The Witches

1990

"Magic hides in plain sight, beware the witches."

Also known as: 🇬🇧 EN: Roald Dahl's, The Witches^? 🇪🇸 ES: La maldición de las brujas^? 🇷🇴 RO: Vrăjitoarele 🇸🇰 SK: Bosorky^? All international titles (5) →

Fantasy Family Horror 91 min 6.8/10

Synopsis

The Witches is a movie released in 1990.

The Witches is a 1990 fantasy film that blends elements of family and horror, creating a unique atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults. Directed by Nicolas Roeg, the film is based on Roald Dahl's beloved children's book and features a notable performance by Anjelica Huston as the formidable Grand High Witch. The story unfolds in a whimsical yet eerie setting, where the line between fantasy and the frightening is artfully blurred. The narrative centers around a young boy who encounters a group of witches intent on eradicating children. This premise introduces themes of courage, resilience, and the battle between good and evil. The film effectively captures the essence of childhood fears while maintaining a sense of wonder, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. With its imaginative visuals and compelling character dynamics, The Witches offers viewers an engaging experience that explores the darker side of fairy tales, inviting audiences to confront their fears in a magical yet unsettling world.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	2/5
Sexual Content	0/5
Language	1/5
Drugs / Alcohol	0/5
Frightening Elements	4/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

There are scenes of mild violence, including characters being chased and some tense moments that may be unsettling for younger viewers.

Sexual Content

There is no sexual content present in the film.

Language

There are a few instances of mild language, but nothing that would be considered offensive.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are no references to drugs or alcohol in the film.

Frightening Elements

The film contains several frightening scenes involving witches, transformations, and suspenseful moments that may be intense for younger audiences.

Summary for parents:

The Witches is a fantasy film that includes elements of horror suitable for older children and teens. Parents should be aware of the frightening aspects and mild violence, which may not be suitable for younger viewers. Overall, the film promotes themes of bravery and friendship.

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

Don't Look Now

1973

Same Director Nicolas Roeg

Ballerina

2025

Same Actor Jasen Fisher

Addams Family...

1993

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Similar Theme

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Similar Genre

Where to Watch The Witches Online

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Box Office

Budget: $11,000,000

Revenue: $15,400,000

Profit $4,400,000

ROI +40% (1.4x)

Reviews & Opinions about The Witches

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The Witches is directed by Nicolas Roeg .

Cast of The Witches

Jasen Fisher

Luke Eveshim

Mai Zetterling

Helga Eveshim

Anjelica Huston

Miss Eva Ernst

Charlie Potter

Bruno Jenkins

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See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Crew & Production

Nicolas Roeg

Director

More from Nicolas Roeg

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Don't Look Now

1973 7.1

Keywords

#based on novel or book 613 #hotel 50 #witch 49 #based on children's book 24 #transformation 20 #grandparent grandchild relationship 11 #mouse 7 #tree house 4 #seaside 3

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures

Lorimar Film Entertainment

Jim Henson Productions

Trivia & Fun Facts about The Witches

6

• The film was shot on location in Norway and England, with the hotel scenes filmed at a real hotel in the town of St. Olav, which contributed to the film's eerie atmosphere.

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• Anjelica Huston, who played the Grand High Witch, underwent a dramatic transformation for her role, including extensive makeup and prosthetics that took several hours to apply each day.

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• The character of the Grand High Witch was inspired by the classic witch archetype, with Huston's performance drawing on both sinister and comedic elements to create a memorable villain.

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• There is a brief scene where a statue of a witch can be seen in the hotel lobby, serving as a visual clue to the film's underlying themes of deception and danger.

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• Bill Paterson, who played Luke's grandfather, was initially considered for the role of the Grand High Witch before the casting of Anjelica Huston.

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• The director, Nicolas Roeg, is known for his unique visual style, which is evident in the film's use of unconventional camera angles and lighting to create suspense and a sense of unease.

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