Is the Haunted Mansion Movie THAT Bad? 

Anyone else out there actually enjoy the movie? Just me? Okay. You may find SPOILERS below!

When Harriet explains ghost winks and the story about her dad being obsessed with model trains, I think they wrote that in because Walt was obsessed with trains.

Something I liked was that in the 2nd half the ghosts are more goofy and playful once they figure out what’s the deal with the ghosts. Kind of like in the ride. The first half is scary and the 2nd half is more fun

I think if you were a big fan of the ride, then you will really love this movie. There were just so many Easter eggs about it. Like the doom, buggy chair and the Donald Duck chair.

I am absolutely convinced that the trees that have faces when they’re trying to escape are based on the Disneyland Fun Sing Along VHS. 100% convinced

One thing that bothers me is as much as I appreciated the Crump name drop, the fact that Crump Manor was literally set up as a museum and yet we get no Museum of the Weird homage.

Am I the only one who wants a sequel “Phantom Manor”? Maybe the gang travels to a haunted house out west?

I liked the movie, but my biggest issue with it by far was how little they did with Constance. She has so much potential when it comes to telling a compelling story for the Haunted Mansion.

Nothing made me happier than to see the Orlando HM facade getting respect and not being ignored in favor of Anaheim’s facade!

The whole movie was a love letter to the fans. I think the critics don’t get the references and don’t understand. I do like how the is a tiny romantic plot but it’s not in your face. I really enjoyed it

Just wanted to add how impressed I am by Lakeith's performance giving us a believable complex character that feels strong and capable, yet fragile and vulnerable, whose growth was palpable and touching because Lakeith knew how to portray a character that felt broken without even saying it aloud. You can tell in the beginning that he was holding in a lot of hurt. You don't see that kind of portrayal that often, let alone in a kids movie, let alone in a Disney movie (sorry not sorry). What an amazing actor, he grounded the movie singlehandedly. Props to the director and the actor's sensibilities. Great job!

I think it deserves a MUCH higher rating. We were delighted, laughed out loud, and were genuinely scared several tones. AND there were TONS of references to the beloved ride.

While I don't think it was high art or anything, for me as a big Haunted Mansion fan the movie was perfect. It was exactly what I wanted, and even a bit more with stuff like the scene where Ben tells everyone about how much Allisa meant to him, which was surprisingly deep and sincere I don't think as a movie it's on the same level as Pirates but it's certainly better than Jungle Cruise. I did like Jungle Cruise but it really only felt like it was based off the ride in that first scene, whereas Haunted Mansion felt like it was made by genuine fans of the attraction

As a huge Haunted Mansion fan from New Orleans, I picked up on SO many easter eggs and little nods to both HM lore and New Orleans culture. I was by far the most excited person in that theatre because I picked up on all of the little details and references to the attractions/lore. I feel like this movie was really made for the fans of the ride. Its a good movie for everyone, but its a great movie for the fans of the Haunted Mansion!

I like how they brought together the 999 haunts. Now, it was Walt who said that Disneyland had invited displaced ghosts from all over the world to come live at Disneyland.

On a genuine scale of 1-10, I think it’s a 7ish. I legitimately teared up when Ben said “She knows” to Crump, and the storyline had a surprising amount of heart for what amounts to a silly, horror-lite Disney film. On the weirdo scale we’ve kinda accepted in society as a whole where any movie below a 6 is trash and not worth watching, I think this movie is an 8. For anyone who likes the ride and doesn’t mind a little genuine creepiness (seriously, the scene with Constance in the bedroom at the beginning of the movie had some legit horror movie vibes), this is a must-see. I don’t think it’s societally impactful in the way that other great films are, but for its target audience, I think it was just about perfect. My biggest complaint is that something about the ending felt…rushed? I’m not a film critic so I lack the language to fully articulate what my thoughts are, but I think it was a little bit *too* much in a short amount of time. First the Hatbox Ghost has a perfect willing participant, then just kidding he doesn’t, then just kidding Ben *is* the perfect participant, then just kidding he’s not because everyone else convinced Crump’s ghost army to turn on Crump, then suddenly banishment, and I think the threads all came together is a slightly chaotic tangle at the end rather than a neat completion of their arcs. Not bad by *any* stretch of the imagination, it just felt like things got a little hectic there. Either way, I fully disagree with a 40% aggregate score, and I think any Disney fan would be doing themselves a disservice by not seeing this one.

