What Do You Watch When You Don’t Want Halloween Horror and Goop?, Best TV Shows to Binge Watch

Well, here we are, closing in on Halloween. And your family’s movie interests may be turning to pics with a bit more character, more, uh, bite as you think about the season’s festivities.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through the latest Terrifier or Smile flick over at the movie house. In fact, in my humble movie-reviewing opinion, I’d say that those pics aren’t a grin-worthy choice for anybody over the age of 2. (One-year-olds will likely sleep right through them if the volume’s kept low enough. And babies are used to screaming.)

There are, however, plenty of fun films packed with thrills, and even a few chills, that you can find on a streaming service near you. And Plugged In is here to give you a few suggestions. As always, we’d encourage you to read our full reviews of anything you’re interested in as well, just to make sure there aren’t any surprises lurking somewhere in the story.   

So, if you’re in the mood for a movie to howl over, for instance, why not start with a few classics?

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948, NR)

The kids may have never heard of the wackadoodle comedy duo of Abbott and Costello, but the whole family will be in for a treat with this old school monster pic. The boys play a couple of hapless luggage porters who get pulled into a scheme by Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) to zap the Frankenstein monster back to life. (And even Lon Chaney Jr.’s Wolfman claws his way into the chaos.) It’s classic creepers and comics in one of the most enjoyable films to ever grace a Halloween party. (Right now, you can stream this on Prime and TCM, or rent and purchase on Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.)

The Wizard of Oz (1939, NR)

This classic, Judy Garland-starring rendition of the Oz story is fun, funny and sweet as teen Dorothy gets swept up into the sky by a twister and lands in a very magical place. There’s a witch here, too. But she’s the cackling, villainous sort whom mom can point to as reason enough to stay away from brooms, pointy hats and too much makeup. (Right now, you can stream this pic on Max, Hulu and Prime, or rent or purchase it on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.)

Encanto (2021, PG)

Encanto focuses on a family whose members all have special magic gifts … except for one. Mirabel is the lone member of the family who doesn’t appear to be all that special at all. Until you get to know her, that is.

Our reviewer, Paul Asay, said that “Encanto is a great movie, almost any way you slice it.” You can check out his review and read about all of his reasons why. (Right now, you can stream this pic exclusively on Disney+, or rent or purchase it on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.)

The Princess Bride (1987, PG)

This pic turns to magic of a fairytale sort. When a young boy stays home from school because he’s sick, his grandpa comes over to read him a fantasy story about a farm boy-turned-pirate who sets off to find his “one true love,” a young woman kidnapped by an evil lord. It’s a mushy story that the sniffling kid is sure he couldn’t possibly enjoy. Or could he?

Swashbuckling adventure and goofy humor fill the screen here, and your family will likely be so enchanted that the popcorn (and screentime) will magically disappear before you know it. (Right now, you can stream this pic on Disney+, or rent or purchase it on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Prime, and Fandango At Home.)

The Iron Giant (1999, PG)

While exploring the woods near his house, 9-year-old Hogarth discovers a robot … a HUGE robot. And the unlikely pair becomes fast friends. But where did this iron giant come from? Is he a good robot or a bad one? And most important of all, how can Hogarth hide him from his mom!?

This Brad Bird-directed animated pic gets its viewers to think about what, exactly, makes someone good, kind and heroic, even when they don’t look that way. The only clunky metal caveat here is some potty humor and a splash of language that might keep younger tykes at bay. (Right now, you can rent or purchase this film on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.)

Gifted (2017, PG-13)

OK, let’s toss in one more nice pic that doesn’t have monsters, magic, huge robots or an inconceivable fantasy. In fact, this is a sweet film that mom and dad might enjoy all on their own on a comfy sweater-clad fall evening.

Frank Adler is having a tough time keeping up with his child prodigy charge. He’s raising his deceased sister’s kid, Mary, who just happens to be a mathematical genius. And sometimes it’s a little difficult to make out who is teaching whom.

This film has a handful of headshake-worthy bits (including the implication of a drunken tryst and a lone f-word) that Chris Evan’s affable Uncle Frank would likely not have his young charge ever hear or see. But beyond that, this is an incredibly sweet story that illustrates how becoming a parent and forming a family can transform your life in wonderful ways. Oh, and young Mckenna Grace has the best, most lovable frown-face ever!!! (You can stream this on Prime and purchase on Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.)