We have all seen the famous Black magic, Sorcery and Mages-induced fantasy classics played by great male actors in great movies or series of movies throughout the years. This time we are going to dive in among wicked, horrifying, and famous “Witches” that we have seen, like The Sanderson Sisters, Maleficent, or The Scarlet Witch in movies, and talk about a list of these movies for you to enjoy.
Before we go through the list, let’s draw a vague idea about what witches are. In the early era of Christianity in Europe, witches were females who could do black magic and use spells in a harmful manner to bestow monetary or emotional harm to others.
The modern film industry, since the early 60s, started exploring and writing movies that included witches, and audiences all over the globe took an interest in them, but there were no movies made back then on witches being the main protagonist or one of the main characters.
This changed a lot in the late 70s when movies came out where a witch was the main villain or among the main characters. Now we have an idea about witches and their dawn in the movies. Let’s get on with the 45 best magical witch movies.
1. The Witch (2015)
In the 17th century, somewhere in New England, a farmer’s family of 5 was forced to leave their town and live in banishment far from civilization near a forest; soon, things went south, and life took a very dark turn for the entire family.
The movie is a classic modern-day horror movie that deals with an age-old topic but shows it in a manner that has never been done before. This is a must-watch if you want to feel anxious for the entirety of a movie!
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2. Twitches (2005)
Twitches is a good movie inspired by a book of the same name, and it became very famous in the 2000s after. The story is about two American twin sisters who got separated at birth and met each other on their 21st birthday; after some time, they discover witch-like powers in each other, and soon they have to save their mother from an evil being with their magic. Tia and Tamara are remembered by many to this day, and that goes to show how impactful the movie was.
3. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
When a desire comes true at a price, and a male protagonist enters their lives, three lonely and sex-deprived women (Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer), who have all lost their spouses, meet together once a week for drinking.
This 1987 dark fantasy-comedy movie, which George Miller directed, is based on a novel written by John Updike. The movie is very fun to watch and will never leave you bored for the sake of establishing plot points.
4. Suspiria (2019)
This is a terrifying film, yet everything that happens in it heightens how scary it is. You will be taken back to Berlin in the 1970s due to the film’s atmosphere and plot conflict. In the entire film, Tilda Swinton and Dakota Johnson were outstanding and displayed some of their greatest acting abilities.
The last 10 minutes of the movie are one of the most gut-wrenching feelings I have personally felt, and this one is definitely something you should watch because this film will stick with you for years.
5. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
A gang of documentary filmmakers followed in 1999 found a video horror film, The Blair Witch Project, as they looked into the local Blair Witch tale. They start to encounter odd things as they explore the woods, get disoriented, and come to a horrible climax.
The movie’s marketing claimed that it was based on a genuine tale, which contributed to its success. This is one of my favorite movies and a definite cult classic that you should watch.
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6. Practical Magic (1998)
In the film Practical Magic, two sisters named Sally and Gillian Owens, who are witches, struggle with their supernatural powers. They struggle to accept their powers but eventually learn how to use them for good. Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, and Aidan Quinn are the film’s leading ladies. The film combines comedy and romantic fantasy in a light-hearted manner.
7. The Craft (1996)
As the film progresses, a new student at a Catholic school meets a group of teenage witches who use their abilities on anybody who dares to cross them. It turns out that joining the coven has terrible effects, though. There aren’t many really frightful sequences in The Craft, even as the second half becomes more horror-focused. The movie is a light watch with interesting moments with a good conclusion.
8. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster, making his feature directorial debut, wrote and directed the 2018 American psychological horror movie Hereditary. The movie is, at times, immensely frightening and terrifying to see; scenes are frequently difficult to watch, largely because of the grounded reality present. Characters face progressively horrific situations while being tortured and pained by trauma and guilt.
9. Kiki’s Delivery Service(1989)
Kiki’s Delivery Service is more than just a place to leave the kids for two hours; it’s also an unexpectedly touching celebration of being a young witch that ought to be seen by more people. Like in their earlier movies, the animation and scenery are breathtaking. It was created at a very high creative level, and it is amazing! Hisaishi alone created the music for the film, and it was phenomenal.
10. The Love Witch (2016)
Although this film was well-made, for some reason, the bad performance works well with it. It also shows paganism and witchcraft with some degree of accuracy. The main character, however, really murders people, and she portrays witches as wicked women who use magic to trick men. The movie leaves a strong effect and offers a novel perspective on gender relations and love.
