There are a lot of things to love about Halloween — the costumes, the parties, and the discounted candy available the day after. But one aspect of Halloween has never really resonated with me: horror movies. I’m not a big fan of guts and gore, and I am admittedly a bit of a coward. I’ve come to realize, however, that you don’t have to be brave to enjoy iconic Halloween movies. I’ve compiled this list to give my fellow scaredy cats some ideas for their next Halloween movie night.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)

Despite its title, you won’t find much horror in this film — unless you’re a conservative who hates fun. This incredibly queer and campy film is a delightful parody of 1950s B movies. It tells the story of two bland teenagers — Brad and Janet. After a flat tire, the two end up crashing a party at an old, dusky castle. The pair quickly realize that they are in for quite the ride when they meet the owner: mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a self-described “sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania.” They arrive just as he is about to showcase his newest creation — a muscular blonde named Rocky whom he has brought to life. The bulk of the movie explores Frank’s attempt to control his creature and staff as well as Brad and Janet’s exposure to queer and erotic desire. The film is boosted by a fun, rock-based score and an iconic performance by Tim Curry. Its explicit queerness did not appeal to a mass audience when it was released, but it has since become the ultimate cult film. Its legacy carries on through midnight showings, featuring a live shadow cast and audience participation. Check it out at home or, if you want the full experience, find a midnight showing near you.

“Hocus Pocus” (1993)

I think we all knew this movie would make it onto this list. Much like “Rocky Horror,” the film has only grown in popularity since its release and is now a Halloween classic. The movie tells the story of three witch sisters who harvest children’s energy for youth and beauty. They were executed in Salem in 1693 but brought back by an unwitting teenager 300 years later. The film follows the sisters as they try to kidnap the children of Salem to ensure that they can live past the morning and the teenager’s efforts to stop them. I know what you’re thinking: this sounds creepy. There are some mildly intense moments. However, the incredible performances of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the three witches make the film entertaining and loads of fun. These actresses make the children-eating villains so funny and whimsical that I often forget I’m supposed to be rooting against them. The release of a sequel 20 years later and the crazy amount of “Hocus Pocus”related memorabilia in Salem itself serve as evidence that this movie only grows more beloved. It is a must-watch.

“Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost” (1999)

For me, “Scooby-Doo” is the ultimate nostalgia vehicle. I enjoyed it as a child and appreciate it even more as an adult. This installment follows the gang as they travel to the fictional Oakhaven, Massachusetts, a clear Salem knock-off, to investigate hauntings by the ghost of an accused witch. This film is standard “Scooby-Doo” fare, and, believe me, I do not mean that as an insult. However, it is elevated by its supporting characters. There is the opportunistic mayor who speaks like a Kennedy. There is horror writer Ben Ravencroft, voiced to perfection by the only actor to appear twice on this list — Tim Curry. And, most importantly, this film introduces the Hex Girls: a fictional pop punk band composed of “eco-goths” who sing about being witches and wear vampire fangs. Everything about this group is perfect — from their genuinely good music to their impeccable aesthetic, to their rude and sarcastic manner. They are icons of the “Scooby-Doo” canon, and I 1000% wish they were a real band. Plus, the story has a surprising twist ending.

“Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

This film tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a dopey, down-on-his-luck flower store clerk who makes the acquaintance of a man-eating plant. As the plant becomes a local sensation, Seymour gets the fame, fortune, family, and love he’s always craved. But he quickly realizes that it all comes at a significant price. Again, this sounds kind of upsetting. However, the film is filled with a lot of sarcastic and absurd humor and has a wonderful, Motown-inspired score. The film is an adaptation of a musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the composers behind Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Aladdin” — so as expected, it is filled with bops. It’s impossible not to dance or sing along to every number. Plus, the film features standout performances from Ellen Greene as Audrey, Seymour’s love interest and co-worker, who is the lovable heart of this story, and Steve Martin as Dr. Orin Scrivello, a sadistic dentist and bad boy, in addition to Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell, who sing their butts off as the story’s Supremes-inspired narrators.

“Beetlejuice” (1988) 

This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one Tim Burton film. “Beetlejuice” tells the story of a recently deceased couple who employ the services of Betelgeuse, an exorcist, who gets rid of the living, to drive a snooty New York couple out of their home. The film is filled to the brim with Burton’s weird, dark humor. While not all the jokes land, the film is unquestionably a great time. Plus, it features Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz — an arrogant housewife with bizarre taste. The performance echoes O’Hara’s iconic “Schitt’s Creek” character, Moira Rose. Seriously,  she wears a glove as a headband — tell me that isn’t a look Moira would rock. Winona Ryder as Delia’s emo, paranormal-interested stepdaughter, puts on a great performance as always. She manages to bring joy, humor, and genuine sadness to her performance all at once. There’s no question why this film is ranked among Burton’s best.