Where to start withThe Witches
2 versions · originally a film, 1990
Themes: Good vs Evil, Child in Peril, Transformation, Hidden Identity, Secrecy.
Start with The Witches (Nicolas Roeg, 1990) — the film. The Witches exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a film in 1990; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Witches presents a dark, whimsical battle between unsuspecting children and a secret society of diabolical women plotting to eradicate youth.
✦ Most fans start here
The Witches (1990)
The original movie
✦ Start hereThe Witches
Nicolas Roeg · Film · 1990
The Witches (1990) captures a distinctively macabre, practical-effects-heavy atmosphere under director Nicolas Roeg. This version is essential for viewers who appreciate dark, grounded fantasy and iconic, grotesque character performances.
2020 film
Roald Dahl's The Witches
Film · 2020
Roald Dahl's The Witches (2020) shifts the narrative to a 1960s Alabama setting. It offers a modernized, stylized visual approach, making it suitable for audiences interested in contemporary reinterpretations of classic tales.
Common questions
Is The Witches (1990) a direct sequel to Roald Dahl's The Witches (2020)?
No, these are two separate film adaptations of the same source material. The 1990 version of The Witches and the 2020 film Roald Dahl's The Witches are distinct interpretations of the original story and are not connected as sequels or prequels.
Should I watch The Witches (1990) before Roald Dahl's The Witches (2020)?
There is no required viewing order because both films are independent adaptations. You can watch the 1990 version of The Witches or Roald Dahl's The Witches in any order, as each movie presents its own vision of the narrative.
Are The Witches (1990) and Roald Dahl's The Witches (2020) the same movie?
They are not the same movie. While both films are based on the same source material, The Witches (1990) and Roald Dahl's The Witches (2020) are separate productions released thirty years apart, featuring different casts and directorial approaches.
How many film adaptations of The Witches are available?
There are two primary film adaptations of the story. You can view either the 1990 release titled The Witches or the 2020 production titled Roald Dahl's The Witches to experience the story on screen.