"Monster Mash" Animated Movie: Get Ready for a Graveyard Smash!

The iconic Halloween tune "Monster Mash" is finally getting the animated feature film treatment from Miramax, promising a new kind of spooky fun for all ages.

TL;DR

• Miramax is developing an animated musical movie based on the classic "Monster Mash" song.
• Miramax CEO Jonathan Glickman, known for hits like Netflix's Wednesday, is spearheading the project.
• Expect a family-friendly monster party, with no release date announced just yet, but big potential for a perennial Halloween favorite!

A Timeless Halloween Hit Is Getting the Big Screen Treatment

If you've ever celebrated Halloween, you've almost certainly done the "Monster Mash." Since its debut in 1962, this quirky, spooky, and undeniably catchy song has been an absolute staple of the season. Performed by Bobby "Boris" Pickett, who co-wrote it with Lenny Capizzi, "Monster Mash" isn't just a classic — it's officially been crowned Billboard's "Biggest Halloween Song of All Time." Seriously, it hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart way back on October 20, 1962, and has popped back onto the charts repeatedly over the decades, even recently charting at number 37 in 2021.

This isn't just a fun fact; it translates into serious lasting power. The song has been streamed more than 500 million times worldwide and reportedly pulls in a cool $1 million in royalties annually. So, it's probably no surprise that after 63 years, the "Monster Mash" is finally getting the full animated movie musical treatment, courtesy of Miramax. Get ready for a "graveyard smash" like never before!

The Mastermind Behind This Monstrously Fun Project

Leading the charge on this exciting adaptation is Miramax CEO Jonathan Glickman. If his name sounds familiar, it's because he's been behind some of the most successful spooky, family-friendly projects in recent memory. He was instrumental in Netflix's wildly popular series Wednesday, which not only became the platform's second most-watched series but also broke records for the most hours viewed in its first week for an English-language series. He also played a key role in the animated Addams Family Movies at MGM.

With that kind of experience, Glickman seems like the perfect person to bring the "Monster Mash" to life. He recently secured the rights from Reservoir and Capizzi Music Co., ensuring the project has the full backing of the song's original creators. And he's clearly thrilled about it, as he shared:

"For more than 60 years, nothing has said Halloween quite like the 'Monster Mash.' We're thrilled to be entrusted by the Pickett and Capizzi families and to be partnering with Reservoir Media to bring this iconic song to life as an animated musical for all audiences. It's a project that celebrates the fun and spirit of the original – and should become a perennial 'graveyard smash' for years to come." – Jonathan Glickman, Miramax CEO

The Quirky Origin Story of a Graveyard Smash Hit

Before it's a movie, it's a song with its own fantastic origin! Bobby "Boris" Pickett, a lifelong fan of horror legend Boris Karloff, used to do Karloff impersonations. One night in May 1962, he and Lenny Capizzi sat down to write a novelty song that would poke fun at the popular dance crazes of the early '60s, like the "Mashed Potato," while leaning into Pickett's love for monsters. Believe it or not, they penned the entire ditty in less than two hours, and Pickett recorded it in just one take with a band they aptly named The Crypt-Kickers.

Interestingly, the song initially faced some resistance. It was rejected by four labels before a radio station played it, turning it into an overnight sensation. And if you can believe it, BBC Radio actually banned "Monster Mash," deeming it "too morbid" for airplay! Clearly, the public disagreed, turning it into the beloved classic we know today.

Why the "Monster Mash" Song is Perfect for a Movie Adaptation

Unlike some songs that get turned into movies with only a loose connection, "Monster Mash" has a built-in narrative just waiting to be expanded. The lyrics tell a full, fun story from the perspective of a mad scientist. One late night, his monster rises from his slab and busts out a brand-new dance move. This "Monster Mash" quickly becomes "the hit of the land" when the scientist throws a party, inviting all his monstrous friends.

Think about the guest list alone! We're talking about iconic horror figures like the Wolfman, Igor, the Mummy, Dracula and his son, and even a vocal group called The Crypt-Kicker Five. This setup is a cartoonist's dream, offering a vibrant cast of characters and a clear, celebratory plot that screams for big-screen animation. It's truly a story that lends itself perfectly to a fun, family-friendly musical adventure.

The Perfect Time for More Spooky Family Fun on Screen

Miramax's decision to greenlight an animated "Monster Mash" movie comes at an ideal time for the movie industry. There's a clear and growing appetite for spooky, family-oriented films at the box office, and for good reason! Franchises like Sony's animated Hotel Transylvania movies have been massive hits, grossing over $1.38 billion worldwide. Similarly, the animated Addams Family films and movies like Goosebumps have proven that audiences love a good monster mash-up that's fun for all ages.

Plus, a recent UCLA study highlighted a rising trend: Gen Z's interest in animation is soaring, climbing from 42% to almost 49% in the past year. This makes the "Monster Mash" animated musical a smart move, tapping into a demographic that's actively seeking out quality animated content. Miramax itself is quite busy, showcasing their commitment to diverse projects. They recently released the Derek Cianfrance-directed Roofman starring Channing Tatum and are in production on The Beekeeper sequel with Jason Statham, which follows the first film's impressive $160 million worldwide gross. On the TV front, they're working on Season 2 of Netflix's Emmy-nominated The Gentleman and the much-anticipated next season of Wednesday. They're also diving back into the horror-comedy world with a new Scary Movie installment set for Summer 2026, with the Wayans brothers returning to write and produce.

Past Attempts and the Road Ahead for the Monster Mash

While this Miramax animated musical is big news, it's not the first time Hollywood has eyed the "Monster Mash." There was a live-action TV movie adaptation way back in 1995, and Universal Pictures was reportedly considering a musical feature film in 2020. This current project, however, seems poised to be the definitive animated take, backed by a studio and CEO with proven success in the family-spooky genre.

Turning a song into a full-length feature film can be tricky business. For every Pretty Woman or My Girl (where the song is a title but not necessarily the direct story), there are other attempts that are less successful, like Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" becoming the infamous movie Rhinestone. But then there are songs like "Sk8er Boi" by Avril Lavigne, which, much like "Monster Mash," has a narrative already baked into its lyrics, making it ripe for adaptation. The "Monster Mash" has all the ingredients to be a beloved holiday classic, re-watched every Halloween, much like A Nightmare Before Christmas or Hocus Pocus.

For now, a release date for the "Monster Mash" animated movie hasn't been announced. But rest assured, we'll keep our ears to the ground (or rather, our eyes on the screen) for any updates on when we can all join the monsters for their next "graveyard smash" dance party!

Frequently Asked Questions About the "Monster Mash" Movie

When Will the "Monster Mash" Animated Movie Be Released?

As of now, Miramax has not announced an official release date for the "Monster Mash" animated musical movie. Production details are still being finalized.

What Kind of Movie Will the "Monster Mash" Adaptation Be?

The "Monster Mash" movie is planned as an animated musical feature film, aiming to capture the fun and spirit of the original song for all audiences, especially families.

Who Is Producing the "Monster Mash" Movie?

Miramax CEO Jonathan Glickman is spearheading the project. Miramax acquired the rights from Reservoir and Capizzi Music Co., ensuring collaboration with the song's original creators.

Will the Original "Monster Mash" Song Be Featured in the Film?

While specifics haven't been released, given the movie is directly based on the iconic song and is described as an "animated musical," it's highly anticipated that the original "Monster Mash" song will be a central part of the film's soundtrack.

Sources

Information for this article was gathered from various industry reports and publications detailing the announcement of the "Monster Mash" animated movie by Miramax.