Top 20 Least Scary Horror Movies

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Sometimes you want spooky creatures like monsters, ghosts, or zombies, but without the scary dreams afterward. These films use comedy, exciting adventures, or stories the whole family can enjoy, while still including classic horror elements like haunted houses, witches, vampires, and zombies. They feature well-known actors, ratings that are suitable for most ages, and simple storylines, making them easy for everyone to watch and enjoy.

The selection includes everything from live action movies and animation to a musical. A lot of these films did very well in theaters or became beloved cult classics, leading to sequels and television series. They also helped introduce younger viewers to scary stories in a way that wasn’t too intense. You’ll find different types of horror here too, like horror comedy, supernatural fantasy, and monster movies, and most of them are rated PG or PG-13.

‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

I absolutely love Ghostbusters! It’s a fantastic story directed by Ivan Reitman, set in New York City, about a group of really clever people who study the paranormal and decide to start a business removing ghosts. Things escalate quickly, and they end up facing a seriously huge, skyscraper-sized threat! The movie boasts an incredible cast – Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and even Rick Moranis! What really sets it apart are the amazing practical effects – they still hold up today – and, of course, that incredibly memorable theme music, which is just iconic and became a huge part of pop culture. It’s rated PG and runs about 105 minutes, which is just the right length for such a fun adventure.

The movie debuted to great success in the summer of 1984 and quickly became one of the year’s biggest box office hits. This popularity spawned an animated TV show, several follow-up films, a video game, and a lasting brand that continues today with new releases and products. It remains an enduring franchise, with ongoing installments and merchandise.

‘Gremlins’ (1984)

This creature feature, directed by Joe Dante and with Steven Spielberg as a producer, centers on a teenager in a small town who gets a strange new pet. The pet comes with just three rules, which are quickly ignored. Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates lead the cast as the story unfolds using impressive animatronics and miniature sets – showcasing the film’s fantastic practical effects. Originally released with a PG rating, it sparked conversations that played a role in the creation of the PG-13 category shortly after.

The movie was a box office success and created a unique atmosphere that mixes playful trouble with gentle scares. It led to a follow-up film, video games, and continues to be featured in toys and seasonal shows, ensuring its mogwai and gremlins remain well-known to each new generation of viewers.

‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

Tim Burton’s supernatural comedy tells the story of a couple who have passed away and decide to hire a special expert – a bio-exorcist – to frighten away the people now living in their home. Michael Keaton stars in the film, alongside Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Catherine O’Hara. The movie is approximately 92 minutes long and is rated PG. Its unique look comes from its use of stop-motion animation and impressive makeup effects.

The film became incredibly popular, which resulted in an animated TV show and a Broadway musical. It also left a lasting impact through costumes and themed experiences. Even today, its characters and scenes are frequently shown during the holidays and in classic movie events.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (1986)

This musical film is directed by Frank Oz and tells the story of a florist who finds a plant with a very unusual appetite – it wants to eat more than just water! Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Steve Martin star in the movie, which features unforgettable songs written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. It’s rated PG-13 and usually lasts about 94 minutes when shown in theaters.

The film was well-received by critics, who especially liked its realistic creature effects and how it successfully adapted the stage play for the screen. Later, a director’s cut was released featuring a different ending. The story remains popular today through ongoing stage revivals and releases on home video, ensuring the man-eating plant stays relevant in popular culture.

‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)

This story, set in Salem, is directed by Kenny Ortega and follows three witches who are brought back to life as they deal with the challenges of today’s Halloween. The film features performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, alongside Thora Birch and Omri Katz. Rated PG, it’s approximately 96 minutes long and blends spooky, supernatural themes with a heartwarming family adventure.

Although it didn’t earn much money at first, the movie became a yearly tradition thanks to regular broadcasts around the same time each year. It eventually led to a follow-up film, lots of related products, and special events, all of which solidified its spot as a must-watch every October.

‘Casper’ (1995)

This family-friendly ghost story centers on a father and daughter who move into a haunted house with the goal of helping lost spirits find peace. Brad Silberling directed the film, and it stars Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman. The movie features impressive visual effects that create the central ghostly figure. It’s rated PG and has a runtime of approximately 100 minutes.

The film, launched by a large studio in the mid-1990s, was a global success and led to several direct-to-video sequels and animated series. Its combination of real actors and computer-generated imagery (CGI) became a model for many family-friendly supernatural movies that followed. It truly paved the way for future films in the genre. It was a groundbreaking release.

‘The Addams Family’ (1991)

Barry Sonnenfeld directs this adaptation of the famous spooky family, starring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and Christina Ricci. The plot centers on plans to get an inheritance and the arrival of a distant relative. The movie’s look is defined by the family’s creepy, old house and unusual inventions. It’s rated PG-13 and lasts approximately 102 minutes.

