Even if horror isn’t your typical genre of choice, you will love these excellent Netflix shows. While many of us enjoy a good scare and seek out series that play with tropes, feature a creepy atmosphere, or have some sharp twists even the most passionate fans can’t pick out, others prefer storytelling without jump scares and gore.

While Netflix has a lot of scary shows, the streaming platform boasts such a huge variety that you can also find some great ones that aren’t the typical horror fare. These shows may be part of that genre, but they’re not frightening, from the story of a family and magical keys to an epic tale set on a strange island.

Dead Boy Detectives (2024)

There are chilling paranormal stories about haunted houses or demonic possession, and then there’s a show like Dead Boy Detectives, which maintains a quirky sense of humor while telling a supernatural story. Two ghosts, Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) and Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew), are the main characters here, but they’re sweet rather than eerie.

It’s endearing seeing Charles and Edwin try to find murderers, and since the idea of high schoolers turning into spirits and solving mysteries is so goofy, everyone will be happy to watch it. The show has a cool atmosphere, but it’s not going to get under your skin like a genuinely scary series would.

Locke And Key (2020-2022)

Anyone will be invested in the sweet story of the Locke family, whether they’re usually into horror or not, and all three seasons of this Netflix series have magic, surprises, and a chilling villain named Dodge​​​​​​​ (Laysla De Oliveira​​​​​​​).

Rather than only focusing on the magical keys in the Locke house, or making the entire story about Dodge trying to kill the other characters, Locke & Key is also about overcoming grief. There are many beautiful moments of connection between Nina (Darby Stanchfield) and her kids, along with several moving scenes involving her late husband, Rendell (Bill Heck).

Since the show has several child characters and would likely be considered family-friendly programming, it’s eerie and fascinating rather than outright horrifying.

The Order (2019-2020)

Non-horror lovers will likely be interested in stories about magic since they’re not usually as disturbing as tales featuring masked killers, and that’s definitely the case with this underrated Netflix show. Jack Morton (Jake Manley) has a more compelling experience than most college kids when he becomes part of the magical group, Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose.

Who can resist a dramatic story about a hidden club? Over two seasons, Jack and the other club members face werewolves, but they’re not particularly frightening. Instead, the focus is on Jack solving a mystery. The Order is also great if you’re interested in academic settings.

The Watcher (2022)

Unlike some of Ryan Murphy’s other shows, like American Horror Story and its spinoff American Horror Stories, The Watcher isn’t filled with evil clowns, sadistic cult leaders, or, as in season 1, an old haunted house with more than a few spirits.

Since the show is somewhat inspired by a true story, anyone familiar with it will want to watch, but it’s also compelling even if you haven’t heard about it yet. You won’t want to turn the show off until you learn the identity of the stranger writing creepy letters to Dean (Bobby Cannavale​​​​​​​) and Nora Brannock (Naomi Watts).

Perhaps even more interesting than the true story, however, is the thought-provoking ending. The show goes in a different direction than most might be expecting, and it works.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)

Fans of the 1990s sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch will enjoy this Netflix series, but it’s also a fun watch if you haven’t seen it. The intriguing supernatural story from Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa shares that teen drama’s focus on love, friendship, and family storylines, so there’s truly something for everyone.

More coming-of-age tale than straightforward horror, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is totally charming, and it’s all thanks to Kiernan Shipka’s performance as high schooler Sabrina Spellman. Like her predecessor, played by Melissa Joan Hart, and the Archie Comics character, Sabrina’s journey begins when she decides to become a half-witch when she celebrates her 16th birthday.

All the classic quirky characters are present here, from Sabrina’s sweet and whimsical aunts Hilda (Lucy Davis) and Zelda (Miranda Otto) to her love interest, ditzy but kind Harvey Kinkle (Ross Lynch).

The Midnight Club (2022)

Mike Flanagan’s storytelling gifts include making you love all of his characters, and everyone will be drawn into this sweet coming-of-age story. Since the focus is more on heavy emotions and facing the subject of death than on true horror, it’s perfect if you don’t usually seek out slashers or other chilling tales.

Inspired by the stories of Christopher Pike, every episode features a different story told by a member of the Midnight Club, and they’re more sad than anything else. Horror elements like the strange figures some of the characters see, and all the time the teenagers spend hanging out in the dark, emphasize the theme of being ready for death.

Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)

While there is a bit of gore here since it’s the story of a woman turning into a zombie, Santa Clarita Diet is so fresh and funny that non-horror fans won’t mind. Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant are lovable as married couple Sheila and Joel Hammond, who are confused yet determined to figure this out.

While the main characters are facing a problem straight out of a horror movie, the show is more focused on humor than terror. Instead of telling a post-apocalyptic tale full of tropes, the show is about Sheila and Joel covering up her desire for blood while working in real estate.

Santa Clarita Diet could have been played as straight horror with a high body count in every episode. Instead, it’s a silly and fun story of a husband and wife who love each other despite strange circumstances. If you typically like romance or sitcoms, you’ll find both a love story and plenty to laugh at here.

Archive 81 (2022)

With an unsettling rather than downright fear-inducing tone, Archive 81 is perfect for those who aren’t usually into the horror genre. It’s one of the best examples of a fully satisfying TV mystery, which is especially impressive when you consider the fact that Netflix canceled it after eight episodes.

Rather than following a serial killer or a vengeful ghost, the show focuses on Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie) and his curiosity about graduate student Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi). Dan has a cool job restoring old VHS tapes, and as he watches tapes of Melody talking about the strange Visser apartment building, you’re fully interested.

Sure, the Visser seems like a terrible place to live, and you won’t want to even think about visiting it after watching, but the show isn’t scary. There’s definitely no need to feel squeamish here.

Midnight Mass (2021)

The moving Mike Flanagan Netflix series has a big twist that is a play on a classic horror trope, but anyone will be drawn in by the beautiful storytelling and fascinating characters. Each main character goes on their own emotional journey, from newcomer Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater) to Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford), who is living at home again after tragedy.

Midnight Mass appeals to horror buffs and those who don’t want to watch anything scary because, while it has elements of the genre, it’s a philosophical story about life choices, family bonds, accepting death, and faith. If the twist and mysterious storylines were removed, it would still be a gripping show about the people on Crockett Island.

From a long monologue about mortality that feels like it belongs in a play to the family and love interest Riley left behind, there is a lot more to enjoy here than just a villain or some scary scenes.