Hocus Pocus (1993) May 2026

Hocus Pocus (1993) May 2026

What makes this movie stay on high rotation while other '90s films fade?

For many, the film is a "year-round comfort movie" that perfectly captures the aesthetic of a New England Halloween—crisp leaves, cozy sweaters, and historical spooky vibes. Hocus Pocus (1993)

The story is simple but effective: after moving from Los Angeles to Salem, Massachusetts, skeptical teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) dismisses local legends as "hocus pocus." To impress his crush, Allison (Vinessa Shaw), he ignores the warnings of his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and lights the legendary Black Flame Candle . What makes this movie stay on high rotation

The trio is a masterclass in comedic timing. From Mary's "calming circle" to Winifred’s iconic performance of “I Put a Spell on You,” their campy villainy is the heart of the film. The trio is a masterclass in comedic timing

Every October, as soon as the first leaf hits the ground, a collective urge sweeps through the fandom to light the Black Flame Candle. Released on , Hocus Pocus didn't start as a blockbuster; in fact, it was a box-office flop that Disney released in the summer to avoid competing with The Nightmare Before Christmas . Decades later, it has clawed its way out of the grave to become the ultimate Halloween cult classic . The Plot: A Virgin, a Candle, and a Talking Cat

Sarah Jessica Parker actually discovered on the show Who Do You Think You Are? that her 10th great-grandmother was arrested in Salem for witchcraft in the late 1600s.