Is The Witches Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Witches is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Witches Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1990, The Witches emerges as a significant entry in the Fantasy, Family, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young boy named Luke and his grandmother go on vacation only to discover their hotel is hosting an international witch convention, where the Grand High Witch is unveiling her master plan to turn all children into mice. Unlike standard genre fare, The Witches attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Witches features a noteworthy lineup led by Jasen Fisher . Supported by the likes of Mai Zetterling and Anjelica Huston , 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 Witches (1990) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Witches Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Witches is a Fantasy, Family, Horror film that transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A young boy named Luke and his grandmother go on vacation only to discover their hotel is hosting an international witch convention, where the Grand High Witch is unveiling her master plan to turn all children into mice. Will Luke fall victim to the witches' plot before he can stop them? The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- 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 climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
The Witches Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Witches concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to fantasy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Witches reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Witches?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Witches Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $11.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $15.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Witches Budget
The estimated production budget for The Witches is $11.0M. 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Witches
- Jasen Fisher – Luke Eveshim
- Mai Zetterling – Helga Eveshim
- Anjelica Huston – Miss Eva Ernst
- Charlie Potter – Bruno Jenkins
- Rowan Atkinson – Mr Stringer
Top Highlights
Jasen FisherLuke Eveshim
Mai ZetterlingHelga Eveshim
Anjelica HustonMiss Eva Ernst
Charlie PotterBruno Jenkins
Rowan AtkinsonMr Stringer
Bill PatersonMr Jenkins
Brenda BlethynMrs Jenkins
Jane HorrocksMiss Irvine
Nora ConnollyBeatrice
Rose EnglishDora
Where to Watch The Witches Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Witches is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Witches stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Witches movie hit or flop?
The Witches has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Witches worth watching?
The Witches is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Fantasy, Family, Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Witches online?
The Witches may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Witches
Young "Luke" (an enthusiastic Jasen Fisher) lives with his grandmother "Helga" (May Zetterling) after being mysteriously orphaned. His grandmother has made him worldly wise to the ways of witches, and so he is alert to the antics of "Eva" (Angelica Huston) when he and his ever-hungry new friend "Bruno" (Charlie Potter) meet in a seaside hotel. Overhearing her evil grand design as she addresses a convention of hags and crones, both he and his friend are turned into white mice - but can he get back to his grandmother and warn her before all the children in the world are gone? It's quite a quickly paced and fun adventure this, with plenty of escapades as the boys/mice have to steal the potion and thwart the witches. Jim Henson has provided some suitably grizzly effects and the supporting cast - especially the rather supercilious Bill Paterson as the father of "Bruno" help keep the film flow effortlessly for ninety minutes before an ending that might put you off pea soup for quite a long a while. It has dated a little, but is still an enjoyable piece of family cinema that I did quite enjoy.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
