It’s hard to imagine October rolling around without the Sanderson sisters strutting back into our lives, isn't it? Yet, the path Hocus Pocus took to become the quintessential Halloween comfort viewing it is today wasn't exactly paved with instant glory. Released, bafflingly, in the heat of July 1993, this witchy adventure initially conjured up rather modest box office returns ($39.5 million domestic against a $28 million budget) and a lukewarm critical reception. But like a persistent curse – the good kind! – its magic grew stronger over the years, bubbling up through countless VHS rentals, cable reruns, and eventually, streaming ubiquity. It’s a film many of us discovered not in a packed summer cinema, but perhaps on a cozy autumn evening, huddled around the glow of a CRT TV, utterly captivated.
### Another Glorious Morning... Makes Me Sick!
Right from the opening scenes in 17th-century Salem, Hocus Pocus establishes its unique blend of spooky folklore and Disney-fied fun. The premise is deliciously simple: cynical California transplant Max Dennison (Omri Katz), trying to impress the girl of his dreams, Allison (Vinessa Shaw), accidentally resurrects three nefarious, soul-sucking witches – Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy) – by lighting the Black Flame Candle on Halloween night. What follows is a frantic, funny chase across modern-day Salem as Max, his precocious little sister Dani (a scene-stealing Thora Birch), Allison, and a cursed-talking-cat named Binx try to stop the sisters before sunrise.
The story, conceived by producer David Kirschner as a bedtime tale for his daughters and penned by Mick Garris (a name horror fans might recognize from Sleepwalkers) and Neil Cuthbert, hits that sweet spot between genuine peril and outright silliness. There are moments of real atmosphere – the moonlit graveyards, the shadowy interiors of the Sanderson cottage – punctuated by bursts of pure camp energy. It perfectly captures that specific thrill of Halloween night: a little bit scary, a lot of fun, and fueled by copious amounts of sugar (or, in the witches' case, the life force of children).
### Sisters, Behold!
Let's be honest, the undeniable gravitational center of Hocus Pocus is the Sanderson sisters themselves. Bette Midler as Winifred, the buck-toothed, spell-slinging leader, is an absolute force of nature. She sinks her teeth into the role with such theatrical gusto, delivering iconic lines ("Oh look, another glorious morning... makes me sick!") with relish. It’s a performance that feels both menacing and hilariously over-the-top, a masterclass in comedic villainy.
Flanking her are Sarah Jessica Parker as the beautiful, ditzy Sarah, whose hypnotic "Come Little Children" siren song still sends a slight shiver down the spine, and Kathy Najimy as the endearingly goofy Mary, constantly sniffing out children with her crooked smile and trusty vacuum cleaner steed (a brilliant modern update on the broomstick). Their chemistry is electric; they bicker, scheme, and occasionally burst into song with infectious energy. It’s fascinating to think that Rosie O'Donnell was initially offered the role of Mary but turned it down, wary of playing a character that might frighten children. Najimy, however, made Mary Sanderson completely her own, adding layers of physical comedy that are just delightful. The trio truly feels like they’ve known – and probably annoyed – each other for centuries.
### Navigating 90s Salem
Our human protagonists hold their own against the supernatural onslaught. Omri Katz embodies the skeptical 90s teen perfectly, while Vinessa Shaw brings warmth and intelligence to Allison. And young Thora Birch as Dani? She’s the heart of the film, fiercely protective of Binx and utterly unafraid to stand up to the witches. Her performance is remarkably natural and engaging. Even Binx, the immortal black cat (voiced by Jason Marsden, though performed on set by multiple cats and animatronics), manages to be a compelling character, guiding the kids with world-weary wisdom. Fun fact: Leonardo DiCaprio was actually offered the part of Max but chose to pursue What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) instead, paving the way for Katz.
Director Kenny Ortega, who had already shown his flair for musical numbers with Newsies (1992) and would later define a generation with High School Musical, keeps the energy high and the visuals vibrant. He balances the spookier elements with genuine laughs and dazzling set pieces, like Winifred’s show-stopping rendition of "I Put a Spell on You" at the town Halloween party – a scene practically demanding you sing along, even now. John Debney’s score perfectly complements the action, swelling with adventure and mischief. And let's not forget the practical effects! Seeing Billy Butcherson (played with wonderful physicality by Doug Jones) rise from the grave, complete with real moths flying out of his stitched mouth (a detail Jones himself confirmed!), felt like pure movie magic back on VHS. It’s that handcrafted charm that gives the film enduring appeal.
### From Cult Curiosity to Halloween Royalty
So why did this initially overlooked July release become such an enduring Halloween phenomenon? Perhaps it’s the perfect storm of nostalgia, genuinely funny performances, and a tone that welcomes viewers of all ages. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, leaning into the camp and embracing its slightly chaotic energy. It found its true home not on the summer blockbuster schedule, but in the annual rotation of Halloween favorites, passed down like a beloved tradition. Its legacy is undeniable, cemented further by the arrival of a long-awaited sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, on Disney+ in 2022, bringing the Sanderson sisters back for a new generation.
Hocus Pocus isn't high art, and its plot logic might occasionally fray like old spellbook pages, but its heart is undeniably in the right place. It’s pure, unadulterated fun, capturing the mischievous spirit of Halloween with infectious energy and three of the most memorable witches ever put to screen.
VHS Heaven Rating: 8/10
This score reflects the film's towering status as a cult classic and perennial Halloween favorite. While it might have some narrative bumps and 90s quirks, the sheer joy derived from the Sanderson sisters' performances, the nostalgic atmosphere, and its overall rewatchability earn it high marks. It’s less about cinematic perfection and more about the sheer, unadulterated fun it delivers year after year.
Light the Black Flame Candle (if you dare!), pop that worn-out tape in the VCR (or, you know, hit play on streaming), and let the magic whisk you away once more. It’s still glorious.