Quick life update and round up of what is coming up this Spooky Season and beyond!
Hello Darlings!
Holy Hecate, what a whirlwind this Spooky Season has been. The astrology was… astrologying, to put it plainly. Anyway, how are y’all holding up?
Firstly, I’m so happy to be back here with you. The truth is, both AJ and I have been navigating the loss of a dear friend recently and needed to take some time away to heal. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, that’s for sure.
Now, I’m slowly crawling back out of the woodwork (which, I’ve discovered, has been floating in a bog). I guess this means I’ll just have to post some of the spooky season content I’ve been working on straight into November… so, yeah. Spooky Christmas it is, kids! Oh, wait—Gothmas? Both work, honestly.
Here’s what’s brewing for the coming weeks:
🔮 Film Coven More curated lists are on the way! Please keep sending your recommendations for films and themes—your suggestions truly fuel this coven.
📚 Witchy Type We’re diving into books, music, theatre, interviews, and more. Because let’s face it—we’re all fabulous culture witches at heart.
✨ Rituals and Spells With Halloween and Yule approaching, we’ve got powerful moments ahead to empower your manifestations and inspire a full spiritual glow-up.
💄 Glamour Magick Beauty, fashion, wellbeing, and beyond. Get ready—we’re stepping into our confidence and elevating our everyday magic, Darlings!
Weaving Your Magickal Tapestry
Remember, you don’t need to do all the ‘jazzy’ things that you see on social media. Even one small, focused act—like blowing cinnamon across your threshold or taking 5 minutes to set intentions whilst having your morning coffee —is enough to mark a transition with magic and purpose. By taking a few minutes for a simple ritual, you move from passively watching the calendar turn to actively weaving the tapestry of your month.
How have you been welcoming this powerful season? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you.
Want More Witchy Wonders?
🔮 Book a tarot reading or workshop with me, Emma! Just email emma@emfluence.co.uk and we’ll take it from there. (P.S. My actual witchcraft shop is launching over at Witchytype.com soon—stay tuned!)
Magickal Rituals to help bring in a new month. Its October 1st – the countdown to Halloween has begun!
Its October 1st – We are now officially in Spooky Season and the countdown to Halloween has begun! As the calendar turns from September to October, there’s a palpable shift in the air. The light slants differently, the wind carries a new crispness, and the world begins to hum with a spooky, magickal energy. For witches and magickal folk, this isn’t just a date change; it’s a potent threshold. Pass us the Halloween decorations, we’re going in.
A new month is a blank page in your grimoire, a chance to set powerful intentions and align your energy with the themes of the season. This October, don’t just let the month happen to you. Conjure it with purpose.
Here is your simple guide to welcoming October with witchcraft, from a beloved prosperity ritual to other ways to set your magickal tone.
The Cinnamon Abundance Ritual: A Sweet Start to October
Perhaps the most popular and joyful new-month ritual sweeping through the witchy community is the act of blowing cinnamon into your home. This simple practice is a powerful piece of sympathetic magic, rooted in the intention of drawing abundance—in all its forms—across your threshold.
Why Cinnamon? Cinnamon has been prized for centuries not just for its flavor, but for its potent magical properties. It’s associated with:
Prosperity & Abundance: Its warm, stimulating energy is believed to attract wealth and success.
Protection: The strong scent is said to create a protective barrier against negative influences.
Spiritual Power: It raises vibrational energy, making it perfect for amplifying your intentions and spiritual work.
How to Perform the Cinnamon Ritual:
Gather Your Supplies: All you need is about a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is ideal, but any cinnamon from your kitchen spice rack will work beautifully.
Set Your Intention: Before you begin, hold the cinnamon in your hand. Close your eyes and focus on what “abundance” means for you this October. Is it financial prosperity? An abundance of joy, creativity, or peace? Be specific in your mind.
