Hocus Pocus (1993)
Kernel Score: 80% · 3,249 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Family
Released: 1993-07-16
Runtime: 96 minutes
Is Hocus Pocus worth watching?
Worth watching. Three witch sisters return to Salem on Halloween in a silly fantasy comedy that has become a seasonal favourite. Bette Midler is a delight, the plot is flimsy, but it's cosy, spooky-lite fun that suits families.
Watch it if you
- love Halloween nostalgia
- enjoy Bette Midler's performance
- want a spooky film that won't frighten children
Skip it if you
- want real scares
- dislike campy comedy
Best for: Halloween family night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Hocus Pocus
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After 300 years of slumber, three sister witches are accidentally resurrected in Salem on Halloween night, and it is up to three kids and their newfound feline friend to put an end to the witches' reign of terror once and for all.
Hocus Pocus parents' guide: ages 7+
Parents need to know that Hocus Pocus involves resurrected witches who threaten children, with Halloween horror-comedy scares.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Witches threaten to harm children and there is fantasy peril, played mostly for comedy.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — A potion-drinking scene involves the witches consuming a magical brew.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Hocus Pocus
If you liked Hocus Pocus, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) — 82%: Sequel with the same witchy fun
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Family fantasy adventure with plenty of humour
- Matilda (1996) — 79%: Dark-edged family fantasy about a clever girl
- It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) — 85%: Classic family Halloween special
- Trick 'r Treat (2007) — 77%: Darker, adult take on Halloween stories
- Mary and The Witch's Flower (2017) — 78%: Gentle animated witch adventure
Director
Cast
- Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson
- Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson
- Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson
- Omri Katz as Max Dennison
- Thora Birch as Dani Dennison
- Vinessa Shaw as Allison
- Tobias Jelinek as Jay
- Larry Bagby as Ernie / 'Ice'
- Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson
- Amanda Shepherd as Emily
Hocus Pocus FAQ
Is Hocus Pocus worth watching?
Worth watching. Three witch sisters return to Salem on Halloween in a silly fantasy comedy that has become a seasonal favourite. Bette Midler is a delight, the plot is flimsy, but it's cosy, spooky-lite fun that suits families.
Where can I watch Hocus Pocus?
In the US you can stream Hocus Pocus on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Hocus Pocus OK for kids?
Hocus Pocus is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 7+. Parents need to know that Hocus Pocus involves resurrected witches who threaten children, with Halloween horror-comedy scares.
What movies are like Hocus Pocus?
If you liked Hocus Pocus, try Hocus Pocus 2, The Princess Bride, Matilda and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.