Disney has had its share of legendary Halloween movies (yes, that includes The Nightmare Before Christmas).
Halloween is here, and there's no better way to celebrate than with a spooky Disney movie night! From friendly ghosts and silly witches to haunted mansions and mysterious adventures, Disney has created plenty of Halloween classics that families return to year after year.
Whether you're looking for something funny, a little scary, or full of Halloween magic, there's a Disney movie for everyone. Here are our picks for the top five Disney Halloween movies of all time, plus one honorable mention that deserves a spot on your watchlist.
5. Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton brings his signature spooky style to this black-and-white animated film about a young boy named Victor and his beloved dog, Sparky.
After Sparky passes away, Victor uses science to bring his best friend back to life. But things quickly get out of control when his classmates discover what he's done and attempt their own experiments.
Frankenweenie combines classic monster movie inspiration with a touching story about friendship, love, and loss. Its unusual animation style and creepy characters make it a great choice for families who enjoy something a little different.
Why we love it: It's a creative take on classic horror movies with a surprisingly heartfelt message.
4. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
The 2003 version of The Haunted Mansion is one of the best Halloween movies ever made by Disney.
Based on the famous Disney theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion stars Eddie Murphy as a busy real estate agent who takes his family to a mysterious mansion.
What starts as a quick business stop turns into a supernatural adventure when the family discovers that the mansion is filled with ghosts, secret passageways, and a centuries-old mystery.
The movie brings several familiar elements from the Disney attraction to life, including Madame Leota, the singing busts, and the mansion's spooky atmosphere.
Why we love it: It's a fun mix of comedy, mystery, and Disney park nostalgia that's especially entertaining for fans of the original Haunted Mansion ride.
3. Halloweentown (1998)
Halloweentown was one of the best Disney Channel Original Movies ever!
For many Disney Channel fans, Halloween wouldn't be complete without a trip to Halloweentown.
The movie follows Marnie Piper, a young girl who discovers that her grandmother is a witch and that her family has a magical history. Soon, Marnie and her siblings travel to Halloweentown, a strange and wonderful place where witches, ghosts, goblins, and other magical creatures live together.
As Marnie learns more about her powers, she must help save the town from a mysterious evil force.
Halloweentown became a Disney Channel favorite and inspired several sequels.
Why we love it: It captures the excitement of Halloween through a world filled with colorful characters, magic, and adventure.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? That's a debate Disney fans have been having for decades. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who grows tired of celebrating the same holiday every year.
When Jack discovers Christmas Town, he becomes fascinated by the holiday and decides to take over Christmas himself. Unfortunately, his plans don't go quite as expected.
With unforgettable characters, beautiful stop-motion animation, and classic songs like "This Is Halloween," the movie has become a favorite for both spooky season and the winter holidays.
Why we love it: Its unique combination of Halloween and Christmas makes it the perfect movie to watch as one holiday season turns into the next.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus is the best Halloween movie Disney has ever made!
Was there ever really any doubt? When it comes to Disney Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus is hard to beat. The film follows Max Dennison, his younger sister Dani, and their friend Allison as they accidentally bring three witches back to life in Salem, Massachusetts.
The Sanderson sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, have just one night to carry out their evil plan before sunrise. What follows is a hilarious and spooky adventure filled with magic, talking cats, flying broomsticks, and some of the most memorable witches in movie history.
Although the film wasn't a major success when it first opened, it has since become a Halloween tradition for generations of Disney fans. Its popularity even led to the release of Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022.
Why we love it: Between the unforgettable Sanderson sisters, Halloween atmosphere, and endlessly quotable moments, Hocus Pocus is the ultimate Disney Halloween classic.
Honorable Mention: Twitches (2005)
This Disney Channel Original Movie deserves a little extra recognition. Starring Tia and Tamera Mowry, Twitches follows twin sisters who were separated at birth and raised in different families.
When they finally meet on their 21st birthday, they discover that they're actually witches from a magical kingdom called Coventry. Together, they must learn to use their powers and protect their home from a dangerous force.
With its mix of magic, humor, and sisterly friendship, Twitches remains a nostalgic favorite for anyone who grew up watching Disney Channel Halloween movies.
Why we love it: It's a lighthearted, magical adventure that's perfect for a cozy Halloween movie night.
Celebrate Halloween and the Holidays Near Disney World at The Nettle
Watching Disney Halloween movies at home is a great tradition, but there's something even more special about experiencing the magic of the season at Walt Disney World.
During the fall, Magic Kingdom transforms with pumpkins, festive decorations, and seasonal entertainment. Special events like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party give families the chance to celebrate Halloween with their favorite Disney characters. And once Halloween is over, the holiday magic is just getting started.
Walt Disney World welcomes the Christmas season with beautiful decorations, special entertainment, holiday treats, and festive celebrations throughout the parks.
If you're planning a trip to Central Florida for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or beyond, The Nettle is a wonderful place to call home during your vacation. Located in the Orlando/Kissimmee area, The Nettle is a spacious four-bedroom, three-bathroom vacation townhome just 15 to 20 minutes from Walt Disney World.
With plenty of room for families and larger groups, a full kitchen, and a dedicated kids' room, The Nettle offers a comfortable alternative to traditional hotel accommodations. Spend your days enjoying Disney's seasonal celebrations, then return to a relaxing home where everyone can unwind, enjoy a movie night, and make memories together.
Whether you're visiting for the spooky fun of Halloween or the magic of the winter holidays, The Nettle is a great home base for your next Disney vacation.
Ready to plan your next getaway? Explore The Nettle’s availability and book your stay near the magic!