This movie was good. I definitely cried and there was also some legit scares. I do wish there was more focus on the ghosts. The trailers made us assume there would be more focus on Constance and the fact that she was more of a goon did kinda let me down a bit though.

My only disappointment is that they didn’t call you to give a little cameo in the film. That would have been epic!!!

I would give the movie a 7/10. And I hope that the sequel will be about the Phantom Manor, but I’ve never rode ride before.

i was not expecting to get emotional over the haunted mansion movie, but i think i saw it at the perfect time. my sister and i saw it after going over to visit family for a memorial, and the way it touched upon grief really hit me. yes, the hijinks and the references to the ride were fun, but at the same time, it really comforted me when i needed it. --SPOILERS-- also the scene at the end with tater tot the cat literally made me tear up. the whole idea of "ghost winks" in general touched me

I’ve heard it’s the best Disney film in years that they put out to bomb. If they put it out around Halloween, it would be a hit.

I really liked it. Tbh I can see this aging better than the Eddie Murphy version.

I liked that they incorporated little horror tidbit score samples along the way, throughout the movie. I recognized Psycho, Halloween, Exorcist, and even Small World. It's the little things. ❤

I kind see this becoming a Halloween favorite in the future. Unlike the 2003 version, this new version maintains a proper balance of being truly scary and be being funny. By scary I mean just scary enough but still a movie for kids. It’s the kind of movie you wouldn’t recommend any child under 8 years old.

Did anyone notice when they banish the hat box ghost they start the intro at the beginning of the ride?! I nearly squealed in delight! Like such a small but important nod

Definitely looks like the movie is going to be way more enjoyable to casual audiences than critiques. I'm looking forward to seeing it!

It would be nice to have a Haunted Mansion movie on par with the Pirates of The Caribbean trilogy tho. Only one of my top 2 favorite Disney rides has gotten a phenomenal movie adaptation imo (the Eddie Murphy one is ok imo). I’ll have to find out and look forward to when it hits Disney+. I’m watching The First Slam Dunk tonight instead, been waiting since December and cannot wait 🔥🏀

I went in with a VERY low expectation. I didnt mind the Eddy Murphy one, but it was bad. But I really REALLY enjoyed this movie. It made me feel SO SO many emotions that I typically dont in a movie. Funny, some jump scares, tears, happy. I was more than entertained. I got invested in the story. Not many movies do that for me.

My family (and others in the theater) really enjoyed it! There was a loud round of applause when it was over. It's been a long time since I've experienced that at a movie. We heard a lot of people discussing the movie and how much they liked it on our way out. We highly recommend it!

I really love this movie. The amount of subtle nods to the ride made the movie. The storyline involving the hatbox ghost was super cool!!

I enjoyed it. I feel it had the right… spirit… of the ride. The movie was a blend of scary and fun. I would actually see it again in the theater, it had been a long time since I said that. Also, I was waiting to see what RU-vid’s resident Haunted Mansion expert had to say about this movie.

It was SOOO good, idk what RT is smoking. So cool to see the Hatbox Ghost on the big screen, I’ve always loved him!

I loved it, not every movie has to be an Oscar award winning blockbuster, and critics are just spoiled.

So the Haunted Mansion at WDW is based on Hudson Valley NY architecture. Sleepy Hollow Refreshments facade was based on a Washington Irving’s home in Tarrytown NY

Just went and seen the movie today and took my 16 year old and 13-year-old sons, my 72 year old mother and my adult sister and we all loved it! We've all rode the Disney World ride before. We've never got to ride the Disneyland ride, but we loved the movie! Whoever said this movie is not good is crazy! It's absolutely great! It was exciting, it was a little sad at times, it was that good kind of spooky at times, It was funny and a few times a little scary. I don't know what people want from a movie based off a ride?! We thought they did it perfectly! Also it really made me want to go ride the Disneyland ride! Like enough to plan a trip from Delaware! So that's something! 😆

Gave it a 4.5 out of 5. Love the movie had everything I wanted and had a lot of fun almost cried near the end.

