Miramax Turns the Halloween Classic ‘Monster Mash’ Into a Spooky Animated Musical

A Halloween Anthem Gets the Movie Treatment

The legendary 1962 hit Monster Mash—the song that has haunted dance floors every October for more than sixty years—is being turned into an animated movie by Miramax.

Miramax CEO Jonathan Glickman, known for spooky hits like Wednesday and The Addams Family animated films, has secured the rights from Reservoir Media and Capizzi Music Co. The plan? To reimagine the Halloween classic as a family-friendly animated musical that celebrates everything people love about the song—its humor, its monsters, and its timeless party vibe.

“For over six decades, nothing has said Halloween quite like the Monster Mash,” Glickman said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring this iconic song to life as an animated musical that captures the fun and spirit of the original. Our goal is to make it a new Halloween tradition for audiences of all ages.”

The Song That Started It All

When Bobby “Boris” Pickett and Lenny Capizzi wrote Monster Mash in 1962, they had no idea it would become one of the most beloved novelty songs in history. Pickett reportedly came up with the lyrics in less than two hours, and the entire song was recorded in just one take.

Its playful story—about a mad scientist and his monster creating a new dance craze in their lab—became an instant hit. The song topped the charts in 1962, reappeared multiple times over the decades, and has since racked up more than 500 million streams worldwide. Even today, it earns around a million dollars in royalties each Halloween season.

The narrative practically writes itself for the big screen. A monster rising from his slab, a dance that sweeps the monster world, and a party attended by Dracula, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and other ghoulish guests—it’s the perfect recipe for an animated musical adventure.

Why It’s the Perfect Time for Monster Mash

Halloween-themed family movies have been booming for years. From Hotel Transylvania and The Addams Family to Goosebumps, audiences have shown a clear appetite for spooky yet heartwarming stories.

And the timing couldn’t be better. Studies show that Gen Z’s interest in animation is growing every year, with nearly half of young viewers saying they prefer animated storytelling. That trend, combined with the nostalgic appeal of Monster Mash, gives Miramax a golden opportunity to create a new seasonal classic.

In an entertainment landscape packed with superhero flicks and sequels, a funny, musical monster party might be exactly what families are craving next Halloween.

Inside Miramax’s Growing Universe

This project adds to a busy slate for Miramax. The studio recently released Roofman, starring Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage, and followed up with Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, which earned $130 million internationally.

They’re also producing the sequel to The Beekeeper, a major box office hit starring Jason Statham, and developing a new installment of Scary Movie set for summer 2026. On television, Miramax continues to thrive with hits like The Gentleman and Zero Day, and Glickman’s production background includes Netflix’s record-breaking Wednesday.

With a proven track record for turning spooky concepts into commercial hits, Miramax is well-positioned to make Monster Mash the next big Halloween franchise.

What We Know So Far

Confirmed:

• Miramax has officially secured the rights to the song from Reservoir Media and Capizzi Music Co.
• The project will be a full-length animated musical designed for family audiences.
• Jonathan Glickman is leading development and production.

Still Unknown:

• No release date has been announced yet.
• Casting and voice actors haven’t been revealed.
• The animation style and exact storyline details are still under wraps.

But one thing’s for sure: the movie will lean heavily into the spirit of the song—fun, spooky, and irresistibly catchy.

Why Monster Mash Could Be a Smash Hit

There’s a reason Monster Mash keeps coming back every Halloween. It’s timeless, funny, and universally recognizable. Those same qualities give it major box-office potential if the movie captures the song’s goofy charm and playful energy.

What Could Make It Work

• A vibrant, stylized animation look that celebrates classic movie monsters.
• A killer soundtrack blending the original tune with new musical numbers.
• A balance of humor and heart that appeals to both kids and nostalgic adults.
• Smart marketing timed around Halloween, turning it into a yearly viewing event.

What Could Go Wrong

• Losing the campy charm that made the original song a cult hit.
• Playing it too safe instead of embracing the absurd, over-the-top fun.
• Poor timing—releasing it outside the Halloween window could dull its impact.

If the creative team nails the tone, Monster Mash could easily join the ranks of The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hotel Transylvania as a modern Halloween staple.

The Legacy Lives On

More than six decades after it first hit the airwaves, Monster Mash remains the most-played Halloween song of all time. Its spooky silliness has become part of pop culture, from parties to playlists to parodies.

Now, Miramax has a chance to take that legacy even further—introducing a new generation to Pickett’s creation through an animated movie that captures the fun, laughter, and monster mayhem of the original hit.

If done right, this film could become a “graveyard smash” for years to come—just like the song that inspired it.