Not So Scary Disney Halloween Movies for a Magical Movie Night

Halloween doesn’t have to be all haunted houses and heart-pounding horror. Sometimes, the best way to celebrate the spooky season is with a cozy night in, your favorite snacks, and a lineup of Disney Halloween movies that are magical, nostalgic, and fun for the whole family.

Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition with your kids, revisit some childhood favorites, or just enjoy a fright-free night on the couch, this list of not so scary Disney Halloween movies is perfect for making the season feel festive without going full horror movie mode.

Everything in this post is available on Disney+, so there’s no need to hunt for DVDs or rent anything. Just log in, press play, and let the Halloween magic unfold. With a few themed touches like spooky snacks, character-inspired decorations, or a costume dress code, you can easily turn an ordinary movie night into a full-on Halloween celebration.

The Best Not So Scary Disney Halloween Movies on Disney+

From witches to monsters and magical towns to ghostly adventures, these movies and specials offer just the right blend of spooky and silly. They’re ideal for families, Disney lovers, or anyone who wants to enjoy the season without the scary stuff.

Hocus Pocus Movies

Let’s kick things off with the most iconic Disney Halloween movie of them all. Hocus Pocus has become a seasonal essential for Disney fans, introducing us to Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, three over-the-top witches resurrected in modern-day Salem on Halloween night. It’s funny, over-the-top, and full of magic and charm that holds up year after year.

In Hocus Pocus 2, the sisters return once again thanks to a new group of teens, some modern magic, and a few fun twists on the original formula. While the first movie feels like pure 90s nostalgia, the sequel brings a fresh, updated storyline, expanding the sisters’ backstory and keeping the fun going for a new generation.

These two make a fantastic double-feature night. Set the scene with themed decor like a black flame candle, Book brownies, a Sanderson Sisters snack board, and dress up as your favorite witch. Whether you’re watching for the hundredth time or introducing it to your kids, Hocus Pocus is the ultimate Halloween tradition.

The Haunted Mansion (2023)

If you love the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disney Parks, you’ll appreciate all the little nods and details in the 2023 film. This version tells the story of a single mom and her son who move into a haunted house in New Orleans and quickly discover they’ve gotten more than they bargained for. With a cast full of familiar faces and a script that balances spooky suspense with heart and humor, it’s a great pick for older kids and tweens.

The film touches on some heavier emotions like grief and healing, but does so in a thoughtful way that makes it more than just a ghost story. That said, it’s still fun and mysterious with moments that will make you smile and maybe even jump a little.

To enhance your viewing, try recreating the Haunted Mansion vibe at home. Use LED candles to set the mood, play the attraction’s iconic music, and serve treats like “Ghostly Glow Cupcakes” or “Madame Leota Lemonade.” Kids can create paper gravestones or decorate their own “doom buggies” from cardboard boxes.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion animation masterpiece that works equally well for Halloween and Christmas, making it a must-watch at least twice a year. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, becomes obsessed with Christmas and tries to take it over, only to learn that each holiday has its own unique magic.

With hauntingly beautiful music, iconic characters, and a story that blends spooky fun with heartwarming moments, it’s a movie that appeals to kids and adults alike. If your family loves Halloween but also can’t wait for Christmas, this movie is the perfect bridge between the two seasons.

Before the movie starts, get creative by making Jack Skellington pudding cups or decorating “Zero” cupcakes. If you’re planning to watch with friends, encourage everyone to dress in black-and-white stripes and add a pop of spooky flair with glow sticks or face paint.

Zombies Movies

If you’re looking for something fun, high-energy, and full of catchy music, the Zombies movies are a perfect pick. Set in the town of Seabrook, the story follows a group of high school students trying to break down barriers between humans, zombies, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. The series is packed with colorful visuals, upbeat dance numbers, and positive messages about acceptance and friendship.

The movies are a hit with tweens and teens, especially fans of musicals and fantasy. Each film builds on the last with more magical elements, more music, and more fun.

Make it a themed dance party by playing the soundtracks before or after the movies, encouraging everyone to wear neon clothes, glitter, or costume elements from the films. You can even turn your living room into “Zombieland” with green lights and snack stations labeled for each group—zombies, werewolves, and cheerleaders.

