10 Scariest Witch Movies

Key Takeaways

Witches dominate horror films with their enigmatic power, alluring tales, and ability to evoke terror in viewers.
Witch movies delve into darkness beyond stereotypes, exploring themes of rivalry, family conflict, and coming-of-age struggles.
Each movie offers a unique take on witches, blending folklore with modern twists, stunning visuals, and suspenseful storytelling.

As a seasoned horror movie enthusiast who has been chasing goosebumps since the days of VHS tapes and sleepovers, I must say these three films have left quite an indelible mark on my spooky-loving heart. Each one offers a unique blend of tension, suspense, and sheer terror that lingers long after the credits roll.

For ages, witches have been central figures in storytelling, weaving chilling and enchanting narratives that linger in the minds of both adults and young ones as nightmares. The allure and enigma surrounding witches captivate and thrill audiences, making them an ideal theme for horror films.

At the core of numerous chilling witch-themed films lies a mysterious, otherworldly power that surpasses our earthly understanding, transcending the cliché of an old woman wearing a conical hat. Whether one is drawn by a macabre fairy tale or a startling supernatural narrative, nothing delivers the unsettling suspense and fear quite like a film about witches.

10 Snow White: A Tale Of Terror (1997)

A Grimm Fairy Story

Director: Michael Cohn
Release Date: August 24, 1997
Run Time: 1hr 40m

Snow White: A Tale Of Terror emphasizes the ominous undertones found in the original Grimm stories, lending a darker atmosphere to this popular fairytale. Sigourney Weaver portrays Lady Claudia, whose fascination with the occult deepens and influences her decisions. The animosity between the vain and spoiled Lilli and her malicious stepmother escalates until she can no longer resist giving in to her homicidal desires.

As a devoted fan, I’d say this film transcends typical storytelling, diving headfirst into complex themes like rivalry, loss, grief, and the intricate dance between life and death. The characters are richly layered and intriguing, with Lady Claudia standing out as particularly compelling. Her portrayal might even stir unexpected empathy in viewers. The pacing is spot-on, the drama heightened, and there’s a delightful, dark undertone that adds depth to every scene. The cast delivers stellar performances all around.

9 Hellbender (2021)

A Dark Mother-Daughter Tale

Director: John Adams, Zelda Adams, Toby Poser
Release Date: October 15, 2021
Run Time: 1hr 26m

Hellbender is an exceptional film that tells a unique coming-of-age story. The narrative revolves around the complex bond between a mother and her adolescent daughter, who has been shielded from a disturbing family mystery. As the teenager uncovers secrets about her magical lineage and the strength it imbues, she increasingly finds herself in peril.

Hellbender delves into the realm of witchcraft from the perspectives of two women at distinct life phases. This tale is both hauntingly atmospheric and intensely captivating as it portrays how tensions between a mother and daughter can escalate due to secrets, deception, and power struggles. Toby Poser, who plays the mother, exudes an entrancing aura that makes her performance a delight to witness, particularly during more intense scenes. The palpable on-screen connection between the actors is undeniably strengthened by their real-life relationship as mother and daughter, a fact that many viewers may not discover until later in the story.

8 The Wretched (2019)

Don’t Go Into The Woods

Director: Brett Pierce, Drew T. Pierce
Release Date: August 3, 2019
Run Time: 1hr 35m

The story, titled “The Wretched,” centers around a teenage boy named Ben. During a visit to his divorced father in a small lakeside town, he uncovers the presence of an ancient sorceress. As people refuse to believe his extraordinary allegations, attributing them to the emotional turmoil caused by his parents’ separation, the courageous Ben embarks on a personal mission to find a means to expel the shape-shifting, abductive witch.

This film offers a chilling atmosphere filled with suspenseful unease and hair-raising fright reminiscent of traditional horror tales rooted in folklore. Featuring a teen protagonist, it evokes the spirit of ’80s horror flicks while incorporating contemporary special effects and minimal graphic violence. The witch character is effectively terrifying and portrayed as more an otherworldly force than a human woman, fitting with the unsettling supernatural theme of the narrative. Although not overloaded with plot twists, it remains a nail-biting tale that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

7 Suspiria (2018)

Dancing Through A Nightmare

Director: Luca Guardagnino
Release Date: October 22, 2018
Run Time: 2hr 32m

Suspiria is a chilling psychological horror story, unfolding within a ballet academy governed by a group of witches. A young American dancer enrolls in this German dance institution with aspirations to hone her talents, only to uncover an unsettling truth that lies at the core of the school.

In this intense and contemplative film, Tilda Swinton captivates audiences by portraying three unique characters: an aged Holocaust survivor named Dr. Josef Klemperer, as well as the enigmatic Madame Blanc and the ominous Helena Markos. Her otherworldly aura adds depth to these roles. The rest of the cast delivers strong performances, backed by graphic violence and abundant gore. Unlike its 1970s counterpart, this adaptation is less subtle in its approach, focusing more on themes such as anti-fascism and societal upheaval. It’s not so much a visual treat for art enthusiasts as the original was, but rather a dark, captivating spectacle designed to both shock and delight.