The film’s success sparked a sequel and continuing adaptations for television and animation. Its costumes, memorable lines, and central theme have become lasting favorites at conventions and holiday celebrations.

‘The Witches’ (1990)

As a huge fan of dark fantasy, I recently revisited The Witches, and it’s still fantastic! It’s based on Roald Dahl’s book, and the story centers around a young boy who accidentally discovers a secret meeting of witches – and their horrifying plan to turn all children into mice! It’s directed by Nicolas Roeg, and the cast is amazing, featuring Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, and Jasen Fisher. What really stands out are the incredibly creepy and realistic practical effects – the transformations are genuinely unsettling, thanks to some amazing makeup and puppetry. It’s rated PG and runs about 91 minutes, making it a perfect spooky watch.

The film gained popularity thanks to VHS tapes and television broadcasts, and it eventually led to a remake many years later. Viewers still remember its setting in a coastal hotel and its unique costumes when they think of fun, spooky movies for the whole family.

‘Young Frankenstein’ (1974)

Directed by Mel Brooks, this film is a loving tribute to the old black-and-white monster movies from Universal, and was co-written with Gene Wilder. The story centers on a relative of the original doctor who goes back to Transylvania to continue the experiments, featuring performances by Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, and Teri Garr. It’s rated PG and typically lasts around 106 minutes.

The movie was a huge success when it came out, especially for a comedy, and it’s still often mentioned as a great example of a parody. Its detailed sets, fun props in the lab, and catchy music have helped it stay popular for both public screenings and as a topic of study when people talk about horror comedies.

‘Army of Darkness’ (1992)

The third film in the series, directed by Sam Raimi, throws its chainsaw-wielding protagonist into the Middle Ages on a quest for a haunted book. Bruce Campbell reprises his role, and the movie is known for its comedic action, stop-motion animation of skeletons, and creative camerawork. It generally receives an R rating and lasts approximately 81 minutes in its original U.S. release, though different versions of the edit exist.

Despite having only moderate success in theaters, the film found a large audience through home video and became a popular fixture at fan conventions. Several different versions, special collector’s editions, and related comic books expanded its popularity and allowed the franchise to continue with new content.

‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2014)

This mockumentary, co-directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, follows the everyday lives of vampires who live together as roommates. It’s filmed in a documentary style, incorporating improvisation, and lasts approximately 86 minutes. It has received an R rating and stars the directors themselves, as well as a talented group of New Zealand actors. Learn more about the cast.

Following the film’s success, a television series was created, building upon the original story for several seasons. Positive buzz from film festivals and enthusiastic recommendations helped it reach audiences worldwide, both through streaming platforms and physical copies.

‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004)

Edgar Wright’s movie, set in modern-day London, centers on a group of friends attempting to survive a surprise zombie outbreak and find their families. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost lead the cast in this fast-paced film, which runs for a concise 99 minutes and is rated R. The movie quickly gained recognition for its energetic editing and frequent nods to popular culture.

As a huge movie fan, I remember when this film came out – it was the second part of what everyone called the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy. What’s really cool is that, even though it wasn’t made with a massive budget, it did really well, especially as more and more people started talking about it overseas. Even now, it’s a film you’ll often find being studied in film classes – it’s a great example of how you can mix different genres and it’s considered a key part of modern British cinema. You can find more information about the trilogy here.

‘Zombieland’ (2009)

Ruben Fleischer’s film is a road movie – a story about a journey – that takes place across the country after a zombie apocalypse. It stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin. The movie is rated R and lasts approximately 88 minutes. The story unfolds by focusing on rules for traveling safely, memorable locations, and brief appearances by other actors – cameos – along the way.

It debuted at the top spot in North America and continued to attract viewers with home video releases, followed by a sequel featuring the original four characters. The franchise expanded with video games and promotional campaigns, maintaining its presence in pop culture.

‘Warm Bodies’ (2013)

I just finished watching a film directed by Jonathan Levine, and it was really interesting! It’s based on a young-adult novel and tells the story of a surprising connection between a zombie and someone who survived the apocalypse. Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer are the leads, and they’re fantastic, with great supporting roles from Rob Corddry and John Malkovich. It’s rated PG-13 and is around 98 minutes long. What I really liked is how it combines the whole post-apocalyptic world with a sweet romance. I’d definitely recommend checking it out!

The movie opened at number one in the U.S. box office and was particularly popular with teenagers and young adults. A cheerful soundtrack and promotional campaign boosted its appeal abroad and helped it succeed on streaming and digital download services.

