Halloweentown premiered as a Disney Channel Original Movie on October 17, 1998, and it still remains magical over twenty years later. From the music to the cast, this Halloween classic nailed going above and beyond being just a small TV movie and has remained relevant for generations.
Here are the 5 reasons why Halloweentown will never die:
1. The Characters
The Piper siblings each brought a special (or magical) something to the movie. Marnie’s fierce independence and drive to disobey her mother is what kicks this movie off! Her skeptical, scientific brother Dylan adds some dry-humor. The youngest of the group, Sophie, is practically the hidden hero of the movie. Had she never memorized the life-saving spell into a song, Halloweentown would have been toast.
Kimberly J. Brown, who played Marnie, has tons of posts on her social media surrounding Halloween and loving all things witches. You can follow her on Instagram @officialkjb.
2. It’s Cheesy
This movie, like the majority of Disney Channel Original Movies, has its cheesy moments, but it makes it that much more enjoyable. Instead of watching some intense horror-clad movie, just relax and reminisce about Halloweentown!
3. It Remains Nostalgic
Halloweentown can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While younger kids may be a little frightened by the movie’s antagonist Kalabar, those of older generations can enjoy the light spook-factor of the movie.
4. The Music
The distinct sounds of the Halloweentown theme make their way back to social media every year, now mostly on TikTok. The theme was conducted by Mark Mothersbaugh, who is also known for composing the soundtrack to Thor: Ragnarok.
5. Debbie Reynolds as Grandma Aggie
Could there possibly have been anyone better to cast as the role of lovable and mischievous Grandma Aggie? Debbie Reynolds brought this magical character to life, and kids of the classic Disney Channel era cannot think of the movie legend without remembering Halloweentown.
If your love for this movie goes beyond only watching, you can visit the filming location for the first movie! St. Helens, Oregon holds “Spirit of Halloweentown” for over a month every year to celebrate their history as a filming location not only for Halloweentown but the movie Twilight as well. With attractions, haunted houses, the lighting of the iconic Town Square pumpkin, and more, St. Helens holds an opportunity for all Halloweentown fans.
Halloweentown and its sequels (Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge, Halloweentown High, and Return to Halloweentown) can all be streamed on Disney+.