Witch-themed films do more than just showcase magic and spells. Many of these spellbinding films are deeply connected to experiences that women face daily. They reflect how female independence and strength have historically been demonized, while presenting these qualities in empowering, thought-provoking ways. These films show that strength can take many forms and remind us of the choices we make, the paths we follow, and that the power we claim often has long-lasting consequences.
Each of the films in this list is relatable to very real phases of our lives. They offer lessons and insights on navigating growth, relationships, self-discovery, and personal responsibility even through their mystical and supernatural lenses.
BEWARE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS BELOW!
Kiki’s Delivery Service
▪︎ Year Released: 1989
▪︎ Scariness Rating: ⭐
▪︎ What Still Binds Me: I first saw Kiki’s Delivery Service at the public library on a trip with my cousins. At first, they were a little judgmental of my choice, but once we watched it, I gained the unofficial title of good movie chooser. Although we were all a little younger than Kiki, I felt we could relate to her struggles. Her journey to independence and self-discovery really stuck with me and became one of the movies I most associate with my childhood.
Kiki’s Delivery Service captures that awkward stage of adolescence, where everything feels new, exciting, uncomfortable, and scary. Kiki sets out on her own, eager to prove herself and find her place in the world. When she suddenly loses her powers, she is forced to confront what it means to grow up on her own terms. It is not just about learning how to tap into her magic again; it is about realizing that she cannot define herself through others’ expectations. For many women, Kiki’s journey feels especially familiar, echoing the pressures to mature “gracefully” while still holding onto the parts of ourselves that make us feel free.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
The Craft
▪︎ Year Released: 1996
▪︎ Scariness Rating: ⭐ ⭐
▪︎ What Still Binds Me: I was actually late to watch The Craft. I remember seeing it suggested multiple times across different platforms, but I didn’t get around to it until a few years ago. The anxiety that Sarah feels moving to a new town and trying to make friends really hit me. She changes who she is to fit in, but she soon realizes the actions she’s been taking aren’t right and don’t align with her morals. To set things straight, she began to distance herself from the dark and manipulative magic they had been practicing together.
I watched The Craft at a time when I was making new friends myself. It reminded me that not every person you meet will be a good friend. That lesson stuck with me, especially as I moved into the next phase of my life. Even as adults, it’s important to be mindful of the people we let into our circles.
Where to Watch: Free on Tubi
Suspiria
▪︎ Year Released: 1977 (original), 2018 (remake)
▪︎ Scariness Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
▪︎ What Still Binds Me: I first watched Suspiria on the suggestion of a high school friend. We watched it together, and I went in completely blind, spellbound by the film’s colors, music, and energy. (I started with the original version.) I wasn’t particularly scared at the time since it felt campier, but the experience stuck with me. Revisiting the remake, I noticed new details and was able to engage more deeply with the story I had missed the first time.
Suspiria captures the intense and sometimes terrifying transition into womanhood, especially within academic or artistic spaces where ambition, mentorship, and power blur together. It mirrors the uncertainty of entering new environments, whether college, a first job, or a new community, where women are often expected to prove themselves while remaining composed and likable. The film turns that pressure into something hauntingly physical. The dance academy’s rituals become a metaphor for how women’s bodies and identities are shaped, tested, and sometimes consumed by the systems put in place. Yet through all of this, Suspiria also reveals resilience and shows how transformation, even when painful, can become an act of reclaiming one’s own power.
Where to Watch: Free on Tubi (1977), Free on Prime Video (2018)
The Love Witch
▪︎ Year Released: 2016
▪︎ Scariness Rating: ⭐ ⭐
▪︎ What Still Binds Me: I first discovered The Love Witch online, drawn to the makeup, styling, and wardrobe. Everyone was talking about how beautiful and captivating the film looked. I feel that The Love Witch particularly resonates with women in adulthood, as it explores the pursuit of love and the need to strive for perfection.
The aesthetic of The Love Witch feels both hyper-realistic and playfully campy, a vivid fantasy world that keeps joking with the viewer. Set in a dreamy 1960s-inspired universe, the film occasionally suddenly drops in a modern object, breaking the illusion and reminding us that this story is timeless. It follows Elaine, a young witch trying to reclaim control of her life and take charge of her pleasure. Unfortunately, her obsession with perfection and an idealized romance leads to self-sabotage in her relationships. The magic may not be the true danger; it is her insatiable longing to be loved on her own terms, something that mirrors how many women today still struggle to balance self-worth with the desire to be seen, desired, and accepted for who they truly are.
Where to Watch: Free on Tubi
Dark Shadows
▪︎ Year Released: 2012
▪︎ Scariness Rating: ⭐ ⭐
▪︎ What Still Binds Me: I saw Dark Shadows in theaters with my brother when it first came out. (I still have the movie ticket stubs.) I was completely obsessed with the film growing up. The aesthetics, music, story, and references to Love Story fascinated me. I loved the relationships between Barnabas, Victoria, and his family. When I was young, I initially saw Angelique as a simple villain. Revisiting the film as I’ve grown older, I realized she was also a woman who had been hurt and scorned, though she was never truly justified in her later actions. Unlike the other films, the witchcraft is more in the background; nevertheless, the themes of power, love, and consequence remain very present.
Angelique’s journey reflects the difficulty many of us experience after heartbreak. It shows how hard it can be to move on even when everyone else has moved forward, and how lingering emotions can shape our actions. Dark Shadows presents to us the emotional complexity of loss and lingering love. It is a reminder that unresolved pain can manifest in harmful ways and that failing to process it responsibly can have real consequences, as it does for Angelique.
Where to Watch: Free on Prime Video
The magic we carry
These films all resonate with us at different stages of our lives, offering reflections on how we navigate growth, independence, friendship, love, and self-discovery. Whether this is your first time watching some of these films or you are revisiting old favorites, each one reflects experiences many of us go through in life. While not all of these movies were intentionally made in the name of female empowerment, they all offer a unique perspective on the choices we make, the people we let into our lives, and the ways we define ourselves and claim our own power. Even without true magic, these lessons are real and can help us better understand ourselves.
So light your candles, brew your tea, pop some corn! It’s time to settle in with a spellbinding story that speaks to the magic within us all.
Witching you a Happy Halloween!
