Halloween movies for “wimps” is the sort of genre for those who want to get in the spirit of the holiday without too much lasting mental trauma. Not everyone likes to watch movies about things that go bump in the night. There are plenty of Halloween fanatics that can’t stomach a slasher flick in which a deranged and masked killer does away with an entire team of camp counselors, in just under two hours. While also opting to consider some of the family friendly Halloween movies, there are some that fall in between the two categories.
Dark Comedy Halloween Movies for Wimps
If you can stomach spoof comedies based on horror movies, the Scary Movie collection is a way to go. The only problem is that you may not get all the references to horror movies they make. Generally, they can be a mildly humorous way to laugh at scary movies without hiding behind your hands the whole time.
While it is hard to determine what category Rocky Horror Picture Show falls under, it does at least promise not to scare. It also is not a family friendly flick. It’s a little bit strange comedy and musical and all cult classic. You either get it or you don’t, and if you are going to give it a try, find a theater that does midnight showings with a live cast acting it out in front. If nothing else, it’s worth seeing for the younger versions of stars Susan Sarandon, Tim Curry and even rocker Meatloaf.
Another of the Halloween movies for wimps that falls into the comedic category is Shaun of the Dead. Again, a spoof of the zombie horror film, Dawn of the Dead, but this one holds its own for those who have not watched the scary movie version. Simon Pegg leads the crusade against the undead and that alone, makes this movie a must-see for Halloween or anytime.
Taking it up a Notch
While Tim Burton’s movie Sleepy Hollow does use the tag line “Heads Will Roll,” it just borders on scary. The imagery is beautiful and Johnny Depp plays a great Ichabod Crane – not to mention Christopher Walken’s impressive rendition of the Headless Horseman. If you cover your eyes during the decapitation scenes and side with a wimpy Ichabod, you’ll probably really enjoy this updated version of a holiday classic.
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp also work some cinematic magic perfect for Halloween with Edward Scissorhands. Though also not scary, the dark premise and setting adds a spooky feel. Anytime Vincent Price is playing the role of someone’s “creator” there is bound to be an element of scary, but this one goes in a different direction with it.
File Under Family or Wimps
While on the topic of Tim Burton and Halloween, a great movie for wimps and families at Halloween is the magical Nightmare Before Christmas. This animated classic dabbles in the spooky but sticks closer to the love story and moral journey of the main character, Jack Skellington. The beauty of this one is it can be watched to get in the spirit of Halloween or Christmas, and can be enjoyed all year round.
Another movie that could appeal for families or “scaredy cats” is The Addams Family, either the first one or really any of them. Based on the 1960s TV show, this version from the ‘90s pokes fun at the lives of a family of monsters and freaks. It’s a fun, feel good series that can leave you in the holiday mind frame without keeping you awake at night in terror.
And finally, a great family friendly or good for wimps Halloween movie is the classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. This has practically become a holiday necessity along with carving pumpkins and eating candy. Most adults can recall growing up with this being a TV special at some time during the month of October, and this is a tradition that is sure to last for generations to come.
The End, My Friend
There is no need to be ashamed if gore flicks, slasher films or horror movies in general are not your cup of tea. There also isn’t any reason to subject yourself to scary movies that may be too much to handle. At Halloween, movies are a fine method to use to get in the mood for the holiday and to have as background noise while carving jack-o’-lanterns or having a Halloween party. The idea is to keep it user-friendly for what your limits are. Halloween movies for wimps may not be a genre yet, but there are plenty of suitable ones for the category when it does happen.
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