Whether you’re a fan of the classics like “Suspiria” and “Rosemary’s Baby” or you prefer the modern horrors of “The Witch” and “Hereditary”, these 20 scary witch movies are a must watch.
Witches have always held a special place in the hearts of horror fans.
From their mysterious rituals and arcane incantations to their eerie presence in the darkest corners of folklore, witches have been an inspiration of terrifying tales for centuries.
Witch themed horror films offer a perfect blend of the occult and the macabre.
We’ve conjured up a list of 20 scary witch movies that will immerse you in a world of dark magic, sinister covens, and chilling curses.
We’ve included classics that have withstood the test of time like the Dario Argento three mothers trilogy, as well as more contemporary titles like “Hellbender” and “Gretel & Hansel”.
There is a FREE movie checklist you can download to keep track of what you want to see.
Links included below to the where the movies are streaming FREE (where available).
Summary: Drenched in vibrant colors and eerie music by Goblin, “Suspiria” spins the tale of an American ballet student who stumbles into a prestigious but sinister German dance academy. It’s got spooky vibes, gruesome deaths, and a whole lot of supernatural happenings. This classic is a favorite for its visually stunning aesthetics and unnerving suspense. Its the first movie in the “Three Mothers” trilogy.
Why it’s a Favorite: “Suspiria” is a cult classic that feels like a hallucinogenic nightmare, blending artistry with horror in a way that’s truly unforgettable.
Summary: “Inferno” is the second installment in Dario Argento’s “Three Mothers” trilogy. It follows a young man who discovers a book revealing the existence of three powerful witches. His investigation leads him into a nightmarish world of evil.
Why it’s a Favorite: This visually stunning film is lauded for its surreal, dreamlike sequences and artistic horror.
Summary: In this conclusion to Argento’s “Three Mothers” trilogy, an ancient urn is unearthed, releasing a powerful witch who brings chaos and death to modern day Rome. A young art student becomes entangled in the ensuing chaos.
Why it’s a Favorite: It’s a visually striking, gory spectacle that serves as a satisfying conclusion to Argento’s witch themed trilogy, delivering both horror and style in abundance.
Summary: When a mysterious corpse arrives at a small town family morgue, a father son coroner duo discovers unnerving and inexplicable secrets during the autopsy. As they uncover the truth about this unidentified woman, they find themselves trapped in a nightmarish situation.
Why it’s a Favorite: This movie’s eerie atmosphere and unexpected twists keep you guessing, and its unique take on witchcraft adds an intriguing layer to the mystery.
5. The Woods (2006)
Director: Lucky McKee
Cast: Agnes Bruckner, Patricia Clarkson, Bruce Campbell
Summary: Set in the 1960s, “The Woods” follows a troubled teenage girl sent to a mysterious boarding school in the forest. Strange occurrences, disappearing students, and a dark secret lurking in the woods make this a hauntingly atmospheric film.
Why it’s a Favorite: This movie offers a haunting, atmospheric setting with a touch of mystery, perfect for fans of supernatural horrors set in eerie forests.
6. Black Sunday (La maschera del demonio) (1960)
Director: Mario Bava
Cast: Barbara Steele, John Richardson, Andrea Checchi
Summary: “Black Sunday” is a gothic horror classic that kicks off with a witch’s curse. Centuries later, the witch returns for revenge, possessing the body of a descendant and spreading terror. This Italian gem is visually stunning and served as a major influence on the horror genre.
Why it’s a Favorite: Its atmospheric storytelling and iconic imagery cement it as a cornerstone of witch themed horror.
Summary: When a lawyer rescues a mysterious woman from an accident, he soon discovers her dark, otherworldly powers. As he becomes entangled in her web, he realizes the terrifying extent of her control and the danger he’s in.
Why it’s a Favorite: This movie explores the seductive and dangerous nature of witchcraft, keeping you on edge as the supernatural elements unfold.
8. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Director: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez
Cast: Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, Michael C. Williams
Summary: This found footage horror flick follows three student filmmakers as they venture into the woods to investigate the legend of the Blair Witch. As they get lost and strange things start happening, their footage becomes a haunting testament to their terrifying ordeal.
Why it’s a Favorite: Its groundbreaking approach and ability to create fear through the unseen make it a unique horror experience (at least for the time).
9. The Wretched (2019)
Director: Brett Pierce, Drew T. Pierce
Cast: John-Paul Howard, Piper Curda, Jamison Jones
Summary: A teenage boy discovers a malevolent witch living next door, preying on unsuspecting victims by possessing their mothers. As he tries to stop her, he faces a horrifying battle against dark forces.
