Disney Halloween movies have always come up with stimulating resources that keep its fans clinging to the couch. Halloween movie buzz fans who have been waiting for something scary yet entertaining know that Disney is their one-stop destination.
One sect of the fans finds their Halloween incomplete without diving into the world of witches in the film Hocus Pocus. Others find the creepy, cute yet fearsome stories like The Halloween Town and The Phantom of the Megaplex distinctly suitable for Halloween. Characters like Mickey Mouse, Hundred Acre Wood Squad, and Maleficient have never failed their fans in a Halloween sequel of the following.
Here’s a list of some top picks we have in store for you and your family to crunch the popcorn and enjoy these shows. Not only for the kids, but these movies are a mind-snack to every viewer, filled with magic and enchanting paranormal experiences to dwell.
Here’s To The 38 Best Halloween Movies to Binge-Watch This Winter with Your Family and Friends
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
The 1993 movie still has a perennial significance in its Halloween movie watchlist. Three sisters starring Bette Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy faced execution 300 years ago for witchcraft. Therefore, now again, these sisters have resurrected Salem on a quest to attain immortality. The film did not receive much popularity at the box office; however, it is now considered a timeless classic with time.
Release date Jul 16, 1993 (United States)
Director: Kenny Ortega
2. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Based on the book The Magic Bedknob, Bedknobs and Broomstick fantasy movie takes us on a musical journey involving witchcraft and a magical screenplay. Available exclusively on Disney+ and a Walt Disney Production. Starring Angela Lansbury as an amateur witch who takes his three kids on a magical broomstick journey during world war 2. It was surely one of the classic fantasy animated movies during its time and even today, it is quite popular among minors.
Release date: Dec 13, 1971 (United States)
Directors: Robert Stevenson, Ward Kimball
3. Halloweentown ( 1998 )
Just as the name suggests, this movie is an all-time Halloween special classic. Starring Debbie Reynolds as an old sorceress who influences her grandchildren with her witchcraft skills. Thus, despite their mother’s unwillingness, the kids follow their grandma into Halloweentown, and then a series of mystery and dwelling stories follow in the sequel. Available on Disney+, this movie is most likely to be watched on Halloween with family.
Release date: Oct 17, 1998
Director: Duwayne Dunham
Story by: Paul Bernbaum, Ali Marie Matheson & Jon Cooksey
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
After taking Santa into custody, a nightmare falls upon Halloween Town, “The Pumpkin King”, starring Jack Skellington for a whole holiday. Following a rivalry scenario between Oogie and The Pumpkin King, his arch-rival formulated on a beautifully crafted story available on Disney+. The relentless search for Santa makes the Christmas of young kids turn into a nightmare with many more impactful reveals.
Release date: Oct 13, 1993 (United States)
Director: Henry Selick
5. Under Wraps (2021)
It is an adaptation of the 1997 Disney Original movie of the same name. The story revolves around a group of adolescent kids mischief due to which a mummy awakens before Halloween that goes by the name Harold. Writer Don Rhymer established the story plot again whimsically to cheer up its audience and relieve the familiar screenplay.
Directed by: Alex Zamm
Produced by: Todd Y, Murata & Fernando Szew
Written by: Alex Zamm & William Robertson
Starring: Christian J, Simon, Malachi Barton, Sophia Hammons & Phil Wright
Release date(s): October 1, 2021
6. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
This animated comedy composition is Disney’s one of the most exclusive collection for Halloween. The story depicts the survival instinct of Jim Evers and his family, who are stuck in a haunted house. A vacation detour turns into vigor and fear for Jim Evers, Gracey Manor, and his family before they are able to break the curse.
Release date: Nov 26, 2003
Director: Rob Minkoff
Estimated budget: $90 million
Gross revenue: $182.30 million
7. Return to Halloween Town (2006)
Return to Halloween Town is marking an end to the Halloween Town series of four back-to-back blockbusters on Disney. Sara Paxton replaced Kimberly J. Brown as Marnie, back again with full-fledged witchcraft knowledge. However, the college forbids the use of any magic unless necessary.
