Disney has created so many of the most iconic Halloween movies of all time, like Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas. So it’s only fair in the spirit of spooky season to compile a list of the best Disney Halloween movies for a spoopy night in!
The Best Disney Halloween Movies
1. Toy Story Of Terror
Toy Story of Terror is a short Disney Halloween movie on Disney Plus.
Bonnie brings the toys with her on holidays, but after the family car gets a flat tire, they spend the night in a hotel.
Jessie is already frightened having gotten trapped in a tool box when the car drove over a bump. Once they get to the motel, Mr Potato Head leaves to suss the place out, and is accompanied by other toys. However, the manager of the motel, is stealing toys to sell online, and nabs Bonnie’s toys. It’s up to Jessie to save the day.
This first on this Disney Halloween movies list, started off quite spooky. The toys were watching a horror movie in the trunk, but the Halloween aspect was dropped very quickly. That said; it see’s Jessie face her anxiety and become more empowered which I think is a very important message for kids.
This is set between the events of Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4.
2. Twitches
I was obsessed with Twitches as a kid, so of course they had to make this Best Disney Halloween Movies list.
The twins are born in a magical dimension, called Coventry, on Halloween. They’re sent to earth and given up for adoption for their own safety; but the girl’s aren’t adopted together.
Alex writes stories about twin witches in her spare time, where her sister, Carmen, draws images of Coventry. Unbeknownst to the girls, the drawings and stories are real. They accidently meet on their 21st birthday while shopping, and uncover their past.
The Twitches movies were actually based on books! While you’re at it, check out my Disney books list.
3. The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is based on the ride in Disneyland, which is just how Pirates of the Caribbean came about!
Jim Evers is a busy realter, who has little time for his family. After missing his wedding anniversary, he tries to make it up to his wife. The family get a call from a man looking to sell his mansion. They pay him a visit, thinking they’ve struck the biggest deal of their careers, but end up trapped in the mansion during a storm.
The film is both hilarious and spooky which makes it one of the most iconic Disney Halloween movies. They’re even remaking it! If you’ve been reading for a while, you know I’m iffy about remakes.
4. Frankenweenie
Frankenweenie featured on my standard Halloween movies list and Tim Burton Halloween movies list, so not only is it one of my favourite Disney Halloween movies, it’s one of my favourite Halloween movies in general!
This Tim Burton film is based on Frankenstein.
Sparky is Victor’s best friend, and he can’t cope when he’s suddenly killed. The boy tries to bring his dog back; and succeeds. Except for one problem; Victor’s classmates get a hold of his methods, and bring back their own pets. After everything goes horribly wrong, Victor has to save the town, and come to terms with the fact that Sparky isn’t meant to be alive.
If you’re not sold, Winona Ryder is in this film, which is always enough for me.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
This Disney Halloween movie is another Tim Burton creation. It’s one of the most iconic Disney Halloween movies.
Jack Skellington is the Pumpkin King, and the star of Halloweentown’s annual event. However, Jack is tired of the same old thing. One Halloween he ventures deep into the woods and stumbles upon a door with a tree on it. He ends up in Christmas Town, and decides to take the holiday for himself. Except, the citizens can’t understand Christmas, and the outside world doesn’t want a skeleton to be Santa Claus.
This featured on my Halloween song playlist, because the soundtrack is amazing!
6. Halloweentown
Halloweentown is a guilty pleasure, and one of my favourite on this Disney Halloween movies list.
Marnie always felt she was different growing up. She loves witches, Halloween, and all things creepy, except her mother wants to keep her from those things. Her grandmother visits on Halloween, and she over hears them arguing about Marnie losing her powers on her 13th Halloween. Enraged, Marnie and her siblings follow her grandmother home so she can begin her training as a witch.
Something is deeply wrong with Halloweentown and it’s up to the Cromwell witches to save it.
7. Hocus Pocus
The most iconic Disney Halloween movie has to be none other than Hocus Pocus.
Max isn’t happy when his family move from sunny LA to Salem, MA. But, he thinks things won’t be so bad when he meets Allison. When taking Dani trick or treating, he goes to the old Sanderson house to impress Allison, and lights the black flame candle.
This is more than just the best Disney Halloween movie, this is arguably the best Halloween movie of all time!
They even released a sequel book for the 25th anniversary!
What do you think are the best Disney Halloween Movies? What do you like to watch during spooky season?
These are some really good recommendations!! I have not heard of most of them. ‘The nightmare before Christmas’ is the only movie I watched as a child. The rest are all new to me. But will definitely see if I can get them on Netflix or online somewhere!! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Some really good films here. Glad I read your post – we’re locked down for Halloween, so this gives us some stuff to search out! Thanks for sharing.
i have such a vague memory of twitches that i wanna watch it again! also the halloween town films are peak halloween content for me
Disney Channel was so good back in the day with Twitches and Cheetah girls. What happened!?
Some great halloween movies! I remember Twitches but didn’t know that was what is was called. My faves are Hocus Pocus, The Haunted Mansion and one not on your list Casper (it’s my go to movie when I feel like I want to feel 13 again). I do need to watch some new ones though! Love the post!