Stores have been selling Halloween themed candy since October 1st and costume stores revitalized their advertising efforts. But the ever so slight change in the weather and the turn of another calendar page also revived Halloween movies, long forgotten, and usherd in new films to frighten audiences.

Although Halloween costumes often involve horror movies, tamer flicks deserve their own spotlight. Movies from creators like Tim Burton find their place among some of the best Halloween films. The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie are part of many Halloween rituals, and rightfully so. These movies, although not nearly as frightening as traditional horror films or even some of Burton’s other works, still provide chilling entertainment to get audiences into the October spirit.

However, movies like Twitches and Halloween town also deserve a place among the Halloween classics. Many older viewers may feel they have outgrown the Disney and PG Tim Burton movies. Even though the intended audience might be younger children, there is no shame in re-watching the films that seemed so eerie to our past selves.

There are so many grim movies with guts and gore galore to watching in October, but it does not solely have to be about horror. Reality has enough bloodshed and conflict as it is and children’s Halloween movies provide the same October vibe we all crave, but with a happy ending. Perhaps they won’t scare viewers out of their wits, but they do provide a nice trip to the past when they did still have that affect.

Even though watching horror films is a common way to spend an October weekend, not everyone enjoys the increased heart rate and the paranoia afterwards. Peer pressure can lure these unfortunate souls into into sleepless nights after their friends persuade them to watch a scary movie. There is no need to feel self conscious for not enjoying the thrill of such a movie, but often it may feel that way. Forget the friends that push you out of your comfort zone. Sometimes it’s okay to stay in your safe bubble. So sit back, pass the popcorn and enjoy watching Hocus Pocus as you reminisce about they days when you still believed in Halloween magic.