Disney Plus has a ton of great movies, but did you know it’s also got some spooky flicks perfect for Halloween? You don’t need to be a horror fanatic to enjoy these not-so-scary films. They’re just right for getting into the Halloween spirit without giving you nightmares.
Disney Plus offers 20 mildly spooky movies that are perfect for those who want a Halloween thrill without the terror. These films range from classic Disney Halloween favorites to newer additions that will make you jump, but not scream. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a fun movie night that won’t have you checking under the bed afterward.
1) Hocus Pocus
Get ready for a spooktacular ride with this cult classic! You’ll be cackling like a witch as you watch the Sanderson sisters wreak havoc on modern-day Salem.
Don’t worry, this isn’t the stuff of nightmares. It’s more likely to give you a case of the giggles than keep you up at night.
You’ll find yourself rooting for Max, Dani, and Allison as they try to outsmart these wacky witches. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love Bette Midler hamming it up as Winifred Sanderson?
So grab your broomstick and settle in for a Halloween treat that’s more fun than frightening. Just don’t light any black flame candles, okay?
2) The Haunted Mansion
You’ll find this spooky comedy more giggle-inducing than spine-chilling. Disney’s The Haunted Mansion brings the classic theme park ride to life with a star-studded cast and plenty of laughs.
Don’t expect any real scares here, folks. The movie’s comic tone prevents anything from being truly frightening. Instead, you’ll be treated to ghost skirmishes and supernatural shenanigans that’ll have you chuckling more than cowering.
Perfect for a family movie night, this flick offers a blend of action, adventure, and fantasy that’s sure to entertain without giving anyone nightmares. So grab your popcorn and prepare for a hauntingly good time!
3) Halloweentown
You’re in for a treat with this Disney Channel classic! Halloweentown is the perfect not-so-scary flick to get you in the Halloween spirit. It’s like your favorite cozy sweater, but in movie form.
Marnie Piper discovers she’s a witch on her 13th birthday. Talk about a sweet sixteen alternative! She follows her grandma to Halloweentown, a magical place where it’s Halloween all year round. Sounds like a dream, right?
You’ll love the cheesy special effects and quirky characters. It’s got all the charm of a 90s made-for-TV movie, with none of the nightmares. This DCOM celebrates everything fun about Halloween without giving you the heebie-jeebies.
4) Frankenweenie
You’re in for a treat with this quirky Tim Burton flick! Frankenweenie is a not-so-scary Halloween movie that’ll have you giggling more than cowering.
Picture this: a young science whiz brings his beloved dog back to life. What could possibly go wrong? Well, everything, but in the most hilarious way possible.
This black-and-white stop-motion animation is a nod to classic monster movies. You’ll spot references that’ll make you feel like a film buff, even if you’re not.
So grab some popcorn and get ready for a spooky good time. Frankenweenie proves that sometimes, dead is better… unless it’s this movie we’re talking about!
5) The Nightmare Before Christmas
You’re in for a treat with this spooky-yet-charming classic! The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect blend of Halloween and Christmas cheer.
Jack Skellington’s musical journey from Pumpkin King to wannabe Santa will have you tapping your feet and giggling. Don’t let the skeletons fool you – this flick is more whimsical than frightening.
Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece is a visual feast. You’ll be amazed by the intricate details in every scene. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a singing skeleton in a pinstripe suit?
So grab some popcorn and settle in for a not-so-scary adventure. You might even find yourself humming “This Is Halloween” for days after!
6) Coco
Think you’re too tough for a Disney flick? Think again! Coco might not be your typical horror movie, but it’ll give you chills in all the right ways.
You’ll follow Miguel, a young boy who accidentally stumbles into the Land of the Dead. Don’t worry, it’s not as creepy as it sounds – unless you’re scared of talking skeletons and magical spirit animals.
This colorful adventure is perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit without losing sleep. You’ll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll definitely tap your feet to the catchy tunes.
So grab some popcorn and get ready for a spooky-lite experience that’ll warm your heart faster than you can say “Remember me!”
7) Goosebumps
Ready for some spooky fun that won’t keep you up all night? Look no further than the new “Goosebumps” series on Disney+. This fresh take on R.L. Stine’s beloved books strikes a perfect balance between creepy and cool.