6 Gretel And Hansel (2020)

A Twist In The Tale

Director: Osgood Perkins
Release Date: January 31, 2020
Run Time: 1hr 27m

According to an ancient story, there are two siblings named Gretel and Hansel who venture into the forest in hopes of finding aid. While wandering, they stumble upon a peculiar house hidden among the trees. The allure of delightful aromas emanating from within proves too strong for the hungry duo. Inside, an elderly woman appears kind-hearted initially, but things take a darker turn as events unfold.

Sophia Lillis portrays Gretel with her characteristic serious assurance, making the movie feel like she’s steering it to its conclusion. The visuals are stunningly crafted, with every carefully composed frame adding depth. The plot draws on the classic story but takes a unique and thought-provoking twist. Alice Krige delivers an outstanding performance as the witch, offering a fresh interpretation of the woods’ witch – a sinister old woman. This film is a chilling blend of fantasy and horror that lingers in the minds of viewers long after they finish watching.

5 Pyewacket (2018)

Suspenseful Supernatural Horror

Director: Adam MacDonald
Release Date: March 23, 2018
Run Time: 1hr 28m

Pyewacket narrates an ancient story that revolves around a teenager’s struggle with anger and yearning for control. Leah Reyes grapples with grief over her father’s demise and tension in her relationship with her mother, leading her to resort to a witch’s spell as a means of resolving her problems.

It turns out that invoking ancient powers is not the best way to deal with family conflict, and Leah soon realizes she has called upon forces that are now far beyond her control. Nicole Muñoz takes on the role of Leah, making the teenager likable and relatable, particularly to women who understand what it is like to feel like an outcast in their own home. This is a surprising slow-burn of a movie that doesn’t rely on cheap shock or jump-scares to frighten its audience. Instead, Pyewacket has the audience rely partly on their imagination, building tension as it progresses.

4 The Witch (2015)

Tense And Unsettling

Director: Robert Eggers
Release Date: January 23, 2015
Run Time: 1hr 32m

In the 1630s, the narrative of “The Witch” revolves around a Puritan family forced to relocate to a forest border where a witch dwells. As ominous occurrences transpire, the family gradually suspects and shuns their eldest daughter.

This film is both intelligent and unsettling, exploring complex themes such as grief, guilt, and the apprehension of the supernatural through religion. The performances across the board are exceptional, but it’s Anya Taylor-Joy who truly shines. Playing the eldest daughter, she does an outstanding job maintaining her sanity amidst the descent of her family into chaos. The movie is filled with palpable tension, haunting visuals, and breathtaking cinematography. What makes it even more chilling is how meticulously writer-director Robert Eggers crafted the film to appear authentic.

3 A Dark Song (2016)

A Subtle Slow Burn

Director: Liam Gavin
Release Date: September 22, 2016
Run Time: 1hr 40m

In a remote part of Wales, the story unfolds where Sophia Howard seeks communication with her deceased son, enlisting the aid of a self-proclaimed male witch named Joseph Solomon. Together, they endeavor to execute a ritual, promising them each their heart’s desire; however, one must wonder if either of these individuals can be trusted entirely. Is Joseph capable of conjuring supernatural forces? What hidden truths does Sophia conceal?

This film is a classic example of a slow-building suspense movie. It’s filled with palpable tension and the unsettling sense that something significant is imminent, yet remains unclear. For a stretch, it leaves the audience guessing about the true nature of Joseph and Sophia – is Joseph truly who he claims to be, and are Sophia’s intentions as they seem? The acting is so convincing it seems like peeking into a private conversation, and the plot progresses at a steady pace, keeping viewers engrossed.

2 The Autopsy Of Jane Doe (2016)

Uneasy And Atmospheric

Director: André Øvredal
Release Date: September 23, 2016
Run Time: 1hr 26m

The storyline of “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” centers around a duo of father and son coroners who are tasked with determining the cause of death for an unidentified young woman admitted to the morgue. As they delve deeper into the mystery, their findings only serve to raise further questions about her untimely demise.

The film maintains a consistent speed and keeps viewers hooked right from the opening scene. The portrayal of Brian Cox as the father and Emile Hirsch as the son is so genuine and effortless that it seems plausible they are real-life relatives. It doesn’t take much time for an unsettling horror atmosphere to develop, and as the duo delves deeper into Jane Doe’s background, more chilling and terrifying incidents unfold. The graphic violence is convincing, primarily focused on autopsies, with occasional jump-scares to keep hearts racing. This unique and intriguing interpretation of a witch story has captivated many horror enthusiasts for years.

1 The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Frightening Found Footage

Director: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez
Release Date: January 25, 1999
Run Time: 1hr 21m

In the mid-1990s, the terrifying tale of “The Blair Witch Project” left horror enthusiasts spellbound, with clever promotional tactics leading many to believe it was an authentic documentary. The narrative unfolds around a group of student filmmakers who find themselves hopelessly lost in a forest rumored to be haunted by a local witch.

Regardless of whether you know it’s fictional, this found-footage documentary-style movie should be at the pinnacle of every horror enthusiast’s list. Though brief, it is brimming with chilling and disquieting scenes. The actors, portraying themselves, deliver outstanding performances that vividly depict the ordeal of a group of friends gradually getting lost and succumbing to fear. The narrative flow and dialogue seem genuine, making it plausible why some viewers believed the entire production was authentic. With minimal budget and absence of gore or special effects, the film hinges on spine-tingling audio and top-notch acting, thereby allowing the audience’s imagination to supplement any missing details.

2024-10-28 21:25