Halloween is almost here and there's no better time to turn on a nostalgic spooky-themed film. Our favourite Halloween watch? It has to be witchy of course.
A concept that plays with culture and morality, often through a feminist lens, witch-themed films can be heart-warming and also chilling. Whether you're looking for a fright or would rather curl up with a comfort rewatch, these are the best witch movies to watch this October.
The Craft (1996)
This is essential viewing from the 90s. This film centres on a group of teenage witches, all of whom are social outcasts and desperate to be accepted by society. After performing a dangerous ritual, each member of the coven develops powerful magic; and slowly they begin to cross the line been protection and all out vindictive retribution.
The Love Witch (2016)
This film is a modern technicolor homage to 1960s-style camp horror. The Love Witch follows Elaine, she's a beautiful young witch who uses spells to make men fall in love with her. At times, with deadly consequences. Blending feminist satire and vintage melodrama, it's easy to see why this is a new cult classic.
Practical Magic (1998)
Sally and Gillian Owens are cursed. These two sisters are descended from a long line of witches, all who bear the weight of a centuries-old curse that sees any man they fall in love with die in strange 'accidents'. When Sally is forced to rescue Gillian from an abusive boyfriend, they turn to dark magic to undo what can't be undone. Heart-warming with truly nostalgic 90s-fashion, Practical Magic is the ultimate rewatch.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Don't light the black candle! The evil Sandersons sisters are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem on Halloween night. Now it’s up to a motley group to stop them from stealing children’s souls. This beloved, family classic is the perfect Halloween watch. Even if you've seen it a few too many times already.
The Witch (2015)
A true spooker. The Witch is set in 1630s New England where a Puritan family is banished from their settlement and encounter a sinister presence in the surrounding woods. Paranoia and grief begin to unravel them and accusations of witchcraft ignite a horrifying descent into madness and possession. This Robert Eggers' film is perfect for anyone who loves modern-day thriller/horror.
Suspiria (2018)
This is Luca Guadagnino’s reimagining of the original cult classic. Set in a Berlin dance academy run by a coven of witches, the film follows American dancer Susie Bannion as she becomes entangled in their occult rituals. Suspiria is a hypnotic tale of power, art, and transformation. With its cold-war setting, body horror, and Thom Yorke’s haunting score, Suspiria is a visceral, feminist exploration of creation, destruction, and female agency.
The Witches (1990)
It's based on Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name; The Witches is the story of a boy who discovers that an evil convention of witches is plotting to transform the world's children into mice. Captured and transformed himself, he teams up with his grandmother to stop their sinister leader, the Grand High Witch. A tale for all ages, reimagined on film and starring Angelica Houston to boot! It was also recently remade with Anne Hathaway in the Grand High Witch role if you prefer to watch the modern version.
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Absolutely essential viewing. In the quiet town of Eastwick, three single women, Alex, Jane, and Sukie, discover they have magical powers manifesting after meeting the mysterious and seductive Daryl Van Horne. But newfound desires become dangerous as Daryl’s influence becomes increasingly sinister. The perfect blend of dark comedy, fantasy, and social satire, The Witches of Eastwick explores female empowerment, sexuality, and the perils of wish fulfillment.
For more spooky content, these are our favourite scary films we'll be watching this Halloween. And if you're in need of a ghostly costume, peruse this list for inspiration.
