Three Witch Movies for Halloween
The Worst Witch, The Witches, and Hocus Pocus
Many people love watching scary movies, particularly around Halloween. Witches in particular are popular characters in scary movies, particularly ones that appeal to children. The Worst Witch, The Witches, and Hocus Pocus are three family-friendly movies about witches that are perfect for Halloween.
The Worst Witch (1987)
Starring Fairuza Balk (Mildred Hubble), Charlotte Rae (Miss Cackle, Agatha), Diana Rigg (Miss Hardbroom), Tim Curry (Grand Wizard)
Based on the book by Jill Murphy, The Worst Witch follows the adventures of girls at a boarding school for young witches. Mildred Hubble is the worst witch at Miss Cackle’s International Academy for Witches, and although she tries very hard she just can’t seem to do anything right. She messes up her potions, crashes her broom, and even spills things at meals. It doesn’t help that the smartest student, Ethel, is mean and keeps trying to ruin everything for Mildred. When the Grand High Wizard comes for Halloween, Mildred is blamed for messing up the welcoming ceremony and runs away. But out in the countryside she comes across Miss Cackle’s wicked twin sister Agatha and a bunch of other witches who are planning to take over the school and turn everyone into a toad. Mildred must do her best to stop the witches and save the school.
This British made-for-TV movie features a charming plot, talented actors, and a couple catchy songs. Granted, it is slightly campy and the cinematography is not the best, and it features some very transparent special effects. But it’s well worth it to see a very young Fairuza Balk as the likeable and relatable Mildred Hubble, and the talented Diana Rigg as the stern but ultimately caring teacher Miss Hardbroom. Tim Curry makes a dashing appearance as the Grand Wizard, and it’s fun to see all the witches, including the teachers, swoon over him. The Worst Witch is a fun family film about growing up and believing in yourself even when it’s hard.
The Witches (1990)
Starring Anjelica Huston (Grand High Witch), Jasen Fisher (Luke), Mai Zetterling (Grandma), Jane Horrocks (Miss Irvine), Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Stringer), Bill Paterson (Mr. Jenkins), Brenda Blethyn (Mrs. Jenkins)
Based on the popular Roald Dahl book, The Witches is about a young boy and his grandmother trying to take down a group of evil witches who are trying to get rid of every child in the world. When Luke’s grandmother was young, she hunted witches and therefore knows all about them. While the two are staying at a hotel, Luke accidentally stumbles upon a meeting of all the witches in England in which the Grand High Witch tells of her plan to turn all the children in England into mice. Unfortunately, the witches catch Luke and turn him into a mouse. He, his grandmother, and another boy-turned-mouse must work together to stop the witches before they can implement their evil plan.
Produced by Jim Henson, The Witches features special effects from his famous creature shop, including the Grand High Witch’s scary witch appearance. Luke is a likeable boy, and his relationship with his loving and understanding grandmother is heartwarming. Anjelica Huston is both scary and elegant as the Grand High Witch. The secondary characters provide charming comic relief, particularly Rowan Atkinson as the exasperated hotel owner. The Witches is a very well-made, funny, and appropriately scary family-friendly movie.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Starring Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson), Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson), Omri Katz (Max), Thora Birch (Dani), Vinessa Shaw (Allison)
Three hundred years ago, the Sanderson sisters were hanged as witches, but before dying they cast a spell so that as soon as a certain candle is lit they will be brought back to life. In present-day Salem, cynical Max is annoyed by all the Halloween hype, and only agrees to go to the Sanderson sisters’ house to prove that there’s nothing to be afraid of. But when he lights the candle and brings back the sisters, he, his little sister, and his crush Allison must stop the witches from killing all the children in town.
Hocus Pocus features talented actors and a funny but deliciously scary plot. The three witches are equally comedic and threatening, at one moment being afraid of a bus and at another bringing a zombie to life. Particularly entertaining is a scene in which the witches convince the townspeople that they’re really a singing group and perform a lively rendition of “I Put a Spell on You.” Hocus Pocus is a kid-friendly scary movie with enough humor and talent to be entertaining for adults.
Witch Movies Are Popular at Halloween
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