I don’t care what anyone says – Halloween celebration begins the second the first pumpkin product hits the shelf. As a kid, Halloween was my favorite holiday. The opportunity to be someone new while eating candy by the bag-full? My dream day as a child has morphed into a month-long celebration as an adult. After trick-or-treating, my cousins and I always plopped down in the living room with pizza, our sorted candy piles surrounding us, and a Halloween Disney Channel Original Movie on the screen!
In years past I’ve always made it a Halloween tradition to watch all of my favorite Disney Channel Original Movies that played each night throughout the month of October during my childhood. This year, with DCOMs more accessible than ever before (thanks Disney+) I knew I had to compile a list of my must-see movies before the spooky season comes to an end on All Hallow’s Eve.
Hocus Pocus
It’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus! No Halloween season is complete without watching this star-studded classic. Arguably the most famous of all Disney Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus follows the story of the Sanderson Sisters, witches back from the dead. Great music, great costumes – truly iconic!
Twitches
Imagine Sister Sister was about witches … and had the same cast! Twin sisters separated at birth find each other and unexpected family history. Of course, it’s up to them to save their new world. On their birthday, which is, of course, Halloween.
Mom’s Got Date With a Vampire
I have to be honest, this was the movie I remembered least from my childhood. But five minutes in and I was feeling all the DCOM nostalgia. With Caroline Rhea from Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Charles Shaughnessy from The Nanny it’s everything my 90’s loving heart could ever want. Plus, not to spoil anything, but the special effects are really something … spooktacular.
Halloweentown
The original plus the return to are some of DCOMs best, no matter the time of year. This classic features Marnie, a young girl who finds out she’s a … you guessed it … WITCH! With this revelation combined with a rebellious attitude, Marnie finds herself in Halloweentown, where she must help to save her family and new friends! Don’t skip out on Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge. All the other sequels, feel free to pass on this year.
Phantom of the Megaplex
Made me miss the days where the thrill of my lifetime was going to the movies with my friends, without our parents. As the town megaplex prepares for a once-in-a-lifetime Hollywood premiere, someone is causing havoc for movie-goers. Of course it’s up to the kids to sort this mess out.
Haunted Mansion
In the eyes of many, this movie might be flop, but in my heart, it’s a cheesy classic. Of course it has almost nothing to do with the ride it was based upon, but that plot twist left my middle school head spinning!
Don’t Look Under the Bed
Honestly, super weird. I never watched this one as a kid, and I’m 100% sure it’s because I was too scared. This movie gave the 90’s Halloween vibes I was after for this marathon, so even if you’ve never watched, I suggest adding to your list!
The Scream Team
This early 00’s straight-to-TV movie is not to be missed. From a childhood, Kat Dennings to a fully-grown Eric Idle (best known for his role as Nigel Channing by Disney Parks fans) this blast from the past is worth the watch. Follow two young children who just lost their grandfather, a local historian working to uncover a centuries-old mystery. Set in a picturesque New England town, it’s sure to get you into the fall feelings.
Tower of Terror
Another movie based on an attraction, the Tower of Terror gives a fun back story to the beloved ride. Full of kid-friendly twist and turns, I love this straight to VHS tale of an abandoned Hollywood hotel and the people stuck inside! Sadly, this one isn’t on Disney+ but you can grab your own copy at Target.
