Films About Witches
Films about witches have long captivated audiences with their blend of magic, mystery, and often, moral lessons. These films explore themes of power, identity, and societal norms, often portraying witches as misunderstood figures or malevolent forces. From classic horror to whimsical family tales, the witch archetype allows filmmakers to delve into the supernatural, challenge gender roles, and reflect cultural anxieties. Below is a curated list of notable films that feature witches in various forms:
“Hocus Pocus”, 1993
Director: Kenny Ortega
A cult classic, this family-friendly comedy follows three resurrected witches who wreak havoc on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts. With its blend of humor and charm, it has become a staple of the holiday season.
Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, Amanda Shepherd, Larry Bagby, Tobias Jelinek, Stephanie Faracy, Charles Rocket, Doug Jones, Karyn Malchus, Sean Murray, Steve Voboril, Norbert Weisser, Kathleen Freeman, D.A. Pauley, Ezra Sutton, Don Yesso, Michael McGrady, Leigh Hamilton, Devon Reeves, Joseph Malone, Jordan Redmond, Frank Del Boccio, Jeff Neubauer, Teda Bracci, Peggy Holmes, Jason Marsden, Elliott J. Brown, Thomas Callahan, Darren Geare, Sam Haft, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Daniel Olsen, Russell Potocki, Dale Resteghini, Taylor Stanley;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: fantasy, comedy, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Hocus Pocus” on the website imdb.com
“The Craft”, 1996
Director: Andrew Fleming
This teen horror film centers on a group of high school girls who dabble in witchcraft, discovering both the power and consequences that come with their new abilities. It explores themes of friendship, jealousy, and the darker side of empowerment.
Starring: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True, Skeet Ulrich, Christine Taylor, Breckin Meyer, Nathaniel Marston, Cliff De Young, Assumpta Serna, Helen Shaver, Jeanine Jackson, Brenda Strong, Elizabeth Guber, Jennifer Greenhut, Arthur Senzy, Endre Hules, Mark Conlon, Christine Louise Mills, William Newman, Erin Tavin, Rod Britt, Brogan Roche, Rebecca McLaughlin, Tony Genaro, Janet Rotblatt, Jason Filardi, Karyn J. Dean, Danielle Koenig, Janet Eilber, Esther Scott, Farley Cadena, Tory Christopher, Glory Fioramonti, John Kapelos, Kathleen Lloyd, Darin Mangan, Chantay Nieber, Gloria Straube;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: horror, fantasy, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “The Craft” on the website imdb.com
“Suspiria”, 2018
Director: Luca Guadagnino
A horror masterpiece, this film tells the story of a young ballet student who uncovers a sinister conspiracy at her dance academy, revealing it to be a front for a coven of witches. Its surreal visuals and haunting score create a nightmarish atmosphere.
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Angela Winkler, Ingrid Caven, Elena Fokina, Sylvie Testud, Renée Soutendijk, Christine Leboutte, Malgosia Bela, Fabrizia Sacchi, Jessica Harper, Chloë Grace Moretz, Jessica Batut, Alek Wek, Vincenza Modica, Vanda Capriolo, Brigitte Cuvelier, Gala Moody, Anne-Lise Brevers, Doris Hick, Clémentine Houdart, Marjolaine Uscotti, Charo Calvo, Sharon Campbell, Elfriede Hock, Iaia Ferri, Sara Sguotti, Olivia Ancona, Halla Thordardottir, Stephanie McMann, Majon Van der Schot, Maria Bregianni, Josepha Madoki, Navala «Niko» Chaudhari, Karina El Amrani, Mikael Olsson, Fred Kelemen, Greta Bohacek, Joel-Dennis Bienstock, Toby Ashraf;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: horror, fantasy, thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 152 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Suspiria” on the website imdb.com
“Witch”, 2018
Director: Trevor Hayward
Set in 1630 New England, this psychological horror film follows a Puritan family that encounters dark forces in the woods. The film's slow burn and chilling atmosphere explore themes of paranoia and the fear of the unknown.
Starring: Sean Cronin, Mark Preston, Lucien Morgan, Leila Kotori, Lauren Nichol Dalton, Sharon Lawrence, Frederik von Lüttichau, Eirini Mo, Ritchi Edwards, Caolan McClafferty, Atlanta Johnson, Lucia Edwards, Stuart Bannerman, Shane Hart, Julian Gamm, Adam Templar, Steve Doyle, Josephine Samson, Francesca Marie Claire, Michael Chapman, Natalie Louise Garcia, Eaoifa Forward, Mo Idriss, Carmen Silva, Robert Scott, Alex Guilford, Michael Absalom, Teddy Knight, Luke Kidd, Annabelle Akpojotor, Megan Swinn, Zoe Ross, Stacey Tomkins, Amanda Lara Kay, Jade Anthony, Nettie Prentice, Grace Lewis, Sonia Mason, Nathan Lister, Nicole Sobhi, Ray Neville, Arthur Jorge, Andrew Armfield, Aphrodite Kyoyama, David Potter, Nadine Ireland, Emma Charnley, Paul Duncan;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: thriller;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
“The Witches”, 2020
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Based on Roald Dahl's beloved children's book, this film presents a young boy who discovers a secret society of witches planning to eliminate children. Its blend of dark humor and fantasy has made it a memorable childhood favorite.