Blow in the Blessings: Stand outside your open front door, facing inward. Place the cinnamon in the palm of your hand. Take a deep breath, focusing on your intention, and gently blow the cinnamon from your hand, across the threshold and into your home. As you do, you can say a simple affirmation aloud, such as:“With this cinnamon, I blow in prosperity and joy. Welcome, October. My home is a magnet for abundance.“
Let it Settle: Do not sweep or vacuum the cinnamon for at least 24 hours. This allows the energy to settle and permeate your home, giving the magic time to work. After that, you can clean it normally, visualising any residual stagnant energy being swept away with it.
While the cinnamon ritual is a fantastic foundation, you can build a more personalised monthly practice around it. Here are a few other ways to welcome October’s unique magic.
Energetic Cleansing: Sweep Away the Old Before you can fill a cup, it must be empty. Start your month by cleansing your physical and energetic space of any lingering September energy.
Open a Window: Even for just a minute. Let the stale air of the past month out and invite the crisp, new energy of October in. Shouting and commanding bad spirits out of the house is another fun way to get the house vibes up.
Smoke Cleansing: Pass a bundle of rosemary, cedar, or sage around your front door, windowsill, and yourself to clear stagnant energy. As you do, state, “I release all that no longer serves me. My space is clear and receptive.” or whatever intents feel right to you.
Sound Bath: Ring a bell, chime, or sing a note in each corner of your main rooms. Sound is a powerful vibratory tool for breaking up dense energy. Yes, banging a saucepan does actually count.
2. Set the Tone: Candle Magic for Your Intentions What do you want to manifest this October? A candle spell can set the tone.
Take a candle (a tea light or a small chime candle is perfect). Anoint it with a drop of olive or sunflower oil, moving from the wick outward to draw energy in, or from the base to the wick to release energy.
As you do, speak your intention for October. Is it protection for the spooky season? Introspection for your shadow work? Joy for the Halloween festivities? Press that intention into the wax.
Light the candle and let it burn safely while you meditate, write in your journal, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet. Visualize your month unfolding as you desire.
3. Divination for the Month Ahead: Consult the Cards Ask your tarot or oracle deck for guidance. A simple three-card pull can offer profound insight:
Card 1: The Energy of September’s End. What are you carrying over?
Card 2: The Core Theme of October. What is the central lesson or focus?
Card 3: Advice for Navigating the Month. How can you best work with this energy? Journal the message and keep the cards on your altar or desk as a guide you can revisit all month long.
4. Create an October Grimoire Page Dedicate a page in your Book of Shadows or journal to this powerful month.
Write the word “OCTOBER” in a beautiful script.
Note the astrological events (New Moon, Full Hunter’s Moon).
Circle Samhain on October 31st.
Jot down your cinnamon ritual intention, your tarot pull, and any goals or spells you want to work on. This act physically and magically dedicates space for the month’s magic, making you an active participant in its creation.
Weaving Your Monthly Tapestry
You don’t need to do all of these things. Even one small, focused act—like blowing cinnamon across your threshold—is enough to mark the transition with magic and purpose. By taking just 15-30 minutes for this practice, you move from passively watching the calendar turn to actively weaving the tapestry of your month.
How will you be welcoming October? Share your favorite new-month rituals in the comments below!
It’s September, Coven and that means only one thing….(No, NOT seasonal depression, but that’s up next…)
It’s Spooky Season! The time of year where Witchy Types every where try to numb the agony of living in late stage capitalism and the shit show that is the politics of today by celebrating all thing Halloween. Its sacred time for many to just have some joy – I think Delia Deetz expresses our sentiments best:
As soon as the first leaf falls to the ground trust that I’m running for my big woolly knits and forcing my cottage core baking fantasy upon everyone. No one is safe, and the best way I’ve found to calm this beast down is by providing it with some snacks and to watch a good film. Now, we know how complicated it can be deciding upon what film to watch so I’ve sorted out that tricky part too by curating a series of film lists based around specific and very niche ‘vibes’.
