The allure of the mystical and the unknown has found a contemporary audience today, driving a notable rise in the popularity of witchy movies and supernatural-themed content. This surge mirrors a broader societal fascination with mysticism, which has seamlessly transitioned onto the screens. Streaming platforms, notably Netflix, have become a haven for those seeking to delve into stories of the arcane from the comfort of their homes.
As this genre continues to bewitch its viewers, having a curated list of the crème de la crème of witchy movies at one’s disposal is invaluable. The ensuing list of 15 exemplary witchy films serves as a gateway to the mystical realm and satiates the modern-day viewer’s penchant for the supernatural. It’s a curated journey awaiting the curious, right at their fingertips, ready to transport them into worlds where the mystical entwines with the mundane.
15 Best Witchy Movies To Watch On Netflix
Movie 1: Secret Magic Control Agency (2021)
This animated comedy revolves around the classic characters of Hansel and Gretel. In a modern spin, the duo must utilize magic to combat the evil witch from the Gingerbread House. This family-friendly movie is a humorous take on a famous fairy tale, making it an excellent choice for a family movie night.
- Director: Aleksey Tsitsilin
- Notable Cast: Not available
- Witchy Elements: This movie embarks on a whimsical journey of magic, highlighting the classic battle between good and evil witches.
- Unique Qualities: The modern spin on a timeless fairy tale provides a humorous and fresh perspective on the theme of witchcraft.
Movie 2: Coven of Sisters (AKA Coven) (2020)
Set in 1609’s Basque Country, this historical adventure drama unfolds when most men are at sea, leaving women to fend for themselves. The story centers around Amaia, who participates in a nightly dance ritual in the woods with other village girls, only to be arrested and accused of witchcraft1.
- Director: Pablo Agüero
- Notable Cast: Amaia Aberasturi, Àlex Brendemühl, Daniel Fanego
- Witchy Elements: The movie delves into historical witch hunts, portraying the perilous situations the accused women find themselves in.
- Unique Qualities: Its historical setting and the exploration of a real witch hunt era offer a dark yet intriguing look into the lives of women accused of witchcraft during that time.
Movie 3: Stardust (2007)
This fantasy adventure follows Tristan as he ventures beyond his village to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, only to discover that the star, Yvaine, is a living being. They must then evade evil witches seeking to harness Yvaine’s magic to retain their youth. The film, based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, is a whimsical journey filled with romance and magic.
- Director: Matthew Vaughn
- Notable Cast: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer
- Witchy Elements: The evil witches seeking to exploit the star’s magic, and the fantastical setting.
- Unique Qualities: The imaginative narrative combined with romance sets it apart in the genre1.
Movie 4: The Witches (1990)
A young boy, Luke, discovers witches plotting to turn children into rats at his hotel. Together with his grandma, they endeavor to thwart the witches’ nefarious plan. This film, based on Roald Dahl’s book, is a spooky fantasy tale that has captivated audiences, particularly those growing up in the 90s.
- Director: Nicolas Roeg
- Notable Cast: Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher
- Witchy Elements: The sinister plan of the witches and the magical confrontations.
- Unique Qualities: Its nostalgic value and adherence to Dahl’s darkly whimsical storytelling style1.
Movie 5: Sleepy Hollow (1999)
In this horror mystery, Ichabod Crane, a skeptic of the supernatural, is sent to investigate gruesome murders in Sleepy Hollow. Soon, he discovers that dark magic is at play. This Tim Burton film, based on Washington Irving’s classic tale, combines eerie atmospheres with a compelling mystery.
- Director: Tim Burton
- Notable Cast: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson
- Witchy Elements: The dark magic and the classic tale of witches and supernatural occurrences.
- Unique Qualities: The gothic aesthetic and mysterious plot, coupled with Burton’s unique style, provide a spooky, visually stunning experience1.
Movie 6: Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017)
This charming animated adventure follows young Mary, who discovers a magical school and a flower that blooms once every seven years, enabling magical flight. The film explores Mary’s adventures as she navigates this newfound magical realm.
- Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Notable Cast: Hana Sugisaki, Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Yûki Amami
- Witchy Elements: The magical school, enchanted flower, and the whimsical journey into a world of magic.
- Unique Qualities: The captivating animation and heartwarming narrative make it a delightful watch for all ages.
Movie 7: Nightbooks (2021)
This fantasy horror flick is a thrilling ride for those who revel in spooky narratives. When Alex, a young boy fond of scary stories, finds himself ensnared by an evil witch in her enchanted apartment, his only means of survival is to narrate a terrifying tale each night. Alongside another captive, Yasmin, Alex seeks a way out of this eerie predicament.