My only real issue (which is more of a nitpick) is that the grim grinning ghosts dance scene at the end didn't last longer, they only saying a little bit of the song and it was so quiet. They could have at least played the rest of the song during the credits.

What I loved was that the hat box ghost in his glory in the graveyard seen is full on uncanny valley! He LOOKS and MOVES like an animatronic but then in closeups it clearly a real actor in makeup! So trippy!

I definitely will see the movie, regardless of the reviews. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that Dan Murrell rated it as a good movie…while I don’t rely on reviewers to tell me how I should feel about a movie, I do like to see other’s take, and I’m happy when it matches with mine. I loved seeing your take on it, Dallin! You should do more of these!

This movie is the biggest thing for me because when I was a younger kid first watching your videos I was absolutely terrified of the haunted mansion, six years later it has become my favorite Disney attraction ever (behind mr. Toad and the land of course). So from the bottom of my no longer scared of animatronic ghosts heart, thank you offhand, Dallin, Disney!

The movie had actually come out on my great grandmother’s funeral (she had passed last year but we hadn’t been able to have her funeral) when the day that the movie was announced to be released the same day I knew it couldn’t be any coincidence, she had loved going on the ride. I saw it two days later and when the part about signs came up I cried because it made sense for me. Just wanted to share why this movie will forever have a special place for me

This movie was good! Something fun and enjoyable for everyone can be found throughout this movie. I particularly enjoyed the persistent Sea Captain ghost 🌊 and his use of water 😂. Lakeith Stanfield was excellent in the lead and carries the movie. I found the whole house full camping in the living room quite funny since the house is haunted and other rooms are not exactly safe. Hope it gets a sequel. Guillermo Del Toro should be given his chance at the creative helm of Directing.

I think from hearing “the valley” it’s giving me the thought that it’s an antebellum house in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia. Whenever someone is talking about the valley I usually assume Shenandoah. Could be some type of civil war theory with many battlefields in VA and could be an antebellum house in Gettysburg PA. I think I’ve seen a house on the battlefield that looks kinda similar to the Orlando mansion

I haven't seen it yet but I was hoping that constance would have a bigger role. Doesn't sound like she does. Also interesting that they didn't reference the Paris mansion, it's my favourite mansion as the story surrounding the Mélanie Ravenswood bride is genuinely quiet heartbreaking. Makes me hope that we will get a phantom manor movie but I doubt it sadly. 😢

Re: Hatbox Ghost Could it be that they justified the placement of HBG in the Endless Hallway by citing Phantom Manor as an example? That Haunted Mansion doesn't exactly follow the "No ghosts before Leota" rule (see Stretching Room, Grand Staircase, and funnily, Endless Hallway scenes) even though her spiels for both the mansion and the manor are more-or-less the same (summons for ghosts to appear).

I loved every single reference and Easter egg. Seriously, my favorite Easter eggs are simply sets of the street in New Orleans that is identical to Disneyland's New Orleans Square - even a block where it looks exactly like Pieces of 8 down to Eudora's. as a simple outdoor 3 second camera pan.

are you kidding me? that movie was amazing it was everything i had hoped the original with eddie murphy would be

I was fortunate enough to attend a panel with the crew behind mansion, and it really did seem like the team had a deep love for the attraction. It didn’t need to be a good movie, just a good haunted mansion movie. I think we got that.

This was the man that got me so invested into this ride when I was younger, so of course the first thing I did a while after seeing the movie was refer right back to him, searching for his channel via his pirates of the Caribbean ride theory video. I like the movie. I understood from the start it wouldn’t have the exact lore, but would still be close. And I’m so glad hatbox got a role in this at the least. While Constance is cool and all, usually being what they focus on in the other haunted mansion movies, it’s nice to see a change.

I trust this review a lot more than what's posted on RT.

Three scenes made me cry in this film: 1. Harriet explaining ghost winks 2. Ben explaining what happened to his wife 3. TATER TOT CAT

I loved the tribute to Rolly Crump. ❤️ Really made me smile. And I was so happy for you when the mummy showed up. 😂

Also the whole time I was watching, I was worried that the movie would end with the ghosts being "at peace" and the characters getting their ghostless home, as I always disliked the idea of the ghosts being stuck there like the eddie murphy movie. But thankfully they made the ending to feel like its setting up the ride, with the ghosts deciding to stay and make the mansion fun. You can even interpret the movie as a prequel, with the ghosts being happy to invite people in.

