Throughout history, witches have been surrounded by mystery, fear, and fascination. In reality, women accused of witchcraft were persecuted and executed during periods of witch hunts in Europe.
In films, witches have been portrayed in a variety of ways, from frightening villains to powerful heroines. With this in mind, we have selected 10 films that explore these fascinating figures.
Movies about witches
The adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel, “Witches’ Convention” is a fantasy that mixes children’s adventures with scary moments. The film is directed by Nicolas Roeg and stars Anjelica Huston as the villain, a powerful witch who hides a grotesque appearance.
The plot follows a boy who, while on holiday with his grandmother (Mai Zetterling), discovers a secret gathering of witches in the hotel where they are staying. Disguised as ordinary women, the witches plan to turn children into mice.
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Critically acclaimed, “The Love Witch” is a comedy that parodies and pays homage to the horror and suspense films of the 1960s and 1970s.
These references are treated with a stylized visual style and vibrant colors. Additionally, the film raises questions about feminism and gender roles.
Written and directed by Anna Biller, the film follows a modern-day witch (Samantha Robinson) who uses spells and potions to make men fall in love with her. However, her magic doesn’t work so well.
Directed by René Clair, “I Married a Witch” is a fun classic romantic comedy with fantasy elements.
In the plot, a witch (Veronica Lake) and her father (Cecil Kellaway) are burned at the stake in the 17th century. Before dying she curses and vows to take revenge on all the descendants of her executioner.
In the 20th century, the witch and her father manage to return and plan to take revenge on the current descendant (Fredric March), who is running for governor. The plan is to seduce him with a love potion, but things end up going wrong.
Another classic romantic comedy with witches in the plot, “Sortilegio do Amor” is directed by Richard Quine. Kim Novak and James Stewart star alongside Jack Lemmon, Janice Rule and Ernie Kovacs.
Novak plays a witch who casts a love spell on a neighbor (Stewart) who is engaged to her high school rival. However, she will lose her powers if she responds to this love.
This film is notable for marking the last performance of iconic actress Bette Davis before her death in 1989.
Under the direction of the famous Larry Cohen, the production also stars Barbara Carrera.
In the plot, a mother and her daughter, both witches, share a single body, while the other resides in a cat during this time. The witch mother marries a man, wreaking havoc on her family.
Fantasy film for the whole family, “Abracadabra” is a comedy with three witches played by actresses Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.
In the plot, three 17th-century witches come back to life after a teenager (Omi Katz) accidentally frees them during Halloween.
With an adolescent atmosphere, “Young Witches” is a horror film with a 90s atmosphere. The film is directed by Andrew Fleming and has a cast with names like Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell and Rachel True.
The film follows the story of four teenagers who practice witchcraft to fulfill their desires, but end up facing dark consequences.
Directed by George Miller (of the “Mad Max” series), “The Witches of Eastwick” is a comedy with fantasy touches that boasts an exceptional cast.
Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer play three single friends who share a monotonous life in the small conservative town of Eastwick. They don’t know they are witches and their meetings function like a coven.
One day, while expressing their desire for an ideal man, they inadvertently end up conjuring up a rich and eccentric man who moves to town (Jack Nicholson).
A horror classic, “Suspiria” is an Italian film directed by maestro Dario Argento, widely acclaimed and considered a masterpiece of the genre.
The plot follows a young American (Jessica Harper) who travels to Europe to study dance at a prestigious academy.
However, after a series of murders, he discovers that the location is a cover for a supernatural conspiracy led by a cult of witches and Satanists.
A cinematic classic, “The Devil’s Curse” is a highly influential Italian gothic horror film. His mark can be seen in the other films on this list. It is directed by the beloved Mario Bava.
In Moldova a witch sentenced to death with an iron mask nailed to her face threatens to take revenge for her execution. Centuries later, she returns to take revenge and possess the body of a young woman who is her descendant.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
