Get witchy with it: Watch the best witch movies for Halloween
It’s officially spooky season! That means it’s time for carving pumpkins, picking out a costume, and going out on the . . . oh wait, COVID-19 is spiking and trick-or-treating & big Halloween parties might be out this year.
Never fear, Halloween movies are here! With a plethora of movies to choose from, you might need some help narrowing it down. How about a witch movie? There are plenty of classic witch movies out there for you to watch. Here are some of our picks!
From the gloriously macabre to the tame, here are some witch movies you can enjoy on your own or with some friends. Most of the flicks on our list are family friendly, but a few aren’t (The Craft, Practical Magic). Also, a few say they are, but gave kids nightmares for months (we’re looking at you, The Witches).
Hocus Pocus
This 1993 Disney feature is a Halloween staple for millennials. Hocus Pocus stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the wickedly goofy Sanderson sisters, who are back from the dead to steal the souls of Salem’s children. It’s up to one boy, his sister, and a mysterious cat to save the day.
From all the memorable moments to Bette Midler’s rendition of “I Put a Spell On You”, you’ll be quoting this witch movie all the way through Christmas!
A sequel was announced for Hocus Pocus in 2021, but due to COVID a filming schedule hasn’t been pinned down yet.
HalloweenTown
HalloweenTown is deservedly getting more press. A Disney Channel Original Movie, the film stars Debbie Reynolds as a lovable witch and protector of HalloweenTown, a magical realm where it’s Halloween every day. Of course, the town features Halloween monsters and there are sequels.
There’s a bit of a rivalry on the internet about which one is better; Hocus Pocus or HalloweenTown. Watch both on Disney + and pick a side!
Stardust
Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, this hidden 2000s gem revolves around a magical realm bordering a seemingly ordinary English village. A young man (Charlie Cox) ventures into the realm to seek a fallen star to impress a girl. Little does he know, an evil witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) is also after the star to make herself young again.
Stardust has a star-studded cast, including Claire Danes, Robert DeNiro, and Piers Morgan. It’s complete with suspense, romance, and wit. Fans of The Princess Bride will especially enjoy this one, as it has the same storytelling feeling.
Twitches
Another Disney Channel original movie, this witchy movie stars Sister Sister’s Tia Mowry-Hardict & Tamara Mowry-Housley as twin witches separated at birth. Raised as mere mortals, the twins have no clue about their powers until their twenty-first birthday, when strange hijinks ensue. They have to unite their powers to save the magic land they originally came from.
The Craft
Hang on to your brooms, because this 1996 cult classic is getting a remake. Before The Craft: Legacy drops on October 28, watch (or rewatch) the movie that spawned the phrase “we are the weirdos, mister”!
Sarah (Robin Tunney) is new in town and has to make friends. Meanwhile, a coven of high school witches led by mean goth girl Nancy (Fairuza Balk) is on the prowl for a fourth member. As they make their dreams come true, curse their enemies, and meddle in love spells, Sarah learns that magic is a powerful, but dangerous force that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
You can watch the 1996 witch movie on Hulu.
The Witches
Here’s another remake in the works! Based on the Roald Dahl book, The Witches starring Anne Hathaway is coming out later in October. Meanwhile, you can check out the 1989 version starring Anjelica Houston. Be warned, though, this witch movie gave a lot of kids nightmares when it came out!
The Witches follows a little boy who lives with his grandmother. When they go on vacation for the grandmother’s health, they’re horrified to find out the hotel is overrun with witches. Worse, these are witches who hate children and turn them into mice.
Practical Magic
“Always plant rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.” This witch movie is based on the novel by Alice Hoffman, and follows magical sisters Gilly (Nicole Kidman) and Sally (Sandra Bullock) as they deal with life as a witch in a conservative town – and a dark, family curse that turns their worlds upside-down.
This 1998 witch movie is available on Amazon Prime and is perfect for a girls’ night! Wear purple, make midnight margaritas, and settle in for a wonderful classic.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Ending on some lighthearted family fare, this Hayao Miyazaki film follows a little witch who moves to a big city. Kiki just came of age and is looking for a place to set up shop to practice her craft. Along the way, she meets a friendly baker who takes her in. Together, they join forces to establish a one-of-a-kind delivery service using Kiki’s talent & love of flying on her broom.
Handling themes on talent, entrepreneurship, and growing up, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a heartwarming witch movie complete with stunning Studio Ghibli animation. If it hasn’t already, it will become a Halloween favorite!