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11. The Witches(1990)
A dark and frightening fantasy comedy that is unexpectedly wonderful. The film is light-hearted, unassuming, hilarious, and appropriate for the entire family. It tells a pleasant and enjoyable narrative. The Nicolas Roeg-directed movie occasionally comes across as a little terrifying, mostly due to the makeup and cosmetics. The film also has superb shooting, editing, and good cinematography.
12. Maleficent (2014)
The new version of the beloved Disney film succeeds promptly and convincingly by presenting both the lovely and the dark sides of Maleficent’s fairy kingdom, which is at odds with greedy people. Mysterious monsters and the characters appear to be working together seamlessly because of the incredible visual effects and performances. James Newton Howard’s music certainly sets the movie apart and gives it a special touch.
13. Sabrina: The Teenage Witch (1996)
In the film, a teenage girl named Sabrina is forced to live with her two odd aunts. After turning 16, Sabrina discovers she is a witch and questions the ethics of possessing abilities that ordinary mortals do not. This nostalgic time warp will force you to recall everything we wished we could forget about the 1990s because of its high-quality straight-to-video production.
14. Gretel & Hansel (2020)
The movie “Gretel & Hansel” is loosely based on the fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. The story is of a little girl who once led her younger sibling into a dark wood in quest of food and labor in a faraway fairy tale land.
The excellent acting by the cast members is very intriguing, and the witch(Holda), who is played by Jessica De Gouw, is remarkable. The scenes’ ensemble and stunning photography are amazing, but the meaningless storyline does not help.
15. An American Haunting (2006)
The incidents depicted in An American Haunting were real and were recorded by the State of Tennessee. The Bell Family of Red River, Tennessee, was frightened between the years 1818 and 1820 by an unidentified, invisible apparition. The overly dramatic soundtrack, as opposed to the understated approach, serves as a reminder of why haunted house stories fell out of favor a few years ago.
16. The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (2005)
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is a fantastic adaptation of CS Lewis’s fantastical young-adult novel. The acting award goes to Tilda Swinton, who portrays the White Witch in a sometimes gruesome manner while maintaining her composure. Stream now to watch Narnia for an engaging, well-made movie with a timeless message that the world sorely needs.
17. Into The Woods (2014)
Meryl Streep, who played the witch in this film, was intimidating, fierce, and in-your-face with her performance. However, because there is a lot of singing in it and because there isn’t a happy ending, I wouldn’t suggest it to someone who doesn’t enjoy musicals and is looking for some horror and thrill. The overall moral of the story is excellent, but people seem to be fixated on how it went against their expectations.
18. Hocus Pocus (1993)
The group, led by Winifred (Midler), suffers retribution from the populace in the 1700s and becomes the stuff of local lore. The plot lacks a strong dramatic thrust, and many events come and go without a tighter construction because of its charm and humor. The three witches play a significant role in this endearing and entertaining movie.
19. Matilda (1996)
Matilda and her relatives are the worst parents ever. Thus, they make for a very intriguing cast. From a different perspective, this family does resemble another well-known family from that era, the Addams family. The tone and approach are only slightly different, but the plot is nearly identical. Matilda made full use of her amazing abilities to achieve sweet calm in the end.
20. Oz the great and powerful (2013)
James Franco essentially steals the show, as one might anticipate from a film with the title “Oz.” Along with being likable, Franco gives the part a lot of charisma and charm. James Franco’s portrayal steals the show, even if the special effects are fantastic but occasionally shaky, and the soundtrack by Danny Elfman is strong. The movie’s last act, though, is magnificent and perfectly encapsulates everything the film is wonderful at.
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21. Black Sunday (1960)
Black Sunday is a pioneer movie in the witch-horror genre, directed by Mario Bava in the late 60s. The plot around a princess who was wrongly burnt as punishment and cursed everyone while she was getting burned.
Almost a century later, she comes back to life and starts a quest for revenge on the people who were directly or indirectly involved in her murder. The movie is one of the firsts in this genre and really paves the path for the future.
22. I Married A Witch (1942)
The movie is a fantasy/comedy in its route about a witch in the 70s who uses her powers to go after corrupted politicians in a comical and heart-throbbing way. The star of the movie, Veronica Lake, was exceptional throughout the movie and almost took the spotlight every time. This is a definite watch for you.