You’ll follow a group of high schoolers as they uncover supernatural secrets in their town. It’s like “Stranger Things” lite, with just enough scares to give you goosebumps (pun intended).
Don’t worry, you won’t need to sleep with the lights on after watching. This show is more tame than terrifying, making it perfect for scaredy-cats and thrill-seekers alike. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a mildly spooky adventure!
8) Monsters, Inc.
You might think a movie about monsters would be scary, but Monsters, Inc. is far from it. This Pixar gem turns the whole monster-under-the-bed idea on its head.
Instead of terrifying kids, these monsters are just doing their 9-to-5 jobs. You’ll fall in love with the fuzzy blue Sulley and his wise-cracking eyeball sidekick Mike.
The real star? Boo, the adorable human toddler who turns their world upside down. Her giggles are more likely to make you laugh than scream.
Don’t worry about nightmares after this one. The only thing that might keep you up at night is wanting to watch it again!
9) The Black Cauldron
Want a Disney movie that’s a bit darker? Look no further than The Black Cauldron. This 1985 flick is Disney’s darkest animated film.
You’ll follow Taran, a young pig keeper, on his quest to stop the Horned King. This baddie wants to use a magical cauldron to rule the world. Spooky, right?
Don’t worry, it’s not too scary. But it’s got enough creepy vibes to get you in the Halloween spirit. Plus, you’ll get to see Disney push the boundaries of their usual fairytale formula.
So grab some popcorn and prepare for a not-so-typical Disney adventure. The Black Cauldron might just become your new favorite Halloween tradition.
10) Maleficent
Get ready to see Disney’s most iconic villain in a whole new light! Maleficent isn’t your typical horror flick, but it’s got just enough dark fantasy to give you the spooky vibes you crave.
Angelina Jolie’s cheekbones could cut glass as she brings the mistress of evil to life. You’ll be mesmerized by her wicked performance and those killer wings.
Sure, it’s more “family-friendly” than “horror,” but don’t let that fool you. The creepy creatures and shadowy scenes will still give you a delightful chill. Plus, who doesn’t love a good villain origin story?
So grab your popcorn and prepare for a wickedly good time. Maleficent might just make you root for the bad guy this Halloween season!
11) The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
You’re in for a treat with this 1949 Disney animated anthology. It’s a twofer that’ll have you chuckling more than shaking in your boots.
First up, you’ve got Mr. Toad’s wild ride. It’s about as scary as a theme park attraction – which, coincidentally, it became!
Then comes the main event: Ichabod Crane’s run-in with the Headless Horseman. Sure, it might give the kiddos a mild case of the heebie-jeebies, but let’s be real – Bing Crosby’s narration makes everything feel like a cozy bedtime story.
You’ll find yourself more amused than afraid as you watch Ichabod’s gangly limbs flail about. It’s the perfect pick for when you want a dash of spooky with your Disney magic.
12) Pixar’s Toy Story of Terror!
Get ready for a spooky adventure with your favorite toys! Toy Story of Terror! is a Halloween special that’ll have you giggling more than screaming.
Picture this: Woody, Buzz, and the gang on a road trip gone wrong. They end up at a creepy motel where toys start disappearing. Sounds scary, right? Don’t worry, it’s more fun than frightening!
You’ll love seeing these characters in a new setting. The special aired on ABC back in 2013, but now you can enjoy it anytime on Disney+. It’s perfect for when you want a dash of Halloween without the nightmares.
So grab your popcorn and prepare for some lighthearted thrills. This mini-movie proves that even toys can have a hilariously spooky time!
13) Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
You’re in for a treat with this stop-motion animated film from the king of spooky-cute, Tim Burton. Don’t let the word “corpse” scare you off – this movie is more charming than chilling.
Victor, our living hero, accidentally marries a dead bride. Oops! But don’t worry, it’s not as creepy as it sounds. The Land of the Dead is actually pretty lively.
You’ll love the quirky characters and catchy tunes. It’s like a Halloween party you won’t want to leave. Plus, the visuals are pure Burton magic – gothic, whimsical, and totally unique.
So grab some popcorn and settle in for a not-so-scary romp through the afterlife. You might even find yourself rooting for the corpse bride!
