The Best Movies About Witches, Ranked

Ranker Film
Updated May 23, 2024 21.6K views 69 items
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Films about witches, warlocks, and witchcraft. Spooky, scary, and benevolent witches are all welcome.
Latest additions: Burn the Witch #0.8, The Old Ways
Most divisive: The Blair Witch Project
Over 700 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies About Witches

Over 700 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best witch movies. Whether it's a classic story of good versus evil or a more nuanced exploration into the complexities of witchcraft, these films have captivated viewers around the world. From horror classics like The Witch and Rosemary's Baby to fantasy epics like Harry Potter and Practical Magic, these movies transport us into spell-binding worlds filled with powerful magic and timeless characters.

The best movies about witches explore themes of morality, identity, power dynamics, and freedom in unique ways that capture our imaginations and keep us engaged throughout. They also offer fascinating insights into how cultures over time have viewed women who practice witchcraft—sometimes as villains but often as heroes. And while some stories may be rooted in superstition or folklore they nonetheless provide valuable lessons on standing up against injustice and overcoming adversity no matter what form it takes.

So why not take a look at this list of the best witchy films out there? Vote up your favorites so others can share in their enchantment.

  • The Craft
    1

    The Craft

    Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell
    252 votes
    In the mid-90s supernatural horror drama, The Craft, Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) arrives in Los Angeles as a new student where she finds kinship with three outcasts - Nancy Downs (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie Harper (Neve Campbell), and Rochelle Zimmerman (Rachel True). The quartet's shared fascination with witchcraft leads them to form their own coven. As they experiment with spells and rituals, they discover their newfound powers come with unsettling consequences. Directed by Andrew Fleming, this film explores the dark side of teenage rebellion and the dangers of unchecked power. Despite its youthful cast, The Craft manages to deliver a chilling narrative that resonates beyond its high-school setting.
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  • Hocus Pocus
    2

    Hocus Pocus

    Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
    292 votes
    In the whimsical film Hocus Pocus, three witch sisters, Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy), are accidently resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night. This resurrection is unwittingly caused by Max Dennison (Omri Katz), a teenager new in town. Alongside his younger sister Dani (Thora Birch) and his crush Allison (Vinessa Shaw), Max must outsmart the vengeful witches to save the town's children before sunrise. The movie, known for its comedic charm and fantasy elements, has become a beloved cult classic since its release in 1993.
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  • Practical Magic
    3

    Practical Magic

    Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest
    254 votes
    In Practical Magic, Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman), born into a magical lineage, grapple with the family curse that dooms any man they fall in love with to an untimely death. The sisters' lives take a wild turn when Gillian's abusive boyfriend, Jimmy Angelov (Goran Visnjic), dies unexpectedly. In their quest to hide their misdeeds, they inadvertently resurrect him with sinister consequences. This romantic fantasy film, sprinkled with comedic elements, explores themes of magic, sisterhood and love's resilience against curses. It's a tale of overcoming destiny's cruel hand through unity and the power of ancestral magic.
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  • The Witches
    4

    The Witches

    Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher
    192 votes
    In The Witches, a young boy (Jasen Fisher) stumbles upon a secret convention of witches, led by the Grand High Witch (Anjelica Huston). Unbeknownst to humans, these witches despise children and concoct a plan to turn them into mice. The boy, transformed into a mouse himself, must thwart their sinister scheme. This dark fantasy comedy is based on Roald Dahl's classic novel and directed by Nicolas Roeg. It's a tantalizing tale of magic and mischief that blurs the line between childhood fears and fairy-tale fantasies.
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  • The Witches of Eastwick
    5

    The Witches of Eastwick

    Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon
    196 votes
    In the quaint town of Eastwick, three friends - Alexandra (Cher), Jane (Susan Sarandon), and Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer) - harbor secret desires. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when a mysterious man, Daryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson), arrives. Unbeknownst to them, Daryl's charm masks a sinister purpose. As they become entwined in his seductive web, their hidden powers surface, leading to an unforeseen revelation. The Witches of Eastwick, a blend of comedy and horror, weaves a tale of female empowerment and the supernatural, underscored by Nicholson's memorable performance. It won the BAFTA award for Best Special Visual Effects.
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  • Sleepy Hollow
    6

