Which Witch? Movie Edition

If I spent enough time raking through my past I could probably pinpoint the exact witch from pop culture that was the defining witch for my foray into Wicca. Starting with Roahl Dalh and his Witches through to current day and Vanessa from Penny Dreadful, witches (and vampires) were, and still are, my jam. 

I started this post by trying to chose my top ten favourite witches. Well that was pretty much impossible. So then I turned to pop culture in general, tv, books etc. My list grew. And then I found movies I haven't seen. Books I haven't read. It wasn't a productive time in the sense that I was getting tangiable information to make a list for anyone! 

So I broke it down, and this week, we're starting with movies. Today, when I think of bad ass witches and must watch movies, these are the five that come to mind. Keep scrolling for honorable mentions as well as one that probably should be on the list, but surprisingly I haven't seen yet!

Top 5 Witchy Movies

1. The Witches (1990)

1990's The Witches
Image via IMDB
Based off of Roald Dahl's book of the same name, The Witches takes us on an adventure with Luke where he encounters the Grand High Witch (played marvelously by Angelica Houston) This was probably my first encounter with witches, albeit it was from the book first. But this movie has stuck with me over the years. Beware of women in square toed shoes! 

Not only did Angelica Houston steal the show here, but she also blessed us with her portrayal of Morticia Addams in the Addams Family and Addams Family Values. I didn't include those movies because it isn't really said if Morticia is a witch or not. However, Grandmama totally is. But I'm getting off track! 

These witches want to kill all children! And they've gathered under the guise of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children at a hotel where it so happens our dear Luke happens to be. It's a who can kill who first race. 

Good times for all, and I plan on introducing this to my daughter as soon as we've finished the book!

2. The Craft (1996)

Image via IMDB

You can't be serious about making a list of witches and not including this movie. It's iconic to say the least. For me The Craft was one of the first depictions of actual witchcraft and not just scary women out to eat children or riding brooms and shooting stars out of their fingers. This is probably one of the movies that started me actually looking into the world of wicca and paganism to see what it was really about. 

And the style of these girls is just gold. Pure goth 90s gold. Chokers, black lipstick, layers upon layers of accessories. Plus who doesn't love a good catholic school run amok with the damned. Plus, it gave us some dialogue that has lasted decades.  "We are the weirdo's mister."

Sarah is the new girl in school recovering from an attempted suicide. She has powers already but hasn't tapped into them. Cue Bonnie, Nancy, and Rochelle, three girls who are deep into witchcraft and all dealing with their own pain. When Nancy takes a turn to the darkside it's up to Sarah to step in and bring her down. 

Bonus: The soundtrack is to die for. 

3. The Love Witch (2016)
Image via IMDB

I don't pretend to know how Anna Biller created such a terrific representation of vintage movies, but she did. A visually striking piece of cinema that makes me feel like I've travelled through time. 

The Love Witch follows Elaine as she moves to a new town and keeps trying to make men fall in love with her. Which they do, but not in the way she's searching for and ends with sinister results. 

I don't want to say too much and ruin anything but it is a must watch in my books and I cannot wait to see what Biller comes up with next.

4. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Image via IMDB

What's that I smell? Could it be...the Sanderson Sisters? Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy slay as three sisters hung in Salem Massachusetts who come back to life when our protagonist lights a black flame. It takes a virgin to do it, and well, he was trying to impress a date. 

Add in a little sister, an imortal talking cat, books that are alive, and a few chilling songs and you have all the ingredients you need for a magical movie. If you haven't seen this movie yet then I put on spell on you, and you're mine. 

5. Snow White & the Huntsman (2012)

Image via IMDB

I know, this probably seems a little out of place, but Charlize Theron's depiction of the Evil Queen, a witch obsessed with being the most beautiful in all of the land, is chilling. The costuming is gorgeous and I really buy into the universe set up. 

While the rest of the movie leaves something to be desired, the scenes with the Evil Queen are just phenomenal and worth the watch. I can totally understand why the sequel focused on her. 

Honorable Mentions
Bathory (2008) 
The tale of Elizabeth Bathory, the greatest serial killer in history. She killed virgin women and bathed in their blood. This didn't make the list, because it's involvement with witchcraft is minor it seems. 

Blair Witch (1999) 
While no one has actually seen the witch, it seemed that the terror the Blair witch has infused into our society was worth a mention.

Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Cher, need I say more?

Movies I haven't seen yet

Practical Magic and The Black Cauldren, I know okay! It's on my list for the summer. 

Do you feel that there are missing movies from my list? Have you seen all of these? What makes your top five? Let me know in the comments below. 


  1. Good list! Mine would include The Witch, Suspiria, Bell Book and Candle and Practical Magic :-)

  2. I plan on watching Susperia and Practical Magic very soon, but I've never heard of the Bell Book!