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Disney’s 96-Minute Cult Classic Returns as 1 of the Most-Watched Films on Streaming 33 Years Later
By Florencia Aberastury
Oct. 4, 2026
Disney has many beloved and cult classic films, but no other title marks the onset of fall, October, and Halloween quite like Hocus Pocus. This fantasy comedy has grown from a simple motion picture into a seasonal ritual, inviting families to revisit the witches’ misadventures, enjoy family-friendly humor, and begin autumn traditions with familiar comfort.
Its enduring appeal continues to strengthen as audiences rediscover the film each year, fueling nostalgia and new conversations about autumn celebrations. The movie is now rising on the charts again, reinforcing its status as a Halloween staple and a touchstone for contemporary pop culture during the changing season.
Per FlixPatrol, Hocus Pocus is currently the No. 2 most-watched movie on Disney+ in the United States, a clear indicator of its enduring appeal among viewers on this platform. The fantasy comedy is also a hit across several countries, including Canada, Germany, Honduras, Ireland, Norway, and Spain.
Hocus Pocus debuted on July 16, 1993, and starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as a trio of villainous witches who drive the film’s darkly comedic plot and have become enduring Halloween icons for many generations worldwide today.
Hocus Pocus became a Halloween cult classic over time. When it first debuted, the fantasy comedy did not resonate with many critics, and it earned mixed reviews. Although audiences today celebrate it, the film’s initial reception was lukewarm and its theatrical performance was weak.
The film was a box-office bomb, reportedly losing Disney around $16.5 million during its theatrical run, according to reports from the period. These details reflect the challenges the movie faced at release and the sharp contrast with later appreciation.
Over time, and largely due to yearly airings on Disney Channel, Hocus Pocus grew into a Halloween cult classic.
The Disney fantasy-comedy earned a loyal cult following. Despite being a box-office bomb, Hocus Pocus eventually launched a successful franchise.
Additionally, The Hocus Pocus franchise includes two movies, a book, video games, stage adaptations, and a theme park attraction.
Moreover, In 2022, Hocus Pocus 2 was released, bringing the iconic witches back on screen.
The Hocus Pocus film series follows three witches, Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson, known as the Sanderson sisters. The film starred Bette Midler as Winifred “Winnie” Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, and Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson.
The three stars returned for the sequel, and the project was confirmed to be in development, with a new installment referred to as Hocus Pocus 3 officially in the works. This update signals continued interest in the Sanderson sisters and their supernatural world, and audiences await further details.
Hocus Pocus holds a divisive Rotten Tomatoes score. The film’s reception shows a split between critics and fans, with strong loyalty from a dedicated audience, yet mixed feedback from reviewers. This contrast highlights how different groups judge the same Disney fantasy-comedy.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the Disney fantasy?comedy currently posts a 42% Tomatometer score based on critics’ reviews, while audience sentiment is more favorable. The Popcornmeter, which reflects audience reaction, stands at 72%, indicating many viewers enjoyed the film even as critics were harsher. These numbers underscore the divide in perception.
Surprisingly, Hocus Pocus 2 received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, but mostly negative reviews from viewers. Critics offered varied assessments, whereas the broader audience often voiced disappointment after watching the sequel. This contrast continues to shape the overall reputation of the franchise.
About the first Hocus Pocus, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian described it as an enjoyable watch and a decent bit of entertainment, noting that it may work better as a small-screen discovery for its devoted fanbase. The remark captures the film’s approachable humor and family-friendly tone that impressed some critics.
Jeff Shannon of The Seattle Times wrote that Hocus Pocus remains a delightful family comedy, spooky but never scary as it romps its merry way through the graveyard. Overall, his assessment echoes the film2s broad appeal for viewers seeking light, entertaining fare.
Hocus Pocus 2 holds a 65% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 47% Popcornmeter score. The sequel to Disney’s cult classic was released on Disney+ on September 30, 2022.
Claire Shaffer from The New York Times said that Hocus Pocus 2 “manages to capture the same hokey magic of the original while creatively updating its humor.”
The film received 3 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including one for Outstanding Television Movie. Despite mixed reviews from viewers, the franchise continues, with many fans eagerly awaiting Hocus Pocus 3. Three nominations recognized its production values and storytelling, though some critics doubted the overall impact. Audience reception varied, yet the engagement around the sequel remains high.
It remains a cult classic and a Halloween staple, and, like every October, returns as a streaming hit. Subscribers notice steady interest across generations, while new media coverage keeps the film relevant in pop culture conversations. Its streaming presence each season reinforces its status among holiday favorites.