Frankenweenie

This black-and-white animated film from Tim Burton is sweet, touching, and just a little spooky which makes it perfect for a Halloween night that’s more about heart than horror. Frankenweenie tells the story of Victor, a young boy who brings his beloved dog, Sparky, back to life with science. What follows is a mix of chaos and charm as the resurrected pup causes some unexpected complications in their quiet town.

The animation style pays homage to classic horror films, but the story is full of warmth and emotion. It’s a wonderful choice for dog lovers or anyone who enjoys movies that blend creativity with deeper themes like love and loss.

To make it special, set up a “science lab” snack bar with bubbling punch, labeled treat jars, and little test tubes filled with candy. Kids can draw their own Frankenpets or create spooky pet name tags for their stuffed animals.

Halloweentown Movies

One of the most iconic Disney Channel Original Movie franchises, the Halloweentown series is pure magic. The first film follows Marnie Piper, a teenager who discovers that she comes from a long line of witches. When she visits the mysterious Halloweentown with her grandmother Aggie, she uncovers a world where ghosts, goblins, and ghouls live in peace and learns that she may be the key to saving it.

There are four movies in the series: Halloweentown, Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge, Halloweentown High, and Return to Halloweentown. Together, they offer hours of magical fun and plenty of life lessons about believing in yourself, embracing who you are, and fighting for what’s right.

For your marathon, create a Halloweentown-themed viewing space with fake pumpkins, witch hats, and cauldrons full of snacks. Kids can make their own “spells” using a mix of silly words and glitter. You could even assign everyone a magical name and write it on their own witch or wizard certificate.

Toy Story of Terror

This short special gives you just the right amount of Halloween fun in under 25 minutes. Toy Story of Terror brings back Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang as they find themselves at a roadside motel with some mysterious happenings. It’s a mini-adventure full of suspense, laughs, and a few twists that keep things interesting for both kids and adults.

Since it’s short, this one’s perfect for a weekday treat after school or dinner. You can pair it with Toy Story-themed snacks like cowboy cookies or alien cupcakes. After the movie, kids might enjoy re-enacting scenes with their own Toy Story toys or making up their own spooky stories starring their favorite characters.

Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches

This sweet and simple Disney Junior special stars Minnie and Daisy as witches-in-training on Halloween. It’s bright, colorful, and full of positive messages about friendship and courage. The animation style is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, and the runtime is short enough to hold their attention without a problem.

To keep little ones engaged, let them make construction paper witch hats or decorate pumpkins before the movie. Add some soft Halloween music in the background and offer snacks like fruit wands or mini cupcakes with sprinkles. This is a great pick for a morning or early evening celebration when you want something festive but low-key.

Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire

This Disney Channel Original Movie from 2000 is spooky, silly, and totally underrated. In Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire, a group of kids discovers that their mom’s charming new date might actually be…a vampire. Cue the chaos as they try to stop the romance before their mom becomes his next victim.

The film mixes vampire lore with family comedy and just the right amount of suspense. It’s perfect for a family movie night, especially with older kids who enjoy a little mystery without anything too scary.

Pair the movie with vampire-themed snacks like “blood” punch or fang-shaped cookies, and set a countdown clock to “sunrise” for a fun twist during the film.

Twitches

Starring real-life twins Tia and Tamera Mowry, Twitches is a magical Disney Channel Original Movie about two sisters separated at birth who discover on their 21st birthday that they’re actually witches; and not just any witches, but powerful ones destined to save a magical realm from darkness.

With spooky castles, glowing magic symbols, and sibling humor, Twitches is a favorite for anyone who loves stories about sisterhood, spells, and saving the world with style. The sequel, Twitches Too, is also available on Disney+ and makes a great follow-up watch.

You can create a magical ambiance for your movie night with twinkle lights, celestial decorations, and sparkling drinks. Let kids make their own magical amulets or “shadow world” art to keep the fun going after the credits roll.

Descendants Movies

The Descendants movies are full of fun, fashion, music, and just the right touch of villainy. These films follow the teenage children of classic Disney villains – Mal (Maleficent’s daughter), Evie (daughter of the Evil Queen), Jay (son of Jafar), and Carlos (son of Cruella de Vil) – as they leave the Isle of the Lost to attend school in the kingdom of Auradon.

