Summary
- Disney+ offers a plethora of autumn-themed movies for cozy fall nights – from family-friendly animations to heartwarming musicals & spooky tales.
- Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie is a charming Halloween treat for all ages – a goofy take on Frankenstein with heartwarming and comedic elements.
- Autumn vibes are aplenty in Disney classics like The Fox and the Hound, Coco, and The Nightmare Before Christmas – perfect for the season.
October is a wonderful time to be a Disney fan, especially with so many autumn Disney movies that set the perfect cozy mood. From Halloween-specific movies like Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas, to general ‘spooky season’ treats with ghosts and ghouls, there are plenty for people who love the darker side of the season. And for those who are bigger fans of Autumn than Halloween, specifically, there are those movies that conjure up the feeling of brightly colored leaves swirling through the crisp fall air.
Unsurprisingly, the go-to streaming service for October Disney movies is Disney+ – where everything from Halloween specials featuring favorite Disney characters to full-length features with that fall feel can be found.
Related Disney’s Upcoming Movie Releases – From 2024 To 2029
Between Pixar, the MCU, Star Wars, 20th Century Studios, and the famed animated studio, Disney has several exciting releases slated up to 2027.
2
17 Frankenweenie (2012)
A Family-Friendly Take On Frankenstein
Frankenweenie PG-13AnimationComedyFantasyHorror Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Frankenweenie is a 2012 stop-motion animated remake of Tim Burton’s eponymous 1984 short film. It tells the story of young scientist Victor Frankenstein, who brings his dog Sparky back to life and tries to stop his experiment from wreaking havoc across his town.
Director Tim Burton Release Date October 5, 2012 Cast Charlie Tahan , Winona Ryder , Martin Short , James Hiroyuki Liao , Catherine O’Hara , Martin Landau , Atticus Shaffer Runtime 87 Minutes
Tim Burton is a terrific filmmaking mind to look to for some creepy autumn fun. While some of his offerings might be more intense than cozy, his collaboration with Disney on the animated movie Frankenweenie is a perfect all-ages Halloween treat. Taking a goofy and child-friendly approach to the story of Frankenstein, Frankenweenie follows a young boy who is heartbroken following the loss of his best friend and pet, Sparky the dog. This leads to him concocting a plan to bring Sparky back from the dead.
While the premise might sound like a mix of heartbreak and gruesomeness, the end result is a lot more charming, touching, and funny than it suggests. Burton has a lot of fun turning the black-and-white stop-motion movie into a throwback classic horror movie. There is also a charming backstory to Frankenweenie, as this started as a short movie Burton made as an up-and-coming filmmaker, finally getting to bring his full vision to life decades later.
16 Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson’s Stop-Motion Animal Adventure
The Fantastic Mr. Fox PGFamilyComedy Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Based on the Roald Dahl children’s book, Fantastic Mr. Fox tells the story of the titular fox, his thieving spree, and the three farmers who seek revenge on him for the thefts.
Director Wes Anderson Release Date November 13, 2009 Cast George Clooney , Meryl Streep , Jason Schwartzman , Bill Murray , Willem Dafoe , Owen Wilson Runtime 87minutes
Wes Anderson is a filmmaker who can seemingly capture the autumn feel effortlessly, with his past movies Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums also being suitable picks for the season. However, his most autumn-feeling movie comes from his first animated movie, the stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl’s bookFantastic Mr. Fox. The movie follows a fox and former chicken thief who juggles the thrill of a life of crime with the responsibilities to his family.
The movie features an all-star cast, including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Willem Dafoe, and Bill Murray as the cozy critters who populate the story. The autumn feel of Fox’s world, with pinecones and fallen leaves all around, is a pleasant world to visit. There is even a recurring theme of characters enjoying cider, further cementing itself as a great autumn movie.
15 Remember The Titans (2000)
Denzel Washington Leads An Inspiring Football Story
Remember The Titans PGSportBiographyDrama Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Remember The Titans is a 2000 sports drama directed by Boaz Yakin and starring Denzel Washington. The film is based on the true story of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia. Under the leadership of coach Herman Boone, the team navigates racial tensions and strives for success on and off the field.
