October, 2025
By Kenya Lopez and Keilly Loza
Hocus Pocus, released on July 16, 1993, is a fun and spooky family movie filled with humor, fantasy, and just the right amount of Halloween magic.
You can watch Hocus Pocus by streaming it on Disney+ or by renting or purchasing it on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, or Vudu. It is easy to find and enjoyable to watch whether it is your first time or your tenth. Hocus Pocus is a horror comedy with elements of fantasy and adventure. It was made for children and families, but adults often enjoy it too. The movie is full of clever jokes, a little bit of suspense, and plenty of magical moments. It blends the lighthearted fun of a family film with some spooky touches that make it perfect for Halloween.
The story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, a town famous for its witch history. After moving there, a teenager named Max Dennison explores an old abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend Allison. While there, Max accidentally lights a special candle known as the Black Flame Candle, which brings back three evil witches from the 1600s. These witches, called the Sanderson sisters, were once executed for practicing dark magic. Now that they are alive again, they plan to steal the lives of children to stay young forever. It is up to Max, Dani, and Allison, along with a talking cat named Binx, to stop the witches before sunrise. The movie is full of funny moments, magical spells, and lots of Halloween atmosphere.
When Hocus Pocus first came out, critics did not love it. Many reviewers thought the plot was weak and the humor uneven. Some parents also worried about certain jokes and scenes that might be inappropriate for young children. Over time, however, audiences grew to love it, and it eventually became a Halloween classic. Today, Hocus Pocus is seen as a cult favorite that people look forward to watching every October. Fans love the over-the-top acting, the creative costumes, and the blend of comedy and fantasy. What critics once saw as silly has now become part of its charm.
Even though it is a family movie, Hocus Pocus does have a few parts that might be disturbing or confusing for young viewers. Early in the movie, the witches are executed by hanging, and you can briefly see their legs dangling before they come back to life. There are also some scenes that show bullying, and one where a cat gets run over by a bus, though the cat later revives magically. The witches are also burned in a school kiln, but they survive through magic. Another thing parents might notice is the frequent mention of the word “virgin,” since a virgin lighting the candle is what brings the witches back. This plot point is mentioned often and might raise questions for children. There are also a few light sexual jokes, including a comment about a girl’s “yabos,” or breasts, and some flirty dialogue with a bus driver. These moments are brief but noticeable.
Despite those questionable parts, Hocus Pocus is still a charming and entertaining movie. The witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, are hilarious and memorable. Their dramatic personalities, catchy songs, and funny one-liners make the movie stand out. It is a film that does not take itself too seriously and instead focuses on fun, magic, and friendship.
What stands out most about Hocus Pocus is its ability to stay popular for so long. Even though it did not do well when it first came out, it is now considered one of the best Halloween movies ever made. It shows that movies do not need to be perfect to be loved. They just need to make people smile, laugh, and feel the Halloween magic.
The Cardinal Post 