Skip to content
MovieCove
The Witches

The Witches

Witches are real!

2020106 minPGMidcredits score: 19th percentile of all films
Director
Robert Zemeckis
Starring
Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci, Jahzir Bruno

In late 1967, a young orphaned boy goes to live with his loving grandma in the rural Alabama town of Demopolis. As the boy and his grandmother encounter some deceptively glamorous but thoroughly diabolical witches, she wisely whisks him away to a seaside resort. Regrettably, they arrive at precisely the same time that the world's Grand High Witch has gathered.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Witches?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Witches to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Witches?

The Witches earns 4 badges, led by Overhyped and Star-studded.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Witches worth watching?

The Witches' Midcredits score is the 19th percentile of all films, from 206K ratings across 6 sources. 26% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

19th percentile

Better received than 19% of films

23rd percentile among Adventure21st percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)25th
Approval (how many liked it)17th

53 /100

25th percentile of all films

28th percentile among Adventure27th percentile among 2020s

Critics 47 · Audience 54

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

26% liked it

17th percentile of all films

20th percentile among Adventure18th percentile among 2020s
26% rated it 7–1074% rated it 1–6

Critics 50% · Audience 32%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 10 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

98th percentile

205K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 17% in 30 days

Box office

Domestic gross$204K
Worldwide gross$29M

76th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree Anne Hathaway's performance is memorable and the film relies heavily on CGI, though they disagree on whether that's a good thing.

Fans praised

  • Anne Hathaway's over-the-top, campy Grand High Witch performance
  • Octavia Spencer's warm, spirited grandmother
  • Fidelity to Roald Dahl's book ending

Detractors panned

  • Anne Hathaway's inconsistent, comical accent
  • Over-reliance on cheap CGI instead of practical effects
  • Unnecessary remake that pales to the 1990 original

What stands out

ActingDivisive62

Hathaway and Spencer shine; child actors and others criticized

Plot and story50

Faithful to book but felt rushed and simplified

Atmosphere50

Alabama setting and hotel evoke some charm but lack menace

Emotional impactDivisive50

Grandma-grandson bond moves some, but overall flat

CharactersDivisive45

Grandma and Hero likable, but supporting characters underused

Pacing45

Rushed second half and some slow stretches

Effects and spectacleDivisive40

CGI mice and witch transformations widely panned

Originality35

Unnecessary remake with little new to offer

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is The Witches like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingHopefulWarm
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsWarm
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its supernatural premise with sincerity while balancing warmth and menace.
The rideThe middle section contains the high-stakes heist and confrontation with the witches, while the beginning and end are more familial and hopeful.
StructureThe film is framed by an older Charlie narrating the events of his childhood, contained within a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a sense of empowerment and joy as the family works together to defeat the witches.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows a boy who discovers a witch plot to transform children into mice and embarks on a mission to stop them and protect the world's children.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsSurvival
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe story revolves around the loving bond between Charlie and his grandmother, and the makeshift family they form with other transformed children, all set against the threat of a witch conspiracy.
StanceThe film ultimately celebrates family bonds and the courage of a child and his grandmother against a global threat.

The world

Mid 20th centuryDomesticInstitutionalMagical realism
Orchestral modernFolkSupportive music · original score · Alan Silvestri
SettingDemopolis, Alabama in 1968, with a hidden world of witches
MusicAlan Silvestri's score blends orchestral whimsy and Southern folk touches.

Content guide

Is The Witches okay for kids?

PG

The Witches is rated PG: “Rated PG for scary images/moments, language and thematic elements” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (50/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at minimal (11/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (27/100) and frightening material at intense (65/100). Overall it is heavier than 81% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • Brazil10
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary12
  • LTN-7
  • Netherlands9
  • Norway9
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • SK12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan普遍級
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 33% of all filmsHeavier than 81% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 79%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 17%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 18%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 49%
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 93%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Witches have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Witches?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Anne Hathaway
as Grand High Witch
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Octavia Spencer
as Grandma
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Stanley Tucci
as Mr Stringer
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jahzir Bruno
as Hero Boy
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Chris Rock
as Older Hero Mouse
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Codie-Lei Eastick
as Bruno Jenkins
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Kristin Chenoweth
as Daisy
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Charles Edwards
as Mr Jenkins
Morgana Robinson
as Mrs. Jenkins
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Brian Bovell
as Reginald
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Witches?

Movies like The Witches include The Witches (1990), The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) and Paddington in Peru (2024). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Robert Zemeckis, and most are magical-realist films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its story type: family adventure. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Witches?

552 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: supervillain. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.