23. Nanny McPhee (2005)
This is a truly great film for viewers of all ages, especially children; however, adults may also enjoy it. Through magic and imagination, the film examines the fragile bond between a parent or adult and a kid. The script was excellent, bright, and amusing in every way. However, Emma Thompson’s outstanding performance was what really elevated this movie.
24. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
The art horror enthusiast, the casual spectator, and the seeker of societal criticism will all find something to enjoy in Rosemary’s Baby. One of those movies that separate the population into those who have seen it and those who haven’t. The anticipation is well worth developing, and it never leaves the audience feeling unsatisfied. Without a doubt, one of the best horror films ever made.
25. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Ichabod Crane, a man of science who discovers that the supernatural is real, is the protagonist of the novel Sleep Hallow. The problem is that the murderer who is on the run has already passed away. In addition to seeing the actual hollow, this movie is ideal for watching on Halloween.
26. Bewitched (2005)
This 2005 film, directed by Nora Ephron, is quite enjoyable thanks to a superb cast, wonderful humor, and a delightful, light-hearted, contemporary recreation of the famous television series. The movie is a one-time watcher, in my opinion, where you won’t want to sit and watch the whole thing again.
27. Eve’s Bayou (1997)
This horror movie is about ancient Creole culture, which dates all the way back to the Antebellum period. But it’s all a lie, and the family quickly finds that the children’s father, a doctor with a wandering eye for the ladies, is the reason they even exist. The performance of young Smollett and the rest of the cast guarantees that until the very end of the film, the audience is never sure of what the story will disclose.
28. Teen Witch (1989)
The main character’s adolescent years are beautifully shown in the film, and it does it in a way that is possibly more realistic than in any previous movie of this kind. The 16-year-old witch first discovers her abilities and uses them to quickly get what she wants, just like any other teen would, but with bad outcomes. If you want something to watch with your family that isn’t too serious, I recommend this fantasy/comedy.
29. Mirror Mirror (2012)
The children’s fantasy comedy Mirror First and foremost, Mirror’s main goal is to make its young audience laugh and have fun. I believe that goal has been accomplished. The movie was enjoyable enough for someone to see it all the way through, despite not being what you would call a high-quality product from a cinematic sense. The entire cast was outstanding; Julia Roberts, in particular, was excellent throughout the film.
30. Spirited Away (2001)
Rumi Hiiragi plays Chihiro, the movie’s main heroine, a courageous, good-hearted, and kind 10-year-old girl who encounters magic and special skills. Despite its length and a few dragged-out scenes, Spirited Away is an animated tale that is magical, charming, and really spellbinding.
Animation is very beautiful; both the hand-drawn and CGI images give the film an ethereal beauty. The movie’s epilogue, in which Chihiro helps everyone improve their lives, is just as wonderful as the entirety of the story.
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31. Halloweentown (1998)
This low-budget movie is cheerful, enjoyable, nostalgic, and a bit silly, but it adds charm to the story and gives the community a more humble and charming appearance. They were magnificent, starring Debbie Reynolds and Kimberly J Brown, who appeal to viewers of all ages. Children will cheer for Marnie, and adults will sort of root for everyone at once. I suggest seeing this if you want a pleasant, carefree experience.
32. Burn, Witch, Burn (1962)
It offers a fascinating look at gender essentialism and sexism with a 1960s twist. Tansy, a character played by Janet Blair, experiences her spouse quickly discounting her experiences. An illustration of so-called “logic” attempting to rationalize away the struggles, worries, and complaints of women and other underprivileged groups. The film is a good watch, but for younger audiences, it might not appeal that much.
33. Twitches Too (2007)
This movie picks up right after the first one and focuses on the twin sisters doing good in the world with their magic and supporting each other while doing it. The sisters come across the news of their father being alive and go on a quest to find them.
The movie is not as good as its predecessor but definitely worth watching because it finishes the story of the two sisters, and the acting is well done, but the script is a bit disconnected from the story at times. Tia and Tamera maintain their good on-screen bond and makes it all look natural.