[For a start, I am a Pisces Sun & Moon, therefore everything I ever do and will do is based on vibes. I do not make the rules…]
Today’s topic is Fantasy Gothic films and every single one is a favourite of mine so this list is very special to my icy heart. And yes, of course there is a part two in the works…like I could just make one list on this particular genre!
TLDR; A fabulously dressed Witch terrorizes men by giving them what they want.
A modern day ‘Good for her’ cult classic – The Love Witch,(2016) directed by Anna Biller, is a visually stunning and thematically rich homage to the Technicolor melodramas of the 1960s and ’70s. A genre-blending film that simultaneously pays tribute to and satirizes the romantic and witchcraft genres of the period. The film follows Elaine (played by Samantha Robinson), a beautiful and enchanting witch who is on a quest to find true love after her late husband broke her heart. Her journey takes her through a series of passionate and tumultuous relationships, all while practicing her magical arts (been there.)
It’s a darkly comedic, feminist, and visually sumptuous film that while it may not be for everyone due to its intentionally retro and campy style, those who appreciate its artistry and message will find it to be a bewitching and thought-provoking cinematic gem. It’s also one of those films that you get something from upon every watch. What you take away from it in your 20s is built upon when you watch in your 30s and so on. Basically, lets all just run off and set up a witchy queer commune, eh? Just say the word, Coven, and I’ll set up the go fund me.
If you don’t find yourself falling in love with the wardrobe then I don’t know what to say, as it’s fantastic! Also, let’s just give the eye make-up the appreciation it deserves. Yas, Mama worked that eye flick! With eye makeup that fabulous what’s a bit of homicide between friends, eh?
As I love to give a bit of everyday Emma lore in my posts – I actually WAS invited to the UK Film Premier of this film but couldn’t go as I had a last minute Client Pitch landed on me…. And people ask why I work for myself now…pft. I could’ve met the actors and everything, eurgh!
Watch: Its actually on a few of the free digital channels such as freeview etc. YEY, a win for once, eh?
TLDR; Tim Curry is in it.
Tim. Curry. I mean, I could have left it there but for those who like more details ‘Legend’ (1985) directed by Ridley Scott, is a visually stunning and fantastical film that takes us on a journey into a mythical world filled with magic and darkness. The costumes are simply to die for, and I certainly used to run around in an old bridesmaids dress pretending to be Princess Lilly, but then, didn’t we all? A classic example of ’80s fantasy cinema, with amazing special effects and makeup. The film’s enchanting soundtrack by Tangerine Dream adds another layer of magic to the story (but actually super fans like myself will also know about the original soundtrack that came before that also slaps!). Legend remains a visually captivating and iconic piece of ’80s cinema, especially for fans of the fantasy genre.
Oh and a young, Tom Cruise literally walks around with no trousers on for all of it as he plays ‘Jack’ a woodland dweller. It’s also riddled with fairies, elves and other magical folk. Actually, thinking about it, Legend is basically the main cause of why people of a certain age’s have weird archetype crushes, a penchant for LARPING as well a need deep in our DNA to run around the Forrest in a flowing Princess sleeved dress. IT’S A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT I TELL THEE!
How could I not share this Gem of an image between Tim Curry and Grace Jones?…GRACE. JONES. Credit: IMDB
On the topic of weird crushes, this leads us nicely into the reason why your femme friends of various ages read so many darn spicybooks….
Watch: In the UK its on several of the free channel….Get. In.
TLDR; It has David Bowie in it…which again, I could leave there, but when have I ever turned down the option to talk at length about anything?
Labyrinth (1986) directed by Jim Henson, is a truly beloved fantasy film that combines the imaginative puppetry of Henson with the charismatic presence (IYKYK) of David Bowie as the Goblin King. The film follows Sarah (played by the beautiful Jennifer Connelly) as she navigates a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King’s clutches. Labyrinth is a delightful blend of whimsy, adventure, and music, with Bowie’s iconic songs like “Magic Dance” adding to the film’s charm.
