Samhain might just be our favorite Pagan holiday of the year. It’s time to light some candles and settle in for some great movies about witches and magic.

To elevate your Samhain celebration, we’ve rounded up our favorite cult classics, horror witch movies, and a few family-friendly favorites for everyone to enjoy.

1. The Witch (2015) 

If you’re looking for a horror witch movie, this slow burn drama is a must-watch this Samhain. The story takes place in the 1630’s in New England after a family is excommunicated from their Puritan colony.  

While playing peek-a-boo with the youngest baby, the baby disappears in the blink of an eye — which is only the start of the climax.  

The family battles the rough winter on their own, while the elder daughter is accused of being involved in witchcraft as a dark witch tempts them from the forest. Filled with beautiful cinematography and historical elements, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in this film. 

2. Hocus Pocus (1993) 

Who could forget the notorious Sanderson Sisters?  

Hung for witchcraft in Salem in the 1600’s, 3 witches are inadvertently resurrected by a teenage boy on Halloween night who lights a black flame candle.  

This witch movie has everything you need from a 90’s flick — quirky characters, light comedy, and of course some musical ballads by Bette Midler who plays Winnie, the brains of the operation.  

If you’re a hardcore Hocus Pocus fan, you’ll be delighted to know that they’re currently filming a sequel with the original cast. 

3. The Blair Witch Project (1999) 

3 student filmmakers hike into the Black Hills of Maryland to film a documentary about a legendary witch. What’s the worst that could happen?  

When the 3 go missing, their chilling footage is found a year later.  

This creepy flick went on to become one of the most successful indie horror films of all time, and it’s credited for reviving the found-footage film technique also used in box office hits like Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity.  

When it was released, they even posted missing person’s posters for the actors as promotion for the film! 

4. Bewitched (2005)  

This feel-good rom-com is great to watch with your family on Samhain.  

While filming a remake of the 60’s sitcom Bewitched, actor Will Farrell discovers that his co-star is a real witch. Played by Nicole Kidman, the witch tries to blend in in Los Angeles when she lands the role for the show while falling for her on-screen husband.  

In real life, Kidman and Farrell earned themselves a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple, but that sort of adds to the comedy of the film.  

The cast is rounded out by Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine, and Kristin Chenoweth (in her first appearance on film). 

5. The Craft (1996) 

What better place for witchcraft than a high school in LA in the late 90’s? 

A surprise hit, this witch movie follows 4 teen outcasts who create a coven to test the limits of their supernatural abilities. Some get carried away with love spells, while others become greedy for power.  

With all the drama of high school, this story also comes with adult topics like suicide, sexual assault, and mental health — so if you’re watching with family, be sure to start conversations about these topics before watching.  

6. The Harry Potter Series (2001-2011) 

While the books are always better than the movies, this series of movies about witches and magic is beloved for its cast of lovable characters and epic journeys to defeat Lord Voldemort.  

In a witches and wizarding school called Hogwarts, 3 best friends learn how to hone their witchcraft. At school, our protagonist Harry Potter (“The Boy Who Lived”) learns about his past, and the evil wizard who killed his family and is out to finish him off. 

Die-hard fans will also be thrilled to hear that the series’ prequel about Severus Snape is currently being developed by HBO Max. 

We can hear the Potter-heads lining up now! 

7. Sleepy Hollow (1999) 

No Samhain movie list would be complete without a Tim Burton film!  

Loosely based on Washington Irving’s 1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this gothic horror film brings a police constable (played by a young Johnny Depp) to investigate a series of mysterious murders.  

The tiny town of Sleepy Hollow has been experiencing brutal decapitations by none other than the Headless Horseman. This non-traditional Halloween movie also features actress Christina Ricci, who broke into Hollywood with roles in The Addams Family and Casper. 

8. Practical Magic (1998)

Raised by their aunts after their parents’ death, Sally and Gillian Owens are different than the other young girls in their town.  

The Owens sisters carry an unfortunate family curse: every man they fall in love with will die! The 2 witches become adults (played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) and try desperately to navigate this curse with the men they fall for! 

9. Beetlejuice (1988)  

Another Tim Burton classic, this movie is always a great movie to watch on Halloween and Samhain with the whole family.  

When a recently dead couple discover a family is moving into their home, they try everything to scare them off. The broody young daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) can actually see them — which doesn’t help their cause.  

Working with their caseworker in the underworld, the dead newlyweds learn about a curious character called “Beetlejuice” who they're warned to avoid, but they nonetheless summon.  

Don’t say his name 3 times…or chaos ensues! 

10. Death Becomes Her (1992)

Wouldn’t it be lovely if a magical potion existed to give us eternal youth? Well, maybe not.  

2 women bent on upstaging each other take an elixir from a witch that promises they’ll be young forever. But it’s not without its side effects.  

As they both vie for the love of one man (Bruce Willis with hair), their bodies fall to pieces. This Samhain movie is excellent for helping you ponder your life, while laughing at the ridiculous lengths people will go to live forever! 

Elevate Your Spiritual Practices With Broom Magic  

Whether you celebrate Samhain with your coven or enjoy Halloween with your family, movies about witches are a great way to revel in the fun of the season.  

And if you’d like to take your witchy revelry to the next level, our Broom Magic eBook by practicing witch Sarah Elizabeth Schantz is a must-read. Discover how to turn this everyday household object into a source of magical power and self-care this Samhain. 

Download our free guide to broom magic to get started! >