8. Tower of Terror (1997)
Professionally underrated journalist Buzzy Crocker starring Steve Guttenburg investigated the disappearance of five individuals on Halloween in 1939. Also, an 80-year-old woman, as a witness to the incident, Buzzy now goes on a quest to find the missing puzzle.
Release date: Oct 26, 1997
Director: D.J. MacHale
Screenwriter: D.J. MacHale
Music by: Louis Febre
9. Frankenweenie (1984)
Tim Burton’s black and white animated stop-motion feature film showcases the story of Victor’s dog, Sparky. The comedy-fantasy movie of Burton has a lot in store if you like to watch slow-paced dark comedy genre movies.
Release date: Dec 14, 1984 (United States)
Director: Tim Burton
Gross revenue: $11.40 million
Music by: David Newman & Michael Convertino
10. Twitches (2005)
The twin witches Tia and Tamera, Alex Fielding and Camryn Barnes, are separated from birth and aspire to return to their lost kingdom. The duo-witch practices magical spells on earth to return to their birthplace and save their lost mother as a gift on their 21st birthday. Overall, the show is an action-packed, whimsical, and magical journey of the twin witches brought to you by Walt Disney production.
Release date: Oct 14, 2005
Director: Stuart Gillard
Films in series: Twitches Too (Since 2007) · Twitches (Since 2005)
Story by: H.B. Gilmour, Dan Berendsen & Melissa Gould
11. Mom’s Got A Date With A Vampire (2000)
The Hansen family is scared when the lady of their house gets a surprise date with a blood-sucker vampire set up by her kids. However, her kids are on the run to hunt the vampire and save their mum from the situation. It is a Disney Channel original movie premiering back in October 2000 and is an exclusive Halloween special amusement.
Release date: Oct 13, 2000
Director: Steve Boyum
Story by: Robert Keats & Lindsay Naythons
Screenwriters: Robert Keats & Lindsay Naythons
Cast
Caroline Rhea as Lynette Hansen, the strict no-nonsense divorced mother of Chelsea, Adam, and Taylor. Lynette is overprotective of Taylor.
Matt O’Leary as Adam Hansen, the 13-year-old protagonist. The lazy middle child of the family.
Robert Carradine as Malachi Van Helsing. The vampire hunter.
12. Toy Story of Terror! (2013)
Toy Story of Terror is one of the distinct short animated film creations of Disney Television Animation and Pixar Animation Studios. As a sequel to Toy Story 3, premiering on the American Television network on October 16, 2013. As baffling as the other toy story series, this one also adds to the mystery when Mr. Potato Head is found missing during a Long Road Trip. The other characters then go on exploring the secret of his disappearance.
Release date: Oct 16, 2013
Director: Angus MacLane
Music by: Michael Giacchino
Screenwriter: Angus MacLane
13. Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (2005)
A sequel to Pooh’s Heffalump Movie, this movie is mainly on the softer side and heart whelming story with a cute touch to the characters. The film marks Lumpy’s first Halloween spend with Roo, Winnie the Poo, and their friends in the Hundred Acre Woods. The trio and others are on a journey of facing their fears on Halloween night, with sweetness filled throughout the show on Disney.
Release date: Sep 13, 2005
Directors: Elliot M. Bour & Saul Andrew Blinkoff
Screenwriters: Evan Spiliotopoulos & Brian Hohlfeld
Music by: Mark Watters
Cast
- Nikita Hopkins / Jimmy Bennett as Roo
- Kyle Stanger as Lumpy the Heffalump
- Jim Cummings as Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger
- John Fiedler as Piglet (final role)
14. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1948)
The first-ever animated fantasy film creation from Disney Studio still holds a name. It is an all-time classic; along with the book from which it is adapted, the movie comes in two volumes. The first one showcases Mr. Toad as a safari king, whereas the second one follows the Halloween night mystery involving creatures like the headless horse rider and many more adventures.