And yes, if he isn’t going to try to secure me by creating an epic ball room masquerade to impress me, I don’t want him.
The puppetry and practical effects are top-notch, creating a visually enchanting world that still captivates audiences even today. This film is a timeless classic and I couldn’t recommend it enough…*Manifesting a Labyrinth ballroom themed party* Also hands up everyone who massively disagreed with Sarah at the end…like gurl, listen to Aunty Emma, being David Bowie’s Goblin slave Queen is literally THE GOAL.
Actually whilst I am here, there is also a UK based Labyrinth convention. Someone please come with me (and whilst you’re here, why not pay, eh?) I BEG YOU.
On an Emma lore note, my 30th Birthday was David Bowie Themed…I can’t remember much of it which is a good sign but my hilarious and beautiful friend Denica came as Jareth and its still one of my favourite memories. Trotting around London pissed with each group member dressed as an era of Bowie. I was Ziggy Star Dust as I had literally had the outfit laying around. I am not even joking.
Eurgh, I LOVE HER. (And that has nothing to do with the fact she has a resemblance to me. It’s not her fault she’s pretty, let the Queen, Queen!)
Based on the screenplay by Angela Carter from her novella collection ‘The Bloody Chambers; The Company of Wolves (1984), directed by Neil Jordan, is a unique and visually striking take on the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale. The film weaves a dark and dreamlike narrative filled with symbolism and metaphor, exploring themes of sexuality, fear, and transformation. Basically, if you asked a girl to make a film about puberty and the change from girlhood to womanhood, shed make this. Now, don’t be put off by that description as it’s also a fantastic horror film. The use of practical effects and makeup to depict the wolf transformations is astounding especially in these CGI times, and the film’s eerie atmosphere adds to its unsettling charm. Angela Lansbury’s performance as the grandmother is a standout. There are so many lil’ cameos as well. Terence Stamp as the Devil? SWOON.
The Company of Wolves is a thought-provoking and visually rich film that offers a fresh perspective on a familiar fairy tale. Like ‘The Love Witch’ it reveals so much more upon every rewatch. Again, I know I say this a lot but THE COSTUMES are sublime.
Simply one of my favourite films, EVER. I never ever get tired of it. It was the first film that I was able to actually sit through and watch when I was suffering my lil’ depressive episode aka ‘The Great Saddness’…eurgh if you’ve been there then you understand how monumental that is…and if you are going through that, I DOES get better, sweetie. I PROMISE.
Anyway, I’m working on a more in-depth piece on this film so watch this space!
The Last Unicorn
Image Credit: animationobsessive.substack.com and PLEASE also read the fabulous article on the making of the film via the above link.
The Last Unicorn (1982) directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., is a beautifully animated and emotionally resonant fantasy film based on Peter S. Beagle’s novel. The story follows a unicorn who embarks on a quest to find others of her kind, encountering a cast of memorable characters along the way. The soundtrack to this film is catchy and I still have the opening theme song playing in the background in my mind on repeat to this day. The voice cast is stacked including Christopher Lee, Mia Farrow and Alan Arkin. The film’s hand-drawn animation is simply sensational and highlights the artistry of traditional animation…which makes sense as the studio that made this went on to form THE studio Ghibli. Beware it does make you a wee bit weepy at the end.
There is truly a character for any demographic in this film, but I’m gonna end with THAT Molly Grue Scene. EURGH. Check out this article if you also find yourself crying and identifying with Molly Grue.
I cannot explain to you what this film means to many queer, trans, NeuroSpicy and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or alone in the world. We stan.
Sending love to everyone who will never give up hope of seeing a real unicorn! ❤
Watch: In the UK its on a few of the free channels and Amazon
Ah of course Tim Burton is on this Fantasy / Gothic list, and rest assured he has a larger post coming.
TLDR; One of Tim Burtons Best works in his usually kooky, gothic and creepy style.
