Shubhabrata Dutta
Movies about witchcraft can be the darkest movies ever known to us, like the ‘Blair Witch Project,’ but on the other hand, they can also bring back the sweetest nostalgic memories of the good old days, like the ‘Harry Potter Series.’ A lot of times, witches are also portrayed as strong feminist figures with immense strength and power, and then there are times they’re depicted as horrifying, flesh-eating characters from a different dimension.
Whether it is to get spooked out by some bone-chilling horror flicks or to just have a good time with your family watching some strong, empowered women in some strong lead roles, we’ve got a long list of some really good witch movies available on Netflix right now just for you. So get out your sacred candles, your glass crystals, spellbooks to recite incantations, and most of all, your wands and say “Accio Witch Movies.”
13. Bulbbul (2020)
‘Bulbbul’ is a horror movie directed by Anvita Dutt Guptan and stars Tripti Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Paoli Dam, and Rahul Bose. The film is set in the late 19th century Bengal presidency and revolves around Bulbbul (Dimri), who was married off as a child bride to 20-years-elder Thakur Indraneel (Rahul Bose). She found a friend in Satya who was unfortunately sent away by her jealous husband, Indraneel, leaving her completely alone. Years later, when Satya returns, Bulbbul is a changed woman who doesn’t need any man in her life. While Satya decides to look into what made her this way, the villagers speak of a sinister entity that has been killing people. Whether and if yes, how these two storylines connect is what we find out in the movie. You can watch it here.
12. My Village People (2021)
‘My Village People’ is a dark comedy film directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. Set against the mystical backdrop of African folklore, the film captures the adventures of a Prince entangled in a love triangle with witches. The multi-talented Bovi Ugboma portrays the role of Prince. Alongside a remarkable ensemble cast including Nkem Owoh, Rachel Oniga, and others, the plot intricately weaves a tale of love, witches, and marine spirits.
Bovi Ugboma, who doubles as the writer and producer, exhibits his versatility beyond his comedic roots. The film artfully combines supernatural elements akin to popular Hollywood blockbusters with indigenous African tales. Its deep cultural resonance and intriguing supernatural narrative make it an absolute delight for those seeking a refreshing cinematic experience. You may watch the film here.
11. Fear Street Part 1: 1994 (2021)
Based on R. L. Stine’s book series, ‘Fear Street Part 1: 1994‘ is a slasher film written by Phil Graziadei and Leigh Janiak. The Leigh Janiak directorial centers upon the tiny town of Shadyside, which is getting a lot of media attention for a series of brutal slayings that have shaken many people. While the fear of the unknown paralyzes many people, a brave girl, accompanied by her friends, sets out on a mission to confront the dark forces that have posed problems for the town for centuries now. Feel free to check out the movie here.
10. The School for Good and Evil (2022)
Based on the 2013 namesake novel by Soman Chainani, ‘The School for Good and Evil’ tells the story of two childhood friends, Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso) and Agatha (Sofia Wylie), living in the village of Gavaldon. Sophie has heard of the titular school, where all the great heroes and villains of fairytales were once students. She dreams of going there, but Agatha has her reservations. They both end up at the school because of circumstances, and to the surprise of both girls, Sophie is delivered to the school of evil while Agatha is brought to the school of good. As the girls try to figure out how to navigate their new realities, an ancient evil makes its presence known and targets Sophie. You can check out the film here.
9. The Old Ways (2020)
Directed by Christopher Alender, ‘The Old Ways’ is a horror-thriller movie that follows a Mexican-American reporter named Cristina Lopez, whose hunt for a story on witchcraft leads her to her hometown near Veracruz. Unfortunately, Cristina’s passion leads him to nearby jungles, where she is abducted by locales. The mysterious bruja, or witch doctor there, strongly believes that the reporter is possessed by demons and can pose a danger to the people there. Cristina’s search for a story now suddenly turns into a life-and-death struggle in which she will have to put everything on the line and fight till the end. You can watch ‘The Old Ways’ here.
8. The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)
Directed by Jeff Wadlow, ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ tells the story of the Gordon family, who moves to the town of Bridge Hollow, New England, from Brooklyn in the days leading up to October 31. The daughter of the family, Sydney (Priah Ferguson), soon realizes that strange things are happening around them and tries to tell her parents about it. But her father, Howard (Marlon Wayans), a high school science teacher, struggles to believe this. While ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ is largely a forgettable film, Ferguson, arguably most known for portraying Erica Sinclair in ‘Stranger Things,’ is as engaging an actress as ever. Wayan’s antics are hit-and-miss, but the man is naturally funny, and that still comes through despite the imperfect script and direction. You may watch the movie here.
