In honor of The Witches hitting HBO Max this weekend, we’re gonna rank the Best Ever Movies with Witches. Let us know @Siftpop what your ranking is!
Is there another film that fully captures the unique perspective into horror that A24 provides than The Witch? The film is dark and foreboding in its tone and overall presentation. The world is so fully immersive that it presents realistic dialogue for an isolated settlement in the woods of 1600’s New England. The deep-seated themes of religion and Satan’s temptation are penetrating and unnerving. Anya Taylor Joy carries this film on her young, yet, talented shoulders with her committed and powerful performance. The visuals are disturbing to say the least in a way that drills into your mind for days and weeks after. The Witch will crawl into your mind and never leave it including the disturbing visual of the titular witch and the Devil himself. Robert Eggers is a master of cinema and his work will stand tall for years to come. Are you ready to live deliciously? (Shane Conto)
Tim Burton back in the day was great at making films that fit a unique aesthetic that only he could make look so iconic. I think one of the best movies he’s ever made is Sleepy Hollow starring Johnny Depp. After a string of headless murders occur in the town of Sleepy Hollow in 1799, Ichabod Crane (Depp) arrives from New York City to investigate rumours of the work being done by none other than a headless horseman, while also uncovering the town’s secrets and dark past. I mentioned that Burton has a unique aesthetic when it comes to his movies, and this is one where I think it works as one of the best examples. The town of Sleepy Hollow itself gives a very dark and unpleasant vibe, but Burton takes that and does what he does best with dark imagery and makes it visually pleasing to look at. Another great thing this movie has going for it is how great the practical effects look on screen for it’s scenes that involve gore, something a studio would mostly scrap to replace it with just CGI nowadays. There’s just a lot here when it comes to production value that seems to make every penny worth it, and that alone makes this movie worth checking out. (Alex Henderson)
Nearly everyone has read The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis’s story this movie was adopted from, where the Pevensie children are evacuated to the country during The Blitz only to discover the magical world of Narnia while hiding in a wardrobe. While most of the time I’m a firm believer that the book doesn’t matter when making a film, in this case following the book is by and large the best thing this film did because while it does add some new characters it does an excellent job at making the world of the lion Aslan (Liam Neeson) and the White Witch (Tilda Swinton) every bit as magical as you would hope for. While this movie doesn’t necessarily go the extra mile for spectacle, it also doesn’t have to do so, as from Lucy’s first foray into the mystical world of Narnia to the climactic battle at the end you can find yourself engaged in this movie from beginning to end. I am curious, personally, as to how the other novels of the series would have been adapted had they continued beyondThe Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and I would quite like to delve into the world of Narnia once again, though maybe on the silver screen and not through an old wardrobe. (Joseph Davis)
It is a given to watch Hocus Pocus every October (or whenever you actually feel like it). This Disney cult classic has been in our lives for almost 30 years, and it’s the epitome of Halloween. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters comedically terrorizes the children of Salem on Halloween, after being mistakenly resurrected by a teenage boy. Hocus Pocus gets you into “spooky” season with the laughs, scares, and come little children, i’ll take thee away. Hocus Pocus is one of those movies you watch before you die. You just have to and even more so now, since the Sanderson Sisters are coming back for part two. (Chantal Ashford)
Reflexively, I initially went with my favorite Potter entry (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), but given the theme of the week, this selection seems more appropriate. While it’s still part of Harry’s overall story, the witches really shine in the franchise’s fifth entry. The always brilliant Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) has perhaps her most genius moment with the creation and facilitation of Dumbledore’s Army. Ginny (Bonnie Wright) gets a little more to do than in some of the previous installments, tagging along in the final fight and rushing headlong into danger at the Burrow. Voldemort may be the big bad, but it’s a pair of witches that we really hate from this one. Within the fanbase, it could be argued that Delores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) is even more hated than He Who Must Not Be Named. Helena Bonham Carter slots nicely into the Potterverse as Bellatrix Lestrange, leaving us screaming right along with Harry during the film’s emotional climax. The icing on the cake for this one, however, is the introduction of the quirky Luna Lovegood, played perfectly by Evanna Lynch. Luna has solidified herself as my favorite character as the years have gone on. (Jake Bourgeois)
Every so often, even blind squirrels find a nut or an angry mob crying, “She’s a witch!” gets the burning they so clearly hunger for. Using circuitous logic that would make anyone’s head spin, our introduction to Sir Bedevere (RIP Terry Jones) sees him use “reason” to prove a local villager is in fact a witch as the angry mob suspects by showing she weighs as much as a duck. That in turn proves that she therefore must be made of wood, as all witches are (obviously). In a film containing nonsensical scene after nonsensical scene, the stupidity on display here is truly divine. The scene may last just longer than four minutes, but in a comedy classic full of side-splitting vignettes, it floats to the top. (Jake Bourgeois)
