While truehorrorfilms can be too intense to watch with the entire family, streaming services like Disney+ have an outstanding selection of thrillers and mysteries that fit the bill. Thesefamily-friendly horror moviestread the line between scary and not-so-scary quite perfectly. The action and humor are fun enough to get the adrenaline going but not too graphic or vivid to give you nightmares.
Disney has long been known for blending the right amount ofhorror with humor and adventure. Titles likeHocus Pocusand theHalloweentownfranchise are an ideal example. They build tension through eerie music, dark shadows, and sinister laughter, but are never too traumatizing. The streaming platform’s collection of family-friendly horror movies spans decades of films that are known to thrill audiences while also scaring them a little, and here are 10 such movies.
10The New Mutants (2020)
The New Mutants
A spin-off film in the X-Men film series and based on the Marvel Comics landscape,The New Mutantsis a brilliant addition to the superhero genre. what makes it more compelling is that it is tinged with subtle elements of horror. In the movie, Dani Moonster and four other teenagers who underwent traumatic experiences are held in a secret facility. Each of these individuals possesses unique supernatural abilities they have not yet learned to control. When strange events occur in the facility, they fear for their safety and work together to protect themselves.
An Original Twist on the X-Men Franchise
Despite being a part of the same mutant storyline and the official timeline,The New Mutantsputs a fresh spin on the story and becomes its own thing. Fans of the Marvel universe will find something creative in its creepy atmosphere, air of suspense, and focus on mystery over action in several pivotal scenes. The movie, directed by Josh Boone, stars a bunch of young stars like Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, and Blu Hunt. Overall, with its subtle frights, tough female leads, and creative use of visual effects, the movie is a must-watch.
9Return to Oz (1985)
Return to Oz
Co-written and directed by Walter Murch,Return to Ozis an unofficial sequel to the 1939 classic, and it stars Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh, and Piper Laurie. Fairuza Balk makes her screen debut as Dorothy Gale, who may have returned home but is struggling with bizarre dreams of her time in Oz. She returns to the fantastical land only to find it in ruins. Dorothy resorts to her new friends like Tik-Tok and Billina to stop the wicked Nome King and his accomplice Princess Mombi.
Darkly Imaginative and Grand in Scope
Just as surreal as its predecessor,Return to Ozbuilds on L. Frank Baum’s early 20th-century Oz novels. Itbrings to life the intricate magical worldwith lavish set pieces, practical effects, and stunning make-up artistry. Some may considerReturn to Ozan unnecessary sequel because it doesn’t have Judy Garland nor the nuance of the original movie, which fascinated generations with its wonder. However, the movie still feels like it was a nightmare brought to life because of all the horrific and captivating elements.
8Morbius (2022)
Read Our ReviewMorbiusis a recent action horror superhero movie starring Jared Leto. It follows the story of a dedicated and troubled biochemist, Michael Morbius, who attempts to cure a rare blood disease. In a haste to be “normal” again, he ends up infecting himself with the drug and develops a form of vampirism. After brutally attacking his crew, Morbius realizes that he has attained superhuman strength, speed, and senses. As he grapples with his new powers, a criminal mastermind manipulates him to use his abilities for his own dangerous gains.
Fashions a New Brand of Marvel Anti-Hero
This new film tries to introduce an intriguing Marvel character to the mix but fails drastically. Derided for its borderline nonsensical narrative and tedious attempt at humor,Morbiusdid not make it out of the box office unscathed. However, in terms of presenting an empathetic antihero struggling between science and darkness, the themes are refreshing enough. Moreover, Leto’stwisted turn as the vampireand the visceral action scenes also provide some terror.
7Werewolf by Night (2022)
Werewolf by Night
A TV special exclusive to the streaming platform,Werewolf by Nightis directed by Michael Giacchino. Continued after the events of the movie and the rest of the content in the franchise, the movie begins on a dark and somber night, when a secret group of monster hunters gather on a remote manor. Now that their leader, Ulysses Bloodstone, has died, these hunters must compete with each other to obtain a powerful relic, defeat a mysterious monster, and become the new leader.
A Delightful Monster Mash
Shadowy and mysterious,Werewolf by Nightdelves deeperinto Marvel’s darker and deeper vein. Much like Moon Knight, this Halloween special brings the horror using stunning effects, historical intrigue, and gripping colors to the screen as legends come to life. Under Giacchino’s atmospheric direction, and Zoë White’s black-and-white cinematography, the haunting play-by-play of each monster hunter is a delight to watch. Definitely enjoyable by grown folk, the movie is a bone-chilling throwback to the genre.
Why MCU’s Werewolf by Night Is a Modern Halloween Classic
The use of practical effects, a classical score, and callbacks to Universal monster movies ensure Werewolf by Night will be a holiday classic.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toadis an anthology film that features two animatedadaptations of classic literature. The first is based on a children’s novel titled ‘The Wind in the Willows,’ and it centers around the wealthy Mr. Toad, who desperately wants to own an automobile, and he embarks on adventures to fulfill his wish. The second is based on ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,’ a short story written by Washington Irvin. It tells the tale of a bumbling schoolmaster and his ghostly encounter with the Headless Horseman.