Beetlejuice (1988) directed by Tim Burton, is a darkly comedic and visually inventive film that showcases Burton’s signature style. The story revolves around a recently deceased couple who seek the help of the eccentric and chaotic ghost, Beetlejuice, to rid their home of the living. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Beetlejuice is a highlight, combining humour and grotesquery in a memorable way. Its such a funny film with really engaging characters and takes you to all sorts of kooky settings – on first watch you sincerely have no idea where the film is going which is unique in it’s self. The film’s quirky characters, whimsical afterlife setting, and Danny Elfman’s iconic score contribute to its enduring popularity. Beetlejuice is a cult classic that blends humour and the macabre in a way that only Tim Burton can.
The costumes are engrained in the of fashion preferences as so many people watched this as a child and fell in LOVE with it style. Lydia’s Red wedding dress haunts my dreams, and what do you know, Barb’s housewifey in-door dress is actually worn by quite a few of Gen Z right now. Lets not even cover the impact of the Monochrome stripes etc….as we all know.
Hands up who wanted to be Lydia Deetz? Oh, all of us, cool. I’ve fully made my peace with the fact that I have grown into a Delia instead.
TLDR; Mortica and Gomez. (Children, please don’t take anything less than this, Love Aunty Ems x)
The ONLY film that you need to reference when someone asks what are your couple goals, “The Addams Family,” directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, is a darkly delightful and macabre comedy that brings to life the beloved and eccentric Addams family from Charles Addams’ cartoons. The film revolves around the eerie and unconventional clan, led by Gomez (The Legend that is Raul Julia) and Morticia (HRH Anjelica Huston), as they navigate the challenges of modern life and grapple with the return of long lost brother, Fester ( The brilliant Christopher Lloyd).
The film’s production design is a visual feast, capturing the dark and Gothic atmosphere of the Addams’ mansion with intricate details and quirky inventions serving as inspiration for future goth generations to come. “The Addams Family” explores themes of acceptance and family bonds, emphasising that love comes in many unconventional and spooky forms. Its catchy theme song, distinctive characters, and iconic one-liners have made it a beloved classic that continues to captivate new generations.
And of course, if it isn’t Gomez’s level of adoration or Cousins ‘IT’s’ vibe of compassionate Rizz, DUMP HIM.
It’s also where I got introduced to ‘Great Aunt Calpurnia’ whom I have discussed before.
Phew! Now that is a list that is a delight for the eyes hopefully helped get some of y’all to agree on a film to watch tonight…if not, what more do you people want?! Seesh 😉
Hopefully, I’ve managed to inspire you to watch a film or maybe you have seen any of the above films? Let me know below in ze comment and/or on my social channels as I’m needy like that. But really, I am doing this because I love it and speaking to fellow Witchy Types so any thing that makes me feel less like I am screaming into the digital void is always appreciated ❤
Reach out if you have a recommendation that you’d like me to review or mention!
It’s officially Spooky Season so here is part 2 of the ‘Best Witch Films To Watch Over Spooky Season’ series – any recommendations? Let us know!
It’s that time again, Coven…September 1st which means that it’s officially Spooky Season and as Halloween hasn’t happened yet we’re still keeping up with our Halloween/Halloweentropes in film theme. As I had so much fun curating the first list last year I thought I’d carry it on, so here is part 2 of the ‘Best Witch Films To Watch Over Spooky Season’ series. If I still haven’t mentioned your favourite Halloween or spooky season film or you have a recommendation, please let me know below in our comments or via my social channels.
I am so excited about Part Two as one of my favourite movies of all time is featured…its at the bottom, I wonder if you can guess…hmm.
Bell, Book and Candle(1958): A witch, played by Kim Novak, uses her spells (and other charms) to make a man fall in love with her but later goes through a change of heart. Like many grotty little witchy children, I was initially taken in by the cat in this film because, CATS. It certainly caught my attention and thrived in my brain – oh how I loved how glamorous the witch was.