This movie would be so much successful if it were to come out now! It stars Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Henry Cavill (Superman, The Witcher), Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, is directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kickass, Kingsman), and based on a story by Neil Gaiman. I mean, come on! Not to mention, it’s a wondrous fantasy where the heroes go on proper adventures, with interesting conflicts, proper battles, and have actual character development. It’s one that understands both real and movie magic, and is as charming as it gets. If you’re looking for an underdog protagonist tale, with lots of twists and turns, and a good old fashion quest at its heart, then look no further. Add to that witches that are hideous, foreboding, terrifying, and an actual threat and you’ve got yourself a winner – trust me! (Alice Micheli)
While not the first film to take the film verite/found footage approach, it is however the most prolific. The Blair Witch Project (1999) worked so well due to it’s brilliant viral marketing campaign before viral marketing was even a thought. The rawness of the performances of 3 film students losing their sense of direction and sanity simultaneously, locks in audiences that are willing to get lost in this film. While not having the most scares, the constant tension in the film and the ever growing presence of the unknown sends shivers down the spine. Heather, Joshua and Micahel are highly relatable, allowing the viewer to easily slip into each one of their shoes. With every moment that they are lost further in the forests in Maryland, the more irrational their decisions become. Not having a script can usually hinder a film, but having a very loose script only added the authenticity that a film like this calls for. The Blair Witch’s legacy is cemented in film history and has inspired so many up and coming filmmakers throughout the years. (Joe Vargas)
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most influential and iconic films to ever be put on the silver screen. From its breathtaking use of color to it’s beautiful set design, The Wizard of Oz seems to be truly ageless. The music is absolutely wondrous with songs like Somewhere Over the Rainbow and If I Only Had a Brain truly becoming songs that fill my heart with joy. Being this is the Best Ever Challenge for Witches, though, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the terrifying culprit to many of my childhood nightmares: The Wicked Witch of the West. Not only is this in my opinion a great performance by Margaret Hamilton, but the best witch to ever be put on the big screen. If you haven’t seen this film, what are you waiting for? Tap your heels 3 times and turn this classic on. (Ben Davis)
Of all of the great fantasy films ever made, none can quite match the epic scale and craft of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Does that go without saying? Middle Earth is one of the most fully realized worlds to ever be put to the silver screen. It’s such a world of wonder as many races of beings come together to create this diverse world. The magic of Middle Earth creates such a unique place. The film presents so many different magical beings from wizards like Gandalf and Saruman. There are witches like the Lady Galadriel who possess unmatched powers. This film also boasts some of the most powerful and darkly evil entities in the realm of fantasy with Sauron and the Witch King of Angmar. Make the investment and get lost in this world of men, magic, and fantastical creatures. (Shane Conto)
Honorable Mentions
The Craft
A film that I find myself revisiting around October is The Craft (1996). A mesmerizing slice of 90’s nostalgia that is always satisfying upon my multiple viewings. There is nothing quite as good as outcast teens in a Catholic School performing witchcraft. A dazzling concoction of teen drama, horror and suspense. The four primaries have great chemistry, but the true standout in this film and who makes the whole film work so well is none other than Fairuza Balk. She has always had a unique look and portrays the angsty Nancy in splendid fashion. She exudes piss and vinegar all throughout this film. The Craft is a film that is perfectly spellbinding and never loses its charm. (Joe Vargas)
Suspiria
Dario Argento’s 1977 movie, Suspiria, remains as one of the most gorgeous-looking films of the horror genre, boasting cinematography and set designs that never fail to keep you immersed, despite the story being rather thin. In 2018, director Luca Guadagnino gave audiences a remake that’s not only one of the best horror retellings, but is also one of the best modern horror movies. The story follows an aspiring dancer, Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson), who travels from America to Berlin when she’s offered a spot at a prestigious dance academy. However, as she spends more time there, she realizes that the school may be home to a coven of witches. The screenplay by David Kajganich takes a bold approach to the story by making it nearly an hour longer than the original. The movie remains in the same time period as Argento’s version and follows the same general story, but it also takes on an enriching historical context, using the era of the Berlin Wall to examine the separation between East and West Berlin and have it reflect the rift that grows amongst the witches, and it’s a fascinating move that pays off. Aside from the compelling divergence from the source material, the performances are stellar, with Johnson providing superb work when exhibiting Susie’s slow transformation from a dancer into something much, much more, and Tilda Swinton couldn’t be better as the choreographer who takes Susie under her wing. This movie isn’t for everyone (especially with THAT scene in the mirrored rehearsal room), but if you’re looking to add a bit of art-house to your Halloween horror-movie marathon this year, Guadagnino’s Suspiria is one that you should consider placing in your lineup. (Vincent Abbatecola)
Also see: Gretel & Hansel, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, Maleficent, Rosemary’s Baby, The Crucible, The Last Witch Hunter, The Witches (1990), The Witches of Eastwick, The Wizard of Oz