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The Ultimate Disney Halloween Movie Marathon (MNSSHP 2025 Edition)

A curated list of Disney Halloween movies to watch before Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. From characters you’ll meet to bonus spooky-season favorites to set the vibe.

File Under:
Out of Office
Filed On:
Thursday, July 24, 2025

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Let’s be real, half the fun of going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is the buildup.

The costume planning. The treat map stalking. The should we get there right at 4 PM or wait until 6? debates.

And if you’re anything like me, you want to soak up every bit of the Halloween magic before you even step foot on Main Street.

That’s where this movie list comes in.

Before we jump in, if you’re planning on going to MNSSHP, plan your night like the hot mom you are.

I made a Notion planning space that covers everything:

All the treats, ride overlays, showtimes, character meet-and-greets, and more.

‍

Click here to grab the party planner

Okay back to the spooky goodness.

I rounded up the must-watch Disney movies that actually connect to this year’s party - from characters you’ll meet to floats you’ll see in the Boo-To-You Parade.

Then we added in some villain backstory, Halloween specials, and cozy chaos picks for when you just need something festive in the background while you’re packing mickey-ears and portable fans.

Think of it as your MNSSHP 2025 pregame.

Pop the popcorn.

Cue the Sanderson Sisters.

Let’s get spooky.

Watch These Before The Party

These movies directly tie into what you’ll actually experience at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - from the stage shows to the fireworks to the parade. If you only have time to watch a few, start here.

Zombies (1, 2, 3, & 4)

Zombies 4 is taking over the party this year, so if you want to understand the costumes, the music, or literally anything happening at the Rockettower Plaza Stage, do yourself a favor and start from the beginning. These movies are fun, campy, and surprisingly catchy once you’re in it.

Why it matters: Zombies 4 is the official party headliner this year at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland

Watch:

Hocus Pocus + Hocus Pocus 2

You can’t go to MNSSHP without watching the Sanderson Sisters first. The entire Villains Spelltacular is centered around them. And if you’ve never seen the second one, it gives some fun backstory (plus it’s more costume inspo).

Why it matters: The castle show is literally built around these movies

Watch:

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack and Sally are two of the most iconic character meet-and-greets at the party and the Haunted Mansion overlay at Disneyland is themed around this film (even though Disney World doesn’t do the full overlay, it’s still a huge part of the Halloween season).

Why it matters: Jack & Sally meet-and-greets draw some of the longest lines. Also Jack Skellington hosts the Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular

Watch:

The Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion gets a whole parade segment with ghostly dancers, graveyard float, and the iconic Hitchhiking Ghosts. Either version of the movie gives you context for the spookiness. The 2003 one is campy fun, and the 2023 one leans a little deeper into the lore.

We’re also adding in the Muppets Haunted Mansion for littles that don’t like watching “real people movies”.

Why it matters: Haunted Mansion plays a starring role in the Boo-To-You Parade. This ride also has special Halloween overlays that are not a part of normal Magic Kingdom operating hours.

Watch:

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

The Headless Horseman opens the Boo-To-You Parade and this is the short film where it all comes from. It’s under 40 minutes and will make the parade entrance feel so much cooler.

Why it matters: The Horseman kicks off the parade in full gallop. This gives you the backstory.

Watch:

Wreck-It Ralph + Ralph Breaks the Internet

Not very Halloween themed, but there’s a whole segment in the parade dedicated to these movies. The candy-themed float in the parade (with Vanellope and Ralph) makes way more sense when you’ve seen these two. It’s a sugar rush, literally.

Why it matters: Vanellope’s float is part of the fun “Candy Rush” segment in the parade

Watch:

Villains You’ll Run Into

These movies support the villains you’re actually going to see at the party - whether they show up on parade floats, in castle shows, or at character meet-and-greets. Watching them ahead of time makes everything hit harder (and the photo ops way more fun).

The Evil Queen

The Evil Queen is out in full force during MNSSHP - sometimes at meet-and-greets, sometimes in the villain show. She’s dramatic, she’s ruthless, and she invented the poisoned apple. Icon behavior.

What To Watch:

Look for her: Villains Spelltacular, parade appearances, occasional meet-and-greet

Maleficent

Maleficent is the queen of Halloween. She even shows up as a fire-breathing dragon float in the parade (which is epic). Her villain energy is unmatched, and her movie is surprisingly stylish for being that old.