    Sleepy Hollow

    Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson
    203 votes
    In the eerie, atmospheric film Sleepy Hollow, constable Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) is dispatched from New York City to the secluded town of Sleepy Hollow. His task: investigate a series of beheadings rumored to be the work of a supernatural Headless Horseman. Backed by a star-studded cast including Christina Ricci as Katrina Van Tassel and Miranda Richardson as Lady Van Tassel, director Tim Burton weaves a chilling tale that combines elements of horror and mystery. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Art Direction, a testament to its striking visual style. As Crane delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers dark secrets that blur the line between reality and nightmare.
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  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
    7

    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
    230 votes
    In the enchanting adventure film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), an orphaned young boy, discovers his magical heritage on his 11th birthday. He is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he befriends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). Their first year at Hogwarts sees them uncovering a dark secret tied to a mysterious artifact - the Sorcerer's Stone. As they delve deeper, they face challenges that test their courage and friendship. Steeped in mystery and magic, this movie sets the stage for the beloved Harry Potter series.
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  • The Witch
    8

    The Witch

    Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
    161 votes
    In The Witch, a chilling period horror, a 17th-century New England family (the Plantations) is exiled to the edge of a vast wilderness. The family matriarch, Katherine (Kate Dickie), and her husband William (Ralph Ineson) struggle against nature's harsh realities while raising their five children. Their world spirals into chaos when the youngest child, Samuel, mysteriously vanishes. Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), the oldest daughter, is accused of witchcraft by her own kin as paranoia and despair set in. This film won the Directing Award at Sundance Film Festival for its eerie depiction of puritanical fear and familial suspicion.
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  • The Wizard of Oz
    9

    The Wizard of Oz

    Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger
    196 votes
    The Wizard of Oz is a classic fantasy film, an enduring testament to Hollywood's Golden Age. Young Dorothy (Judy Garland) finds herself whisked away from her Kansas home by a tornado, landing in the vibrant and fantastical Land of Oz. Joined by a trio of unforgettable characters - the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) longing for brains, the Tin Man (Jack Haley) yearning for a heart, and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) seeking courage - they traverse the yellow brick road. Their destination: the enigmatic Wizard of Oz, who can potentially grant their wishes and return Dorothy home. Winner of two Academy Awards, this movie is noted for its innovative use of Technicolor and iconic musical numbers.
  • Stardust
    10

    Stardust

    Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Robert De Niro
    165 votes
    Stardust, a thrilling fantasy adventure film, unveils the tale of a young man, Tristan (Charlie Cox), who embarks on an audacious expedition in a magical realm. His quest is to find a fallen star, Yvaine (Claire Danes), promised as a gift for his beloved Victoria (Sienna Miller). The journey becomes more perilous when wicked witch Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) seeks the star's youth-restoring powers. The movie also features Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro), an eccentric pirate. Breathtaking visuals and intriguing plot twists make Stardust an enthralling cinematic experience.
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  • The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
    11

    The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

    Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes
    175 votes
    In the enchanting fantasy film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, four Pevensie siblings - Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) - stumble upon a magical wardrobe. This seemingly ordinary piece of furniture serves as their gateway to the mystical land of Narnia. Here, they join forces with the majestic lion Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson) in a heroic quest to dethrone the wicked White Witch (Tilda Swinton). Directed by Andrew Adamson, this movie won an Oscar for Best Makeup. It's a captivating journey filled with magic, courage, betrayal, and redemption.
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  • The Crucible
    12

    The Crucible

    Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder, Paul Scofield
    139 votes
    After married man John Proctor (Daniel Day-Lewis) decides to break off his affair with his young lover, Abigail Williams (Winona Ryder), she leads other local girls in an occult rite to wish death upon his wife, Elizabeth (Joan Allen). When the ritual is discovered, the girls are brought to trial. Accusations begin to fly, and a literal witch hunt gets underway. Before long, Elizabeth is suspected of witchcraft, and John's attempt to defend her only makes matters worse.
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  • Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
    13

    Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

    Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen
    158 votes
    Fifteen years after Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) defeated the wicked witch who planned to have them for her dinner, the siblings have come of age as skilled bounty hunters. Hell-bent on retribution, they have dedicated their lives to hunting down and destroying every witch still lurking in the dark forests of their homeland. As the notorious blood moon approaches, the siblings face a great evil -- one that could hold the secret to their terrifying past.
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  • Beautiful Creatures
    14