The Craft: Legacy (2020): A contemporary sequel to the AH-Mazing original film, which, lets be honest, for witches of millennial age was THE initial gateway into the practice… It follows a new group of aspiring teenage witches discovering their powers and the legacy left by previous witches. Full disclosure, I haven’t seen this one yet so it’s one my to watch list (Which is very shamefully getting as long as my Witchy Type to read pile) so I’m gonna give this a watch over the next few days and report back.
The Covenant (2006): A group of wealthy young warlocks must confront their destined legacy as a terrible curse threatens their lives. Basically, a group of petty male witches seek revenge….what’s not to love? If you’re into that sort of early 00’s horror flick, this will be right up your street
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005): Based on C.S. Lewis’ novel, this epic fantasy adventure tells the story of four siblings who stumble upon a magical wardrobe transporting them to the enchanting land of Narnia. There is a fabulous Ice Witch involved who causes havoc and is also played by Tilda Swinton…like, yes please. I think anyone who has read this book or seen it visually has never approached a wardrobe in the same way again…That’s the one closet I’d happily walk into any day, honey!
The Skeleton Key (2005): Starring Kate Hudson as Caroline, a hospice nurse who takes a job caring for a stroke victim in a decaying Louisiana plantation. As she explores the mansion’s dark history and encounters the enigmatic couple played by Gena Rowlands and John Hurt, she becomes embroiled in a web of mystery and malevolent forces. The film’s atmosphere is steeped in Southern Gothic elements, and it weaves a suspenseful and unsettling narrative.
Into the Woods (2014): This musical blends various fairy tales and includes THE wicked witch, portrayed by [MOTHER] Meryl Streep. The characters journey into the woods to fulfil their deepest wishes [Yey!] but soon find themselves entangled in a complex web of consequences and moral lessons[Boo!]. The film skilfully blends humour and darkness, exploring themes of responsibility, and the complexities of ‘happily ever after.’ It’s a whimsical and thought-provoking journey that captivates audiences with its enchanting melodies and clever storytelling. You WILL be singing these tunes to yourself for days afterwards. Yes, James Corden is in it which is awful but again, Meryl Streep is also a witch in it…so it kinda evens out. Duality and all that I guess…
The Blair Witch Project (1999): Shot in a found-footage style, this supernatural horror film follows three student filmmakers who enter a Maryland forest to uncover the mystery behind the Blair Witch. Truly a great example of ‘If you can’t be famous be infamous’ the Witch gets limited screen time but she makes it WORK, honey.
Quick reminder to the new readers that I am Queer as F**k annnnnnnd Neurospicy, so my opinions on this film should be judged through that frame point… I just love what I love, ok? The weirder the better in fact ❤
Truly one of the greatest movies ever made, and to this day many of us who have viewed this film question how it even got made. This film was truly manifested out of chaos and I am forever grateful. Bad? It’s terrible, but in the way a true cult classic is terrible, it’s saved by its sincerity which elevates it to high camp. Basically, it’s just a pile of 80’s middle class Americana and some witchcraft sprinkled on the side.
It’s hard to explain the film but basically a teen girl finds out she is a witch and malarky ensues…and THIS RAP SCENE happens.
Now try to watch that scene again without stopping at certain points to ease the cringe? Exactly, you can’t.
TOP. THAT.
And the best part is that this isn’t the only musical interlude in the film – as there are also some fabulous random musical moments including a highly questionable girls locker room scene. Speaking of questions, this film is so brilliantly bad that you’ll find yourself asking questions long after it’s finished.
Clearly, this film is a special interest of mine and I will have to dedicate an entire article to it (give the audience what it wants as they say and that audience is well, me, in this instance). The fashions are also very 80’s and just oh, it’s magnificent.
Have you seen any on the list, get a movie recommendation or are going to give one on the list a watch? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or via my social channels ❤ Now, I am off to go watch Teen Witch…
Emmas shares part 1 of the Digital Film Coven’s Best Witch Films to Watch Over Spooky Season list. Let us know you’re thoughts!