Director Boaz Yakin Release Date September 29, 2000 Cast Ryan Hurst , Will Patton , Wood Harris , Denzel Washington , Donald Faison Runtime 113 minutes
While autumn means Halloween fun and pumpkin spice for a lot of people, there are just as many who associate that time of year with football. Luckily, Disney delivered one of the most crowd-pleasing football movies of all time, with Remember the Titans becoming a beloved classic even for those who aren’t fans of the sport.
Denzel Washington stars in the movie as the new coach of a football team in 1971 Virginia, attempting to make the first integrated high school football team in the country. While the players have to overcome their own prejudices and bad blood, they eventually develop strong friendships and loyalty while also building a team that no one else can beat. It is an uplifting true story with a strong message, some great underdog sports action, and a typically commanding performance from Washington.
14 Into The Woods (2014)
A Star-Studded Fairy Tale Musical
Into the Woods PGMusicalFantasy Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Based on the musical of the same name, Into the Woods revolves around the reimagining of several well-known fairytales, such as “Cinderella”, “Rapunzel”, “Jack and the Bean Stalk”, and “Little Red Riding Hood”. The film centers on a baker and his wife who, in their attempts to have a child, must lift a generational curse placed upon the baker’s family by a witch. Other stories based on the various fairytales are woven into the narrative as well, which ultimately deals with the characters facing the unintended consequences of the actions that they take. The film features an ensemble cast including James Corden, Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, and Chris Pine.
Director Rob Marshall Release Date December 25, 2014 Cast Meryl Streep , Emily Blunt , James Corden , Johnny Depp , Anna Kendrick , Chris Pine Runtime 125minutes
The woods seem to be a perfect setting for any movie to give off those autumn vibes, with all the falling leaves and the adventure of being in nature. From the title alone, Into the Woods should prove itself to be a worthy entry into this genre. The star-studded musical is an adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical which incorporates aspects of a variety of Grimm fairy tales in the story of a couple seeking to end a curse placed on them by a witch.
There are some lively and hilarious turns by the incredible ensemble, which includes Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, and Meryl Streep in an Oscar-nominated role. It is a funny and clever twist on some well-known tales, brought to life by colorful characters and in a vibrant outdoor setting of this deep and enchanted forest.
13 James And The Giant Peach (1996)
A Surreal Stop-Motion Adventure
James and the Giant Peach PGAnimationAdventureFamily Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
An orphan who lives with his two cruel aunts befriends anthropomorphic bugs who live inside a giant peach, and they embark on a journey to New York City.
Director Henry Selick Release Date April 12, 1996 Cast Paul Terry , Joanna Lumley , Pete Postlethwaite , Simon Callow , Richard Dreyfuss , Jane Leeves , Miriam Margolyes , Susan Sarandon Runtime 79 Minutes
Roald Dahl returns with another story that captures his unique voice which seems oddly suited for the stop-motion animated world. James and the Giant Peach is an imaginative and surreal family-friendly adventure about young James, a kind and compassionate boy who loses his parents and is forced to live with his cruel relatives. However, when magic allows a peach in their yard to grow to an enormous size, James joins a band of misfit insects on an adventure on the special piece of fruit.
The movie’s transition from live-action to stop-motion sells the magic of the story, which has a vaguely creepy vibe as well as an autumn coziness. While there are some sad aspects with James’ unhappy life, it is rewarding to see him find a pseudo-family with this group of bugs that he looked out for.
12 Bambi (1942)
Bambi Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Bambi is one of Disney’s most iconic animated films that debuted in 1942. The movie follows a young deer named Bambi who grows up in a forest with his friend Thumper after his mother is killed. The film was directed by James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, and David Hand and was nominated for three Oscars.
Director James Algar , Samuel Armstrong , David Hand Release Date August 14, 1942 Cast Hardie Albright , Stan Alexander , Bobette Audrey , Peter Behn , Thelma Boardman , Janet Chapman
The cinephiles in the audience remember the Great Prince of the Forest rushing from a forest fire to save Faline
When most viewers think of this Disney classic, they often associate it with the “drip, drip, drop” of “Little April Showers,” a large portion of the film takes place in the autumnal months with painted trees and burning colors. Bambi might spend a memorable portion of the film as a young fawn in winter and spring with Thumper and Flower, but his more dynamic action takes place as an adult in the finale.
The climactic scene of the burning forest takes place right in the middle of hunting season as man returns to the forest with guns and greater numbers. Younger viewers might remember the cute little animals, but the cinephiles in the audience remember the Great Prince of the Forest rushing from a forest fire to save Faline. As one of the most iconic Disney movies of all time, it remains a must-see achievement in animated movies.
