Some Un-Spooky Halloween Films For Those who Like a Cosy and Comfy Autumn

I don’t know about you, but I am not in any way a scary, screamy, gory, jumpy, creepy, ghostly Halloween kind of girl. I wish I was, but I’m not. I even had a bad dream after watching IT (2017) in the cinema. It didn't help that my friend rode past me on their bike cackling like an evil clown on the way back home, but that’s by the by.

I’m a fan of Halloween films that make you laugh, make you feel nice and snuggly to be indoors, away from the drizzle and wind and with your favourite mug and fuzzy socks. So if you’re like me, you’ll like this list!

My first recommendation is The Addams Family/ Values (1991 & 1993)

While it’s clear to see why it's Halloweeny, the second film had me thinking it could not count because it’s set in summertime - but there’s surely enough witches and disembodied hands to allow it? Gomez and Morticia are the best spooky couple - always a great idea for a couples costume. And I’m sorry, but the affection they have for each other? Kinda couple goals! And Christina Ricci as Wednesday will forever be my favourite deadpan character.

Set in suburban America, The Addams Family is a remake of the original black and white television series that aired back in 1964. The films have retained all the things we know and love about the Addams family, from their macabre habits to their strange torture devices and unusual pets. I find the films to be nostalgic and so much fun. A lot of the jokes still hold up well today, 30 years later. Let us know what you think! Costume idea from this one: Cousin Itt. That’s all I’m saying!

My next recommendation is E.T. (1982)

Now I know when you first think of it you might not think of Halloween, but who can forget E.T dressed up as a ghost pretending to be Elliot's little sister on Halloween? E.T. is the story of a little extra terrestrial who lands on earth with his spaceship, unfortunately getting stranded when the ship takes off without him. Stumbling across a kid called Elliot, they team up to try and get E.T home, with the aid of Elliot’s siblings and friends.

This film never fails to make me get all teary eyed at certain moments (if you know, you know). There’s car chases, flying bikes and undying flowers, and in the end it’ll have you feeling wholesome and happy; what’s not to love? Costume idea from this one: Drew Barrymore’s character, dressed up in pigtails, holding a yellow flowering potted plant!

Next up is The Corpse Bride (2005)

This eerie addition is by the King of creepy; Tim Burton. Known for his stylistic stop motion animation, there are a bunch of fan halloween favourites in Burton’s back catalogue in the form of Edward Scissorhands, Dark Shadows, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Frankenweenie to name but a few. But I thought I’d go for some of his slightly less well-known work - albeit still a very popular film!

The Corpse Bride is set in late Victorian England, in a very grey village. Victor is betrothed to Victoria, an arranged marriage, but they are very much in love. As the rehearsal wedding goes terribly wrong, Victor flees to the woods to practice his vows. Unbeknownst to him, he accidentally places the ring on the finger of the corpse bride, Emily.

This sweet, dark musical is full of strange fun; magic crows, sweet spooky characters and dancing skeletons abound. The attention to detail with the animation is amazing, and, along with hauntingly beautiful music from Danny Elfman, it’ll have you captivated from start to finish. Halloween costume idea: Mayhew the coughing coachman.

My final recommendation for your non spooky Halloween viewing pleasure is Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

This cult classic is based off of the Broadway play of the same name, which is in turn based off of a 1960s film - quite a head spin! Another musical film, it stars Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene as Seymour and Audrey. A giant plant who needs to feast on human blood is purchased by the flower shop owner, Mr.Mushnik. But, while starting off small, with only a few specks of blood, the plant is soon asking for victims in exchange for fame and fortune. At first Seymour agrees, so he can finally win the love of Audrey, who is dating an evil dentist called Orin. But things soon start to go sideways.

The original ending of the film was actually supposed to be entirely different, but due to audience feedback they re-shot the ending for the final release, hoping it would help with its success. How interesting is that? Halloween costume idea: A giant toothy plant!

Let us know what you think of this list of films, are there any on there you hadn’t seen before? And stay tuned for more Halloween film content from us here at Tandem.

If you’re taking inspiration from a favourite film or book for your Halloween costume, please tag us in your social media posts so we can see! And if you’re into scarier Halloween films, stay tuned for a special post from resident film guru Maja on Halloween day itself…

Aislinn