14) Disney’s Zombies
You might think zombies are too scary for Disney, but think again! This musical romp turns the undead into lovable outcasts.
Set in Seabrook, a town divided between perky humans and green-haired zombies, the story follows Zed and Addison. He’s a zombie football star, she’s a human cheerleader. Talk about an unlikely pair!
The catchy tunes and dance numbers will have you tapping your feet instead of hiding under the covers. It’s more “High School Musical” than “Night of the Living Dead.”
So grab your pom-poms and your brain smoothies. This zom-com proves that even zombies can have heart – figuratively speaking, of course!
15) ParaNorman
Looking for a spooky yet hilarious animated flick? ParaNorman is your go-to choice on Disney Plus. This stop-motion gem follows Norman, a kid who can chat with the dead. Talk about an awkward social life!
You’ll be giggling as Norman tries to save his town from a centuries-old curse. It’s like Sixth Sense meets Scooby-Doo, but way cooler.
The film’s quirky humor and lovable characters will have you hooked. Plus, the visuals are stunning. It’s a perfect pick for those who want their Halloween movies with a side of laughs.
16) Casper
Looking for a ghostly good time without the scares? “Casper” is your go-to flick on Disney Plus. This 1995 gem brings the friendly ghost to life (or afterlife) in a way that’ll make you laugh more than shriek.
You’ll fall in love with the adorable titular character as he befriends a young Christina Ricci. The heartwarming story mixes humor and light spookiness perfectly.
Don’t worry, parents! This movie won’t give your kids nightmares. Instead, it’ll teach them about friendship and acceptance. Plus, you’ll get a kick out of the clever one-liners and visual gags.
So grab some popcorn and settle in for a hauntingly fun movie night. “Casper” proves that sometimes the best Halloween treats aren’t scary at all!
17) Hotel Transylvania
You’re in for a treat with this animated gem! Hotel Transylvania isn’t your typical spooky flick. It’s a hilarious romp through a monster-run resort.
Count Dracula’s overprotective dad routine will have you in stitches. Watch him freak out as his teenage daughter falls for a human. Talk about daddy issues!
The stellar voice cast brings these lovable monsters to life. You’ll find yourself rooting for Dracula and his misfit crew.
Don’t worry about nightmares – this movie’s all about the laughs. It’s perfect for a family movie night when you want a Halloween vibe without the scares.
18) Monster House
You’re in for a treat with this animated gem! Monster House isn’t your average haunted house flick. It’s got just the right mix of spooky and silly.
Three kids discover their neighbor’s house is alive and hungry. Yep, you read that right. A house with an appetite! It’s up to them to save the day before Halloween trick-or-treaters become house snacks.
The animation is top-notch, and the characters are a hoot. You’ll find yourself laughing more than hiding behind your popcorn. It’s perfect for getting kids in the Halloween spirit without giving them nightmares.
So grab your crew and settle in for a fun, not-so-scary adventure. Just don’t blame us if you start eyeing your own house suspiciously afterward!
19) Scary Movie
Think you’re ready for a real horror flick? Think again! “Scary Movie” is about as terrifying as a puppy in a Halloween costume.
This spoof of popular horror films will have you laughing more than screaming. It’s packed with silly gags and over-the-top parodies of classics like “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”
You’ll see familiar horror tropes turned on their head. The clueless teens, the masked killer, the creepy phone calls – they’re all here, but with a comedic twist.
Don’t worry about nightmares after this one. The only thing you’ll be afraid of is how much your sides hurt from laughing. It’s the perfect “horror” movie for scaredy-cats and comedy lovers alike.
20) Scream Queens
You’re in for a treat with this one! “Scream Queens” isn’t your typical horror show. It’s more like a spooky comedy that’ll have you laughing and shrieking in equal measure.
Set on a college campus, this series follows a sorority plagued by a masked killer. But don’t worry, it’s not too scary for your Disney+ night.
The show stars Emma Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis, who bring their A-game to the campy horror-comedy. You’ll love the over-the-top characters and witty one-liners.
So grab your pumpkin spice latte and settle in for some lightweight frights. “Scream Queens” is perfect for those who want a Halloween vibe without the nightmares.
