by Reese Cassidy ’28 on October 30, 2025
A&E - Film & TV
Every fall, as the leaves turn and pumpkins appear on porches, Hocus Pocus seems to rise from the grave once again. What began as a forgotten Disney movie in the early ’90s has become a Halloween tradition that fans return to year after year, not for the scares, but for the comfort.
When Hocus Pocus first hit theaters in 1993, it wasn’t the hit Disney had hoped for. Released in the middle of summer, the film earned mixed reviews and modest box office numbers. Yet over the years, something magical happened. The movie found new life through television reruns and then later streaming platforms, transforming from just another fantasy comedy into a beloved Halloween tradition.
More than 30 years later, Hocus Pocus has become a cultural ritual. Every October, families and fans rewatch it, quote it, and dress up as the Sanderson Sisters. Its staying power isn’t just about witches, spells, or black cats; it’s about the way it captures the feeling of Halloween itself: playful, nostalgic, and comforting.
The story behind its success is almost as surprising as the movie’s plot. In the early 2000s, Disney Channel and ABC Family (now Freeform) began airing the film every October. A new generation of kids discovered it, and before long, it became essential to the Halloween season. The film’s popularity grew without major reboots or advertising campaigns. Instead, it spread through tradition. People watched it with siblings, friends, and parents year after year. Over time, Hocus Pocus became a shared seasonal memory, passed down like a favorite Halloween decoration that reappears every fall.
Part of what makes Hocus Pocus so enduring is the feeling of nostalgia it evokes. The film takes viewers back to the excitement of childhood Halloween, with the thrill of costumes, trick-or-treating, and the magic of believing that something supernatural could be happening right around the corner. Unlike horror movies that rely on fear, Hocus Pocus is lighthearted. Its humor, catchy music, and sense of adventure make it the perfect choice for all ages. That comforting tone is exactly what Halloween needs to offset the horror movies and scary vibes. Watching it now feels like revisiting a familiar October from years ago, when everything was a little simpler and a lot more magical. Every time it airs, it reconnects people with the traditions that define the season of pumpkin carving, movie nights, and the sense that Halloween brings everyone together. In a world that changes so quickly, there’s something special about returning to the same movie, the same music, and the same magic that’s been around for decades.
The film’s visual world is another reason for its lasting charm. Set in Salem, MA, Hocus Pocus is filled with everything we associate with Halloween: pumpkin-lined streets, flickering candles, haunted houses, black cats, and just the right amount of fog. Its color palette of deep oranges, purples, and shadowy blues has practically become the standard for Halloween decor. Even the costumes and soundtrack add to its signature feel. The Sanderson Sisters, Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, are instantly recognizable with their colorful capes and chaotic energy. Their over-the-top personalities and humor have made them icons of Halloween pop culture. Every year, fans flood social media with memes, quotes, and photos of their Hocus Pocus-inspired costumes, keeping the spirit of the movie alive.
The release of Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022 showed just how powerful that nostalgia can be. The sequel attracted longtime fans eager to revisit Salem and new viewers discovering the sisters for the first time. It reminded everyone why the original film remains so popular, not because it’s the scariest or most sophisticated movie, but because it feels timeless. At its core, Hocus Pocus celebrates community, family, and the joy of make-believe. It invites everyone to laugh, sing along, and indulge in a little seasonal magic.The secret to Hocus Pocus’s longevity isn’t witchcraft, but emotion. Each year, as October rolls around, the movie reappears like clockwork, signaling Halloween has truly begun. It’s a reminder that the holiday isn’t just about candy or costumes, but about revisiting memories and traditions that make the season feel special. In a way, Hocus Pocus has cast its greatest spell on us all, the ability to make every Halloween feel just like the first one we remember.