Each movie blends magic, action, and teen drama with energetic musical numbers and heartwarming themes about identity, acceptance, and friendship. The villains’ kids may have a dark legacy, but they’re determined to make their own future. The journey is packed with spells, curses, and high-stakes adventures along the way.

These movies are perfect for a themed girls’ night, tween sleepover, or musical movie marathon. Decorate with purple and teal, make cupcakes with villain-inspired toppers, and hand out costume crowns, capes, or faux spell books.

Coco

While Coco is technically a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) story rather than a Halloween one, it fits beautifully into the fall season and adds depth and meaning to your festive movie lineup. The film follows Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician, as he accidentally crosses into the Land of the Dead and discovers secrets about his family’s past.

The animation is stunning, the music is moving, and the story delivers powerful messages about family, tradition, remembrance, and following your passion. Coco may not be spooky, but its themes and imagery of skeletons, altars, marigolds, and spirits make it a perfect addition to your not so scary movie rotation during October and early November.

For your movie night, consider making it a cultural experience. Set up a mini ofrenda (altar) at home, light candles, and serve traditional snacks like pan dulce or tamales. Print out coloring pages of alebrijes or papel picado and teach kids about the meaning of Día de los Muertos. It’s a wonderful way to blend fun and education into your Halloween season.

Monsters, Inc.

While Monsters, Inc. isn’t a traditional Halloween movie, it features a lovable cast of monsters and a storyline that fits perfectly with the season. Mike and Sulley are top scarers at Monsters, Inc., but their world gets turned upside down when a human child sneaks into their monster-filled city.

This movie is full of laughs, heart, and a reminder that not all monsters are scary. It’s perfect for younger kids or anyone who wants a fun, comforting option during spooky season.

You can make your movie night extra fun by decorating with bright monster colors, using googly eyes on snacks, and letting kids make their own monster masks or drawings. Pair it with green popcorn, “Scream Canister” juice, or Boo-themed cupcakes.

More Disney Halloween Movies and Specials to Watch

If you’re looking to expand your Halloween watchlist even further, here are more fun and festive Disney Halloween movies and episodes available on Disney+.

• Girl vs. Monster: A teen discovers she’s from a long line of monster hunters and accidentally unleashes a powerful creature right before Halloween.
• The Black Cauldron: A darker Disney animated classic with an evil warlord, magical sword, and creepy undead army—best for older kids.
• Escape to Witch Mountain: Two orphaned kids with mysterious powers go on the run in this 1970s sci-fi adventure with a spooky edge.
• Phantom of the Megaplex: A movie theater turns into a haunted mystery zone on a big premiere night, and it’s up to a group of teens to solve it.
• The Scream Team: Two kids team up with a group of ghostly investigators to help their late grandfather’s spirit move on.
• The Invisible Sister: A science experiment gone wrong turns a teenage girl’s sister invisible just in time for Halloween chaos.
• Don’t Look Under the Bed: A girl must team up with her imaginary friend to battle the Boogeyman when spooky things start happening around town.
• Halloween House Party: Join Disney Channel stars for Halloween music, costumes, games, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Vampirina: This sweet animated show follows a young vampire adjusting to human life, with lots of seasonal episodes for little ones.
• Wizards of Waverly Place: Join the Russo family as their magical mishaps get even more festive in various Halloween-themed episodes.
• Muppets Haunted Mansion: Gonzo and Pepe spend the night in the Haunted Mansion in this hilarious, spooky special filled with ghosts, gags, and classic Muppet charm.
• Mickey & Minnie’s Holiday Songs Halloween: Short, music-filled clips featuring Mickey, Minnie, and friends singing Halloween-themed songs.
• Mickey’s Spooky Stories: A mini collection of animated Halloween tales starring Mickey and the gang in fun, not-so-scary adventures.
• Spooky Buddies: The talking puppies take on Halloween in this silly adventure featuring ghosts, ghouls, and puppy-sized scares.
• Mater and the Ghostlight: A short Cars spin-off where Mater gets spooked by a mysterious glowing orb late one night in Radiator Springs.
• Agatha All Along: A darker, witchy Marvel series spin-off from WandaVision that’s great for older kids and adults looking for Halloween vibes.
• Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales: Darth Vader, haunted castles, and silly scares meet the Lego galaxy in this Halloween-themed Star Wars special.