I am so happy to hear that Rolly is represented through name; the reference of small world was lovely too

I went to see it last night and loved it! I love the old movie too, but this one is better.

Just got back from seeing it, and I, too, am baffled at the low scores. Like, it's no PoTC (the first one), but it's also no Country Bears: this was a fun, spooky, at times very heartfelt movie that had a /ton/ of HM Easter eggs and homages to go with the good story, great music, and awesome performances. I plan on seeing it again, and buying the disc when it comes out!

really loved this movie! caught myself watching for nods to the mansions so much that i was missing the story. looking forward to seeing it again

I really enjoyed the movie as well! However, my biggest issue was the product placement. I remember at least three: Costco, CVS, and Burger King

I was very happy that this time they ended the movie right by having the ghosts stay in the mansion. It wasnt the perfect movie I had dreamed of all these years, but it was pretty close. Some of the jokes fell flat, but the mansion itself was done beautifully

I personally really enjoyed it

It was Awesome! Everything from the ride was there and even the story was good!!!! They dipped into ALL the random stories of the mansion that have surfaced over the years. I rated it 5⭐️s on Rotten Tomatoes! Thoroughly enjoyed it!

I, for one, absolutely LOVED it! I was grimmly grinning the whole way along. The ride references were great, and Jamie Lee Curtis- such a great addition!

For me the infinite hallway scene is my favorite part of WDW haunted mansion. The “shhhh…. Listen”, hearing the banging and screaming from the doors behind you and seeing the infinite hallway ahead gives me the chills every time and it will be a little sad seeing that be ruined by adding in the hatbox ghost.

If I had gotten to write a Haunted Mansion movie, I don’t think I would’ve made the Hatbox Ghost a straight up villain like this movie did. Hatbox Ghost, what’s his most iconic feature? His head disappears from his body, appearing in his hatbox. Who do we know that has a habit of beheading men in this story? Constance Hatchaway, of course. And what else is there, but a disembodied head of a spirit medium, Madame Leota? Could it be that she was another victim of Constance’s? The Ghost Host is also quite suspect, being shown with an axe in the same way Constance often is. My story would mainly be about Constance working her way through wealthier and wealthier husbands, systematically bumping them off, all with the help of her butler, who would’ve joined forces with her after the very first husband. Maybe the first guy was abusive, and that’s why she felt she had to kill him, but then she got a taste for it. Constance and the butler would work together, giving Constance the appearance of a wealthy well-to-do lady in need of a husband, then they’d kill the husband and cover up the murder. Eventually this lands her in the antebellum style mansion in Louisiana, which has its own history. Madame Leota, a traveling Romani medium, is accosted by a creepy hunched man in a top hat, he seems like a hat seller by the hatbox he carries with him. He directs her to the mansion, and she only stays because she feels the distressed spirits of the grounds, and wishes to help them. She offers to perform a spirit reading for Constance, and Constance didn’t get this far by believing in spiritualism but she thinks it could be fun, so she agrees. Leota performs a seance, and she summons the husbands haunting Constance, but Constance decides to kill Leota since she’s learned the truth. Later, Leota rematerializes in her crystal ball, summoning the spirits to appear and drive out Constance and her butler accomplice. The butler gets so scared he gets lost in the halls, eventually seeing death as the only way out, so he hangs himself on the rafters. That’s why he taunts you about finding a way out, and then says “of course, there’s always my way,” since he rationalizes that if he’s a ghost, then the other ghosts can’t do anything to hurt him. Constance meanwhile gets cornered in the attic, where her husbands come together, finally revealing the Hatbox Ghost as one of her husbands, George Hightower, former owner of the very mansion they’re standing in. (I worked in the SEA, Disney were cowards for not doing that). Together, the husbands throw her out the attic window, where she breaks her neck in the back garden. Finally, Constance rematerializes, finding the myriad of ghosts and ghouls to be having a party for their victory over her. Sulking, she goes back to the attic to be alone.

I like the Eddie Murphy one, and I liked this one too. The thing about the new one is it really has a better vibe of being in the ride for most of the movie. Very fun!

