Rediscovering the Magic of Disney’s Monstober
By Angelica Ruiz
It’s finally October, probably one of my favorite months out of the entire year. October is a month when the leaves start to fall, pumpkins start to glow on doorsteps, and the chills creep into the air. It finally starts to feel like autumn.
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October holds a sense of nostalgia for me. It was the month when the Disney Channel began to air their Halloween Original Movie Series. There was nothing better than getting home from school and turning on the TV to a night full of spooky movies. For every Disney Channel fan growing up in the 2000s, it was the month when witches, spells, and haunted towns took over our screens. Disney truly understood the assignment when it came to original Halloween movies, delivering spooky fun with just the right dose of magic.
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Disney Channel always hits the nail on the head with its Halloween movies, but two film series in particular define my childhood: Halloweentown and Twitches.
The Ultimate Halloween Binge: Halloweentown
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Let’s start with Halloweentown. But let’s set the record straight before we go any further: the Halloweentown binge night includes only three films. What fourth movie? Let’s pretend the “Recasting Curse of 2006” never happened, shall we?\
This 1998 (okay, technically late 90s, but we embraced it in the 2000s) gem kicked off Disney’s tradition of Halloween-themed magic. It introduces us to Marnie Piper, the girl who discovers she's actually a witch. From the moment she steps into Halloweentown, filled with quirky monsters, mischievous goblins, and her all-powerful grandma Aggie, the cozy-spooky vibe becomes irresistible. Halloweentown gave us Halloween on steroids, with enough charm to make you want to pack your bags and move there. Plus, the idea of having magical powers while still dealing with regular teenage drama? Instant classic.
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There was something so incredibly cozy about all three films. It wasn’t just the whimsical setting, but how the town felt like home in a way that made Halloween less about frights and more about fun. The streets lined with carved pumpkins, the friendly yet eccentric neighbors, and the magical warmth of Grandma Aggie’s house—it all made you wish you could hop on the magical bus ride and join in the fun. Watching Halloweentown felt like wrapping yourself in a blanket of nostalgia and safety, with just enough spooky magic to keep it exciting. It was comfort TV at its finest, but with witches and spells.
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Overall, my favorite part was growing up alongside Marnie and her siblings. Every time a new part of the film series dropped, Marnie grew older and discovered new parts of herself while I was doing the same.
The Ultimate Halloween Binge: Twitches
Then there’s Twitches (2005)—a movie that didn’t just give us witches; it gave us sisterhood. From the very first spell, Twitches felt like pure magic. Starring Tia and Tamera Mowry— the stars of the 2000s— the film brought a fresh twist to the Halloween scene with twin witches who discover their powers on their 21st birthday. But Twitches wasn’t just about casting spells or defeating dark forces—it was about the emotional journey of finding family, friendship, and facing destiny head-on.
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With each twist and turn, Twitches captured the essence of finding strength in the people who stand by your side. It was both exhilarating and comforting, balancing moments of suspense with lighthearted sisterly banter. You didn’t just root for Alex and Camryn to save the day; you rooted for them to become the witches—and the sisters—they were always meant to be. That mix of warmth, adventure, and just the right amount of spooky gave Twitches an emotional pull that still makes it a must-watch every October.
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What makes these two movies so iconic is their ability to blend adventure and magic with relatable, loveable characters. Whether you’re a fan of Halloweentown’s nostalgic small-town vibes or Twitches’ epic twin-witch saga, these movies are like wrapping yourself in a cozy spell that makes Halloween feel magical again. They both tap into that 2000s-era magic that no Halloween season is complete without.
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No Halloween season would be complete without Disney’s Monstober. It was a magical time that brought the chills, thrills, and cozy nostalgia we all craved.
