The Craft
Performance & Direction: The Craft Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Craft (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Craft features a noteworthy lineup led by Robin Tunney . Supported by the likes of Fairuza Balk and Neve Campbell , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Craft (1996) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Craft
Quick Plot Summary: The Craft is a Horror, Drama, Fantasy film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A Catholic school newcomer falls in with a clique of teen witches who wield their powers against all who dare to cross them -- be they teachers, rivals or meddlesome parents. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: The Craft
Ending Breakdown: The Craft concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Craft reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Craft?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: The Craft
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $24.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Craft Budget
The estimated production budget for The Craft is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Craft
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Where to Watch The Craft Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Sony Pictures Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVThe Craft Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about The Craft age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Craft is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Craft stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Craft worth watching?
The Craft is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Craft parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Craft identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Craft?
The total duration of The Craft is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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