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critics consensus

With a deliciously wicked performance from Angelica Huston and imaginative puppetry by Jim Henson's creature shop, Nicolas Roeg's dark and witty movie captures the spirit of Roald Dahl's writing like few other adaptations. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

While staying at a hotel in England with his grandmother, Helga (Mai Zetterling), young Luke (Jasen Fisher) inadvertently spies on a convention of witches. The Grand High Witch (Anjelica Huston) reveals a plan to turn all children into mice through a magical formula. When they find that Luke has overheard, the witches test the formula on him. Now, with the help of Helga and the hotel manager, Mr. Stringer (Rowan Atkinson), Luke the mouse must fight back against the witches.
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    kids and family, adventure, fantasy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Nicolas Roeg
  • Producer:
    Mark Shivas
  • Writer:
    Allan Scott
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $8.7M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Jim Henson Productions, Lorimar Film Entertainment
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby, Surround

Cast & Crew

Anjelica Huston
Miss Eva Ernst, Grand High Witch
Mai Zetterling
Helga
Jasen Fisher
Luke
Rowan Atkinson
Mr. Stringer
Bill Paterson
Mr. Jenkins
Brenda Blethyn
Mrs. Jenkins
Jane Horrocks
Miss Irvine
Anne Lambton
Woman in Black
Sukie Smith
Marlene
Rose English
Dora
Nicolas Roeg
Director
Allan Scott
Screenwriter
Roald Dahl
Writer (Novel)
Jim Henson
Executive Producer
Mark Shivas
Producer
Stanley Myers
Original Music
Harvey Harrison
Cinematographer
Tony Lawson
Film Editor
Celestia Fox
Casting
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News & Interviews for The Witches

Hear Us Out: Roald Dahl’s The Witches Is the Scariest Kids’ Movie Ever Made
The House with a Clock in Its Walls Might be a Little Too Creepy for Young Kids
View All

Critic Reviews for The Witches

All Critics (43) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (40) | Rotten (3)

View All Critic Reviews (43)

Audience Reviews for The Witches

  • Oct 26, 2020
    Despite the changed ending this remains one the most faithful Dahl adaptations in tone and execution. Those terrific make-up effects still hold up.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Jun 03, 2016
    This is the kind of kid's movie we need to start making again moving forward.
    Gimly M Super Reviewer
  • May 13, 2016
    I don't understand the high rating most reviewers give this movie. It is a very simple story - witches are bad and kill little children - some kid is smart/lucky enough to kill witches.
    Red L Super Reviewer
  • Jan 17, 2013
    Anjelica Huston makes the perfect witch and has played it again..and again...and again..and she is delightful. She really brings the menace here and you kind of hope that all the kiddies are turned into mice but alas tis not to be.
    John B Super Reviewer
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