Usually, when you think of the horror genre, you think of Freddy Krueger, Jason, Alien, and the rest of those bloody, gory, and very scary monsters. Bloody murders, obscene language, nudity — all these make it difficult to watch horror flicks with your family or kids. But there is a solution!
There are always horror films with PG ratings, and here are seven fall movies that you can enjoy with the whole family or if you’re just a big wuss. From creepy animated films to good-old 90s classics, there’s something for everyone.
1. Coraline
Coraline is not the only animated movie worth watching during the fall season. Frankenweenie, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Paranorman, and many other dark cartoons can be watched by pretty much anyone. But Coraline is still the most unusual movie on the list. It’s a dark world of dreams, where people have buttons instead of eyes, and the spirits of children roam the streets. The absolute gem among gems!
2. Gremlins
You should watch Gremlins on Christmas Eve, although do not hesitate if you haven’t seen these iconic holiday movies yet. Kids may be spooked by disgusting, evil little monsters trying to ruin everyone’s lives. Still, adults will definitely appreciate all the references and double-entendre’s the writers have put into these movies. Gremlins is a hilarious satire of everything and everyone that anyone will be able to enjoy.
3. Little Shop of Horrors
Seymour is a real loser who works in a flower shop. One day he finds a very unusual plant and brings it to work. Because why not? The flower, however, does not require watering or sunlight, and all it needs is — you guessed it — human blood and meat. In return, the flower attracts visitors, but only to have a snack. Shenanigans ensue. It’s a dark comedy with some of the most iconic lines and songs from any horror movie.
4. Goosebumps
This is one of those “the book was better” situations, but it’s still R.L. Stein (played here by Jack Black), so it’s at least not horrible. A horror author and some children try to contain an army of monsters who have escaped from the author’s stories. Some of you may find this movie nostalgic when you see familiar characters, but aside from that, it’s a chill ride from start to finish. The kids will definitely love it.
5. The Addams Family
An old classic this one. Watching this eccentric family do weird and sometimes creepy stuff just makes you want to be their neighbour. Each and every member of the Adams family is crazier than the previous one. Cute little Wednesday regularly tries to kill her younger brother; Mom and Dad are the horniest couple in the city, and Uncle Fester is just a big old perv. What’s not to love?
6. Pan’s Labyrinth
Guillermo del Toro has a knack for atmospheric movies. Pan’s Labyrinth was so good that in Mexico, cinemas were forced to put warnings on film posters about violence and make it PG-13. What’s it about? The 10-year-old Ophelia found a labyrinth next to her house. And it turned out that the little girl was not just any regular lass, but the missing princess of a fairy kingdom. The fairy tales are not as fun in this world and rarely end with a “happily ever after.”
7. Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice is one of Tim Burton’s best films of all time. A dark comedy in black and white tones with bizarre characters straight from the works of Edgar Alan Poe (or at least they could be). This movie probably gave PTSD to many kids back in the day, but today’s children are way more resilient. Burton’s trying to teach us something very simple through Beetlejuice: never resort to getting help from otherworldly forces, and what you really shouldn’t do is shout out “Beetlejuice” three times in a row. Dare to try it?