Release date: Oct 08, 1949 (United States)
Directors: Jack Kinney, Clyde Geronimi & James Algar
Gross revenue: $1.62 million
Story by: Washington Irving, Kenneth Grahame, Winston Hibler, Ted Sears, Erdman Penner, Homer Brightman, Harry Reeves & Joe Rinaldi
Music by: Oliver Wallace
Cast
- Basil Rathbone as Narrator and Policeman
- Eric Blore as J. Thaddeus Toad
- J. Pat O’Malley as Cyril Proudbottom
- John McLeish as Prosecutor
15. Descendants (2015)
Disney rolls in the off-springs of its most villain-like terrible characters in this movie. It is definitely on the watchlist of every growing kid. If you want some severe indulgence with gothic and villainy content, then these Disney Characters will save you time.
Release date: Jul 31, 2015
Director: Kenny Ortega
Story by: Josann McGibbon · Sara Parriott
Screenwriters: Josann McGibbon · Sara Parriott
Music by: David Lawrence
Cast
- Dove Cameron as Mal, daughter of Maleficent
- Cameron Boyce as Carlos, son of Cruella de Vil
- Booboo Stewart as Jay, son of Jafar
- Sofia Carson as Evie, daughter of Evil Queen
16. Invisible Sister (2015)
When a science experiment goes wrong, the famous sister Moly starring Paris Berelc is visibly missing. This invisibility will be permanent if Cleo, the other sister, doesn’t find the antidote to revert the process.
Release date: Oct 09, 2015
Director: Paul Hoen
Cast
- Rowan Blanchard as Cleo Eastman
- Paris Berelc as Molly Eastman, Cleo’s older sister
- Karan Brar as George, Cleo’s best friend and fellow science whiz kid
- Rachel Crow as Nikki, Molly’s best friend and teammate, and George’s future girlfriend
17. Monster University (2013)
Even monsters can be cute and compete with each other; this film takes you on a trail to watching two rivals become friends. Mike Wazowski’s only dream is to become a successful scarer until he meets James P. “Sully” Sullivan, after a lot of embarrassing team experiences to win the scare games. The duo becomes best friends, but there’s a lot of work to be put in to be an efficient scorer.
Release date: Jun 21, 2013
Director: Dan Scanlon
Cast
- Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski
- John Goodman as James P. “Sulley” Sullivan
- Steve Buscemi as Randall “Randy” Boggs
- Peter Sohn as Scott “Squishy” Squibbles, an Oozma Kappa fraternity member
18. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
This Disney Halloween movie makes up the mood for a chilling Sunday and comedy crunch. Jim Evers, starring Eddie Murphy, always fills our mouths with giggles with his comedy and screen presence. This movie can be a kid starter pack to a comedy-filled sweet thrill with a lot of silliness that makes you utter “why”.
Release date: Nov 26, 2003
Director: Rob Minkoff
Cast
- Terence Stamp as Ransley
19. The Black Cauldron (1985)
This movie was an animation legend of its time, to earn a PG rating. Also, one of the well-designed fairy tale creations from Disney. A dark and hazy ambiance surrounds the scenario to give it a fearful touch when Taran and his mates voyage to the Marshes of Moorva. Taran feels the essence of being a hero during their journey after he and his friend face black magic, elves, swords, and even the cauldron himself.
20. Zombies (2018)
Ever thought about how it would be if zombies and humans studied in the same university? Well, this movie is all about this weird combination. However, these Zombies are neither ugly bloodstained nor smash heads but mingle with hot cheerleaders while playing football. This fantastic, silly, yet entertaining screenplay from Disney will surely make your Halloween a bit more chilled.
Release date: 16 February 2018 (United Kingdom)
Directors: Paul Hoen
21. Zombies 2 (2020)
Zed and Addison try to ensure total collaboration between their respective communities amidst the chaos. However, there’s a third party in the game now in the sequel, where a group of werewolves are resisting their peaceful collaboration.
Release date: Feb 14, 2020
Director: Paul Hoen
Costume designer: Trysha Bakker
Music by: George S. Clinton · Amit May Cohen
22. Fantasia (1940)
The best-animated feature film from Disney involves stunning classical music. It comes in a two-part animation masterpiece starring the all-time favorite character Mickey Mouse; this show is an absolute masterpiece from Disney.
