100+ Movies like The Witch
Fear Street: 1666
Both "The Witch" and "Fear Street: 1666" are period horror films set in Puritan New England in the 17th century, exploring themes of witchcraft, religious persecution, and the supernatural. The central characters are young women (Thomasin in "The Witch", Sarah Fier in "Fear Street") who are accused of witchcraft and face execution by their devout Puritan communities. The films depict the hysteria and violence that arises from the communities' belief in witchcraft as the cause of misfortunes. Both protagonists encounter actual witches and make deals with dark forces, leading to their transformation and embrace of witchcraft by the end. The films share a grim, atmospheric tone and explore the oppressive, patriarchal nature of Puritan society.
Gwen
Both "The Witch" and "Gwen" are period horror films set in rural, isolated areas where the protagonists - young women from poor farming families - face supernatural threats and accusations of witchcraft. The films explore themes of religious paranoia, the oppression of women, and the fear of the unknown. In both stories, the families suffer tragic losses and strange occurrences, leading to suspicion and conflict within the household. The mothers descend into madness and violence, accusing their daughters of witchcraft. The daughters are ultimately forced to confront dark, occult forces and embrace their power, breaking free from oppressive societal norms. The films build an atmosphere of dread and depict the harsh realities of life on the fringes of society in those eras.
Gretel & Hansel
Both "The Witch" and "Gretel & Hansel" are dark, supernatural horror films set in remote, forested areas during the 17th century. They center around young female protagonists (Thomasin and Gretel) who possess or develop occult powers and become initiated into witchcraft. The films explore themes of the persecution of women, the fear of the unknown, and the clash between religious piety and pagan beliefs. Key plot points involve the disappearance and death of young children, the presence of an older, malevolent witch figure (the witch in the woods and Holda), and the protagonists ultimately embracing their newfound powers and joining a coven of witches by the end. The stories parallel each other in their depictions of the harsh realities of life during that era, the suspicion and accusations of witchcraft, and the journey of the young heroines from innocence to darkness.
The Wretched
Both "The Witch" and "The Wretched" are horror films centered around the presence of an evil, supernatural witch entity. In both movies, the witch targets and preys upon a family, manipulating and possessing members to sow discord and chaos. The witch's influence leads to the disappearance and death of children, driving the parents to paranoia and violence against each other. A central character, a young person (Thomasin in "The Witch", Ben in "The Wretched"), becomes aware of the witch's existence and tries to stop her malevolent actions. The witch is depicted as a shapeshifting, seductive force that lures victims through deception. Ultimately, the witch's true form is revealed, and the protagonists must confront her directly to break her curse and regain their memories of lost loved ones. Both films build an atmosphere of dread and explore themes of the corruption of the family unit by an ancient, malign presence.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
Both "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" and "The Witch" center around young women living in isolation with their families in a secluded home, surrounded by a hostile outside world. The protagonists, Thomasin and Merricat, practice forms of protective magic to ward off evil forces and keep their families safe. They face threats from outsiders, with Thomasin accused of witchcraft and Merricat's cousin Charles attempting to steal their inheritance. Tragedy strikes both families, with the loss of children in "The Witch" and the death of the parents in "We Have Always Lived in the Castle". The protagonists ultimately embrace dark forces, with Thomasin joining a coven of witches and Merricat murdering Charles to protect her sister Constance. Both films explore themes of isolation, the supernatural, and the dangers of the outside world encroaching on the family's secluded existence.
An American Haunting
Both "The Witch" and "An American Haunting" explore themes of religious paranoia, witchcraft, and the supernatural in Puritan-era America. The plots center around families being tormented by an unseen, malevolent force that is initially perceived as witchcraft. In both films, a young daughter is suspected of consorting with evil forces, leading to accusations and conflict within the family. The stories build an atmosphere of dread and depict the psychological toll of living under the constant threat of the supernatural. Ultimately, the films suggest that the true horror lies not in the realm of the occult, but in the darkness that exists within the human psyche and the capacity for evil within the family unit itself.
Hocus Pocus 2
Both "The Witch" and "Hocus Pocus 2" center around witches and witchcraft in colonial New England. They explore themes of the supernatural, the persecution of women accused of witchcraft, and the conflict between traditional religious beliefs and occult practices. The plots involve young women who become entangled with witches, either willingly or unwillingly, leading to tragic consequences for their families. The witches in both films are portrayed as powerful, seductive, and dangerous, luring the protagonists into their world of dark magic. The stories culminate in the protagonists embracing witchcraft, either by choice or circumstance, and joining the coven of witches, suggesting a subversion of societal norms and a reclamation of feminine power.
The Exorcist: Believer
Both "The Witch" and "The Exorcist: Believer" explore themes of the supernatural and demonic possession, with young female protagonists becoming afflicted by dark, malevolent forces. The movies depict the struggles of families grappling with these sinister entities, drawing from religious and cultural beliefs surrounding witchcraft, exorcism, and the occult. The plots follow the escalating torment of the possessed characters, culminating in climactic rituals and confrontations to expel the evil presence. Ultimately, the movies delve into the human experience of faith, loss, and the battle between good and evil forces.
Wolfwalkers
Both "The Witch" and "Wolfwalkers" are set in the 17th century and explore the conflict between traditional religious/societal norms and a mystical, nature-based belief system. In both films, a young female protagonist (Thomasin and Robyn) discovers and embraces a supernatural connection to nature - witchcraft and wolfwalking, respectively. This puts them at odds with the oppressive religious/authoritarian figures (the Puritan community and Lord Protector) who seek to eradicate these ancient practices. The protagonists ultimately reject the rigid societal structures and find freedom and belonging within the mystical communities (the witch coven and wolf pack). Both films depict the persecution of these nature-based belief systems and the protagonists' journey of self-discovery and empowerment through embracing their true identities.
What Josiah Saw
Both "The Witch" and "What Josiah Saw" explore themes of religious fanaticism, family dysfunction, and the supernatural in isolated rural settings. The plots center around a family being torn apart by sinister forces, both real and imagined. Accusations of witchcraft and incest drive a wedge between family members, leading to tragic consequences. The films depict the psychological unraveling of characters grappling with guilt, repression, and the legacy of abuse. Supernatural elements blur the lines between reality and delusion, culminating in shocking acts of violence and the embrace of dark forces. The bleak, atmospheric settings reinforce the sense of isolation and dread that permeates both stories.