Make Your Disney Halloween Movie Night Extra Magical

Watching Disney Halloween movies is already fun, but a few extra touches can turn a regular movie night into a full-blown Halloween celebration. Whether you’re watching with your kids, your best friends, or your partner, there are plenty of creative ways to make the night feel a little more magical.

Start with the atmosphere. Set the scene by dimming the lights, stringing up orange and purple fairy lights, and scattering some mini pumpkins or Mickey-themed Halloween decorations around your space. You could even use a letter board or chalkboard to write out your movie night lineup. If you want to take it a step further, play a Disney Halloween playlist while guests arrive or while you’re prepping your snacks.

Next, think about the snacks. A themed treat table makes any movie night more fun. You could put together a festive snack board with caramel popcorn, candy corn, pretzel rods dipped in orange and purple chocolate, and gummy worms. Add a few small touches like Mickey-shaped cookies, Halloween character cupcake toppers, or drinks in themed cups. If you’re planning a family night, let the kids help “design” the snack table ahead of time. It becomes part of the fun!

You can also add some interactive elements to your night. Print out movie bingo cards with things to spot during the film, like a witch’s hat, a jack-o’-lantern, or a talking animal. Or create a checklist of the movies you plan to watch throughout October and let everyone place a sticker next to each one after you’ve watched it.

And of course, dressing up makes everything more exciting. Encourage your family to wear costumes or even matching Halloween pajamas. Kids will love showing off their favorite characters, and adults can get in on the fun with themed accessories or cozy seasonal gear.

If you have little ones who might not sit through a full-length film, keep things simple by starting with one of the shorter specials like Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches or Toy Story of Terror, then follow it up with a Halloween craft or coloring activity. You could even turn your night into a mini party with music, dancing, and games between movie segments.

Don’t forget to capture the memories. Take a few photos of your setup, the snacks, and everyone in their Halloween best. These little moments become part of the tradition and give you something to look back on next spooky season.

FAQs About Disney Halloween Movies

• Are all of these movies and specials available on Disney+?
  • Yes! Everything mentioned in this post is currently available to stream on Disney+, so you can access them all in one place. Just be sure to double-check your region’s Disney+ catalog, as some titles may vary slightly based on location.
• Are these movies appropriate for young children?
  • Definitely. This list was created specifically with families in mind, so all of the titles are safe for young children. That said, some options, like Frankenweenie or The Haunted Mansion, may include a few moments that are more intense. If you’re watching with toddlers or preschoolers, start with Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches or Monsters, Inc. for a gentle introduction to Halloween themes.
• Can I buy Disney-themed Halloween items to go with our movie night?
  • Absolutely! You can find Disney Halloween costumes, decorations, snacks, mugs, pajamas, and more from places like shopDisney, Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Look for items themed around Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and even Mickey and Minnie in Halloween outfits. These make great additions to your movie night and can also double as festive decor for the rest of the season.
• What if I want to host a virtual movie night with friends or family?
  • Disney+ has a feature called GroupWatch that lets you watch a movie together while syncing your screens. It’s a fun way to stay connected, especially with long-distance family or friends. Just pick a time, send the invite, and press play together. You can even chat throughout the film to share your favorite moments.

Wrap Up the Night with a Little Disney Magic

You don’t have to brave haunted houses or dive into horror films to get into the Halloween spirit. With this collection of not so scary Disney Halloween movies, you can enjoy all the seasonal fun with none of the fright. Whether you’re introducing little ones to Halloweentown for the first time, revisiting the Sanderson Sisters for your annual Hocus Pocus rewatch, or just need a little dose of nostalgia with some popcorn and candy corn, these movies are the perfect pick.

Add a few festive decorations, whip up some themed snacks, and you’ve got everything you need for a magical movie night that celebrates the fun side of Halloween. And who knows? It might just become a new tradition you look forward to every October.