10 Family-Friendly Horror Movies on Disney+ That Are Required Viewing During Spooky Season

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Since streaming became popular, Disney has consistently delivered top-quality entertainment, with hits like *The Mandalorian*, *Toy Story*, and *Pirates of the Caribbean*. Known as the leading provider of family entertainment, Disney also offers a great selection of spooky movies and stories for Halloween. These films often lean towards fun and lighthearted scares, giving kids a playful thrill to get them excited for trick-or-treating.

Disney offers a great selection of not-too-scary movies perfect for Halloween and family fun. While they have some spooky options, most are lighthearted comedies or superhero adventures that many families watch every year to get into the Halloween spirit. These films are generally suitable for all ages, though a few might be a little bit thrilling!

Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell Is a Marvel Halloween Special

Marvel has created a number of enjoyable animated shows and movies, though they haven’t reached the same legendary status as DC’s. One example is the 2016 film *Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell*, which features Doctor Strange teaming up with the Hulk to fight monsters on Halloween. They’re joined by other monster heroes – including Warwolf, Nina Price, and Man-Thing – as they battle the villain Nightmare in a journey across different dimensions.

If you’re looking for a fun and often overlooked Disney Marvel adventure on Disney+, check out *Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell*. While *Marvel Zombies* is getting a lot of attention, this animated story is a great, family-friendly option that features classic monsters and superhero action.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Blends Action and Horror

Doctor Strange, Marvel’s famous sorcerer, has always had connections to the horror genre. The film *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* fully embraced this, with horror director Sam Raimi taking the helm. The story follows Doctor Strange and America Chavez as they travel to different universes while facing a powerful and dangerous Scarlet Witch. Driven by her desire to reunite with her children, the Scarlet Witch unleashes terrifying acts, forcing Doctor Strange to confront her – even battling a dark, undead version of himself.

Okay, let me tell you about *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*. I really think they took everything people loved about the first film and dialed up the intensity – it’s a much darker ride this time around. And honestly, Sam Raimi’s direction is what *makes* it work. He brings a style and energy that elevates the story to something truly special. Be warned, it’s definitely got some scary moments, so it’s probably best for older teens and adults, but if you’re up for a thrilling, epic superhero adventure, you won’t be disappointed.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad Is a Retro Masterpiece

Released in the 1940s, *The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad* is a Disney movie featuring a retelling of Washington Irving’s spooky story, *Sleepy Hollow*. The film centers on Ichabod Crane’s arrival in Sleepy Hollow, where he comes face-to-face with the terrifying Headless Horseman – a ghostly figure searching for a new head.

As a classic animation fan, I think *The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad* holds up surprisingly well, even if it feels a little old-fashioned at times. But honestly, that final chase scene? It’s what makes it a perfect Halloween watch. The *Wind in the Willows* portion is fantastic too – it’s a great way to introduce kids to these classic stories. And the way that segment ends, with a slightly unsettling ambiguity, is exactly what I love in a spooky animated film for all ages.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Is a Masterpiece

The Nightmare Before Christmas begins in Halloween Town, a spooky place dedicated to all things frightening. Jack Skellington, the town’s leader, discovers a doorway to other worlds and becomes fascinated by Christmas. He returns home eager to share his newfound love of the holiday with his monster friends, and they try their best to help. But because the residents of Halloween Town don’t understand the true meaning of Christmas, Jack has trouble creating the kind of celebration he envisions.

Though often thought of as a Christmas movie, *The Nightmare Before Christmas* is equally a Halloween classic – and a truly outstanding stop-motion film. It’s a wonderfully strange holiday favorite, perfect for finishing off October and starting the Christmas season. Parents will love sharing this spooky tradition with their kids, and it’s sure to delight viewers of all ages.

Hocus Pocus Is Practically a Tradition

The movie *Hocus Pocus* begins in 1600s Salem, where a boy named Thackery Binx is turned into a black cat that will live forever after three witches steal the life force from his sister. The story then jumps to the 1990s, where siblings Max and Dani Dennison have just moved to town as Halloween approaches. When the witches – Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson – try to harm Dani the same way they hurt Thackery’s sister, Max saves her, and together with the immortal cat, they work to protect the town.