Whimsical and Timeless
In classic Disney fashion, the movie breathes new animated life into the beloved tales. Each of these shorts is animated with such impeccable detail that they transport the audiences straight into the fanciful world. Despite having charming characters and delivering timeless life lessons, the movie is also tinged with darkness and is perhaps Disney’s most terrifying animated movie to date. Especially the final 10 minutes of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which go full-throttle into horror territory.
5Don’t Look Under the Bed (1999)
Don’t Look Under the Bedis infamous for being one of the most terrifyingDisney Channel original moviesof all time. Its story centers around a curious young girl named Frances Bacon McCausland who does everything in a neat and logical way. However, there are strange things happening in her town of Middleberg. When Frances befriends an older boy, Larry Houdini, who tells her he’s her “imaginary friend,” Frances is blamed for all of the town’s troubles.
Thrives on Atmospheric Dread
Directed by Kenneth Johnson, the movie is packed with ’90s nostalgia but is also downright creepy. Frances and Larry may seem like a team together, but underneath their fantastical hijinks are genuine scare-inducing horrors that some parents wanted their kids to stay away from at the time. Johnson also deftly uses music and shadows to create an eerie atmosphere and match the shaky camerawork. All in all,Don’t Look Under the Bedis a delightful family-friendly made-for-TV horror.
4Return to Halloweentown (2006)
Originally,Halloweentownwas a horror-comedy trilogy starring Kimberly J. Brown as the main character. But this fourth installment in the franchise marked the end of a beloved saga. The Disney Channel Original Movie follows Marnie Piper enrolling in the Witch University of Halloweentown. However, once she gets there, she realizes that the witches and wizards are forbidden from using their powers, and instead, a mysterious dark force controls their magic.
Heartwarming and Frightful
Return to Halloweentownreunites some fan-favorite characters from the original series. They are played by Joey Zimmerman, Judith Hoag, Debbie Reynolds, and Lucas Grabeel, while Sara Paxton makes her first appearance as Marnie Piper. The movie captures all the magic and mystery and spins it around for the new generation. As expected, there are shadowy subplots, spirited townsfolk, and a formidable foe that lurks above. These elements encompass some feel-good frights that are perfect to revisit with the family over and over again.
3Frankenweenie (2012)
Frankenweenie
Blending elements of science fiction, horror, and comedy,Frankenweenieis a one-of-a-kind 3D stop-motion animation movie that made big numbers at the box office. In the movie, young Victor Frankenstein is a science aficionado. He often dreams of bringing his beloved dog Sparky, who died in a tragic accident, to life. Through an experiment, Victor reanimates Sparky, but he now looks like a monster. When word of Victor’s project reaches the neighbors, trouble ensues.
A Black-and-White Ode to Classic Monsters
Written by John August and directed by Tim Burton,Frankenweenieis both a parody and an homage to the young Frankenstein tales we grew up watching. Thestunning stop-motion animationtakes us back to the 1930s and sparks our spectacular curiosity. Stars like Charlie Tahan, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Martin Landau lend their voices to add to the spookiness of the narrative. Critics laudedFrankenweenieas an “exquisite, macabre mayhem,” and we couldn’t agree more.
2Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy established themselves as the mischievous and evil Sanderson sisters back in the 1990s withHocus Pocus. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the movie transports you to Halloween night in Salem, when a young boy named Max moves to town with his family. He inadvertently resurrects three witches who were cursed 300 years ago. Once alive, Sarah, Dani, and Mary suck the life force out of children and wreak absolute havoc in Salem.
Filled with Hysterical and Scary Misadventures
A timeless manic misadventure,Hocus Pocusis a movie that only gets more appreciation and a larger cult following with time. Set in Salem, the movie combines whimsical spells and potions with pop culture callbacks in a way that is entertaining to viewers of all ages. An essential on home video, the film’s box office performance was decent, but it didn’t last long enough. Fortunately for Disney, the Halloween spirit and themes of bravery and sacrifice paired with hysterical moments of horror made it a holiday classic.
10 Movies to Watch if You Love Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus is one of the quintessential Halloween movies. If you love it, then you’re sure to love these similar movies.
1Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Doctor Strange 2 in the Multiverse of Madness
Doctor Strange teams up with a mysterious teenage girl from his dreams who can travel across multiverses, to battle multiple threats, including other-universe versions of himself, which threaten to wipe out millions across the multiverse.
Read Our Review
Steering away from Marvel’s usual humor-tinged projects,Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessdrew the audiences into a whole new world. It follows Dr. Stephen Strange battling threats from across the universe when a young girl named America Chavez is introduced. After casting a forbidden spell and opening the doorway to the multiverse, Strange faces his biggest foe yet – alternate, evil versions of himself. He teams up with Wanda Maximoff and Wong to fight back.
Visually Mind-Blowing and Terrifying
Perhaps the greatest credit for turningDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessinto a terrifying romp goes to Sam Raimi, who is known particularly for his work in the Evil Dead franchise. He gives new dimensions and layers to the regular superhero story and fashions a mind-bending sequel that also tackles themes of grief and destiny. Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen are distinctively strongerand more threateningas they fight to overcome the scariest evil of all. An entertaining mix of horror and action from start to finish.
