With one of the most popular witches of current times, Scarlet Witch, gracing screens in Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, fans of witches all over are in for a treat. After the Disney+ show WandaVision, fans got to see more of her power and were even introduced to another witch, Agatha Harkness.
Witches have always been a favorite topic in movies and TV shows. They can be the hero of the story, but more often the villain. Here are the best witch movies, according to Ranker.
10 The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
Stream on HBO Max
When a young girl is swept to the magical land of Oz by a tornado, she meets interesting friends in the form of a lion, scarecrow, and tinman. Together, they try to get the wizard’s help but must steal the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Critics rave that The Wizard of Oz is an exceptional piece of film, even after all this time. With the special effects, amazing settings, and imagination, this movie is one that truly brings magic to life. This is the perfect magical movie that audiences of all ages will enjoy for years to come.
9 The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016)
Available to rent on AppleTV+ & Amazon Prime Video
The Huntsman and fellow warrior, Sara, were both raised in the ice queen Freya’s army. They try to hide the fact that they love each other as war wages between Freya and her evil sister, Ravenna. As a prequel/sequel to Snow White and The Huntsman, this could be watched as the 2nd installment or as a standalone.
The Huntsman: Winter’s War has eye-catching visual effects, especially when it comes to the third act and the two witch sisters go head-to-head. The cast is impeccable. Though not one of his best movies, Chris Hemsworth stars as the charming Eric alongside Jessica Chastin as Sara, and Emily Blunt and Charlize Theron as the two witches. This movie is quite the spectacle with the committed actors and glitzy special effects.
8 Bedknobs And Broomsticks (1971)
Stream on Disney+
During World War II, an apprentice witch and two children must find the missing piece of a spell in order to help Britain in the war efforts. With the help of a conman magician, she must fight inanimate objects to help turn the tides of war.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a fun mashup between animation and live-action. This film brings magic to life in scenes with animation that audiences all around will love. With a good cast and enjoyable music, this is a magic story that shouldn’t be looked over.
7 Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Stream on Paramount+ & Amazon Prime Video
When Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate decapitations, he gets more than he bargained for. The Headless Horseman has been raised from the dead by a witch who seeks her revenge, but there may be more than one witch to watch out for.
As Ichabod Crane, Johnny Depp is able to disappear into his character, creating a character who is believable and a comedic relief among the gore and horror of Sleepy Hollow. The director, Tim Burton, elevates this story with his creepy style and actor choices into an entertaining film to watch about a scorned witch looking for revenge.
6 Snow White And The Huntsman (2012)
Stream on Starz
Snow White and The Huntsman is a twist on the original Snow White fairy tale. When the Huntsman is ordered to take Snow White to the woods and kill her by order of the Evil Queen, he ends up becoming her protector and ally.
This is a darker, more serious version of Snow White. Charlize Theron appears in one of her best action movies, starring as the wicked witch. With her evilness and beauty, she truly is a villainess to behold. She mesmerizes on screen and makes the audience believe that a king would be taken by her.
5 The Witches Of Eastwick (1987)
Stream HBO Max
Three single best friends have their wishes granted when a mysterious man comes into their lives and is able to seduce all of them. They soon start to experiment with the powers and tricks they learn from their lover, Daryl, hoping to get control of their lives again.
This ’80s film is full of quirkiness and perfect comic timing. With Jack Nicholson at the center of the film, as Daryl, it’s easy to get caught up in his comedic performance, and he certainly steals the show. But the leading ladies are just as quirky and bring female empowerment to a new level when they take their lives back.
4 The Witches (1990)
Stream on Kanopy
When a young boy stumbles into a witch convention, it spells trouble. He’s determined to stop them from ridding England of all the children, even after he has been turned into a mouse by the evil Miss Ernst, the Grand High Witch.
The Witches is an intriguing movie that doesn’t spare the younger audiences the twisted plot. Anjelica Huston’s villainess is a delight to watch, and she dominates the movie with her wicked ideas and deviousness. This movie is ambitious, and it’s worth the watch.
3 Practical Magic (1998)
Stream on Hulu
Two sisters, both witches, live their lives and end up victims of a family curse where the men they love always die. Things get more complicated when a detective shows up looking for one sister’s ex-lover, but he may be there for a different reason altogether.
Practical Magic is a highly quotable movie for the ages. As sisters, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s characters so clearly care for each other and bring the meaning of family and female empowerment to life. The easy banter and chemistry are a selling point for this movie, along with the action, romance, and pure magic.
2 Hocus Pocus (1993)
Stream on Disney+
When a teen virgin lights the black flame candle, three witches come back to life to use children to become young and immortal again. The kids are in a race against time to save themselves and the children in Salem from the Sanderson Sisters, and with the help of a black cat, they eventually succeed.
Hocus Pocus combines the right amount of adult humor, comedy, and magic to appeal to audiences of all ages. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy have perfect chemistry throughout the movie that is hilarious to watch and enjoy. This is the perfect Halloween movie for the whole family.
1 The Craft (1996)
Stream on Starz
The Craft is a cult classic about four teenage girls who realize they can practice powerful spells. They use magic to heal their skin or change hair colors, or for more sinister things like hexing the popular girl. Eventually, the group is torn apart after the coven leader, Nancy begins taking it too far.
As a movie about female empowerment, The Craft certainly does a good job showing a journey from being fearful to becoming powerful. With thrills and the supernatural blended together, this makes for a darker teenage movie. Critics rave about Fairuza Balk’s amazing performance as Nancy and the entertaining witchcraft throughout.
