack Black portraying a cranky version of Stine as a literary father figure.

Where to watch: Prime Video

‘Gremlins’ (1984)

This family-friendly horror comedy cleverly blends the joys of two holidays before “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” featuring the adorable Mogwai Gizmo and pandemonium from mischievous creatures in a cautionary tale about heeding warnings.

Where to watch: Max

‘Happy Death Day’ (2017)

Combining time loops with the classic college slasher genre, this film is a delightful blend for younger audiences (and adults who enjoy lighthearted fun) as a sorority sister faces the same day repeatedly, each time being killed by a mysterious killer wearing a baby mask.

Where to watch: Peacock

‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)

This Disney Halloween classic became a cultural phenomenon among children in the 1990s and has since found a new audience that loves Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as diabolical witches.

Witches from the 17th century are back in action.

Where to watch: Disney+

‘Jaws’ (1975)

Swap Halloween for the Fourth of July and a relentless killer for a voracious shark, and you’re looking at Steven Spielberg’s legendary film that can be thought of as a seaside slasher. If you enjoy “Jaws,” you might also have a passion for horror films.

Where to watch: Netflix

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (1986)

Enjoy catchy music and the unexpected romance between two workers at a flower shop, plus a soul-singing, man-eating extraterrestrial plant and Steve Martin’s twisted dentist, in this cult classic based on an off-Broadway production.

Where to watch: Apple TV and video on demand

‘The Lost Boys’ (1987)

Who can forget Kiefer Sutherland as the ultimate cool vampire? This iconic film from the Reagan era combines outrageous gore with plenty of humor in a coming-of-age tale about teens transforming into vampires.

Where to watch: Apple TV and video on demand

‘Monsters, Inc.’ (2001)

This delightful animated movie from Pixar is perfect for young kids who are just getting into horror. It features two best friends, voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman, who scare children for work and go on a touching journey to safely return a little girl home.

Where to watch: Disney+

‘Nightbooks’ (2021)

A standout horror film for kids during the pandemic, this family-friendly tale is inspired by the book by J.A. White, where a boy is captured by a sarcastic witch (Krysten Ritter) and must narrate a new spooky story every night to avoid dire consequences.

Where to watch: Netflix

‘ParaNorman’ (2012)

This stop-motion animated film, which blends the essence of John Hughes with “Scooby-Doo,” features a young boy who has the unique ability to communicate with the dead. He’s charged with lifting an ancient curse on his quaint town in Massachusetts.

Where to watch: Tubi

‘Psycho’ (1960)

This classic thriller by Alfred Hitchcock is celebrated as one of the greatest films ever made. Featuring its iconic shower scene and a shocking plot twist, it’s a brilliant example of how to create thrilling tension rather than just jump scares.

Available on: Netflix

‘Ready or Not’ (2019)

In this horror comedy, Samara Weaving plays a bride who must fend for herself on her wedding night while her new in-laws, who follow dark rituals, hunt her down. The film combines absurdity and action-packed thrills, leading to a wild and bloody conclusion.

Available on: Hulu

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)

If you haven’t joined in on the “Time Warp,” now is your chance! This cult classic from the ’70s features elements of sci-fi horror, including a spooky mansion, evil alien beings, and a charmingly crafted creature, all highlighted by Tim Curry’s fabulous performance in a corset and fishnets.

Available on: Hulu

‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004)

Edgar Wright’s popular film mixes humor with horror, featuring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as two pals unprepared for everyday challenges, let alone a zombie outbreak.

Available on: Peacock

‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)

Most people are familiar with the major twist from M. Night Shyamalan’s acclaimed film. However, it still delivers a captivating story about a young boy, played by Haley Joel Osment, who can see ghosts, and his supportive child psychologist, portrayed by Bruce Willis.

Available on: Hulu, Max

‘Tucker & Dale vs. Evil’ (2010)

This comedy cleverly parodies horror tropes with a fresh perspective. It stars Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine as friendly locals who are wrongly assumed to be sinister murderers by a group of college students.

Available on: Peacock

‘Wendell & Wild’ (2022)

This darkly comedic animation tells the story of an orphaned teen, equipped with a boombox, who is sent to a Catholic school. She makes a pact with her personal demons (voiced by Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele) to help resolve a tragic event from her past.

Where to watch: Netflix

‘Werewolves Within’ (2021)

This charming whodunit, reminiscent of both “Clue” and “The Howling,” features a naive forest ranger who has just arrived in a small town in Vermont. He partners with an unpredictable postal worker to identify a killer among the quirky townsfolk caught in a snowstorm.

Where to watch: AMC+, Shudder

‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2014)

This hilariously absurd film, created by co-stars and directors Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, acts as a mockumentary that explores the lives of a group of vampires residing in a New Zealand apartment as they adapt to the quirks of modern society.

Where to watch: Apple TV and video on demand