Witches are the infamous villain. Serving the devil, eating children, seducing men, and casting evil spells are said to be among the cruel intentions of the witch, warning young people and children not to stray from the narrow path.

Whether an old hag or a young seductress disguised to lure men away, witches are synonymous with female sexuality. Whether a local healer, an herbalist, or an unwed woman, being labeled a witch was the ultimate punitive label by religious hysteria and male-dominated communities.

The feminist movement reclaimed the word “witch” and its intrinsic power within social justice and patriarchal culture. It wasn’t until recent decades do we see witches being positively portrayed in pop culture more consistently.

Whether pushing the stigma or giving the witchcraft community a new narrative, here are 50-plus films centering on witches from before 1998!