Release date: Nov 13, 1940 (United States)
Directors: Wilfred Jackson, Ben Sharpsteen, Ford Beebe, James Algar, Hamilton Luske, Norman Ferguson, Samuel Armstrong, Jim Handley, T. Hee & David Hand
23. Coco (2017)
The 2017 Disney musical fantasy film centers around an aspiring young musician Miguel, who finds himself trapped in the colorful land of the dead. To see this, ancestors Miquel confronts skeleton figured ghost in the land of the dead. Finally, with the help of one of his deceased relatives, Miquel tries to escape and get back to the land of the living. Disney released this movie to mark the Mexican anniversary of The Day of the Dead and not essentially a Halloween special theme.
Release date: Nov 22, 2017 (United States)
Directors: Adrian Molina · Lee Unkrich
Cast
- Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel.
- Gael García Bernal as Héctor
- Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz
24. Girl vs. Monster (2012)
On October 12, 2012, Disney Premiering, a Halloween comedy fantasy film, stars Olivia Holt as Skyler, a teenage monster hunter. Skyler and other young teens carry on their family tradition of hunting monsters in and around the city. Thus, this story depicts a mix of learning truths about friendship and intelligence with a sense of fear and thrill.
Release date: Oct 12, 2012 (United States)
Director: Stuart Gillard
Story by: Annie DeYoung & Ron McGee
Screenwriters: Annie DeYoung & Ron McGee
Music by: Robert Duncan
Cast
- Olivia Holt as Skylar Lewis
- Brendan Meyer as Henry
25. Monster, Inc. (2001)
Halloween with Monsters is a perfect match. The city of Monstropolis is full of friendly monsters who empower them when a child screams. But things start taking a U-turn when they find out that a toxic child has entered their city, and the life of the monsters are now at stake. Thus this movie tops the Disney original comedy animated fantasy film list.
Release date: Nov 02, 2001 (United States)
Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman & Lee Unkrich
Cast
- John Goodman as James P. “Sulley” Sullivan
- Billy Crystal as Michael “Mike” Wazowski
26. Twitches Too (2007)
The city of Coventry is now at the hands of the twin witches Alex and Camryn. This sequel movie showcases added adventures surrounding the magical duo of the twins.
Release date: Oct 12, 2007
Director: Stuart Gillard
Cast
27. Maleficent (2014)
This movie stands out from the rest as a well-crafted action-packed original story film. Featuring one of the most prominent villain characters of Disney fantasy films, Maleficent, this movie is not an ideal Halloween special. However, the well-depicted character with Angelina Jolie as the lead character gives Maleficent a new dimension.
Release date: May 30, 2014 (United States)
Director: Robert Stromberg
Cast
- Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Elle Fanning as Aurora, the daughter of King Stefan.
- Sharlto Copley is Stefan, an old childhood friend of the Moors who takes Maleficent’s wings.
28. The Bride of Boogedy (1987)
The 1987 Disney original episode for Sunday’s Family film is still a typical watch too many.
Director: Oz Scott
Cast
- Richard Masur as Carlton Davis
- Mimi Kennedy as Eloise Davis
- Tammy Lauren as Jennifer Davis
- David Faustino as Corwin Davis
29. Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales (2021)
Available on Disney Plus, as the name suggests, this movie takes you on the trail of the galaxies far away from Halloween on Earth. The story depicts the dark-themed, frightening aspects of the galaxies. Dean, Poe and BB-8 are the central characters resisting the evil forces from entering the earth and, after that escaping safely back home.
30. Just Beyond
This show is a Halloween-themed special episode premiering on October 13 on Disney Plus Hallowstream. As a sequel to the Disney Plus original Hallowstream, the eighth episode will retake its viewers into the fantasy world of outer space. The depiction of a parallel world of aliens, foreign creatures, ghosts, and witches indeed widens every viewer’s eyeball.
Created by: Seth Grahame-Smith
Based on: Just Beyond · by R. L. Stine
31. The Ghost of Buxley Hall (1980)
A 100-year-old military Academy faces trying times due to financial need. Hence it merges with a girl school. However, the paranormal spirits of that area are not happy about the sudden encounter in this scenario, after which a series of adventures follows to save Buxley Hall.
