I know what you’re thinking. It’s finally October. I know I’ve been counting down since thebeginning of August. Here are 13 Witch themed movies to get you excited for Halloween and Samhain and all that fun stuff. Last Updated: 10/11/18
13 Halloween and Witch Movies to Get You in a Witchy Mood
1. Teen Witch
Where to Watch:
- Let us know!
This is a really wonderful movie, and I think it’s the perfect way to start. At first, it’s the typical 1980s teen flick with the misfit protagonist, gorgeous love interest, and weirdo younger sibling, but then magic comes along and complicates everything. The magical parts are extra special because they feature Zelda Rubinstein, known for her role in Poltergeist, who helps the main girl Louise capture the interest of the boy she loves. After seeing this film, it’s easier to remember that magic can’t solve everything and that you need to be careful what you wish for.
2. Kiki’s Delivery Service
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- Let us know!
I love Studio Ghibli films, and I especially love this one because the protagonist is a young girl who happens to be a witch. She’s very independent and starts using her ability to fly on a broom to pay for room and board. Although this movie is fantastical, I think it’s a good one to watch if you’re looking for something cute and witchy. There’s nothing wrong with loving the witch aesthetic!
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Where to Watch:
- Vudu
- Redbox
Of course, I recommend watching all the Harry Potter movies, but I think #3 suits this watchlist because it includes everything that makes up Halloween as well as different forms of witchcraft. Creepy dementors, magical candy, and the threat of a killer on the loose capture the spookiness of the Halloween season. Amid the fantasy magic of the movie’s world, there are legitimate magickal practices, though, including tasseography (tea leaf reading) and crystal scrying. The mix of reality and fantasy creates the perfect witchy movie, in my opinion.
4. Into the Woods
Where to Watch:
- Vudu
This Stephen Sondheim musical is a retelling of several classic fairy tales, but with a morbid twist. Instead of every main character getting his or her wish and living happily ever after, everyone must face a darkness similar to real life. Meryl Streep plays the witch in this story, and that right there should have you hooked. Just like the witches in any classic tale, she wants to be younger and more beautiful, which is a real concern. Although she floats between being a good guy or a bad guy, I think she is the star of the show. If you’re not a fan of the storyline, the music should still capture your interest.
5. Howl’s Moving Castle
Where to Watch:
- Let us know!
Yes, I have two Studio Ghibli movies on this list. No, I’m not embarrassed about it. This happens to be one of my favorite movies of all time. I love the animation, the characters, and the storyline, but I also love how magical the movie is. I don’t even care that it isn’t real magick because I fall in love with the movie every time I watch it. There’s something so charming about a young girl enlisting the help of a wizard to break a curse put on her by a witch. Even though it’s a fantasy film, serious topics like war, age, and love are discussed, so there is a lot to get out of it. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself crying.
6. The Blair Witch Project
Where to Watch:
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime
- Vudu
- Redbox
Even though this is a classic horror movie that doesn’t paint witches in a positive light, I had to include it. Three students go on a trip to film a documentary about a witch based on legends in a small town, but they end up biting off more than they can chew when they get lost in the woods where the witch supposedly dwelled. There’s nothing positive about this malevolent Blair Witch, but I love the spooky atmosphere and the convincing-looking clues left around by the witch.
7. Bewitched
Where to Watch:
- Vudu
- Redbox
I expected this to be a modern version of the old television show, but it is about an actor who is searching for a woman to play Samantha in his new version. Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell work surprisingly well together. Nicole Kidman’s character turns out to be the perfect Samantha because she is a real witch, which sets the stage for a perfect comedy. I thought this rom-com with a witchy twist was delightful.
8. The Love Witch
Where to Watch:
- Amazon Prime
- Vudu
By far, this is the most unique movie on the list. Although it was released in 2016, it has a 1960s horror style and uses Technicolor, so it will strike you as being from another era. The main character is a witch obsessed with finding love to the point of disaster. In some ways, this film qualifies as a horror movie because of the messy outcome of her obsession, but some parts had me laughing out loud. I appreciated that the magick in this movie was mostly accurate. Not only is this a witchy movie, but it also covers many feminist issues as part of the plot and dialogue, which somehow works perfectly in contrast with the vintage appearance.
9. Mary and the Witch’s Flower
Where to Watch:
- Netflix
- Vudu
- Redbox
No, it’s not quite a Studio Ghibli movie, but it’s close. This is a cute little movie, but it gets surprisingly dark. Although the magic in it is mostly fantastical, I love the classic ingredients—a broom that flies, a magical school, and feline companions. It’s not quite as good as the Studio Ghibli classics, but I still recommend it if you’re in the mood for something whimsical.
10. The Craft
Where to Watch:
- Vudu
- Redbox
The witchcraft in this movie is almost exclusively from the left-hand path, which I don’t follow, but I thought I would include it anyway. It’s arguably a classic, and it also offers the perfect dose of spooky-scary, just like The Blair Witch Project, which is perfect for October. I don’t recommend using magick to seek revenge on your enemies, but I do recommend this movie from an entertainment standpoint.
11. Practical Magic
Where to Watch:
- Hulu (with HBO add-on)
- Vudu
- Redbox
This movie is a classic if you’re a witch. My favorite thing about it is that it incorporates elements of real magic, including herbs like belladonna and the use of a besom to sweep away negativity. I also always enjoy the dynamic between the strong female main characters. It’s a great film to watch with your sister. Even though this movie captures what it’s really like to be a witch (midnight margaritas!), it also pays tribute to the traditional image of a witch, featuring a black pointed hat and a moment of magical flight.
12. The Witches of Eastwick
Where to Watch:
- Vudu
Another classic, this movie is kind of crazy. What else would you expect from Jack Nicholson? Also, the witches are Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Cher, so it’s a shockingly star-studded cast. When all three witches are seduced by Nicholson’s character, all hell breaks loose, but not in the way you’d expect. There are a few disturbing scenes, which is why I would suggest watching this one a little closer to Halloween.
13. Hocus Pocus
Where to Watch:
- Vudu
- Redbox
If you haven’t seen this movie: Witch, stop reading and go watch it. The Sanderson sisters have got to be the most charming witch-villains there are. Since this was made to be a kid’s movie, the witchcraft is mostly that of a fantasy world, but I appreciate the use of a book of shadows and salt as a form of protection. I also like that the love interest’s name is Allison (tee hee, that’s my name).
Well, now you have enough to get you started. Make some popcorn, pour some apple cider, and put your feet up. Watch one or all of these movies and feel yourself get into the mood for the season. Whatever path you choose, keep being a good bean and witch on. Blessed be.
Copyright 2018 Allison Campbell + Plentiful Earth / All Rights Reserved.