What to Watch:

Look for her: When you first walk into the Party, she is usually greeting guests.

Ursula

Ursula is loud, chaotic, and incredible. Whether she’s floating by in the parade or showing up in villain montages, she makes an impression. Watch this one for the sea witch anthem alone.

What To Watch:

Look for her: In the parade and during the fireworks

Dr. Facilier (aka the Shadow Man)

Dr. Facilier (aka the Shadow Man) has a whole musical moment in the Villains Spelltacular and shows up in the parade with glowing float energy. This movie has major Halloween vibes already, so it’s a perfect pre-party watch.

What To Watch:

Look for him: He is featured in the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Jafar

Jafar might not be the most dramatic villain in the parks, but he does make surprise appearances (and his snake-staff villain aesthetic is perfect for costume inspo).

What To Watch:

Look for him: Located across from the Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride

Cruella

Cruella is chaotic, chic, and completely unhinged. If you see her at the party, she’ll likely be yelling at guests or posing with over-the-top flair. Watching the original and the Emma Stone version gives you the full effect.

What To Watch:

Look for her: When you first walk into the Party, she is usually greeting guests

Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters

Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters are low-key some of the funniest character meet-and-greets you’ll ever do. They’re sarcastic, rude, and weirdly lovable. Worth watching just so you can trash-talk them with context.

What To Watch:

Look for them: Located between Cinderella’s Castle & Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

The Queen of Hearts

The Queen of Hearts is unhinged in the best way. She’s not always a guaranteed meet-and-greet, but when she shows up, she’s hilarious and watching her movie gives you a feel for how truly off-the-rails she is.

What To Watch:

Look for her: Located outdoor by the Mad Tea Party

Heroes & Friends You’ll Run Into

Not everyone at MNSSHP is spooky. Some are sweet, silly, or sparkly. These are the non-villain characters you’ll definitely see at the party, along with a few Halloween-themed episodes or shorts to help you get in the spirit before you meet them.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Goofy

They’re the stars of the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks and you’ll see them throughout the park in Halloween costumes. There are a bunch of cute Mickey Halloween specials that will definitely get you in the spooky mood.

Watch:

Look for them:

  • Mickey Mouse - Located in Town Square Theater in his Halloween Costume
  • Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, Goofy - Located in Pete's Silly Sideshow

Jack Skellington & Sally

These two are meet-and-greet legends. Jack even narrates parts of the fireworks show. Watching The Nightmare Before Christmas is a must if you’re planning to meet them or just want to understand the crowd reactions.

Watch:

Look for them:

  • Located in Town Square Theater in his Halloween Costume
  • During the Fireworks

Winnie the Pooh & Friends

Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore all show up in Halloween costumes, and their Halloween special is ridiculously cute -especially if you have little ones or just want cozy October energy.

Watch:

Look for them: Located at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Vee

She’s been a hit with the littles for a few years now and often appears in the Disney Jr. Jam - a halloween inspired party where younger partygoers can dance with their favorite characters.

She has multiple Halloween episodes:

Watch:

Look for her: In the Disney Jr. Jam located in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

Elvis Stitch

Stitch shows up dressed as Elvis (yes, really). You can absolutely watch Lilo & Stitch to get your backstory, but I added something else with for Halloween flair:

Watch:

Look for him: Stitch is in a full Elvis costume across from Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

Stitch as Elvis = the best photo op

Jack Sparrow

Captain Jack Sparrow sometimes makes surprise appearances and pirates often show up in the parade. So to understand the lore watch this classc.

Watch:

Look for him: Located across from the Pirates of the Caribbean

Fancy Nancy

She’s a favorite at the Disney Jr. Jam - a Halloween-inspired dance party just for littles. You’ll usually spot her twirling in her costume and sprinkling a little je ne sais quoi on the dance floor. While she only has one official Halloween episode, it’s perfectly themed and très adorable.

Watch:

Look for her: In the Disney Jr. Jam located in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

Moana

While she’s not spooky, Moana is usually available for an after-dark meet-and-greet during MNSSHP. Her appearance adds a bit of island magic to the night, and if your kiddo is dressed as Moana, this photo op is a must.

