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The Witches Reviews

1989 Certificate PG
  • 70
  • from 2888 members

Following the death of his parents in a car crash, young Luke is taken to England by his grandmother, who delights him with her tales of dark forces, witches, and their wicked ways. While stopping at a seaside hotel, Luke discovers a plot by the Grand High Witch to turn all the children of England into mice. Can Luke and his .. Read more

Starring Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Bill Paterson, Rowan Atkinson
Director Nicolas Roeg
Genres Comedy

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  • Critics' reviews (6) of The Witches

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    Roald Dahl's story about a little boy on a seaside holiday who discovers a witches' convention plotting to annihilate children is brilliantly brought to life in this fantasy adventure by director Nicolas Roeg. As chief witch, Anjelica Huston gets a gruesome Jim Henson's Creature Shop makeover, while Mai Zetterling is transformed into lavender and old lace as the boy's granny. Memorable sequences include the one in which the boy is turned into a mouse. Children should hold their parents' hands through some of it — grown-ups are notoriously nervous.

    • Radio Times
  • Dark, marvelous....What it shows, again, is the secret of Henson's vast appeal: his respect for children and their intelligence...

    • Los Angeles Times
  • A gutsy version of Roald Dahl's story, reasonably faithful despite the changed ending. Luke (Fisher) and his Norwegian... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • Most helpful members' reviews (3) of The Witches

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    The Witches (Roald Dahl)

    My daughter has the Roald Dahl book collection, so when this film arrived through the door, she was intrigued to see if it was similar to the book, she said it ... more

      • A customer from Bromsgrove, England
  • 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    The Witches is the rarest thing you'll ever see

    The Witches is the rarest thing you'll ever see: a black comedy for children. Adults just assume that kids don't have the level of wit and ... more

      • A customer from Birmingham
  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    PURE BRILLIANCE

    What a brilliant film, enjoyable from beginning to end, what more can I say.

      • A customer from Wednesbury, England
  • Most recent members' reviews (2) of The Witches

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    The Witches (Roald Dahl)

    My daughter has the Roald Dahl book collection, so when this film arrived through the door, she was intrigued to see if it was similar to the book, she said it ... more

      • A customer from Bromsgrove, England
  • Rated - 4 stars

    witches

    good film to watch as a family

      • vv from Aberdeen
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    The Witches (Roald Dahl)

    My daughter has the Roald Dahl book collection, so when this film arrived through the door, she was intrigued to see if it was similar to the book, she said it ... more

      • A customer from Bromsgrove, England
  • 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    The Witches is the rarest thing you'll ever see

    The Witches is the rarest thing you'll ever see: a black comedy for children. Adults just assume that kids don't have the level of wit and ... more

      • A customer from Birmingham
  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    PURE BRILLIANCE

    What a brilliant film, enjoyable from beginning to end, what more can I say.

      • A customer from Wednesbury, England
  • Rated - 3 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    GOOD BUT SHOWING ITS AGE NOW

    This film was enjoyed by all the family and although a little dark in the beginning it did end up being quite funny. The effects were good but the film now ... more

      • soz from Rossendale
  • Rated - 4 stars

    The Witches (Roald Dahl)

    My daughter has the Roald Dahl book collection, so when this film arrived through the door, she was intrigued to see if it was similar to the book, she said it ... more

      • A customer from Bromsgrove, England
  • Rated - 5 stars

    Excellent. Effects are frighteningly good!

    This is an old fave of mine. I used to have it on video but have since lost it. I was worried I would be disappointed and that the special effects would be ... more

      • A customer from Cumbria
  • Rated - 5 stars

    great

    kids loved this good for all ages

      • A customer from glasgow
  • Rated - 4 stars

    good

    great film kids will love it

      • A customer from wales
  • Rated - 4 stars

    Good Family Film

    Enjoyed the film, typical Dahl movie - weird and scary in places but the kids seem to love it. Bit dated now but still enjoyable.

      • A customer from wales
  • Rated - 5 stars

    Excellent Family Film

    Wonderful film, great effects and a lovely story for children of all ages. My children loved it so much they asked me to buy them a copy.

      • A customer from Yorkshire
  • Critics' reviews (6)

  • 3 stars out of 5

    Roald Dahl's story about a little boy on a seaside holiday who discovers a witches' convention plotting to annihilate children is brilliantly brought to life in this fantasy adventure by director Nicolas Roeg. As chief witch, Anjelica Huston gets a gruesome Jim Henson's Creature Shop makeover, while Mai Zetterling is transformed into lavender and old lace as the boy's granny. Memorable sequences include the one in which the boy is turned into a mouse. Children should hold their parents' hands through some of it — grown-ups are notoriously nervous.

    • Radio Times
  • Dark, marvelous....What it shows, again, is the secret of Henson's vast appeal: his respect for children and their intelligence...

    • Los Angeles Times
  • A gutsy version of Roald Dahl's story, reasonably faithful despite the changed ending. Luke (Fisher) and his Norwegian... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • A brilliantly told bedtime story... A fanciful film for savvy children and a witty, well-made movie for their parents...

    • New York Times
  • 2 stars out of 4

    Superior entertainment, intended for children, but as likely to be enjoyed by adults.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
  • Amazing effects...A wicked, high-style treat....Angelica Huston triumphs

    • Rolling Stone
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  • 70

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    • Following the death of his parents in a car crash, young Luke is taken to England by his grandmother, who delights him with her tales of dark forces, witches, and their wicked ways. While stopping at ...

Rating breakdown

2,888 Member ratings
  • 100
320
  • 90
216
  • 80
624
  • 70
638
  • 60
565
  • 50
235
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144
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71
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49
  • 10
26

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