Horror as a genre can be intimidating. For some, even the thought of jump scares, gore, or psychological torment is enough to steer clear of that theater. But horror isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. There's a whole world of horror-lite films that can help ease viewers into the genre with overwhelming them. For those who are curious...but cautious, here are give horror films that offer the thrills, without the ever-lasting nightmares that follow.
5. HAPPY DEATH DAY (2017)
What goes with horror like fries go with a shake? Comedy. Happy Death Day is the ideal pick for anyone who enjoys a laugh to break up the scares. In the film, a college student relives the day of her murder over and over again, trying to figure out who is behind it. Think Groundhog Day meets slasher flick.
Jessica Rothe shines in the lead role of this film. Rothe has enough charm to keep things fun and light, even when dodging a masked killer. Making Happy Death Day the perfect horror-lite film for anyone who is a little too spooked to start out on something that's pure scares. Happy Death Day also has a sequel, Happy Death Day 2U, which leans even harder into the horror meets comedy angle, making it perfect for any movie fan looking to ease themselves into the horror genre.
4. THE SIXTH SENSE (1996)
The Sixth Sense was a lot of our first horror films. It's enjoyable for many of us because there is a real bonified story in here. A boy who can see ghosts finds help from a troubled pshycologist just trying to make sense of what is real. It's a ghost story with heart and has one of the greatest twist in movie history.
The film's quiet, yet emotional tone became a cult classic for the best reasons. It also helped redefine what we know as a psychological thriller. M. Night Shyamalan also has The Sixth Sense to thank for launching his twist-driven career. The Sixth Sense is more chilling than frightening and is ideal for the movie fan who wants to be on the edge of their seat.
3. A QUIET PLACE (2018)
In a world where making a sound can get you killed, a family must live in silence to survive. A Quiet Place is more suspenseful than it is scary. It has an emotional, intense ride from beginning to end and is able to be scary without being overly gruesome.
John Krasinski directs and stars alongside his real-life wife Emily Blunt, and the chemistry is of course electric. This adds an authentic touch to the onscreen family and makes it feel all that much more real. The use of silence throughout the film works well to build in tension and is a fresh and interesting way to create something that feels scary, without using jump scares that feel forced. There is also a prequel, A Quite Place: Day One, which aims to expand the world. It's a great time to get into this horror-lite series.
2. THE OTHERS (2001)
A mother and her light-sensitive children begin to suspect that their house is haunted. But nothing is quite what it seems. This one is all about atmosphere. The film truly focuses on feeling eerie in the best way and has an ending that delivers a satisfying twist.
Nicole Kidman gives a phenomenal performance, and the muted, foggy cinematography of the film helps to create an eerie, yet beautiful tone. What truly sets The Others apart is its restraint, the scares don't come from your typical monster or villain, but instead from secrets, shadows, and what you can't see. The Others is the ideal film for anyone who was into campfire ghost stories as a child.
1. Coraline (2009)
A young girl discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to a twisted alternative reality. At first everything seems perfect, until it gets real creepy. Coraline is a spooky movie that is simply good clean fun. It doesn't need to be scary, it's enough without it.
From director Henry Selick, of The Nightmare Before Christmas fame, this stop-motion film uses buttons for eyes and uncanny doubles to create something that feels genuinely unsettling. Coraline is best described as a spooky movie wrapped in a kid-friendly package. The eerie music accompanied by the stunning hand-crafted visuals make this a great introduction to horror for any age. That said, Coraline is the perfect first pick for any movie viewer who wants a little spookiness without ever crossing the scary line.
There is a common misconception that horror has to be about blood, jump scares, and sleepless night, but the genre has so much more to offer. Check out any of our top five picks for horror-lite films to get a nice and easy taste of a spooky movie.