34. The Witch: Subversion (2018)
This film truly has it all and serves as a fine example of how competing, if not superior to Hollywood in this regard, independent filmmakers are. Everything took some additional time to develop the narrative, so the first half of the film will leave you perplexed, but once it is in place, it transports you to a whole new world of action where you find all the answers, and the storyline becomes more exciting.
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35. Beautiful Creatures (2013)
Sadly underrated, having a strong filmography that is creative and gorgeous and with appealing main actors. They are charming in a real, personal sense, and their acting is incredibly realistic, giving the magical surroundings an earthy foundation. We really like the chemistry between the two stars, and there is some humor sprinkled throughout the film, which makes it enjoyable to watch.
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36. The Crucible (1996)
This film serves as a fantastic documentary on the early Christian immigrants’ lives in America. The plot revolves around the females in a small town who use witchcraft to seduce the man they want, as well as the events that follow. Winona Ryder was outstanding. Overall, we had a great time viewing the movie and learning more about the 1692 events, including the Salem Witch Trials.
37. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
Although the movie includes a lot of action and magic, it always succeeds in transporting me to the cozy environment of the Wizarding World. Fantastic Beasts does a remarkable job of making a connection to its predecessor in a way that is unique and still wonderfully captures the enchantment of the first movies. The film closes with a fresh mystery and the start of new adventures despite certain sequences seeming to be going off the rails.
38. Spellbinder (1988)
A fantastic movie on witches, magic, and deception, as well as seduction and deception. What first seems like the kind of relationship that most women would only dream of progressively transforms into a twisted nightmare that neatly unravels as the tale progresses via twists and turns to a satisfying finish.
An intimidating acting session starring Kelly Preston and directed by Janet Greek immediately became popular with the audience.
39. Mary and The Witch’s Flower (2017)
The animators’ origins lie in the timeless works of Studio Ghibli, which are equally magical. Like Spirited Away, it is stunning, peculiar, and beautifully animated.
It also fits in with many excellent Japanese movies that utilize plots to illustrate the dangers of WMDs and the need to employ magic or other supernatural abilities to save the world in the end. This is a must-watch if you are into anime movies and especially interested in the fantasy genre.
40. The Little Witch (2018)
In this film, a disobedient witch goes through training to become a strong and good person. She commits various witchcraft offenses while on her route but is unable to accept punishment for her wrongdoings. This film is a humorous rendition of a fairy tale. The majority of the music is just excellent, and the acting is often fairly competent. Momo Beier was fairly interesting and gave a compelling performance.
41. Season Of The Witch (2011)
Sword battles break out in the middle of this action-packed movie. Since the Black Death killed many people in the 1300s, conditions are extremely grim, and this is where things kick off. Nicolas Cage is always able to portray these mythological creatures from the fantasy genre, as he did with Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider, and he never fails to engage the viewer in the narrative with his abilities. Overall the movie is at best “ok,” but it was praised by many as well.
42. Stardust (2007)
Stardust enthralls the audience with humorous action sequences. It also looks to have a compelling tale. The story’s storyline is broken up into several smaller stories, yet they all come together at the conclusion to form a cohesive whole. Nevertheless, despite having such a stellar reputation, the conclusion seemed a little flat. Although this one makes an attempt to stick in the sci-fi genre, it never really digs too far.
43. Bell, Book, and Candle (1958)
The novel “Bell, Book & Candle” is exceptional because it accurately captures the “Beat” culture of the 1950s. Additionally, it served as a kind of predecessor to programs like “Bewitched.” Behind all the references to black magic, the screenplay portrays the unorthodox attitudes of the post-World War II era that were suspicious of the ultra-conservative movement of the McCarthy Era. The film has a simple yet engaging narrative that keeps you interested the entire time. Both the storyline and the score are excellent.
44. Drag Me To Hell (2009)
Although Drag Me To Hell is a standard horror-supernatural scenario, it is quite well done. The combination of dark humor and terror is flawless, much as in Sam’s earlier works. The actors’ performances needed to be improved because they weren’t very good. You will undoubtedly be scared by the movie because of its flawless pace, which is neither rushed nor lethargic. Overall, it’s a nice show to see with friends, but it only strikes once.
45. Witching and Bitching (2013)
You can miss the movie’s quick wit and unexpectedly amusing dialogue composition if you are not paying close attention. The movie’s pace is almost on par with creative editing because it’s easy to understand how the tale might be monotonous at times while yet picking up on important plot pieces periodically.
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