Starring: Jahzir Bruno, Octavia Spencer, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Codie-Lei Eastick, Chris Rock, Brian Bovell, Joseph Zinyemba, Josette Simon, Jonathan Livingstone, Miranda Sarfo Peprah, Ashanti Prince-Asafo, Lunga Skosana, Vivienne Acheampong, Sobowale Antonio Bamgbose, Ken Nwosu, Arnaud Adrian, Charles Edwards, Morgana Robinson, Orla O'Rourke, Eurydice El-Etr, Ana-Maria Maskell, Eugenia Caruso, Abi Adeyemi, Lai Bing Rafice, Jianjian Cao, Lynne Carrington Brown, Nyinomugisha Crombach, Elena De Paz Toldrà, Fabienne Descamps, Kailing Fu, Christianna Grant-Phillips, Sapphire Griffiths, Charlotte Henry, Nilgun Gunay Freeman, Katie Hardwick, Maria-Teresa Harmer, Keiko Hewitt-Teale, Van Hu, Isabelle Hunn, Hiba Ismail, Nadia Ismail, Angie James, Aline Jewell, Kat Marié, Christiana Marsella, Sara Meucci, Beverley Mills, Wai Mun Tsang, Uzoamaka Ojukwu;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: fantasy, comedy, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,4;
More information about the film “The Witches” on the website imdb.com
“Practical Magic”, 1998
Director: Griffin Dunne
A romantic comedy-drama featuring two sisters, played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, who are witches facing family curses and romantic entanglements. The film explores themes of love, sisterhood, and embracing one's true self.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Goran Visnjic, Aidan Quinn, Evan Rachel Wood, Alexandra Artrip, Mark Feuerstein, Caprice Benedetti, Annabella Price, Camilla Belle, Lora Anne Criswell, Margo Martindale, Chloe Webb, Martha Gehman, Lucinda Jenney, Cordelia Richards, Mary Gross, Jack Kirschke, Herta Ware, Ellen Geer, Courtney Dettrich, John McLeod, Trevor Duncan, Colby Cochran, Caitlyn Holley, Ken Serratt Jr., Rich Sickler, Jeanne Robinson, Deborah Kancher, Peter Shaw, Caralyn Kozlowski, Jason Ebs, Paul Edney;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: fantasy, drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Practical Magic” on the website imdb.com
“Bell, Book and Candle”, 1976
Director: Hy Averback
This romantic comedy features a witch who falls in love with a mortal man, only to grapple with the implications of her magical powers on their relationship. The film combines elements of charm and humor with a touch of whimsy.
Starring: Yvette Mimieux, Doris Roberts, Michael Murphy, John Pleshette, Bridget Hanley, Susan Sullivan, Edward Andrews, Dori Whitaker;
Production year: 1976;
Genre: fantasy, comedy;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
“The Love Witch”, 2016
Director: Anna Biller
A modern homage to 1960s Technicolor films, this visually stunning feature follows a beautiful witch seeking true love while navigating the pitfalls of romance and desire. Its retro aesthetic and feminist themes make it a unique entry in the genre.
Starring: Samantha Robinson, Gian Keys, Laura Waddell, Jeffrey Vincent Parise, Jared Sanford, Robert Seeley, Jennifer Ingrum, Randy Evans, Clive Ashborn, Lily Holleman, Jennifer Couch, Stephen Wozniak, Giselle DaMier, Elle Evans, Fair Micaela Griffin, Dani Lennon, Gina Venditti, Frank Farmer, Kyle Derek, Christopher Le Crenn, Neil Gillen, Amy Segal, Jacob Peacock, Ron Kari, Robert Michael, Jacklyn Chung-Young, Larva, Lily Abrams, Rachel Huggins, Bridget Albaugh, Jillian Smalley, Jamie Morrow, Annie Newton, Marylin Winkle, Elise Massa, Margaret Baker, Taryn Nicole Piana, Emma Rose, Barry Morse, Jonathan Knight, Michael Davis, Bernard Bullen, Vlad Varro, Michael G. Gabel, Giovanni V. Giusti, Matthew Jablonski, Jolly Goodfellow, Stephen Dudro, Mary Russell, Natalie Turner;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: melodrama, comedy, fantasy, crime;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “The Love Witch” on the website imdb.com
“The Witch”, 1916
Director: Frank Powell
A critically acclaimed horror film set in 1630s New England, it follows a Puritan family tormented by supernatural forces and their own fears, ultimately leading to a chilling exploration of faith and hysteria.
Starring: Nance O'Neil, Alfred Hickman, Frank Russell, Macey Harlam, Ada Neville, Jane Miller, Sadie Gross, Stuart Holmes, Harry Kendall, Robert Wayne, June Janin, Ada Sherin;
Production year: 1916;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 50 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
These films demonstrate the diverse representations of witches in cinema, ranging from menacing figures to sympathetic protagonists, each adding to the rich tapestry of witch lore and mythology.
In the magical realm of cinema, films about witches have captivated audiences with their enchanting tales of power, mystery, and the supernatural. From classic tales like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Hocus Pocus” to modern interpretations such as “The Witch” and “Practical Magic,” these films have woven spells of imagination and intrigue. With their bewitching characters, spellbinding visuals, and exploration of themes like female empowerment and the balance between good and evil, films about witches have cast a spell on viewers, leaving them spellbound and eager for more. So grab your broomsticks and cauldrons, because these films have truly bewitched us all.
