The season of orange coloured things is here, and we’re enjoying pumpkin spiced latte’s, pumpkin soup, pumpkin carving and kicking the autumn leaves to our hearts content. What I personally am not looking forward to though, is the stream of terrifying films that will no doubt be offered up on just about every streaming service during the next few weeks as Halloween looms. As someone who frankly shudders at the thought of watching any kind of film that contains the word ‘haunting’, I’m going to give all the wimps some less scary alternatives to get binging on Netflix this spooky season.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

This re-make of the classic 90’s show Sabrina The Teenage Witch (Melissa Joan Heart, I miss you), is a slightly darker version than the aforementioned classic. Whilst it’s a shame that Salem the cat no longer talks (I miss his sassy comments), I wouldn’t go as far as to describe The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina ‘scary’. It’s a bit like saying Riverdale is scary, when actually it’s just a bunch of teenagers who look far older running around and causing a ruckus, only several of these teenagers have special powers. Also Sabrina’s lipstick game is mighty strong for someone still at school, but I respect it.

Hotel Transylvania

Got to toss a cartoon into this binge-watching, deliberately un-scary mix. And what better cartoon than Hotel Transylvania - a comedic take on Dracula voiced by Adam Sandler who runs a hotel for monsters. With other voices including Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg, you legit cannot go wrong with this film, it’s family vibes galore. Also there is Hotel Transylvania 2 and 3, also on Netflix in case you REALLY feel like binging.

Ratched

I have to confess that I’m only one episode in, but Ratched seems like there’s a lot more story to come after that one episode. Whilst the first scene is arguably gruesome, I can’t help but admire the vibrant cinematography - very Pedro Almodovar - and the 1940’s fashion (despite the gruesomeness). After Ryan Murphy’s success with Hollywood, that also had a fantastic art deco filming style, it’s hardly surprising. I am certainly intrigued to find out more about where Mildred Ratched’s story is going to go. I’ll also continue my admiration for that turquoise/mint green car and the nurses uniforms - Halloween costume, sorted.

Stranger Things

Merging 80s fashion with a whole bunch of weird goings on, Stranger Things is definitely a better alternative to a horror film this Halloween. If you’re a bit of a science fiction nut, then this is the series for you. Starring Winona Ryder, Millie Bobbie Brown and David Harbour (Lily Allen’s new hubby), get ready for supernatural occurrences, a girl that can move things with her mind, and some really talented child actors. All three seasons are ready and waiting for you on Netflix.

Pretty Little Liars

PLL may have been my favourite show during school. My friend and I used to sit down every Monday (correct me if I’m wrong) for the latest episode and then text each other our theories for hours afterwards. Some may find that sad, but we were just hooked. It’s a classic American teen show, there’s enviably cool characters that you just kind of want to be, a bunch of sexy men and some equally steamy sex scenes, and of course, the backdrop of stalking and murder. Sounds weird, but it makes for a great combination - and it’s not Silence of the Lambs scary, just enough to get the hairs on your arms standing up.