It’s here, Spooky Season is upon thee, billowing over us in a pumpkin spice scented cloud. As the colder season approaches, it’s the perfect time to cosy up with some wickedly enchanting movies. If you are anything like us here Digital Coven HQ, your movie nights can often be delayed via ‘selecting a film highly charged discourse’ as we will politely refer to it….we’ve all been there. So we’ve formed a panel, a Digital Film Coven as it were and curated some film lists around specific niches to help you claw some time back. We’re creating peace here, what else can I say?
Today’s theme is Films with Witches in…because we’re Witches and we like films with Witches in.
From classic tales of witchcraft to modern interpretations, these films are sure to cast a spell on you. Here’s a curated list of 10 witch films to help you celebrate the season in bewitching style.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993): This beloved family Halloween movie follows the misadventures of three hilarious witches resurrected in modern-day Salem. Truly a favourite of many witches who may have had their VHS copy on repeat and still channel the Sanderson Sisters chaos in their everyday life (moi). It has recently been followed up by a sequel in 2022 so we can expect more from this witchy trope ridden series.
2. The Witch (2015): Set in New England in the 1630s, this unsettling horror film explores the paranoia and supernatural occurrences that befall a Puritan family. Starring the Queen that is Anya Taylor Joy, who stars alongside Black Phillip. If you know, you know.
3. The Craft (1996): Four high school girls delve into the dark world of witchcraft, discovering their powers and its consequences. This film is the reason why a lot of women in their 30’s started covens in their teens…some of us never stopped, sigh.
They have recently also released another film in 2020 and a TV show. No, I haven’t watched them.
4. Practical Magic (1998): Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters with magical abilities, this romantic comedy-drama weaves spells and love potions. THAT house, THOSE Aunts. It’s just a dream vibe and it itches a witchy cottage core scratch in the most delightful way. It’s become a bit of a Halloween classic but you can watch it all round and love it. I do.
5. The Wizard of Oz (1939): Follow Dorothy and her friends as they encounter the Wicked Witch of the West in the timeless adventure set in the magical Land of Oz. Fabulous technicolour, and on pointe shoes. The colourful characters carry you on an adventure that you will be thinking about for time after. There are some really catchy tunes in this film as well.
6. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989): In this Studio Ghibli animated masterpiece, a young witch sets up a delivery service and navigates the challenges of independence. If it’s Ghibli you know it’s gonna be good.
7. The Witches (1990): Based on Roald Dahl’s book, this fantasy-comedy tells the story of a young boy who uncovers a plan by witches to turn children into mice. I personally prefer this 1990’s one. What can I say, I am a traditionalist in some senses. Petty in others. It’s called nuance.
8. Suspiria (1977): This Italian horror film directed by Dario Argento follows a young ballet student who discovers that her dance school is run by a coven of powerful witches. There is also a later remake that has been released which is worth a watch.
9. Stardust (2007): In this fantastical adventure, a young man ventures into a magical realm inhabited by witches, princes, and fallen stars, all in search of true love. It’s a fantasy lover’s wet dream in visual format – and writer Jane Goldman is a big crush of mine. So there you have it.
10. The Love Witch (2016): A modern homage to 1960s Technicolor thrillers, this visually stunning film follows a beautiful witch using love spells to find her perfect partner. Very Lana Del Rey coded. A Pisceans day dream of a film and a personal fave of mine with great feminist undertones…and ah-mazing clothes, darling. Oh, and homicide, so it has everything a girl could want in a film, really.
Another random tangent but I was meant to go to this premiere party for this film but I had to miss it as I had a last minute presentation land on my desk. Bitter? Moi? Non…I bet the canapes were fabulous.
So there is the very first list of The Best Witch Films to Watch Over Spooky Season, and of course there will be a part 2 (and potentially a 3..) Make sure to let me know your thoughts on the list or any recommendations down in the comments below or via my social channels.
Digital Coven 
