As we near the climax of our #31DaysofHalloween, it’s time to celebrate the magic in the air – this week, we’re bringing you some of the best movies centered around magic.
The Craft (1996)
Synopsis: A newcomer to a Catholic prep high school falls in with a trio of outcast teenage girls who practice witchcraft. They all soon conjure up various spells and curses against those who anger them.
Why it’s good: Before AHS: Coven gave us designer witch outfits, The Craft served us a wholesome meal of mini-skirt goth paired with a curious downward spiral into witchcraft. And here’s a fun fact about this Halloween classic: many of the rituals shown are legitimate Wiccan practices as directed by an on-set consultant, so be careful recreating any of them at home!
Where to watch it: Vudu, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes, Starz
The Covenant (2006)
Synopsis: Four young men who are part of a New England supernatural legacy are forced to battle a fifth power long thought to have died out. Meanwhile, jealousy and suspicion threaten to tear them apart.
Why it’s good: Made a whole ten years later, The Covenant is the boyish answer to The Craft. Boy witches aren’t common in media for a lot of historical reasons, but this movie – cringy lines and all – is one fun ride.
Where to watch it: YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu, iTunes, Netflix
Practical Magic (1998)
Synopsis: Two sisters, raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town, face closed-minded prejudice and a curse that threatens to prevent them from ever finding lasting love.
Why it’s good: One part supernatural movie and three parts romance, we follow a pair of witch sisters growing up as part of a witch family with a long history of broken hearts – but love is the one true power. Sit down with your popcorn and your mushy feels!
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime, Vudu, iTunes, HBO
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Synopsis: A curious youngster moves to Salem where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.
Why it’s good: A favorite of outdoor community showings, you’ll likely find Hocus Pocus playing in your local cinemas or city park during the spookiest season, and with good reason! Whether you’re an adventurous kid who identifies with the young heroes or a tired millennial rooting for the Sanderson Sisters, you should definitely add a viewing of Hocus Pocus to your annual Halloween traditions!
Where to watch it: iTunes, Youtube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Synopsis: An orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry where he learns the truth about himself, his family, and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.
Why it’s good: We have yet to come up with a suitable system to measure the impact Harry Potter has had on our culture, but we can say for certain that if you’re thinking of magic and Halloween, you can’t leave this one out. While the later movies in this monumental saga became grittier, as the war with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named loomed, this first movie was ripe with joyous discovery and magical delight. Who among us hasn’t wanted to decorate our own homes with floating Jack O’ Lanterns like the ones in the Great Hall or venture into a Forbidden Forest to find unicorns? Although, if you are looking for some light trauma, try watching this one back to back with The Deathly Hallows.
Where to watch it: Netflix, Amazon Prime
What did you think of our magical list? What movies make you want to break out some candles and black cauldrons? Let us know on Twitter!
