Ghouls and scares are in the air this October but there is another aspect to the spooky season. The snuggling close to your partner, the cozy fall vibes, and the magical moments perfect for a kiss. Yes, its the time for romance!
Here are 7 Halloween Romance Movies for when you’re looking for something a little less scarry.
Casper
This 90s classic based on the much beloved cartoon of the friendly ghost, not only revels in comedic thrills but has TWO love stories tied in. First we have Dr. James Harvey – widower searching for the ghost of his beloved wife. Second, we have young love blooming through Kat (Christina Ricci) and Casper (who is later portrayed by Devon Sawa). The movie climaxes with a kiss that seals this movie, Devon Sawa, and the song “Remember Me This Way” by Jordan Hill as one of the most romantic moments among Millennials.
Practical Magic
Sally Owens is juggling being a single mom, the life of the put-upon eldest daughter, being an outcast in a small town, and romance with a somewhat forbidden love. While the movie has its non-romantic plotline of saving Gillian, the younger sister, from the ghost of her abusive lover, the whole theme is the agonies of love and breaking a curse so that the Owens women can love freely. There are some beautiful moments, warm kisses, and core memories of midnight margaritas.
The Conjuring
The scariest movie on this list but I felt it was needed. Despite my intense dislike of the real life Warrens, the characters in The Conjuring franchise are refreshingly romantic. It’s good to see an older, already married couple given the romance spotlight in movies.
Lorraine and Ed in The Conjuring are devoted to each other and there are such soft, sweet moments between them throughout the whole movie. This makes it, for me, a true horror romance and perfect for Halloween if you can handle the scares.
The Good Witch
As soon as there’s a chill in the air, the first leaf falls, and ‘Ber months arrive on the calendar, I become obsessed with The Good Witch franchise and series. This is the movie that I turn to for my cozy comfort. Much like Practical Magic, it deals in magical realism, themes of being an outcast in a small town, and has super sweet moments only this time its Hallmark sweetness so of course its extra.
Here we have Cassandra Nightingale arriving to shake up the quiet town of Middleton and open the hears of the Sheriff and his family. I love Cassi’s vulnerable openness in this movie and her willingness to jump into romance even when things are tough for her.
The Addams Family
How can you have a Halloween romance list and not include the penultimate spooky lovers – Morticia and Gomez Addams. “Get you a man like Gomez” is a meme at this point. No other couple in cinema have ever shown as much passion and adoration as these two.
Like The COnjuring, I love this couple because they are married and established. We aren’t seeing them fall in love (though if you want to go back to the original TV show, watch episode “Morticia’s Romance: Part 1”) but rather as the heads of a family with all their troubles. Despite the fact they’ve been married for years, they still are as doting and in love as ever…perhaps even more so. That’s what makes this a personal favorite and aspiration.
October Kiss
This Hallmark romance combines some classic tropes with Halloween wrapping. Here we have Poppy, a non-commital job hopper who is good with kids, and Ryan, a workaholic widower with two kids. Its a nanny x boss relationship with an older daughter playing match maker. We also get some over the top Halloween vibes with decorating, baking, jack-o-lanterns, fall festival, and of course trick or treating.
Hallmark softens what would be a villain if another channel was writing this script, but Ryan’s co-worker and would-be girlfriend turns out to be a gentle-hearted friend to Ryan in his time of uncertainty. In the end, everyone is happy and there is, of course, a magical Hallmark kiss while in Halloween costumes.
Bonus: Autumn at Apple Hill
I mentioned this movie in my fall romance favorites but I had to give a second shout out. Not only does this one have the cute small town romance, apple picking, and leaf peeping, but it also has an adorable Halloween party with the goal of reminding everyone how much fun traditions can be.