My Must-Watch List: The 5 Best Disney Movies to Watch for Halloween
Why Disney is my coziest kind of creepy
I love how Disney does spooky season: more cackle than carnage. I’m here for pumpkin-glow vibes, quotable one-liners, and costumes I actually want to wear on October 31. When I want a family-friendly marathon that still feels festive, these five picks always make my queue.
Looking for even more picks? Don’t miss TV critic Randy Harward’s weekly What To Watch guide for the freshest streaming recs.
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1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Every October, I light (figuratively!) the Black Flame Candle and let the Sanderson sisters wreak delightful havoc. I come back for the camp, the chaos, and the Halloween-night countdown energy that makes the whole movie feel like a ritual.
Where to watch Hocus Pocus
2. Halloweentown (1998)
I grew up wishing I could hop on a broom to Halloweentown. Following Marnie Piper into a pumpkin-lit parallel city still gives me that “Halloween should be every day” feeling—and I happily lean into the grandma-witch wisdom every time.
Where to watch Halloweentown
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
When I want stop-motion splendor and sing-along spooks, I visit Jack Skellington. I love how this one bridges my Halloween mood and my early holiday itch, so I slot it in the week leading up to the 31st.
Where to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas
4. Twitches (2005)
On nights when I want sparkly magic and sisterly shenanigans, I pick Tia and Tamera’s Twitches. The sweet-sixteen destiny twist still charms me. And yes, I admire the costume changes every time.
Where to watch Twitches
5. Frankenweenie (2012)
When I want heartfelt with my haunting, I choose Frankenweenie. Tim Burton’s black-and-white love letter to classic creature features reminds me that sometimes the best Halloween monsters are stitched together with love.