I think what they want to say by putting Hattie there is that he is different than the other, ordinary ghosts. More a boss, like in the movie. I agree with you--I reallllllllly liked it and don't get the negativity.

There is one teeny tiny possible reference to Phantom Manor in the movie. During the scene where the cast is drawing out a crude "diagram" of the Mansion to find Leota's seance room, the house they draw is more of an old Victorian house, just like an outline of Phantom Manor. I looked it up and apparently no one else has noticed this, so it could be a coincidence... but some have pointed out the saloon ghosts joining the party at the end, which I didn't notice!

I saw the film last night and it changed my life. It destroyed me emotionally, it was all I wanted as an HM fan, it was hilarious. I loved it. And I’m autistic and a huge HM geek and so I kept pointing out all the Easter eggs and stuff. It got be SO HYPED lol. It hit me hard and changed me and it touched on the subject of grief which is something I really needed to hear. No surprise critics were WRONG.

This movie genuinely made me cry at multiple points. I recently lost my nana so the tackle of grief for me was really well done. I know people don’t agree and think it was messy, having a sad moment then a joke but for me, that is how I deal with my sadness. Of course everyone grieves differently but critics should also understand that too

Honestly one of the best Disney movies in a while

It's my understanding that the Orlando HM is based on the mansions that were prevalent in the Hudson River Valley in New York State. I, personally enjoyed the movie, but recognize that there wasn't enough exposition on all the characters. I mean come on, you have 999 haunts and seven live ones. You actually have a cast of thousands! Now, with all the Villains movies being made and telling their back story why can't we have some of the ghosts' back story be told? Oh, did anyone else think that Leota's costume looks alot like Amidala's from Phantom Menace? (see? SEE?)

I loved the movie sm. It was obvious that they really did their homework when it comes to the rides and the aesthetic of the haunted mansion and the story of living on/resisting suicidal thoughts when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one..also Kent is my Babygirl. It’s probably not for everyone but I was making heart eyes at the screen throughout the whole thing.

Saw it yesterday with my friend and we were both like “Was it stupid? Yes. Did the plot make sense? No. But was it fun? Yes. Yes it absolutely was.”

My husband and I ust saw it and we both adored it! It's got so many little hidden Easter eggs and clever touches. I think the biggest weakness the movie's dealing with, is that it's up against the new Barbie movie, and that it came out during the summer.

One of my favorite parts was at the very beginning where there was a jazz band leading a funeral procession through New Orleans and then worked in the GGG theme into their song. It was perfect.

I usually don’t follow what rotten tomatoes score to judge a movie, only I will judge it when I see it at full. I’m seeing it on Saturday and I’m excited to see it even if it’s good or not.

I thought the movie was good, funny parts, scary parts and of course I cried. I lost my mom and of course miss her so it’s hard to deal with grief for both characters. Over a good watch!

I like this movie review because it feels like just a friend telling me what they thought - not some person preaching. Good job.

I only go to Disney World. Im so exited that we are getting the Hatbox ghost!!! I hope to one day go to Disneyland. But I have family near orlando so its easier. I also loved the Hatbox Ghost's back story in the movie!

The idea that this movie is flopping just makes me sad There were several times the theater laughed when we saw it, myself included, and the amount of Easter eggs and similarities to the ride are perfect The rising elevator room, Harriet’s chair looking like a doom buggy, the three ghosts next to the carriage outside, random ghosts jumping up and down behind the tombstones, the infinitely long hallway, Crump’s house looking exactly like the WDW ride, and Crump’s voice- All the characters were enjoyable, the story was fun and enjoyable, and the kitchen scene where poor Gabby’s trying in vain to make eggs-

I did liked the story, the characters, the soundtrack is stunning. I would love to have a scarier movie and better designed secondary ghosts but as the ride fan I think it was good.

I really love the movie definitely better than the 2003 one. Ben’s flashback of his late wife did get me to cry especially the part thing about your love ones sending you a sign from the other side especially I saw a butterfly. On my way to see the movie.

I'm surprised you didn't mention the fact the Hatbox Ghost's name, Alistair Crump, is a reference to Rolly Crump.

