It’s officially spooky season, and if your watchlist needs some Disney magic with its monsters, I’ve got you. From the Sanderson Sisters to the scariest DCOMs ever made, here are the movies worth queuing up this Halloween… most of them streaming on Disney+ right now.
The Non-Negotiables
Hocus Pocus (1993)
It’s not Halloween without the Sanderson Sisters. Thackery Binx, Billy Butcherson, the Black Flame Candle… this one earns its spot at the top of every list, every year. Amok, amok, amok. Ok I’m biased because it’s my favorite, but still! Don’t forget Hocus Pocus 2!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Yes. Jack Skellington trying to do Christmas is still one of the most creative things Disney has ever put on screen, and the Halloween Town half is pure October energy. This one lasts through the end of the year, the merch does too!
Haunted Mansion (2023)
The 2023 reboot finally did the ride justice, genuinely spooky, genuinely funny, and packed with Easter eggs for Mansion fans. A perfect family movie night pick. I love this one, but in fairness I liked the Eddie Murphy version as well!
Coco (2017)
Not a horror movie, but Día de los Muertos and the Land of the Dead make it essential October viewing. Bring tissues.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton’s black-and-white love letter to classic monster movies. Sweet, strange, and surprisingly emotional, peak Burton Disney.
Disney Channel Original Movies Halloween Classics
Halloweentown (1998)
Marnie discovering she’s a witch and saving Halloweentown never gets old. The Disney Channel Original Movie that launched a thousand October marathons.
Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000)
The kids set their mom up with a vampire to get out of trouble. It is exactly as fun as it sounds.
Under Wraps (1997)
Three kids, one very friendly mummy, and one chaotic Halloween night. The first ever DCOM and still a great watch!
Don’t Look Under the Bed (1999)
Fair warning: this is the DCOM that genuinely scared a generation of kids. The Boogeyman is no joke. Watch with the lights on if your kiddos are around!
Twitches (2005)
Tia and Tamera Mowry as twin witches separated at birth. Magical, cozy, and perfect for a double feature with Halloweentown.
Girl vs. Monster (2012)
A teen monster hunter facing her fears on Halloween night. Underrated and a lot of fun.
Deep Cuts (for the Brave)
The Black Cauldron (1985)
Disney’s darkest animated film, full stop. The Horned King is nightmare fuel, and this one was considered too scary for kids when it came out.
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
A creepy carnival rolls into town and two boys have to stop it. Based on the Ray Bradbury novel, atmospheric and genuinely unsettling.
The Watcher in the Woods (1980)
Disney tried straight-up horror and it worked a little too well. A missing girl, a haunted English manor, and one of the eeriest endings in the Disney catalog. Note: this is the one list entry not on Disney+ it’s never been on the service, so you’ll have to rent it on Prime Video.
Return to Oz (1985)
Not technically a Halloween movie, but the Wheelers, the Nome King, and Princess Mombi’s head collection are scarier than half the horror section. You’ve been warned.
Short, Sweet, and Spooky
The Skeleton Dance (1929) Four skeletons dancing in a graveyard. It’s nearly 100 years old and still iconic. Disney has merch out for this too!
Lonesome Ghosts (1937) Mickey, Donald, and Goofy as ghost exterminators. Classic.
Trick or Treat (1952) Donald Duck vs. Witch Hazel on Halloween night. Essential.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, 1949) Bing Crosby narrating the Headless Horseman chase. The perfect 30-minute Halloween watch.
That’s my list, did I miss your favorite? And if you only watch one thing this month, make it Hocus Pocus. Obviously. Stay tuned to The Main Street Mouse for more Halloween fun!
You May Also Enjoy: Hocus Pocus 2 Costume Secrets: Designer Salvador Pérez Jr. Reveals the Hidden Details in the Sanderson Sisters’ Looks
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