The Evolution of Disney Horror
Disney’s horror movies have come a long way over the years. You’ll find a mix of old-school creepy classics and newer spooky flicks on Disney+. Let’s take a peek at how Disney keeps things scary but still family-friendly.
From Creepy Classics to Modern Frights
Remember those Disney movies that gave you the chills as a kid? Well, they’re still around, and they’ve got some new friends. Back in the day, you had classics like “The Watcher in the Woods” and “Mr. Boogedy” that pushed the boundaries of kids’ horror.
Now, Disney+ is upping its game. You’ll find newer additions like “Smile” that bring a fresh dose of scares. But don’t worry, they haven’t forgotten their roots. You can still catch those beloved Halloween favorites like “Hocus Pocus” and “Halloweentown”.
Disney’s even launching a 24/7 Hallowstream channel for Fall 2024. Talk about a spooky binge-fest!
How Disney Keeps It Family-Friendly
You might wonder how Disney pulls off horror without traumatizing the kiddos. It’s all about balance, folks. They’ve mastered the art of being creepy without crossing into nightmare territory.
Take “Return to Oz” for example. It’s got some seriously unsettling vibes, but it’s still Disney-fied enough for family movie night.
Disney+ mixes in a good dose of humor and fantasy with their scares. You’ll find witches, but they’re more likely to make you laugh than scream. And those monsters under the bed? They’re probably just looking for a friend.
So grab your popcorn and get ready for some not-too-scary fun. Disney’s got your back when you want to get spooked without losing sleep.
Impact of Mild Horror on Young Audiences
Hey there, horror newbie! Ready to dip your toes into the spooky side of Disney+? Let’s talk about how these not-so-scary flicks can actually be good for you.
First off, mild horror can be a great way to face your fears in a safe environment. You’re in control of the remote, after all! Pause, take a breather, or hide behind a pillow whenever you need to.
These movies can also boost your problem-solving skills. Watching characters outsmart monsters or escape haunted houses might just inspire your own creative thinking.
Plus, mild horror films can be a bonding experience. Grab some friends, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a good scare together. Nothing brings people closer than a shared “Eek!” moment.
Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits:
- Facing fears safely
- Improved problem-solving
- Social bonding
- Adrenaline rush (without actual danger)
But remember, everyone’s different. What’s mild to you might be terrifying to someone else. Always check those age ratings and maybe watch with a brave buddy the first time around.
So go ahead, give those Disney+ horror-lite flicks a try. You might just find yourself becoming a fan of the genre. Who knows, you could be streaming the hardcore stuff before you know it!
Behind the Scenes: Making of Disney’s Horror Films
Disney’s venture into horror films blends scares with family-friendly charm. You’ll be amazed at the creativity and care put into these spooky yet safe productions.
Directors’ and Writers’ Perspectives
Ever wonder how Disney tackles horror? Well, their directors and writers walk a fine line. They aim to give you chills without traumatizing the kiddos. It’s like trying to make a PG-rated haunted house – tricky, but doable!
These creative minds often draw inspiration from classic ghost stories and urban legends. But here’s the kicker: they add a sprinkle of Disney magic to keep things light. You’ll find they often use humor as a clever tool to break tension.
Some directors even look to classic horror films for inspiration, putting a kid-friendly spin on iconic scenes. It’s like they’re serving up horror with training wheels!
Special Effects and Makeup: Creating Spooky Yet Safe
Now, let’s talk about the real magic – special effects and makeup. Disney’s effects wizards have a tough job: make it scary, but not too scary. It’s like trying to bake a cake that looks like a monster but tastes like cotton candy.
These talented folks use a mix of practical effects and CGI to create creatures that won’t give you nightmares. Think less “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and more “Casper the Friendly Ghost.”
Makeup artists work their own brand of sorcery too. They transform actors into spooky characters that won’t send you running for the hills. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between creepy and cute. You might even find yourself saying “Aww” instead of “Aah!” at some of these monsters.
Ready to dive into these fantastic titles? Don’t miss out on any of the action, laughter, or chills—start streaming on Disney Plus today! With Disney Plus, you unlock a world of exclusive entertainment ranging from timeless classics to new releases. Sign up now to enjoy all these and more, from the comfort of your own home. Click here to begin your adventure with Disney Plus and help support our site at no extra cost to you!