Watch:

Look for them: Located near the Enchanted Tiki Room

Ariel & Prince Eric

Seeing Ariel with Prince Eric is a rare MNSSHP treat. He’s not usually out during normal park hours, so this meet-and-greet feels extra special. Ariel appears in her beautiful teal dress (not her mermaid tail), and if you catch them together, it’s a photo op worth waiting for.

Watch:

Look for them: Located in front of Under The Sea

Belle

Belle usually appears in her blue village dress during MNSSHP, which makes this meet-and-greet feel extra storybook-like, especially since it’s not the version of her costume you see in most promo photos.

Watch:

Look for them: Located in Maurice's Cottage

Alice and the Mad Hatter

This duo brings chaotic tea party energy to the party in the best way. Alice and the Mad Hatter often appear together at MNSSHP, and their interactions are some of the most entertaining

Watch:

Look for them: Located outdoor by the Mad Tea Party

Mirabel and Bruno

Mirabel is becoming a staple with her colorful outfit and big-hearted energy, but Bruno is the real surprise. He’s a rare character sighting, and if you spot him at MNSSHP, count yourself lucky (and maybe don’t talk about it). Together, they bring some magical Madrigal flair to the night.

Watch:

Look for them: Located in the Fairytale Garden

Aladdin & Abu / Jasmine & Genie

These duos alternate throughout the night, and both are worth tracking down. Abu rarely appears in the parks, making his pairing with Aladdin a standout photo op you won’t see during normal park hours. On the flip side, Genie is practically a unicorn. Catching him with Jasmine feels like a wish granted.

Watch:

Look for them: Located across from the Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride

Disney Halloween Movies (Not Party Specific)

These don’t tie directly into Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party but they’re pure Disney Halloween goodness. Some are nostalgic, some are chaotic, and some are just fun to have on while you snack on leftover candy and take off your ears.

Toy Story of Terror

This spooky little short packs suspense, laughs, and classic Toy Story heart into just over 20 minutes. When the gang gets stranded at a creepy roadside motel, things start going missing, and Jessie has to step up. It’s just the right amount of spooky for younger viewers and a fun watch for grown-ups too.

Watch:

Bluey

Okay, it’s not a Halloween episode but it feels like one. Bluey dreams of becoming a fruit bat and flying through the night, and the episode has just the right mix of nighttime whimsy, glowing skies, and cozy music to give off soft spooky season vibes. Plus, it’s Bluey. Obviously we’re including her.

Watch:

Twitches + Twitches Too

Twin witches discovering their powers on their birthday (which happens to be Halloween)? Iconic. Tia and Tamera OWNED Disney Channel during spooky season.

Watch:

Halloweentown

Arguably the most iconic Disney Channel Halloween franchise. If you grew up with these, rewatch. If you haven’t seen them? Buckle up. The original and the sequel are musts - the rest are bonus rounds.

Watch:

Descendants

Villain kids in dramatic outfits breaking into musical numbers? This series has Halloween energy even without the pumpkins. We did a whole marathon last year and the whole family loved it.

Watch:

Girl vs. Monster

A Halloween Disney Channel Original Movie that holds up better than you’d expect. Think music, monsters, and a teen girl facing down fears (and actual creatures).

Watch:

The Scream Team

This one’s super underrated. Two kids team up with a group of quirky ghosts to help their grandfather move on. The ghost characters are hilarious.

Watch:

Phantom of the Megaplex

Spooky things start happening during a movie premiere. Very early 2000s Disney Channel Halloween chaos. Worth it for the nostalgia and the over-the-top drama.

Watch:

Whether you’re road-tripping to Orlando, throwing on mascara in your hotel room, or coming down from a sugar high post-party, these movies bring the perfect mix of magic, mayhem, and Mickey-shaped Halloween energy.

Start with the ones that tie directly to this year’s party, then fill in the gaps with villains, classics, and cozy chaos.

No matter what you watch, you’ll be vibing harder than Goofy in a skeleton costume.

Happy haunting <3

About the Author

Hi! I’m Mikayla! Proud mom to Sophia and founder of Hot Mom Ethic, where I share minimal‑effort, maximum‑impact beauty and lifestyle hacks learned through the beautiful chaos of motherhood. Consider me your no‑BS guide to feeling confident, empowered, and wildly efficient every day. Let's be Hot Mom's together 🌶️

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