    Beautiful Creatures

    Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Jeremy Irons
    147 votes
    In the small town of Gatlin, S.C., teenage Ethan Wate (Alden Ehrenreich) sees his static world shaken by the arrival of Lena Duchannes (Alice Englert), the niece of town patriarch Macon Ravenwood (Jeremy Irons). Immediately, Ethan feels drawn to Lena, even though destruction seems to surround her, and she has supernatural powers that are beyond her control. Worse still, a curse looms for Lena at the approach of her 16th birthday -- a time when the forces of either light or dark will claim her.
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  • Halloweentown
    15

    Halloweentown

    Debbie Reynolds, Rino Romano, Kimberly J. Brown
    130 votes
    Halloweentown is a 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie released in October 1998.
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  • Bedknobs and Broomsticks
    16

    Bedknobs and Broomsticks

    Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Roddy McDowall
    107 votes
    In the whimsical world of Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Miss Eglantine Price (Angela Lansbury), a novice witch, stumbles upon three orphaned siblings during World War II. They embark on a magical journey on her enchanted bed to find a powerful spell that could end the war. Alongside them is the bumbling con-artist Professor Emelius Browne (David Tomlinson). The movie, a blend of live-action and animation, earned an Academy Award for Visual Effects in 1972. It's a captivating, family-friendly adventure filled with enchantment and unexpected twists.
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  • The Tragedy of Macbeth
    17

    The Tragedy of Macbeth

    Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Bertie Carvel
    9 votes
    Joel Coen's bold and fierce adaptation of "Macbeth," a tale of murder, madness, ambition, and wrathful cunning.
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  • Brave
    18

    Brave

    Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson
    139 votes
    In the animated film Brave, a young Scottish princess named Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) defies an age-old custom, causing chaos in her kingdom. Determined to carve her own path in life, she unknowingly unleashes a curse and must rely on her bravery and archery skills to undo it. Supported by Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), King Fergus (Billy Connolly), and her triplet brothers, Merida embarks on an epic journey. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, this movie won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. A tale of courage, adventure, and self-discovery, it's a cinematic masterpiece that captivates audiences with its stunning visuals and compelling narrative.
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  • Seventh Son
    19

    Seventh Son

    Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore, Ben Barnes
    50 votes
    Centuries ago, a supernatural champion named Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges) defeated Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore), a malevolent witch. Now, she has escaped imprisonment and thirsts for vengeance. She summons her followers and prepares to unleash her wrath on humanity. Only one thing stands in her way: Master Gregory. Gregory takes Tom Ward (Ben Barnes) as his new apprentice, but he has only until the next full moon to teach Tom what usually takes years: how to prevail against dark magic.
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  • The Last Witch Hunter
    20

    The Last Witch Hunter

    Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie
    93 votes
    The modern world holds many secrets, the most astounding being that witches still live among us. Centuries ago, Kaulder (Vin Diesel) managed to slay the all-powerful Witch Queen, decimating her followers in the process. Before her death, she cursed the valiant warrior with her own immortality, separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Her resurrection now threatens the survival of the human race as Kaulder, the only one of his kind remaining, faces her vengeful wrath.
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  • The Sword in the Stone
    21

    The Sword in the Stone

    Sebastian Cabot, Rickie Sorensen, Alan Napier
    118 votes
    In The Sword in the Stone, a young Arthur (Rickie Sorensen) is under the tutelage of wise but eccentric Merlin (Karl Swenson), an enchanting wizard with a knack for unpredictability. Set in medieval England, this Disney classic delves into Arthur's journey from being a humble squire to the future King of England. The path isn't smooth, but with Merlin's magical lessons and friendship, the boy navigates his way through adventures and challenges that eventually lead him to pull Excalibur from the stone, signifying his royal destiny. This animated film, known for its whimsical storytelling and memorable characters, remains a beloved piece of cinema history.
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  • The Black Cauldron
    22

