Disney’s Haunted Mansion Remake Is a Stealth Masterpiece That Proves Critics & Fans Saw 2 Different Films

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For 23 years, the original *Haunted Mansion* movie has been a favorite spooky choice for families. So, when a remake was announced in 2020, many fans were understandably hesitant. Concerns increased when it became clear that Eddie Murphy and none of the original actors would return. Adding to the apprehension, the new film would be based on the classic Disney theme park ride, not the 2003 movie. Ultimately, before the 2023 *Haunted Mansion* even hit theaters, many people had already formed their opinions.

The movie initially faced mixed reactions after its release. While audiences loved it – praising its humor, visuals, and new spin on the story, giving it an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – critics were much less enthusiastic. They found the pacing inconsistent and the film lacked a certain appeal, resulting in a low 38% score. This stark difference in opinion has made the movie incredibly divisive, leading many to question if audiences and critics even saw the same film.

Audiences and Critics Were Strongly Divided by 2023’s The Haunted Mansion

It’s common for critics and audiences to have slightly different opinions on movies, but with *Haunted Mansion*, the gap is unusually wide. Critics gave the film a 38% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, averaging 5.1/10, and their consensus was that while the cast is talented, the movie isn’t particularly scary or funny enough to strongly recommend. Metacritic gave it a similar score of 47 out of 100, indicating mixed reviews. However, audiences responded much more positively. With an 84% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a lot of online excitement, and a strong debut on Disney+, *Haunted Mansion* proved to be a hit in 2023.

Even though audiences seemed to enjoy *Haunted Mansion*, the movie didn’t perform well in theaters. It was expected to make $25 to $30 million during its opening weekend, though estimates also suggested around $20 to $25 million was possible. While it ultimately earned $24.1 million its first weekend, ticket sales dropped significantly—by 62%—in its second weekend. Worldwide, the film only grossed $117.5 million. Considering its high production and marketing costs, the movie is projected to lose around $117 million, making it a disappointing outcome for a big-budget, family-friendly blockbuster that cost $150 million to make.

Haunted Mansion Deserved More Love From Critics

The movie *Haunted Mansion* stays true to the beloved theme park ride it’s based on, packed with details that fans will love. It includes many classic scenes from the ride, like the stretching room with its hidden portraits, and features famous ghosts such as the Hat Box Ghost and the Bride. The film even replicates details like the ride vehicles – reimagined as moving armchairs – and gives a prominent role to Madame Leota, proving Disney’s commitment to pleasing fans of the original attraction.

Disney hasn’t always stayed true to the source material when adapting its park attractions into movies. While *Tomorrowland* only loosely used ideas from the park, and *Jungle Cruise* focused more on typical action tropes than the actual ride experience, this new *Haunted Mansion* film is different. Unlike the first attempt, which ignored the ride’s origins, this version is remarkably faithful to the attraction. This dedication has pleased fans of the parks, but it might make the movie less appealing to general audiences.

Some criticism of the movie’s blend of humor and horror is understandable. If you haven’t experienced the theme park ride it’s based on, the movie’s style and mood might feel strange. It perfectly captures the ride’s feeling, but without knowing that, many parts of the film could be confusing. Things like the alligators, certain ghosts, or the ride vehicles themselves might not make sense to those unfamiliar with the source material, and jokes for Disney fans won’t connect. Die-hard Disney enthusiasts will love these details, which will boost positive reviews. However, for general audiences and critics who haven’t been to the park, the movie could feel distant. While newcomers can still find things to enjoy, the film relies heavily on inside references, creating an inconsistent experience.

The issues with the *Haunted Mansion* movie become apparent when you compare it to Disney’s *Pirates of the Caribbean*, which was a huge success even for people who hadn’t experienced the ride. The story worked for everyone, and the ride eventually incorporated the popular character of Captain Jack Sparrow. Unlike *Pirates*, *Haunted Mansion* relies too much on details only those familiar with the ride will understand, making it hard for others to fully enjoy. Successful adaptations, like those of Marvel comics or *The Last of Us*, find a good middle ground – they honor the source material while still creating a story that everyone can appreciate. While viewers might like the characters in *Haunted Mansion*, the movie doesn’t allow them to connect deeply because it assumes you already know the ride’s backstory.

While not a groundbreaking film, the new *Haunted Mansion* is a solid adaptation that brings the ride’s iconic ghosts to life, making its harsh critical reception a bit unfair. It cleverly blends spooky visuals with humor, keeping it appropriate for families. It’s designed as a fun, not frightening, experience for kids and families, and it achieves that goal. Don’t go expecting the intense horror of *The Conjuring* or the cleverness of *Ghostbusters*; this movie aims for the playful spookiness of the Disney ride, and it succeeds in doing just that.

The film truly shines thanks to its talented cast, who didn’t receive enough credit from critics. LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, and Danny DeVito each bring unique qualities, creating a group dynamic that’s both entertaining and genuinely touching. Stanfield’s performance is especially moving, adding a surprising emotional layer to what is usually a lighthearted, spooky family comedy. Those critics who criticized the film’s inconsistent pacing missed the fact that it’s unusual for a movie like this to successfully blend humor and heart without sacrificing either.

The movie is visually impressive and deserves recognition for its artistry. The filmmakers prioritized building sets and using practical effects whenever possible, resulting in a richer atmosphere that often surpasses movies relying heavily on CGI. The production design beautifully captures the grand, gothic style of the mansion, and the visual effects blend seamlessly with the practical elements. Iconic scenes, like the stretching room and Madame Leota’s séance, aren’t just accurate to the source material – they’re genuinely strong cinematic moments.

The 2003 *Haunted Mansion* movie still has a dedicated fanbase and is considered a classic by many, which naturally affects how people view the 2023 version. A common criticism of the new film is that it doesn’t live up to the original, but it’s important to remember this isn’t a remake – it’s a fresh take on the ride’s story. As a reimagining, the 2023 *Haunted Mansion* is successful in almost every way, and a different marketing approach might have boosted its box office performance. However, positive audience reactions demonstrate that those who give it a chance will find it to be a creative and highly entertaining movie.

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2025-10-14 16:14