Few things say “Halloween” quite like a Disney movie on a chilly October night. Disney has a special talent for making spooky stories feel warm. Witches, ghosts, and skeletons show up, but there’s almost always a happy ending waiting at the end.
Whether you grew up with these films or you’re sharing them with your kids for the first time, this list has something for every age. We’ve included the big classics, cozy Disney Channel favorites, and a few animated gems you might have forgotten about.
Classic Disney Halloween Movies Everyone Loves
Hocus Pocus (1993)
This is the Disney Halloween movie for many families. In Salem, Massachusetts, a teen named Max accidentally lights a magic candle and brings back the Sanderson sisters, three witches from the 1690s. With help from his little sister Dani, a new friend named Allison, and a talking black cat, Max has to stop the witches before sunrise. It’s rated PG and mixes silly comedy with a few creepy moments, so it’s best for kids around 8 and up.
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
The Sanderson sisters return in this Disney+ sequel, nearly 30 years after the first film. This time, two high school friends accidentally summon the witches on Halloween night. The tone is lighter and more musical than the original, which makes it a nice choice for slightly younger viewers. It’s also rated PG.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, is tired of the same old scares. When he stumbles into Christmas Town, he decides to take over the holiday himself, with very funny results. This stop-motion musical is a perfect pick for both October and December. Rated PG, it has spooky character designs, but the story is more charming than frightening.
Cozy Disney Channel Original Halloween Movies
Disney Channel Original Movies hold a special place in many hearts. They’re usually gentler than theatrical releases, which makes them a great fit for younger kids.
Halloweentown (1998)
On her 13th birthday, Marnie learns that she comes from a family of witches. She follows her grandmother Aggie onto a magical bus that takes her to Halloweentown, a cheerful place where it feels like Halloween all year long. When a dark force threatens the town, Marnie and her siblings have to help save it. The film led to three sequels, so you can easily turn it into a mini marathon.
Twitches (2005)
Twin sisters Alex and Camryn were separated as babies and raised in very different homes. On their 21st birthday, they meet by chance and discover they’re actually witch princesses from a magical world. Now they must work together to stop a growing darkness. It’s a light, friendly story about sisterhood, and it has a sequel called Twitches Too.
Under Wraps (2021)
This remake of a 1997 Disney Channel movie follows three friends who find a mummy in an old storage unit. Instead of being scary, the mummy turns out to be shy and sweet. The kids decide to help him get home before Halloween night ends. It’s a fun, funny choice for kids who are just starting to enjoy spooky stories.
Tower of Terror (1997)
Inspired by the famous Disney theme park ride, this movie follows a reporter and his niece as they look into a strange story. Back on Halloween night in 1939, five guests vanished from a fancy Hollywood hotel elevator. The ghosts are more mysterious than terrifying, which makes it a good “first ghost story” for tweens.
Animated Disney and Pixar Picks
Not every Disney Halloween movie is about witches. These animated favorites bring monsters, skeletons, and ghost stories in a softer way.
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
In this Pixar classic, monsters power their city with the screams of human children. Sulley and his best friend Mike are top scarers, until a little girl named Boo slips into their world. The movie flips the idea of “monsters under the bed” into something sweet and funny. It’s rated G, making it one of the safest picks on this list for little ones.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Young Victor loves his dog Sparky more than anything. When Sparky passes away, Victor uses a science experiment to bring him back to life, and soon the whole town gets involved. Filmed in black-and-white stop-motion, this movie is a loving nod to old monster films. It’s rated PG and deals with the loss of a pet, so younger kids may need a little comfort along the way.
Coco (2017)
Coco isn’t a Halloween movie exactly, but it fits the season perfectly. Set during DÃa de los Muertos, it follows Miguel, a boy who dreams of making music. He ends up in the colorful Land of the Dead and meets his ancestors. The film is beautiful, emotional, and full of heart. It’s rated PG and is a lovely way to talk with kids about family and remembering loved ones.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949)
This short animated story first appeared in Disney’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. It retells the famous tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. The final chase scene is genuinely spooky, so it suits kids who like a little thrill. It’s short, classic, and a fun piece of Disney history.
If you’d like even more ideas beyond Disney, take a look at our list of the best Halloween movies for kids, sorted by age.
A Simple Disney Halloween Marathon Plan
If you have kids of different ages, try planning the night in stages. Start early with Monsters, Inc. or Under Wraps for the youngest viewers. Move on to Halloweentown or The Nightmare Before Christmas as the evening goes on. Once the little ones are in bed, older kids can stay up for Hocus Pocus or Tower of Terror.
Add themed snacks, like pumpkin cookies or “witch’s brew” punch, and let everyone pick one movie each. It’s a small touch that makes the night feel extra special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Disney Halloween movie?
Hocus Pocus is often seen as the most popular Disney Halloween movie. It has become a seasonal favorite for families, and its sequel arrived on Disney+ in 2022.
Which Disney Halloween movie is best for toddlers?
Monsters, Inc. is a great pick for toddlers. It’s rated G, the monsters are friendly, and the story is more funny than scary.
Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween or Christmas movie?
It’s both! The story begins in Halloween Town and moves into Christmas Town, which is why many families watch it in October and again in December.
How many Halloweentown movies are there?
There are four: Halloweentown, Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge, Halloweentown High, and Return to Halloweentown.
Final Thoughts
Disney Halloween movies have a way of making spooky season feel safe, cozy, and full of wonder. Whether you pick a classic like Hocus Pocus or a gentle Disney Channel favorite, the real magic is in watching together. Grab a blanket, pass the popcorn, and let the Halloween fun begin.