I would have had them make Ben a Ghost the entire time and when they defeated the Hat Box ghost, he reveals himself as 1. They could explain the flashbacks with him and his wife was from an older time, making him older than he seemed, and we could see him reunite with his wife and head toward Heaven, like a throwback to the original movie and the Hocus Pocus movie with the Binx character. The way the movie was set up, the twist would have been a good 1, and 1 that people wouldn't have seen coming, like I was legit waiting for some kind of twist with Ben that didn't come. But, other than that, I enjoyed this movie a lot more than I thought I would. If they wanted to do a sequel they could definitely use Constance as the main villain, since they only really teased her a bit in this movie, a sequel could be set up with a more in-depth backstory, making her the villain for this one.

Seeing it in an hour and I’m hyped Edit: holy moley that was good

I thought it was great. So many Easter eggs. Much better than that Eddie Murphy monstrosity

The main thing that frustrated me was Hattie. They’re like “we need an item of his to banish him” Oh, they’re gonna get his hatbox! No, it’s the top hat that’s on his decapitated head. Is the decapitated head in a hatbox? No. Hatbox Ghost has no connection to his hatbox in his backstory, he carries the hatbox just to do the gag he does in the ride. Nothing about his backstory was distinctly HIM. I still liked this movie more than the 2003 film though.

Hatbox ghost at wdw should be put in the attic or put in the cemetery

I was literally vibrating from excitement the entire time I watched this movie and all of the Easter eggs and nods were so good and it was so good. It exceeded my expectations greatly for me it was 1000/10 partly due to the amount of times they put in the different proposals for the ride for the fans that take time to learn about them. It felt like a reward to me.

It’s not terrible. But I do wish I had waited until it was on Disney plus so I would be more in the spooky spirit.

Some missed opportunities that i thought cohkd have been pretty innocuous could be: 1. Have constance be the finny goofy one but also have the beating heart bride be somewhere present even as just a torn wedding dress on a chair looking out to the ocean, or better yet. Do an end creddit sequence that combines ohantom manor with the manor looking out over a river basin with the captains boat coming in and a back oan shot of the beating heart/melody looking out the window it a torn dress. 2. Some reference to Phantom manor. My conspiracy brain is thinking the climax with ghosts and the green, you know if you know, was somehow a reference to the green swirling sky at the end of Phantom Manor. Other than that, i coule live in this house. It seems so much fun. I also wish the MK HM was also haunted in a much more subtle way what with what happened there. Maybe Crump Manor is a reference in and of itself to Phantom Manor. 3. The Hatbox Ghost and Henry Ravenswood might be a parallel.

saw it yesterday with my bestie ! we both loved it ! I was really surprised to se jumpscares and horror elements in a Disney movie but it was good surprise ! I was fangirling everytime and was really excited when they showed famous characters of the ride ! only complaint is that I wished they used the Bride as a villain and used the Hatbox ghost as a more major villain, like the Hatbox ghost would have manipulate her in some way, and the Bride at the end would get redemption and then finally would've find peace.

The movie was so much fun from start to finish, I loved the way they used the characters, the music, and it's emotional core made cry as well. It was a very touching story and I would love to see more of them. ❤

I mean ANYTHING is better than the Eddie Murphy one. 😅

I really enjoyed it as well. Like you said, not perfect… but it was still good! I really liked all the nods to the rides. The story had a lot more heart to it than I was expecting. I also didn’t realize that they just abandoned the camera idea halfway through until you mentioned it. 😄 For action figure fans, there was some fun cameos in the form of the figures the kid had. The Brother Voodoo Marvel Legends figure was a nice touch.

Did anyone catch which ghost haunted Owen Wilson's character "Father Ken"? "She was missing half of her face. She was difficult to understand."

Yeah it’s wild. For a random comparison for ya, they gave Monster House 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, yet they gave this 40%. It makes no sense.

I thought the homage to the magic kingdom mansion was beautifully and respectfully incorporated. Qhen i saw the short pan across it i thought that was cool and would be it, but it actually ended up being way more substantial and i very much aprpreciate it.

I had a lot of fun. My teen years of reading Long-Forgotten Haunted Mansion were validated in finding all the Easter Eggs. Jared Leto playing an evil spirit sure was on the nose.

I think the main thing I didn’t like was how Constance was portrayed… she was just basically a zombie… and I wish she was more like the version in the Muppets version…