Hocus Pocus Films Climbed Disney Plus Charts
The classic 1993 film reached the top spot on the platform as viewers revisit the franchise during the Halloween season.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Horror
Live Poll
Do you generally find that movie sequels released years after the original are worth watching?
Both Hocus Pocus and its 2022 sequel have surged into the top 10 on the Disney+ streaming chart in the United States. The original film currently holds the number one position, while Hocus Pocus 2 has secured the fifth spot.
Why it matters
The resurgence of these films highlights the enduring popularity of seasonal favorites on streaming platforms as audiences prepare for Halloween. This performance underscores the continued demand for the franchise ahead of the upcoming third installment.
Hocus Pocus 2 maintains a 65% critic approval rating and a 47% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 5,000 user reviews. The film also earned three Primetime Emmy Award nominations in 2024.
The players
Disney
This multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate owns the film franchise and the streaming platform where the movies are currently trending.
The details
Other seasonal staples including The Nightmare Before Christmas and Halloweentown are also currently ranking in the top tier on the Disney+ platform. The sequel, which released 29 years after the original, continues to garner attention as Disney prepares for the production of Hocus Pocus 3.
Timeline
The original Hocus Pocus film was released in 1993.
Hocus Pocus 2 arrived on Disney+ on September 27, 2022.
The sequel received Primetime Emmy nominations in 2024.
Disney officially announced the production of Hocus Pocus 3 in May 2026.
Hocus Pocus reached the top of the Disney+ chart on October 12, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This trend illustrates the seasonal power of intellectual property within the Disney+ streaming library. Studios increasingly rely on established franchises to drive platform engagement, capitalizing on nostalgia to maintain dominance against rival services.
Subscribers can access both Hocus Pocus films directly through their Disney+ accounts during the current holiday window. The films remain available for on-demand streaming alongside other top-ranked seasonal titles.
The takeaway
The sustained popularity of Hocus Pocus decades after its release highlights the value of seasonal legacy content for modern streamers. Viewers looking for similar holiday-themed entertainment can prioritize these high-ranking films to catch up before the upcoming sequel hits theaters.
What happens next
Production for Hocus Pocus 3 is underway following its May 2026 announcement, with the film expected to debut around a future Halloween.
Further reading
For more on trending films, browse our complete coverage of Horror cinema.
Live Poll
Do you generally find that movie sequels released years after the original are worth watching?