11 Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021)
The Muppets Explore A Creepy Old House
Muppets Haunted Mansion Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Kirk R. Thatcher Release Date October 8, 2021 Cast Darren Criss , Bill Barretta , Dave Goelz , Matt Vogel , Eric Jacobson , David Rudman , Will Arnett , Taraji P. Henson
While Disney found a flop with its star-studded cast of Haunted Mansion in 2023, there were many who thought they already made a perfectly good adaptation with an even more lovable cast. The Muppet icons got to lead their very own autumn Halloween adventure with Muppets Haunted Mansion, which takes place on Halloween night as Gonzo is challenged to spend one night in a spooky mansion.
As with every Muppet project, there are plenty of cameos to be found, including Will Arnett, Taraji P. Henson, and Danny Trejo to name a few. The special is the perfect all-ages bit of fun to curl up with on a cozy October day and spend some quality time with the Muppets. The iconic felt critters are as funny and lovable as ever while the special also makes for some suitable scary vibes.
10 The Fox And The Hound (1981)
A Sweet Story Of Life-Long Friends
The Fox and the Hound Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Dodo is an orphaned fox who was adopted by a lady after her mother was killed by a hunter. She grows up alongside Toby, a hound puppy, and the two become great friends. The problem is their different natures: one is a hunter and the other is supposed to be the prey.
Director Ted Berman , Richard Rich , Art Stevens Release Date July 10, 1981 Cast Mickey Rooney , Kurt Russell , Pearl Bailey , Jack Albertson , Sandy Duncan , Jeanette Nolan Runtime 83 Minutes
Similar to Bambi, The Fox and the Hound is an autumn movie that utilizes both autumn and winter to establish its mood (although this film is more liable to make viewers cry than Bambi). Disney certainly has a way of creating beautiful forest scenes, but the countryside scenes in The Fox and the Hound have an undeniable warmth that just pulls the viewer to a tremendous degree.
The movie is a beautiful and moving story of a friendship between a fox and a bloodhound who form a strong bond only to grow up and realize they are meant to be enemies. Not all Disney fans will want to join Chief and Copper on a hunting trip, but Widow Tweed’s cottage and farm look like something out of a Norman Rockwell Painting. The rustic setting and design choices are what give this movie its familiar and comforting flavor.
9 Coco (2017)
Pixar’s Charming Journey Into The Land Of The Dead
Coco Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on a journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
Director Adrian Molina , Lee Unkrich Release Date October 27, 2017 Cast Gael García Bernal , Alanna Ubach , Anthony Gonzalez , Selene Luna , Jaime Camil , Edward James Olmos , Renee Victor , Sofía Espinosa , Benjamin Bratt , natalia cordova-buckley , Alfonso Arau Runtime 105 minutes
Pixar’s melodious and macabre movie about the land of the dead comes with all the festive flavors of a Dia De Los Muertos celebration. The colors, sights, and sounds of Mexico paint a vibrant picture of both life and the afterlife in the world of Coco, and the spooky flavor of the skeletons and spirits is sure to ease viewers into a Halloween mood.
The use of the traditional Mexican holiday not only provides a broader cultural representation of the Disney/Pixar banner but also gives audiences a different perspective associated with the October holidays. Its catchy tunes and lovable characters are enough to drive many fans “Un Poco Loco” this time of year. With emotional moments, clever twists, and a good deal of humor, it makes for one of the best Pixar movies to date.
8 The Tigger Movie (2000)
Pooh’s Energetic Friend Headlines His Own Movie
The Tigger Movie (2000) Director Jun Falkenstein Release Date February 11, 2000 Cast Jim Cummings , Nikita Hopkins , Ken Sansom , John Fiedler , Peter Cullen , Andre Stojka , Kath Soucie , Tom Attenborough Runtime 77 Minutes
If there’s one Disney character who perfectly epitomizes the warm, cozy, cottagecore movies better than anyone under the studio name, it’s Winnie the Pooh. Tigger might get top billing in this charming and delightful excursion to the Hundred Acre Wood, but it’s still in the silly old bear’s territory. Right from the moment the pages of Pooh’s storybook open, viewers are treated to a gorgeous golden autumn in the woods as Tigger bounces into all his friends while they are prepping for winter.