7. Apostle (2018)
Thomas Richardson decides to go to a remote island to look for his abducted sister, who has been kidnapped by a very strange religious cult there. Knowing the dangerous consequences of this, Thomas is determined to rescue his sister from the wrath of the sinister cult. Soon, Thomas begins to scorch the deepest secrets of the cult and makes them regret luring him into their mess. Anyone who is a fan of watching weird religious cult practices without indulging too much in a particular religion should give this one a chance. You may watch it here.
6. Nightbooks (2021)
Inspired by J. A. White’s namesake children’s novel, ‘Nightbooks’ is a dark fantasy movie written by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis. The David Yarovesky directorial follows Alex, a young boy who ends up getting imprisoned by an evil witch. Realizing that his death is almost guaranteed, the horror stories-obsessed boy manages to convince her to tell new stories every night to avoid a painful death. When Alexwitch’s servant, Yazmin, no longer wishes to stay with her, the duo begins to hatch an escape plan to save their lives, but will the duo succeed in their ambitious goal? You can stream the film here and find out.
5. The Ritual (2017)
When four friends (Luke being one of them) get together to pay tribute to their dead friend, they decide to hike down a forest. But soon, they get lost in the thick, dense forest and unknowingly start to drift towards a direction where they’re followed by an evil ancient presence that has been lurking in that part of the forest for ages. The witch-like monster that haunts them will surely give you the chills. The only problem most people have with this one is the ending, which isn’t all that bad, either. Don’t go on the low rating; watch it to experience a spooky psychological horror thriller. You can stream the movie here.
4. Coven of Sisters (2020)
‘Coven’ is a historical drama film helmed by director Pablo Agüero. The film paints a vivid picture of the 1609 Basque Country, where the fears of witchcraft were rampant. Starring Amaia Aberasturi and Alex Brendemühl, the film chronicles the disturbing journey of five young girls wrongfully arrested by the obsessed Judge Rostegui of the Spanish Inquisition. Their plight, with haunting Basque legends and the Sabbat’s looming threat, form the story’s crux. As they intertwine their imagination with ancient traditions, the girls attempt to navigate their way out of impending doom. The film’s meticulously crafted narrative and rich historical context ensure its place as a standout representation of witch-centric cinema. You can stream it here.
3. The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (2021)
Directed by Kwang Il Han, this anime film serves as a spin-off to Netflix’s live-action series ‘The Witcher,’ which is based on Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s novel series of the same name. While the live-action show has the witcher (hunters possessing supernatural powers with which they fight monsters and beasts) Geralt of Rivia as the protagonist, this anime movie centers on Vesemir, who is a witcher, as well as Geralt’s teacher. Executed in true anime style, this series is Vesemir’s origin story and serves as a great watch for Witcher fans as well as those who like anime. If you aren’t acquainted with the Witcher universe, this film will likely make you want to know more. You can stream it here.
2. Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017)
From the house of Studio Ponoc, ‘Mary and the Witch’s Flower’ is an animated feature directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. Based on Mary Stewart’s 1971 book ‘The Little Broomstick,’ the film follows a young girl named Mary Smith who comes across magical flowers at her Great Aunt Charlotte’s estate. It allows her to ride a broom like a witch. She ends up at the Endor College for witches and comes across Madam Mumblechook and Doctor Dee, who want the flowers for their nefarious purposes. How Mary stops the witches from fulfilling their objective is what we find out in this visually stunning movie. You can watch it here.
1. His House (2020)
Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) receive probational asylum in Britain after somehow managing to escape from war-torn South Sudan. However, they aren’t out of danger because their formerly empty, shabby house seems home to inexplicable entities. Soon, the couple finds themselves subjected to the torments of an apeth or a night witch. In South Sudanese Dinka folklore, an apeth is a supernatural being that consumes its victims, physically and psychologically, until its debts are cleared. Now Bol and Rial have to find out what their debt is before the apeth kills them. ‘His House’ is a gripping horror drama that subtly yet clearly addresses the titular genre and is directed by Remi Weekes. You can watch the film here.
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