Witches have long lived at the center of Halloween, history, and some of the most iconic films. Whether someone is dressing up this year or revisiting familiar favorites like HOCUS POCUS, this list brings together ten witches who have left a lasting impression. From benevolent mentors to formidable villains, these spellcasters stand out as the cream of the crop.
10. Professor McGonagall from HARRY POTTER
McGonagall is remembered as Hogwarts’ stern yet loyal guardian who teaches Transfiguration, leads Gryffindor House, and acts as headmistress when duty calls. Transfiguration is described as one of the school’s most intricate and dangerous arts, and she makes that threshold clear: anyone trying to disrupt her class will face serious consequences. Beyond the classroom, she is an accomplished Animagus and a steadfast protector of students and staff alike. Her early life at Hogwarts is marked by resolve, and the Sorting Hat once hesitated between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw before finally settling in Gryffindor after a tense moment.
9. Maleficent from SLEEPING BEAUTY
Maleficent stands as the quintessential evil sorceress who curses Princess Aurora. Her power, strategic mind, and chilling presence anchor the character as one of cinema’s most memorable villains. Her demeanor is uncompromising, and her declarations announce domination. She treats her raven Diablo as a trusted companion and surrounds herself with loyal confidants, underscoring a ruler who prefers control and precision over negotiation.
8. The White Witch Jadis from THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
Jadis holds the crown as the last Queen of Charn and the tyrant of Narnia, commanding attention with icy authority. Her ascent hinges on a deep magic she wields to bend fate to her will, and her rule is defined by fear and unyielding power. Her magic brings about a Long Winter that lasts a hundred years, shaping the land and its people in a way that remains a stark warning about unchecked authority.
7. Glinda from THE WIZARD OF OZ
Glinda represents the benevolent power in Oz, a protective and wise sorceress who guides others toward better choices. Her philosophy contrasts with darker magic and she remains a steady beacon for those seeking help. In the original Baum book she is known as the Good Witch of the South, while in the 1939 film she becomes the Good Witch of the North, a distinction that marks her enduring role in the Oz canon.
6. Sabrina from SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH
Sabrina Spellman lives at the intersection of adolescence and growing magic. Half witch, half mortal, she navigates school, two aunts, and a destiny that pulls her toward responsibility. The show leans into humor and heart as she learns to balance spells with everyday life. Her talking cat Salem has a backstory as well, once a warlock transformed into a feline by a council decision that reminded viewers that power from the witching world often comes with a price.
5. Cassie Blake from THE SECRET CIRCLE
Cassie Blake returns to her hometown only to discover she is the missing piece of The Secret Circle. Her awakening unlocks a powerful destiny and places her at the heart of a circle bound by family legacies and magical heritage. The town shivers with the sense that something extraordinary is unfolding. Cassie’s parents come from strong magical lines—the Balcoin family bringing inner dark magic and the Blake line weaving her into the circle itself—creating a compelling tension between heritage and choice.
4. Alex Russo from WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE
Alex Russo is a sharp, imaginative sister who crafts clever schemes to handle magic without losing her sense of humor. Whether called a witch, a wizard, or a hybrid, she remains a central figure in a beloved family show about growing up with powers. Her wit keeps the plot lively, and even when freedom tempts her, she often chooses the right path. Her favorite subject is art, which mirrors her creative approach to spellwork and daily life.
3. Hermione Granger from HARRY POTTER
Hermione Granger shines with intelligence, curiosity, and a fearless sense of justice. Her knowledge, resourcefulness, and loyalty help Harry and Ron navigate countless dangers, proving that brains can be as brave as any blade. In tense moments she speaks up and offers solutions when others panic. Hermione realized early that she was different from her Muggle parents, and a couple of years later she earned a place at Hogwarts, beginning a journey that reshaped the wizarding world.
2. Wicked Witch of the West from THE WIZARD OF OZ
The Wicked Witch of the West remains one of cinema’s most enduring villains. She is chilling, calculating, and vividly memorable—from her Munchkinland entrance to the climactic melt. Her presence is a masterclass in menace, and while later works like the musical Wicked offer a more nuanced backstory, the character’s impact as a symbol of pure malice endures. Her famous vow, though often quoted, sits within a larger myth that keeps audiences spellbound across generations.
1. Mary, Sarah, and Winifred Sanderson from HOCUS POCUS
The Sanderson sisters define a triple threat of mischief and menace, returning on Halloween to drain youth from children and sow chaos across Salem. Their blend of dark magic and sly humor makes them irresistibly entertaining, while their rhymes and chants stay etched in memory. The city of Salem, Massachusetts, is inseparably linked to the real 1692 witch trials, a historic chapter that adds gravity to the witches’ fictional resurrection and the town’s night of reckoning. The films capture a playful yet eerie energy that keeps fans quoting lines and recreating their spells year after year.