Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021)

Muppets Haunted Mansion is a Halloween treat that feels like the Muppets remembering exactly what they do best: sweet-natured chaos, quickfire jokes, and a surprisingly sincere heart beating under the felt. It lovingly borrows the ride’s spooky iconography—creaky corridors, theatrical ghosts, playful musical numbers—then lets Gonzo and Pepe bounce off it with the kind of timing and warmth that made the classic specials so rewatchable. The vibe is “cozy spooky” rather than scary, more giggles than screams, and it moves with the breezy confidence of a well-staged variety show that happens to be set in a haunted house. If you’re looking for sharp-edged horror or a deep plot, this isn’t that, but if you want a family-friendly seasonal watch that actually captures the Muppet spirit, it’s one of their best outings in years.

Muppets Haunted Mansion is clearly aiming to be a kid-friendly Halloween treat: a brisk, Disney-ride-style spoof where Gonzo gets a little character growth amid spooky song-and-dance. The problem is it often feels like a sketch stretched to feature length, with a thin story, some padding, and jokes that land more “pleasantly familiar” than genuinely funny. The guest/Haunted Mansion elements are fun window dressing, but they’re not used as sharply as they could be, so don’t expect a big comedic crescendo or anything genuinely eerie. If you just want light Muppet banter, a few catchy musical bits, and gentle spooky vibes for the family, it’ll do the job; if you’re hoping for peak Muppets chaos or a clever, tightly written special, you may leave underwhelmed.