Why it’s a Favorite: It revives the classic concept of witches in a modern setting, adding a fresh spin to the folklore.
Summary: “Rosemary’s Baby” follows a pregnant woman who begins to suspect that her neighbors have sinister plans for her unborn child. As paranoia and occultism blend, the film delivers a sense of creeping dread.
Why it’s a Favorite: It’s a masterclass in psychological horror, using tension and uncertainty to create an atmosphere of haunting terror.
11. Lords of Salem (2012)
Director: Rob Zombie
Cast: Sheri Moon Zombie, Bruce Davison, Jeff Daniel Phillips
Summary: In “Lords of Salem,” a radio DJ unwittingly unleashes a coven’s curse while playing a mysterious vinyl record. As eerie events begin to unfold, she’s drawn into a nightmarish world tied to her own dark past.
Why it’s a Favorite: Rob Zombie’s visually arresting and haunting storytelling creates an unsettling atmosphere that’s hard to shake off.
12. Phenomena (1985)
Director: Dario Argento
Cast: Jennifer Connelly, Donald Pleasence, Daria Nicolodi
Summary: “Phenomena” revolves around a young girl with a psychic connection to insects. As she tries to solve a murder at her boarding school, she unravels a web of darkness involving a twisted killer and a sinister secret.
Why it’s a Favorite: This unique blend of horror and supernatural elements, coupled with stunning visuals, makes it a standout in the witchy genre.
Summary: “Hereditary” delves into a family’s unraveling after the death of their secretive grandmother. As terrifying occurrences escalate, the family grapples with inherited darkness and a horrifying legacy.
Why it’s a Favorite: This film masterfully blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, leaving audiences disturbed and captivated.
14. The Witch in the Window (2018)
Director: Andy Mitton
Cast: Alex Draper, Charlie Tacker, Carol Stanzione
Summary: A father son duo attempts to renovate a rural farmhouse, only to discover it’s haunted by the ghost of a witch. As they uncover her tragic story, their bond is put to the test.
Why it’s a Favorite: It’s a heartfelt and chilling ghost story, focusing on characters and emotion while delivering genuine scares.
Summary: Set in 1630s New England, “The Witch” follows a devout Puritan family banished from their colonial plantation. They build a new home on the edge of a dark forest, which is when eerie events start to unfold. This film weaves a chilling tale of paranoia, folklore, and the terrifying unknown.
Why it’s a Favorite: It’s a slow burn, atmospheric horror that delves deep into superstition and primal fears, leaving you with a sense of dread long after the credits roll.
Summary: “The Craft” brews up a story about four teenage girls practicing witchcraft. As they delve deeper into their powers, things get out of control, leading to unexpected consequences. It’s a blend of high school drama, empowerment, and supernatural thrills.
Why it’s a Favorite: This film mixes teen angst with witchcraft, offering a potent cocktail of girl power and dark magic.
Summary: This retelling of the classic fairy tale focuses on Gretel’s journey into the woods with her brother Hansel. They encounter a witch whose intentions might not be what they seem, leading to a dark and twisted adventure.
Why it’s a Favorite: Its atmospheric storytelling and eerie visuals give a fresh and haunting perspective to a well known tale.
Summary: After refusing an elderly woman an extension on her loan, a loan officer is cursed and tormented by a malevolent demon. She has three days to rid herself of the curse before she’s dragged into the depths of hell.
Why it’s a Favorite: Sam Raimi infuses horror and humor in this rollercoaster ride of scares and gross out moments.
Summary: A college student takes a babysitting job in a remote house, only to realize she’s been lured into a satanic ritual. As the night unfolds, she discovers horrifying secrets hidden within the house.
Why it’s a Favorite: This slow burn horror pays homage to 1980s horror films, building tension until a shocking climax.
Summary: A mother and daughter, who live secluded in the woods and believe they are the last surviving witches, encounter a dark force that threatens their existence.
Why it’s a Favorite: This indie film, written and directed by a family trio, delivers a fresh take on witchcraft, blending drama and horror while showcasing a unique family dynamic behind the camera.
Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005.
She loves all things horror! Movies, Books, Magazines, Podcasts and Film Festivals. *****
Fav Author: Richard Laymon — Fav Director: Dario Argento — Fav Magazine: Cemetery Dance — Fav Podcast: Final Girls Horrorcast *****
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