I absolutely adore *Hocus Pocus* – it’s become a Halloween must-watch for me and so many others! Those three witches are just the perfect amount of spooky for families. If you love movies like Tim Burton’s work or *Scooby-Doo*, you’ll fall in love with this one. It’s got that same fun, mysterious vibe, but with a magical twist, and it’s just enjoyable for everyone, no matter how old you are.

Frankenweenie Is a Fun Take on Mary Shelley’s Monster

*Frankenweenie* is a heartwarming story about a boy named Victor and his dog, Sparky. After a tragic accident takes Sparky’s life, Victor uses his science skills to bring his furry friend back. He keeps this a secret, but when a classmate named Edgar discovers what he’s done, Edgar forces Victor to help him create other creatures from the dead.

This is a playful and lighthearted take on the classic story of Frankenstein, reimagined as a heartwarming tale about a boy and his best friend. The movie follows Victor and Sparky as they work together to protect their town from a monster, offering a fun and slightly spooky adventure for the whole family. It cleverly shows kids the boundaries of science in an accessible way.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Pre-Dates the Amazing Show

Before the iconic Sarah Michelle Gellar slayed as Buffy, the role was actually played by Kirsty Swanson in the original movie! It’s a fun story about a typical, popular cheerleader who gets some shocking news – she’s destined to be a vampire hunter! The movie shows her trying to balance this crazy new responsibility with, you know, just being a normal teen and having a social life. It’s a classic for a reason!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a classic PG-13 horror film from the ’90s, and it’s often considered the perfect Halloween watch. Buffy Summers is a memorable character, and the movie cleverly combines the challenges of high school with a girl’s duty to fight monsters. It’s a fun, spooky, and humorous alternative to movies like Fright Night, and a must-see for both fans of Joss Whedon’s TV series and ’90s horror in general.

Werewolf by Night Pays Homage to the Golden Age of Horror

The story of *Werewolf by Night* starts after Ulysses Bloodstone passes away. His wife, Verussa, then gathers a team of monster hunters at their family home. She tells them the Bloodstone – a very powerful gem – is hidden within a dangerous maze guarded by a monster, and whoever finds it will claim ownership and become the leader. As the hunters begin their search, chaos erupts, and it quickly becomes clear that a hidden monster is among their group.

As a huge fan of those old Universal horror films, I absolutely loved *Werewolf By Night*! It’s a really cool mix of a monster movie and a thrilling treasure hunt. What’s even better is Disney+ thought about how to get a new generation hooked – they offer both the original black and white version *and* a colorized one, which is a fantastic touch. Now, it’s walking a line – it’s almost family-friendly, but I think it might be a little too intense for some younger viewers. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re into classic horror, definitely check it out!

The Haunted Mansion Is an Eccentric Haunted House Movie

In *The Haunted Mansion*, real estate agents Jim and Sara Evers bring their children with them to a remote mansion, hoping to finalize a sale. They meet the intriguing owner, Edward Gracey, and end up staying overnight when a fierce storm rolls in. Soon, the family encounters a series of spooky events, leading them to uncover the mansion’s hidden history.

Inspired by the popular Disney ride, *The Haunted Mansion* is a lighthearted, comedic take on classic haunted house stories, starring Eddie Murphy. It’s a great choice for family fun during Halloween, and best enjoyed as a silly, good-time movie.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Is a Masterpiece

In 2003, Disney turned its beloved ride into the blockbuster film, *Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl*. The movie introduces Captain Jack Sparrow and follows his adventure with a blacksmith as they try to rescue Elizabeth Swan. Elizabeth has been kidnapped by the crew of the Black Pearl and must fight to survive under the command of the villainous Captain Barbossa. As the story unfolds, Elizabeth discovers the pirates are suffering from a terrible curse.

Though it’s mainly an adventure story, *Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl* really leans into horror, complete with skeleton pirates! It has a genuinely spooky climax and several good jump scares, making it one of Disney’s creepier films that’s still appropriate for family viewing.

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2025-10-09 18:22