The plot concerning the quest to find Tigger’s family tree is given a splash of zaniness from the titular tiger’s antics, but it’s the welcoming nature of both him and his friends that truly sells the show. While putting the rambunctious tiger as the lead of the movie might be risky, it makes for a funny and touching family-friendly story will all the charm fans come to expect from a trip into the 100 Acre Woods.
7 The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr. Toad (1949)
Contains The Iconic Retelling Of Sleepy Hollow
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is a 1949 animated film produced by Walt Disney. The film is based on two classic stories: Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows”. Combining these narratives, the film features the adventures of Ichabod Crane and Mr. Toad, capturing the whimsy and intrigue of both literary works.
Director Ben Sharpsteen , Jack Kinney , Clyde Geronimi , James Algar Release Date October 5, 1949 Cast Bing Crosby , Basil Rathbone , Eric Blore , J. Pat O’Malley , John Ployardt , Colin Campbell , Campbell Grant Runtime 68 Minutes
No October would be complete without a trip through Sleepy Hollow, and Disney’s version is one of the most famous and arguably the most accurate. That being said, a little time with J. Thaddeus Toad isn’t without its perks either. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is a two-part anthology adventure, adapting two classic stories in Disney fashion — Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 children’s novel The Wind in the Willows and Washington Irving’s 1820 short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
The Wind in the Willows definitely has its own brand of fun, but the reason to watch is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. At its core, the story and cartoon were created to be the perfect Halloween tale told around the campfire, making it a top-tier Disney movie for the spooky season. It is still tame enough for younger audiences, but the Headless Horseman does make for an effective scary villain.
6 Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
A Spooky Children’s Tale
Something Wicked This Way Comes
While this underrated horror classic has yet to make its premiere on Disney+, it’s a gem that absolutely drips with an autumn twilight straight from the mind of Ray Bradbury. Halloween comes early to a sleepy little town when a creepy carnival led by a sinister ringmaster comes to town one cold October evening. All magic comes at a price and Mr. Dark’s wishes-made-real come with a heavy cost. It’s a slow burn to be sure, but it’s one that will usher in Halloween with the greatest of ease.
This is one of those older Halloween treats that many fans look back on as an early introduction to creepier and more horror-adjacent entertainment. However, it is still something that can be enjoyed by all ages while delivering some pleasantly creepy vibes that always add a little more fun to October.
5 Werewolf By Night (2022)
The MCU’s First Foray Into Horror
Marvel’s Werewolf By Night Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Marvel’s Werewolf by Night is Marvel Studios’ first-ever Special Presentation released on Disney+. Directed and scored by MCU mainstay Michael Giacchino and starring Gael Garcia Bernal as the titular lycanthrope Jack Russell, Werewolf By Night pays homage to classic movie monsters with its introduction of creatures such as vampires, mermaids, and sasquatches, as well as the MCU debut of supernatural heroes like Man-Thing and Elsa Bloodstone.
Director Jaycob Maya , Will Spencer , Michael Giacchino Release Date October 7, 2022 Cast Gael García Bernal , Jaycob Maya , Laura Donnelly Runtime 53 minutes
The first-ever Marvel Studios Special Presentation showed how effective the Disney+ platform could be a telling one-off holiday adventures inside of the MCU. Werewolf by Night takes the rather obscure Marvel character of Jack Russell (Gael Garcia Bernal) who is brought in to be part of a monster hunting competition, though he has his own mission in mind.
The beautiful black-and-white look of the special gives it a wonderful throwback vibe while also showing the MCU is willing to push the limits of its horror and violence. It expands the MCU with the introduction of characters like Elsa Bloodstone and Man-Thing, but is also refreshingly self-contained, offering a new option for a short October watch even for those not interested in the superhero world. It is easy to see this one becoming another Halloween favorite every year and it will be interesting to see if any of it gets incorporated into the larger MCU.
4 Boo To You Too! Winnie The Pooh (1996)
A Hundred Acre Woods Halloween Special
Pooh comes back again with another cozy adventure, this time with an added Halloween flavor. While it’s certainly not a very scary Halloween special, Boo To You Too! Winnie The Pooh certainly introduces a slightly darker and creepier vibe to the Hundred Acre Wood. However, the charm and innocence of Winnie the Pooh himself make it an ideal autumn movie to help introduce younger viewers to the fun of the Halloween season.