- Director: David Yarovesky
- Notable Cast: Winslow Fegley, Krysten Ritter, Lidya Jewett
- Witchy Elements: The menacing witch and her magical apartment set the stage for a story where fear is the key to survival. The chilling ambience, coupled with eerie supernatural occurrences, amplifies the witchy aura.
- Unique Qualities: Targeted towards a younger audience, the film manages to balance the horror with a narrative that’s engaging for teens and tweens, making it a spooky yet accessible choice for younger viewers.
Movie 8: Apostle (2018)
Set in 1905, this harrowing narrative follows Thomas Richardson as he embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his sister held captive by a sinister religious cult on a remote island. As he delves deeper, the horrifying truths of the cult and the island’s mystical secrets unravel.
- Director: Gareth Evans
- Notable Cast: Dan Stevens, Lucy Boynton, Michael Sheen
- Witchy Elements: The cult’s dark rituals, the eerie island setting, and the exploration of faith and fanaticism against a backdrop of pagan lore intertwine to evoke a haunting witchy ambiance.
- Unique Qualities: Its brutal and visceral depiction of cult horrors, mingled with a suspenseful plot, set it apart as a harrowing exploration of faith and the supernatural.
Movie 9: The School For Good and Evil
This film delves into a fantastical realm where two best friends find themselves at a mysterious school that trains young individuals to become fairy tale heroes or villains. The dichotomy of good and evil, intertwined with magical elements, forms the crux of this narrative.
- Director: Not available
- Notable Cast: Not available
- Witchy Elements: The mystical school setting, the exploration of moral dualities, and the magical undertones throughout the narrative.
- Unique Qualities: The imaginative take on fairy tale tropes and the exploration of friendship amidst magical chaos.
Movie 10: A Witches Ball
A magical adventure awaits as Beatrix, a young witch, gets ready for her initiation into the witching world. The journey unfolds with whimsical events, magical creatures, and the timeless theme of discovering one’s true self.
- Director: Justin G. Dyck
- Notable Cast: Morgan Neundorf, Karen Slater, Loukia Ioannou
- Witchy Elements: The enchanting world of witches, magical balls, and whimsical creatures.
- Unique Qualities: The light-hearted and magical adventure that is appealing to a younger audience.
Movie 11: The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw (2020)
Set in a small isolated community, the story unfolds as Audrey Earnshaw and her mother, shrouded in mystery, start to reveal their unsettling and eerie secrets, much to the horror of the townsfolk.
- Director: Thomas Robert Lee
- Notable Cast: Jessica Reynolds, Catherine Walker, Jared Abrahamson
- Witchy Elements: The eerie atmosphere, unsettling mysteries, and the slow unraveling of dark secrets.
- Unique Qualities: The slow-burn horror coupled with an atmospheric setting and compelling performances.
Movie 12: Fear Street Trilogy (2021)
This trilogy is a time-traveling horror saga that explores the sinister history of Shadyside through different eras, unveiling a curse that has haunted the town for centuries.
- Director: Leigh Janiak
- Notable Cast: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr.
- Witchy Elements: The recurring theme of an ancient curse, witch hunts, and the dark history that binds the town.
- Unique Qualities: The narrative spanning different time periods, offering a unique blend of horror and historical exploration.
Movie 13: My Village People
This movie embarks on a whimsical exploration of the supernatural, diving into a narrative filled with magical elements, humor, and the quintessential struggle between good and evil.
- Director: Not available
- Notable Cast: Not available
- Witchy Elements: The clash between the mystical and the mundane, the humorous take on magical phenomena.
- Unique Qualities: The blend of humor with supernatural themes offers a light-hearted approach to the genre.
Movie 14: The Old Ways (2020)
Venturing into a darker realm, this horror film explores the sinister traditions of a remote village, where a journalist finds herself ensnared in ancient rituals and a terrifying reality.
- Director: Christopher Alender
- Notable Cast: Brigitte Kali Canales, Andrea Cortés, Julia Vera
- Witchy Elements: The eerie rituals, ancient curses, and a haunting atmosphere steeped in old-world magic.
- Unique Qualities: The sinister depiction of ancient traditions and the harrowing journey of the protagonist.
Movie 15: The Ritual (2017)
A group of friends trekking through the Scandinavian wilderness find themselves in a nightmarish reality as they encounter an ancient evil lurking in the forest, leading to a battle for survival amidst the unknown.
- Director: David Bruckner
- Notable Cast: Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier
- Witchy Elements: The ancient evil force, eerie wilderness setting, and the descent into a mystical horror.
- Unique Qualities: The blend of psychological horror with folklore and the menacing ambiance of the Scandinavian wilderness.
Bottom Line
Witchy movies offer a unique blend of fantasy, horror, and magic that continue to captivate audiences. These 15 movies showcase the diversity within this genre, from family-friendly comedies to dark horror flicks. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a spellbinding movie marathon filled with witches and their mystical worlds.