Gore-hounds with Netflix accounts have many options to satiate their bloodlust. Scream, The Cabin in the Woods, Evil Dead 2, Carrie, and other modern classics abound in the Horror section. But if you’ve got kids, aren’t big on gore, or simply like movies of all kinds (bloody or not), you have plenty of alternatives to get into the Halloween mood. I’ve sifted through hundreds of titles for you to find 23 splatter-free (and splatter-lite) Halloween options on Netflix Streaming. Keep in mind that some may still have content that isn’t for everyone, so use your discretion.
The Addams Family (PG-13, 1991) – Fun, laugh-filled movie remake of the classic TV series.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (NR, 1955-1957) – Iconic TV series from the “master of suspense.”Each episode is a standalone mystery tale.
Anaconda (PG-13, 1997) – Schlocky B-movie fun about a giant man-eating snake.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV-14, 1997-2003) – Silly title but brilliant execution. Writer-director Joss Whedon (The Avengers) is one of the best in the business. This was an awesome show, especially once it found its groove in the second season. For a good standalone episode, try Season 2, Episode 6: “Halloween.” Later seasons grew a bit more mature in content, so heads up.
Charade (NR, 1963) – Classic romantic thriller with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. A must-see.
Clue (PG, 1995) – Hilarious murder mystery, based on the board game. Infinitely quotable.
Dreamworks Spooky Stories Volume 1 & 2 (TV-PG, 2009-2011) – Halloween-themed shorts starring the characters from Shrek, Megamind, and Monsters vs. Aliens, these are clever and great for all ages.
Escape to Witch Mountain (G, 1975) – Disney classic about super-powered kids fleeing kidnappers.
The Fly (NR, 1958) – Original horror gem about a scientist who slowly turns into a giant insect.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (NR, 1947) – Romantic fantasy about a widow who moves into a haunted home and falls in love the spirit of a sea captain
House on Haunted Hill (NR, 1959) – Arguably the greatest haunted house movie ever made. With horror legend Vincent Price.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (PG, 1978) – Aliens take over our bodies in this effective remake that’s as good (better?) than the original.
MST3K (Mystery Science Theater 3000): Werewolf (NR, 1998) – Laugh til you cry as the gang offers hilarious, biting commentary to a cheesy old werewolf movie.
The Munsters (TV-G, 1964-1965) – I loved this show as a kid. Sitcom about a monster family.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG, 1993) – Needs no introduction. This is annual Halloween viewing in my home.
Nosferatu (NR, 1929) – Iconic silent adaptation of the Dracula story is a must for film buffs. Chilling to this day.
Orca (PG, 1977) – An entertaining ripoff of Moby Dick and Jaws, with Richard Harris (aka Dumbledore 1.0) hunting a man-eating, revenge-seeking killer whale.
ParaNorman (PG, 2012) – An underseen stop-motion animated flick from the makers of Coraline and The Box Trolls, about a boy who speaks to ghosts, battles zombies, and faces off with a witch. There’s some adult innuendo, so heads up.
Phantom of the Opera at Royal Albert Hall (NR, 2011) – Terrific filmed version of a London stage performance of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s gothic musical. Seriously amazing. Almost as good as attending the play live.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (PG-13, 2003)– Not often on people’s radar for the holiday, which is a shame, because the only thing more Halloween than pirates is cursed ghost pirates.
Troll Hunter (PG-13, 2010) – Norwegian flick about a dude who hunts giant trolls. I’ve not seen it, but it looks fun.
The Twilight Zone (TV-PG, 1959-1963) – So creepy and so artistically creative, with each episode a unique 20 minute story.
World War Z (PG-13, 2013) – Mismarketed as a big-budget action film, this is actually a very effective and emotional zombie movie that relies on suggestion more than gore.
Which of these will you watch before Halloween? Let us know in the comments below, and please share this list!
