Nearly 30 years after Hocus Pocus cast its first Halloween spell, Disney’s fantasy comedy sequel is taking over streaming charts. Released on Disney+ on September 30, 2022, Hocus Pocus 2 reunited Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the iconic Sanderson witches, this time accidentally resurrected by a group of high-school teens in present-day Salem.

Hocus Pocus 2 divided audiences, earning a 65% Tomatometer and a 47% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes. This contrasts with the original Hocus Pocus, which alternatively earned a lower critic score than its audience score (41% Tomatometer and 72% Popcornmeter). However, it was still beloved enough to earn three Emmy nominations, and Hocus Pocus 3 is in development.

Now, according to Flixpatrol, Hocus Pocus 2 is currently ranked at No. 4 among the Top Overall on Disney+ in the U.S. today. Its reemergence atop the streaming charts nearly three years after release highlights the franchise’s enduring popularity, and a seasonal trend of significant rises of Halloween-themed nostalgic тιтles on streaming during the spooky season.

Why Hocus Pocus 2 Is A Streaming Success Despite Mixed Reviews

Despite its moderate critical reception, Hocus Pocus 2 demonstrates that streaming success doesn’t always rely on prestige. In today’s on-demand world of streaming platforms, rewatchability, nostalgia, and timing sometimes carry more weight than glowing reviews. As a result, audiences are more likely to revisit something fun and familiar — especially during the holidays — than seek out critically acclaimed one-time watches.

Hocus Pocus 2 certainly benefits from Halloween tradition, functioning as comfort viewing for families and longtime fans alike, alongside other Halloween-themed movies currently trending on Disney+, including the original Hocus Pocus. Therefore, although Disney may not exactly have made an award-winner, it created a seasonal favorite that, like the witches themselves, keeps coming back from the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ years later.

The Original Hocus Pocus Is Also Trending On Disney+

Also, according to Disney+, the original Hocus Pocus currently sits at No. 1 among the Top Overall in the U.S. This position comes just a day after Hocus Pocus 2 topped the rankings, as the classic film has now reclaimed its seasonal dominance with audiences returning to the nostalgic favorite, and Hocus Pocus 2 falling to No. 4.

While the sequel drew viewers with its modern narrative, the first Hocus Pocus remains an essential Halloween watch. Its perfect mix of camp, charm, and ’90s flair continues to enchant viewers every October, which makes sense given its higher Popcornmeter score. However, with Hocus Pocus 2 also trending, we can always enjoy the sequel afterward.