‘Tucker and Dale vs. Evil’ (2010)

This story, set in the countryside, offers a fresh take on the slasher genre. Instead of being the heroes, two kind-hearted friends are wrongly thought to be the bad guys when a series of unfortunate events occur. Eli Craig directs, and Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine lead the cast. The film is rated R and runs for approximately 89 minutes. It relies on real-life effects and on-location shooting to enhance the story.

The film first appeared at film festivals and then became available to more people through online platforms and physical copies. It gradually gained a dedicated fanbase, becoming known for regular late-night showings and consistently appearing on lists of creative and funny horror films.

‘Happy Death Day’ (2017)

Directed by Christopher Landon, this movie tells a story about a college student who keeps reliving the day she’s murdered, trying to figure out who killed her. Jessica Rothe stars in the film, with Israel Broussard also in the cast. It’s rated PG-13 and runs approximately 96 minutes. The story takes place on a college campus and features a killer who wears a mask, giving the film a distinctive and familiar look.

The film was a financial win for the studio and soon spawned a sequel, taking the story in a science fiction direction. Because of its success, it became a popular pick for those new to slasher movies and who enjoy something a little less intense.

‘The Final Girls’ (2015)

The story centers around a group of friends who unexpectedly find themselves *inside* a typical slasher movie and attempt to change how the story unfolds. Todd Strauss-Schulson directed the film, and the cast includes Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Nina Dobrev, Adam DeVine, and Alexander Ludwig. It’s rated PG-13 and has a runtime of approximately 91 minutes. More details are available here.

It first gained attention at film festivals before becoming available online, where it quickly attracted a loyal following. The film is frequently mentioned when people talk about movies that are knowingly part of a genre, because it successfully combines a vintage look with a fast-paced, contemporary style.

‘Goosebumps’ (2015)

Inspired by R.L. Stine’s popular book series, this movie tells the story of a teenager who lives next door to the author, and whose fictional monsters come to life and escape from the pages of his books. Goosebumps is directed by Rob Letterman and stars Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, and Odeya Rush. It’s rated PG and runs for approximately 103 minutes. The monsters are brought to life using computer-generated imagery (CGI), with some physical effects added in.

The film debuted successfully in October and led to a follow-up movie that revisited the same neighborhood locations and featured a collection of different monsters. It served as a good introduction for new, younger audiences to many of the characters from the original book series, all within one movie.

‘Hotel Transylvania’ (2012)

Genndy Tartakovsky’s funny animated movie brings together well-known monsters at a hotel managed by Dracula. The voice actors include Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, and Andy Samberg. It’s rated PG and lasts around 91 minutes. The film features lively animation and silly humor throughout a story designed for families.

It quickly became popular worldwide and started a very successful series with many sequels and short films. The franchise then grew to include merchandise and special holiday shows, ensuring its characters remained visible on children’s television channels and streaming services.

‘ParaNorman’ (2012)

This stop-motion movie from Laika tells the story of a boy with the ability to communicate with spirits, as he tries to break an ancient curse affecting his town. ParaNorman is directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler, and stars Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse with their voices. The film is rated PG and lasts approximately 92 minutes. It’s notable for its beautifully made sets and puppets, demonstrating impressive practical effects and artistry. Learn more about the film’s production.

The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and was well-received for its artistry and the positive message it conveyed. Materials detailing how the movie was made, along with related exhibits, showcased the creative design process, which helped it remain popular with families and in educational settings for a long time.

‘The Addams Family’ (1991)

Barry Sonnenfeld’s film opens with the peculiar Addams family home and centers around a story involving a claimed long-lost brother and a large inheritance. Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia star alongside Christina Ricci and Christopher Lloyd in this ensemble cast. The movie is approximately 102 minutes long and is rated PG-13. Detailed sets and costumes perfectly capture the family’s distinctive style.

The film’s popularity resulted in a follow-up movie and numerous versions in different media. The characters are still beloved in cartoons, films with real actors, and special events throughout the year, proving that it appeals to people of all ages.

‘The Final Girls’ (2015)

This movie centers on a group of friends who find themselves stuck in a typical slasher film, and they begin to understand the common patterns of the genre as they struggle to stay alive. It was directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson and features Taissa Farmiga and Malin Akerman, along with a talented supporting cast. The film is rated PG-13 and has a runtime of approximately 91 minutes.

Positive word-of-mouth from film festivals and availability on streaming platforms allowed the movie to gain a dedicated fanbase. It’s often praised for its loving references to classic, over-the-top aesthetics and its carefully constructed, plot-focused storyline.

Let us know in the comments which not-too-scary shows you recommend, so everyone can find some new things to watch!

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2025-10-02 08:49