    The Black Cauldron

    Wayne Allwine, James Almanzar, Grant Bardsley
    119 votes
    In the heart of a magical land, The Black Cauldron unfolds. Here, Taran (Grant Bardsley), an assistant pig-keeper turned unlikely hero, embarks on a quest to prevent the villainous Horned King (John Hurt) from obtaining the mystical black cauldron and unleashing its malevolent power upon the world. Joined by Princess Eilonwy (Susan Sheridan), Fflewddur Fflam (Nigel Hawthorne), and a creature named Gurgi (John Byner), Taran navigates through dangers untold in this 1985 Disney animated fantasy-adventure film. The movie is a thrilling blend of magic, danger, and courage, underpinned by its memorable characters and looming threat of dark forces.
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  • Snow White and the Huntsman
    23

    Snow White and the Huntsman

    Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth
    64 votes
    In Snow White and the Huntsman, Snow White (Kristen Stewart) is a princess whose beauty incurs the wrath of her wicked stepmother, Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron). The Queen's obsession with immortality drives her to consume the heart of Snow White who escapes into the Dark Forest. A rugged Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth), initially on a mission to capture Snow White, becomes her unlikely protector against Queen Ravenna's sinister forces. A dark interpretation of the classic fairy tale, this movie won Costume Designers Guild Awards for Excellence in Fantasy Film. It's a story of survival, betrayal, and an unexpected alliance.
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  • Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages
    24

    Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages

    William S. Burroughs, Benjamin Christensen, Elith Pio
    71 votes
    This silent docu-horror masterpiece is a study of how superstition and the misunderstanding of diseases and mental illness led to the hysteria of witch-hunts.
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  • Teen Witch
    25

    Teen Witch

    Robyn Lively, Dan Gauthier, Joshua John Miller
    35 votes
    High-school nerd Louise Miller (Robyn Lively) learns from psychic Madame Serena (Zelda Rubinstein) that she's possessed with magical abilities that will begin working on her 16th birthday. When the prophecy proves true, the teenager uses her new powers to get what she's always desired: popularity. After getting back at some bullies, the young witch casts a spell over hunky jock Brad Powell (Dan Gauthier). But Louise soon learns that getting what you want isn't all it's cracked up to be.
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  • Suspiria
    26

    Suspiria

    Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Joan Bennett
    57 votes
    Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school. When she arrives, late on a stormy night, no one lets her in, and she sees Pat (Eva Axén), another student, fleeing from the school. When Pat reaches her apartment, she is murdered. The next day, Suzy is admitted to her new school, but has a difficult time settling in. She hears noises, and often feels ill. As more people die, Suzy uncovers the terrifying secret history of the place.
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  • The Sorcerer's Apprentice
    27

    The Sorcerer's Apprentice

    Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina
    44 votes
    Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel) is just an average guy, but the wizard Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) sees in him a hidden talent for sorcery. He becomes Balthazar's reluctant protege, getting a crash course in the art of magic. As Dave prepares to help his mentor defend Manhattan from a powerful adversary (Alfred Molina), he wonders if he can survive the training, save the city and find his true love.
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  • The Huntsman: Winter's War
    28

    The Huntsman: Winter's War

    Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt
    56 votes
    Betrayed by her evil sister Ravenna (Charlize Theron), heartbroken Freya (Emily Blunt) retreats to a northern kingdom to raise an army of huntsmen as her protectors. Gifted with the ability to freeze her enemies in ice, Freya teaches her young soldiers to never fall in love. When Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and fellow warrior Sara defy this rule, the angry queen does whatever she can to stop them. As war between the siblings escalates, Eric and Sara try to end Ravenna's wicked reign.
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  • Rosemary's Baby
    29

    Rosemary's Baby

    Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon
    124 votes
    In Rosemary's Baby, Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow) and her struggling actor husband, Guy (John Cassavetes), move into an old New York City apartment. Their eccentric neighbors, Roman and Minnie Castevet (Sidney Blackmer and Ruth Gordon), soon become overly involved in their lives. After Rosemary becomes mysteriously pregnant, she grows increasingly paranoid about the safety of her unborn child. This film, a chilling blend of psychological thriller and horror, directed by Roman Polanski, won Ruth Gordon an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. It continues to unsettle audiences with its haunting narrative and suspenseful build-up.
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  • Halloweentown High
    30

    Halloweentown High

    Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Judith Hoag
    50 votes
    Two witches (Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown) protect a group of students from the legendary Knights of the Iron Dagger.