For film-lovers who want a cinematic thrill and a peaceful night’s sleep this Halloween

By Maryam Parkar

Watching a horror movie during spooky season is certainly fun for some but for others, the fun stops when the flesh, blood and demons kick in. Some people want a good thrill without the nightmares and that’s okay.

These films deliver a taste of suspense without crossing the line over to full-blown terror. Featuring Canadian filmmakers or cast members and arranged from least to most frightening, these are CanCulture’s not-so-scary scary film recommendations. 

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Starring beloved Canadian actor Rick Moranis, Little Shop of Horrors follows a timid florist who discovers a peculiar plant with an unyielding thirst for blood. The ‘80s classic undercuts horror with comedy, campy visuals and musical flair. Spookiness and delightful absurdity come together in this film, making it the perfect watch for those who want a lighthearted thrill.

Frankenweenie (2012)

Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein are voiced by Canadian actors Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara in Tim Burton’s stop-motion adaptation of the classic story. Fans of Burton’s work, at any age, will find themselves charmed by this quirky family film. In Frankenweenie, an offbeat young boy goes against the laws of nature to bring his beloved pet back to life. The entire film is animated in black and white, giving it an eerie atmosphere from the very first frame. With mutant animals, modest jump scares and Burton’s typical touch of macabre, Frankenweenie offers viewers goosebumps without sending viewers hiding under the covers .

The Craft (1996)

Canadian “scream queen” Neve Campbell stars in this cult classic about a group of teenage witches. The Craft combines contemporary teenage drama with the supernatural world as the four girls balance friendship with the weight of their powers. Elements of horror and violence are used to invoke tension without the blood-curdling gore. While it can be slightly unsettling at times, The Craft is still far from terrifying, making it a perfect watch for those seeking a classic witchy drama with a side of suspense.

Content Warning: This film contains strong themes of abuse and self-harm.

Seven Veils (2023)

This 2023 thriller follows a young opera director struggling with personal trauma as she attempts to bring her inner-turmoil to the stage. In Seven Veils, Canadian director Atom Egoyan artistically delves in and out of the protagonist’s disturbing memories, leaving viewers with the tang of a psychological horror flick — minus the horror.

Haunter (2013)

Canadian filmmaker Vincenzo Natali reinterprets a clichéd ghost story in this subversive 2013 mystery. In Haunter, a teenage girl wakes up on the same day over and over again and begins investigating the sinister things happening around her. The thrilling mystery, ghosts and a haunted house create an eerie atmosphere. Nazali tells an unsettling ghost story for those who want to avoid the goriness or bone-chilling terror.

Fun Fact: Vincenzo Natali graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s film program.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

Ginger Snaps is a Canadian supernatural horror film directed by John Fawcett. The film explores the relationship between two outcasted teenage sisters as one of them undergoes a paranormal transformation. Ginger Snaps is a chilling werewolf tale with a satirical twist on the trials of female adolescence. Clever and distinctly Canadian, it’s easy to see why this teen classic became a cult favourite. Some scenes can be a tad hard to stomach, but the film’s horror elements are balanced by its darkly comic take on teenage life. 

My Bloody Valentine (1981)

For the film-lovers who really want to get their blood pumping, check out George Mihalka’s Canadian slasher, My Bloody Valentine. In this film, an old, spooky small town legend comes to life when a ravaging murderer sets loose on Valentine’s Day. The irony of the setting gives the film a morbidly funny edge. Proceed with caution, although this ‘80s classic is lighter on gore in comparison to other films in the genre. This is the perfect watch if you want a real scare and jumping-off point to the world of splatter films.

Tip: Steer clear of the uncut version of My Bloody Valentine unless you want to be met with a hair-raising amount of very gory death scenes.