There are a few villains that have appeared in horror since the dawn of the genre. Werewolves, vampires, and the like are mainstays, but few evil characters are as iconic as witches. Witches represent an “Other,” a person on the fringes of society that threatens to break apart communal order with their black magic. Often being connected to demons, witches are certainly forces to be reckoned with.
Of course, not all witch stories are as simple as good and evil. Modern takes on the subgenre take into account the skewed historical perspective from the era of witch hunts. Movies like the aptly-named The Witch show that witches can be complex, relatable, and multi-faceted.
While the fact that witches as characters are based on a real piece of culture has contributed to them being so enduring, the main reason witches are still around in horror is because they’re so darn fun. From the campy brooms and cauldrons to the terrifying lurkers in the woods, witches provide excellent entertainment for any true fan of the genre.
Cody Meirick on November 2, 2023