Release date: Dec 21, 1980
Director: Bruce Bilson
Story by: Sy Gomberg & Rick Mittleman
Screenwriters: Sy Gomberg & Rick Mittleman
Cast
- Dick O’Neill as General Eulace C. Buxley
- Victor French as Sergeant Major Chester B. Sweet
- Louise Latham as Bettina Buxley, Rad Daly as Jeremy Ross
32. Halloween Town High (2004)
In the Third movie of Halloween Town, of Disney plus originals, Marnie is back again to find ways of peace between Halloween Town and the mortal world. Marnie even aspires to bring a group of students from Halloween town to her mortal world.
33. Return to Oz (1985)
It’s been almost half a year since Dorothy returned from Oz due to her fantasizing susceptibility. However, she is still fantasizing about places that do not exist in real life. Thus, this matches the Halloween suitability perfectly, and a pumpkin-head character Jack adds to the whole theme. The picturesque visuals and dreamy land create an excellent screenplay from the viewer’s point.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
The beautifully crafted sorceress figure of Angelina Jolie, along with whimsy magical characters and wonders on screen, is an incredible sight. Therefore, a sequel to the first movie of Maleficent is highly anticipated.
Release date: Oct 18, 2019 (United States)
Director: Joachim Rønning
Cast
- Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Elle Fanning as Aurora
- Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith
34. The Scream Team (2002)
Available on Disney Plus originals, the film takes a spirited approach towards a ghosting experience fitting into the Halloween bunch. The two siblings’ spirits of the late grandfather are still wandering on earth. Thus, these siblings get frequent urgent calls from their grandfather to help him escape from Earth.
Release date: Oct 01, 2002
Director: Stuart Gillard
Story by: Dan Berendsen · Robert Short
Screenwriters: Dan Berendsen · Robert Short
Cast
- Mark Rendall as Ian Carlyle
- Kat Dennings as Claire Carlyle
- Robert Bockstael as Richard Carlyle
- Eric Idle as Coffin Ed
35. Mickey’s House of Villains (2001)
On Halloween night, Mickey Mouse, along with other lead characters of Disney World, is seen in this film. The villains have accumulated evil plans against the heroes.
Release date: Nov 15, 2001
Directors: Jamie Mitchell, Tony Craig, Rick Calabash, Mike Moon, Roberts Gannaway, Jack Hannah, Jack King & Burt Gillett
36. Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968)
Will the cursed pirate be able to break the chain of evil and do something good to finally break his immortality? This classic finds a space in everyone’s childhood Halloween memories.
Release date: Feb 08, 1968
Director: Robert Stevenson
Cast
- Peter Ustinov as Captain Blackbeard
- Dean Jones as Steve Walker
- Suzanne Pleshette as Jo Anne Baker
- Elsa Lanchester as Emily Stowecroft
37. Mr. Boogedy (1986)
Davis’s family ignores all signs of warning and shifts into a haunted home. Although the Disney Plus movie Mr. Boogedy has light horror elements, colonial significance, and ancient ghosts, it is still a Halloween-suited movie.
Release date: Apr 20, 1986
Director: Oz Scott
Cast
Richard Masur – Carlton Davis Mimi Kennedy – Eloise Davis Benjamin Gregory – R.E. (Reginald Ernest) Davis David Faustino – Corwin Davis Kristy Swanson – Jennifer Davis Howard Witt – William Hanover/Mr. Boogedy John Astin – Neil Witherspoon Katherine Kelly Lang – Widow Marion Jaimie McEnnan – Jonathan Kedric Wolfe – Satan
Conclusion
Disney has set a benchmark for movie lovers asking for some entertainment during the Halloween season for over a decade. Disney has marked their position on creating Halloween dramas by enhancing cinematography with each passing year. The most significant flex now is that Disney+ provides a broader genre of timeless Halloween classics that people from every age group could enjoy. Therefore, this well-researched Halloween movie list will surely bring the much-needed amusement that you are expecting.