A tale about Piglet overcoming his fears and joining his friends for trick-or-treating might sound simple, but it’s enough to stir up some nostalgic feelings for any Disney fan who dressed up and went out for candy every Halloween night. Halloween can be creepy, but it can also elicit a warm and fuzzy feeling inside as well.
3 The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Masterful Mix Of Halloween And Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Henry Selick directs The Nightmare Before Christmas, a stop-motion fairytale from the mind of Tim Burton. Jack Skellington is the king of Halloween and one of Halloweentown’s most beloved citizens, but he longs for something more. When he stumbles across a magical door that leads him to discover Christmas, he makes it his mission to replace Santa Claus and bring festive cheer to his perpetually spooky hamlet.
Director Henry Selick Release Date October 29, 1993 Cast Catherine O’Hara , Glenn Shadix , Ken Page , William Hickey , Chris Sarandon , Paul Reubens , Danny Elfman Runtime 76 minutes
The Nightmare Before Christmas has been the quintessential Disney Halloween favorite for nearly 30 years now, and it’s one that lingers until the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. But of course, given the fact that it isn’t a strictly Halloween movie gives it a lot of wiggle room. That being said, it casts a lot of autumn vibes before Jack tumbles into Christmas Town and decides to shake things up by celebrating this new festive holiday in his own way.
Though there is still some debate if The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween movie, it is home to the spooky, scary, and silly world of Halloween creatures, but it’s also a place of autumn leaves, sun trickling in through the trees of the hinterlands, and steaming bowls of frog’s breath soup. With that in mind, it’s still a time-honored Halloween tradition for many Disney fans.
2 Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search For Christopher Robin (1997)
Another Charming Winnie The Pooh Tale
Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin (1997)
Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin is an animated film released in 1997. The story follows Winnie the Pooh and his friends as they embark on a journey to find Christopher Robin, who has mysteriously disappeared. Their adventure leads them through the Hundred Acre Wood and beyond, testing their friendships and bravery. This film is a continuation of the beloved Winnie the Pooh series, emphasizing themes of loyalty and courage.
Director Karl Geurs Release Date August 5, 1997 Cast Jim Cummings , John Fiedler , Ken Sansom , Paul Winchell , Peter Cullen , Brady Bluhm , Andre Stojka , David Warner Runtime 76 Minutes
“Once upon the last day of a golden summer…” are the words that kick off this criminally underrated Winnie the Pooh adventure. While it might begin as standard fare for the silly old bear, Pooh, Piglet, and all the rest embark on a perilous expedition when they believe Christopher Robin has gone missing. With the arrival of autumn comes a new season for Pooh and a different sort of adventure in store for him and his companions.
Jagged mountains, thorny forests, and skull-shaped caves are the last environments many would probably expect him to explore, but this movie gives the Hundred Acre crew a chance to broaden their horizons and venture into the great unknown. Once again, it is the wooded setting filled with changing leaves and rustic surroundings that give this family-friendly adventure the particular autumn feel.
1 Hocus Pocus (1993)
The Family Friendly Halloween Cult Classic
Hocus Pocus Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Hocus Pocus tells the story of the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of witches who are inadvertently resurrected by a teenage boy on Halloween. When the witches threaten to take over the town of Salem, Massachusetts, it’s up to Max, sister Dani, and friend Alison to stop them with the help of Thackery Binx, one of the Sandersons’ victims trapped in the immortal body of black cat.
Director Kenny Ortega Release Date July 16, 1993 Cast Bette Midler , Sarah Jessica Parker , Kathy Najimy , Omri Katz , Thora Birch , Vinessa Shaw Runtime 96 minutes
What began as a critical and financial disappointment upon its initial release has grown into a favorite of the Halloween season. Hocus Pocus takes place on Halloween night as a group of young kids accidentally allow a trio of witches to return where they seek to finish their ancient plan which targets all the youngsters of their quiet town.
The movie captures the fun and excitement of Halloween night and the autumn feel while finding a nice balance between spooky vibes and family-friendly fun. The real treat is seeing the committed performances of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters with the witches providing endless fun in their fish-out-of-water mayhem. The cult status of the first movie allowed for a long-awaited sequel as well as a possible Hocus Pocus 3 on the way.