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Disney+’s 2-Part Cozy Horror Masterpiece Is Mandatory Viewing This Halloween
By George Chrysostomou
Oct. 24, 2026.
George is an experienced entertainment and creative writer and a politics fan. If he’s not talking about the latest MCU release, he’s probably focused on local by-elections. With a love for analyzing detailed character work and a penchant for speculating on the upcoming twists and turns of major franchises, George is ultimately fascinated by the creative process.
Halloween is just around the corner, and all the major streaming services are getting their Halloween collections ready for the occasion. As part of that, they are digging up some older classics, which have been a part of traditional celebrations since they were first released. The Hocus Pocus series certainly falls under that category. Fans have been watching these movies on repeat every year, in celebration of the spooky occasion. For some, they are vital for the season.
However, any good franchise understands how to evolve, and that’s the case with Hocus Pocus. The series has gone through a transition as it continues to appeal to new generations, bringing that timeless quality with it. That’s what is so impressive about this series. It’s the ability to keep changing and feeling relevant, no matter the generation that it speaks to. The cozy horror masterpiece is a must-watch this Halloween because its nostalgic tone will create a new tradition for families up and down the country.
Hocus Pocus Is A Nostalgic Hit
It was in 1993 that the original cozy horror story, Hocus Pocus, debuted. The movie was developed by Disney and has found a firm place on Disney+ as part of its spooky, seasonal collection. The movie is a bona fide cult classic, and although it’s cheesy and over-the-top, it’s that very tone that makes it appealing. Indeed, as the Amblin era started to fade away, there’s something quite sincere about the story that Hocus Pocus portrays. That’s what forms such a deep connection between the movie and the audience, while doing something quite special.
Many will have a sense of nostalgia for Hocus Pocus because they grew up with the picture in the 1990s. However, that Amblin tone and throwback feel have a magical quality. It creates nostalgia even in those who watch it for the first time. So, while there are horrifying narrative developments, the humor and the visual portrayal of that tale ensure that fans feel quite comfortable living in this world. It’s as if they are taken back to a bygone era, where these sorts of productions, aimed at families, were more commonplace.
While that atmosphere is an important part of the puzzle, it’s also worth pointing out that the narrative itself is so compelling. This is a tale about a group of kids who mess with things they don’t quite understand. In doing so, they bring back a group of witches, prepared to do anything to restore their life force. The spooky flick Hocus Pocus thus plays with familiar archetypes and does so in a way that will feel nostalgic once more. Again, there are layers being created here, as a stronger relationship is formed and these characters become part of the fabric of the genre.
It’s no secret as to how this has been achieved, though. Just look at the cast, for example. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy absolutely hold the piece together as the trio of witches. They are the most perfect choices here as they modernize the concept of what it means to be a witch in cinema, chewing scenery in every act, while also cementing some newfound villains in the genre. A tight script, some great dialogue, and a witty world to explore make this an instant classic and one for every household to bring in as a tradition.
The Sequel Is Everything It Needed To Be
In 2022, Disney did the unexpected. It followed up Hocus Pocus with a sequel. That’s surprising, on one hand, because the studio seemed pretty intent on live-action recreations of classic animated hits rather than sequels to its live-action movies. However, the advent of Disney+ and the popularity of the original Hocus Pocus on the streaming platform warranted this exploration. What’s especially interesting is that the movie wasn’t that anticipated. While there were some fans of the original, it seemed as though, before it was released, the IP just didn’t have that much power with the vast sway of the modern generation.
Oh, how times have changed, though. Because the movie series has gone from strength to strength after the release of the sequel. Those who had nostalgia for the first ended up giving the film a try on an accessible platform. Meanwhile, those who love Halloween and wanted a rare, family-friendly flick in that genre also tried Hocus Pocus for the first time as a clan, the sequel thus also bringing people to the original. The result was astounding, with Hocus Pocus trending at the top of the charts alongside its follow-up every year since its release.
The sequel, in many ways, follows the same premise as the original. While the characters are aged up, it ultimately revolves around the return of the trio of witches and the chaos they can cause in the modern world. Hocus Pocus 2 very much latches on to the legacy sequel trend that has been dominating cinema over the last 5 years or so. It recycles an old premise, makes it fresh and exciting, and delivers on the beats when it needs to. Hocus Pocus 2 went a step further, though, becoming a classic in its own right through one simple breakthrough.
Hocus Pocus 2 was able to replicate the tone of the original. That’s an incredible thing to do, and Disney has been working hard to do so with other major franchises. Lucasfilm, for instance, has failed to be able to quite recapture the magic of the original Star Wars movies and Indiana Jones, despite their best efforts. Somehow, Disney was able to do just that with Hocus Pocus 2, creating synergy between the stories and cementing them as a series of Halloween greats that cannot be overlooked.
Hocus Pocus 3 Is In The Works
There is another reason why fans should pay attention to Hocus Pocus and its sequel, though. Because Disney isn’t done yet. The way in which these movies have entered every household has meant that Disney, much to its own surprise, has built a new franchise for fans. One that has some longevity, if it is able to still convey that same tone. Evidently, those streaming charts putting Hocus Pocus at the top of the list every Halloween have provided a good enough excuse to revisit those concepts and characters again.
It has been confirmed that Hocus Pocus 3 is currently in development, deep into pre-production. Very few details are out there about the project right now, but the chances are it will focus on the return of the core trio and more mischievous escapades. Jen D’Angelo, who wrote Hocus Pocus 2, will be returning to write the third film. Meanwhile, director Anne Fletcher will also be looking to direct again. Disney wants to revive that magic powerfully, and revisiting these familiar names should help them do so.
Hocus Pocus 3 has another set of returns. That’s because the original cast, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, are all returning to their roles. The series just wouldn’t be the same without them, and it is critical that Disney was able to get those deals over the line. One could argue that the movies feel the way they do because of those performances and their consistency across the sequels. These are the characters that essentially define what Hocus Pocus is, which isn’t uncommon for the horror genre.
Strangely, so much of this series seems to fit with other cult classic horror flicks, whether it be the fact that it’s shaped by its villains or the sprawling sequels that are about to play out. However, what Hocus Pocus does better than anything is remember to have fun. That’s what Halloween is all about, and if the third film is able to find the comedy in the supernatural, then it will succeed just like the rest. Disney could have another Halloween hit on its hand, the question that remains now is whether it goes straight to Disney+ or into theaters first.
