Spooktastic Recommendations: Cozy Halloween Movies

Since Halloween season is here, I thought I would put together a list of cozy Halloween-themed films that I recommend. Some are funny, others are a just bit spooky, and all films are categorized as “not-so-scary” films. Enjoy!

To see last year’s list, click here.

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Mad Monster Party

When Dr Frankenstein retires, he calls an international roster of monsters to elect his successor. However, his title is not all that is at stake, as the famous doctor realises the secret of total destruction that must not fall into the wrong hands.

This is one of my top favorite stop-motion animation films of all time and I feel it’s highly underrated. I love the character designs, the music, and overall story which has its own charm. Mad Monster Party is a classic homage to Gothic cinema and full of puns that will put a smile on children’s and adults faces. The animation is so cool, and this film is everything you want from a Rankin and Bass Ani-Magic Classic. Seeing all the classic monsters portrayed in quirky style makes this film so enjoyable to watch.

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Ghost Sweepers

This comedy horror film is about a group of shamans from across the nation who gather together for a grand exorcism at a small village notorious for dark spirits, as a young journalist gets sent to cover the story.

This is a South Korean comedy horror film which doesn’t take place during Halloween, but I still like it perfect for the season. Though it has some spooky bits in it, the film focuses more on the comedy aspect and even the supposed “scary” parts are funny. Though it was a bit predictable in some parts, the joy of this film is the cast and how they portray these very entertaining characters. There’s random comedic banter in action scenes and over the top physical comedy which makes for an entertaining viewing experience.

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Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktakular

Scary Godmother is the whimsical all-ages story that follows the first trick-or-treating adventure of Hannah Marie, a young girl whose rotten older cousin is babysitting her one dark Halloween. Unhappy to be saddled with Hannah, her cousin cooks up a scheme to frighten her.

Despite the computer animation aging very poorly, I still love to watch this made for TV film every Halloween season. This is a neat Halloween special for kids and I love the message behind the story and the loveable characters (the voice acting is also excellent!) It showcases the magic and fun of the Halloween season. Scary Godmother is the fairy godmother for the spooky season, and I’ve love to go to one of her Halloween parties.

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Hubie Halloween

It’s October 31st in Salem, Massachusetts, and a town’s eccentric, devoted community volunteer and the good-natured object of his fellow citizen’s derision and meanest pranks, finds himself during a real investigation, for a real murderer.

Like most of Adam Sandler’s films, this one is funny and has a lot of heart. It was cool to see a lot of the younger actors all grown up as well as other returning actors he uses in many of his films. The blend of comedy and drama and classic horror film elements is what makes this film so entertaining (plus the mystery aspects keep the viewers invested). Though formulaic I love watching this cozy seasonal film and I think you will too.

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The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

Two animated adaptations of classic literature make up this Disney film. In “The Wind in the Willows,” wealthy Mr. Toad yearns for all the newest fads. When he wants an automobile, Mr. Toad sets out to get one any way he can. In “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” gangly schoolmaster Ichabod Crane falls for the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel. Caught in a love triangle with Katrina and Brom Bones, Ichabod fears a local legend called the Headless Horseman.

I’ve always seen clips of Sleepy Hollow growing up, but I have never sat down to watch the whole thing. It made me miss Disney’s era of traditional hand-drawn animation, but I appreciated all the little details. The film also has song elements in the film which was a surprise to me the first time I watched. The film truly captures the eeriness of the classic tale especially at the climatic parts of the story. The film adaptation of Mr. Toad is too funny and will take viewers for a wild ride.

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Haunted Mansion

A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

This movie is a step up from the last live-action film made in 2023. From the special effects and attention to detail (an addition of lots of fan favorites from the Disney World ride) this film is a spooky good time! It’s a good blend of comedy and horror and filled with a few jump scares that even got me. I loved the cast and set. There was so much to look at and the story with themes of overcoming grief is relatable to the audience. I highly recommend this film!

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Wendell & Wild

Two scheming demons strike a deal with a punk rock-loving teen so they can leave the Underworld and live out their dreams in the Land of the Living.

Once I heard Henry Selick and Jordan Peele were working on this film, I knew I was in for a treat. Most of all it has a diverse cast and a Black girl as the main protagonist.The film is whimsical and filled with many exciting supernatural elements that make it a great film for the Halloween season. I have always had an appreciation for stop-motion animation as a child and I found the visuals in this film to be amazing! The story is a lot of fun and it’s action-packed from beginning to end. This film is a must watch for fans of animated films!

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The Curse of Bridge Hollow

A man and his daughter must team up to save their town after an ancient and mischievous spirit causes Halloween decorations to come to life and wreak havoc.

More in the campy, not-so-scary of Halloween films this movie was full of pure spooky chaos. It was nice to see one of the Wayans brothers at the head of this film because I haven’t seen them in a film for a while now. It’s light-hearted and fun as the family in the movie has to fight off Halloween decorations to try to take over the town. It’s a very festive Halloween movie that is formulaic but kept me laughing the entire time. I loved the attention to detail for the Halloween animatronics and the setting itself.

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What are some of your favorite cozy Halloween films? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!