Presenting a Halloween Wimp's Ultimate October Movie Guide

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Love Halloween, but hate scary movies? It's a conundrum that many of us face come October, especially when trying to infuse a bit of the spooky season into our entertainment consumption. But if you're a bit of a wimp, have no fear — you can still watch a Halloween movie every night of October without any horror flicks involved! Let our month-long guide inspire your next October movie marathon.

Oct. 1: Halloweentown
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Oct. 1: Halloweentown

This Disney Channel Original Movie is mostly fun and games, but it's also a trip down memory lane for any millennial.

Oct. 2: Practical Magic
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Oct. 2: Practical Magic

This movie about two sisterly witches is a love story above all, but it's still got a Halloween scene (not to mention the valuable lesson of putting the lime in the coconut).

Oct. 3: Sharknado
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Oct. 3: Sharknado

Literally just sharks falling from the sky. It doesn't get more ridiculous than that.

Oct. 4: Beetlejuice
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Oct. 4: Beetlejuice

This Halloween classic isn't technically a horror movie, but there are a few pop-out scary moments. The '90s nostalgia is worth a jump or two, though!

Oct. 5: Shaun of the Dead
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Oct. 5: Shaun of the Dead

Zombies get a bad rap, but in Shaun of the Dead, they're ridiculous in a totally nonthreatening way. Plus, you have to love Simon Pegg and Bill Nighy as his undead "he's not my dad, he's my stepdad."

Oct. 6: Idle Hands
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Oct. 6: Idle Hands

Idle Hands is definitely not a film to watch with the kiddies, but if you're jonesing for a little guilty pleasure with your Halloween films, then this one is perfect. Devon Sawa stars as a high school kid whose laziness turns deadly when his hand is possessed. It's got a few gross-out moments, but it's worth it for the cheesy laughs.

Oct. 7: The Phantom of the Opera
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Oct. 7: The Phantom of the Opera

It may not be the greatest musical-turned-movie of all time, but The Phantom of the Opera has just the perfect amount of creepiness to it without going overboard. It's worth it for the beautiful sets and costumes, not to mention vintage Gerard Butler.

Oct. 8: Paranorman
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Oct. 8: Paranorman

Norman is a boy who must use his special powers to save his town from a centuries-old curse by taking on spooky zombies, unpredictable ghosts, wily witches, and, worst of all, clueless grown-ups.

Oct. 9: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
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Oct. 9: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Even if you can't participate in one of the amazing theater screenings of Rocky Horror, make a date to watch the campy film in your living room. It's also pretty much a guarantee that you'll be able to find this Halloween favorite lurking somewhere on TV.

Oct. 10: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
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Oct. 10: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

OK, so the Harry Potter films aren't Halloween movies per se, but what better way to get into the mood than with witches, wizards, goblins, and magic? Oh, and a little pumpkin juice, of course.

Oct. 11: The Nightmare Before Christmas
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Oct. 11: The Nightmare Before Christmas

There's a reason The Nightmare Before Christmas finds its way back to theaters every year around this time. Another one from Tim Burton, the film captures the spirit of the holiday with a whole lot of heart, a bit of romance, and a few catchy songs.

Oct. 12: Monster House
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Oct. 12: Monster House

You'll get Goonies vibes from this animated film about three kids who are up against a creepy, sentient house in their neighborhood.

Oct. 13: Heathers
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Oct. 13: Heathers

Heathers doesn't necessarily scream Halloween, per se, but there are plenty of dark undertones, murders, and other mischievous shenanigans. Plus, it's so quotable, you'll want to watch it long after the Halloween season ends.

Oct. 14: Ghostbusters
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Oct. 14: Ghostbusters

This remake of the '80s classic is perfect to follow up the original. Which is your favorite?

Oct. 15: The Haunted Mansion
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Oct. 15: The Haunted Mansion

Eddie Murphy is downright hilarious in the film, which is inspired by the iconic Disneyland ride!

Oct. 16: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
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Oct. 16: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Before Sarah Michelle Gellar stepped in, Kristy Swanson was the original Buffy — albeit a bit more Valley Girl, but still badass through and through.

Oct. 17: Corpse Bride
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Oct. 17: Corpse Bride

Victor Van Dort accidentally proposes to a dead bride — instead of his flesh-and-bone love — in Tim Burton's dark comedy Corpse Bride (2005).

Oct. 18: Tucker and Dale vs. Evil
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Oct. 18: Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

This hilarious, inventive scary movie parody just goes to show that you really should never judge a book by its cover.

Oct. 19: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
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Oct. 19: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

This holiday treat from the Peanuts gang focuses on Charlie Brown's right-hand man, Linus, as he waits for the mysterious Great Pumpkin (Halloween's answer to Santa Claus.) Oh, and Charlie Brown goes trick-or-treating — and gets a rock [cue the sad theme music].

Oct. 20: Little Shop of Horrors
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Oct. 20: Little Shop of Horrors

This '80s rock-musical-horror-comedy features a massive plant that thrives off human blood, but it aged in a way that ensures it's not scary!

Oct. 21: Frankenweenie
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Oct. 21: Frankenweenie

Young Victor is best friends with his dog, so it's only fitting that when Sparky passes away, the budding scientist figures out a way to bring him back from the dead. The dog returns, but Victor discovers that his little trick didn't come without some bizarre side effects.

Oct. 22: Goosebumps
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Oct. 22: Goosebumps

This story of the classic R.L. Stine scary book series for young adults has a few spooky parts, but it's definitely no horror movie!

Oct. 23: Teen Witch
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Oct. 23: Teen Witch

You can't "Top That!" Though the best scene in this '80s movie is that rap song, the real story is about main character Louise's (Robyn Lively, Blake's big sister) transition into witch-hood. She makes it look so glam.

Oct. 24: Young Frankenstein
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Oct. 24: Young Frankenstein

You know you're safe when Mel Brooks's name is attached, and Young Frankenstein puts a hilarious twist on a creepy classic. If you love Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, then this one is right up your alley.

Oct. 25: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
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Oct. 25: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Disney's animated version of the Ichabod Crane tale is a nostalgic classic — and you might get goosebumps when you see that flaming pumpkin flying across the covered bridge.

Oct. 26: Monsters Inc.
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Oct. 26: Monsters Inc.

We'll use Halloween as an excuse to watch this beloved Disney Pixar film about monsters who scare kids to collect their screams as an energy source.

Oct. 27: Edward Scissorhands
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Oct. 27: Edward Scissorhands

Tim Burton's beautiful masterpiece admittedly might give a few nightmares to small kids, but adults can fully appreciate the tale in all of its sad splendor. Be warned: while it may not give you a scare, it may evoke a few tears instead.

Oct. 28: Casper
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Oct. 28: Casper

This children's Halloween classic takes place in a supercreepy house, and though Casper is a friendly ghost, his ghost uncles are not. Enjoy either version — starring vintage Christina Ricci or vintage Hilary Duff — for a fun time.

Oct. 29: The Addams Family
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Oct. 29: The Addams Family

They may be creepy, mysterious, and spooky, but above all, the Addams family is kooky — making this a fun flick the whole family can watch.

Oct. 30: Addams Family Values
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Oct. 30: Addams Family Values

This sequel to The Addams Family might be even better than the original — and that's saying something, because we love the first one!

Oct. 31: Hocus Pocus
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Oct. 31: Hocus Pocus

Arguably the most iconic Halloween movie for kids, Hocus Pocus features Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as three witches who are on a hunt for eternal youth on Halloween. Thora Birch plays the heroic young trick-or-treater who falls into their clutches when her older brother wakes them from a deep sleep.