Agatha, Winnifred, Glinda and More: The Pop Culture Witches We Love to Love

They've put a spell on us!

When it comes to storytelling, you can find a deep history of witches–from centuries-old folklore to modern shows and movies. Witches come in so many different iterations, and perhaps that’s why we find them fascinating. At Halloween, we love looking at classic movies and some fantastic TV shows featuring stories about witches, both good and bad. And we also love retellings of iconic witch stories, like Wicked as a reframing of The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West. These are some of the iconic witches we love, witches that we would certainly dress up as for Halloween. Got a favorite witch? Tell us in the comments!

Agatha Harkness

The powerful and cunning Agatha Harkness originates from Marvel Comics, and many were introduced to her through the series WandaVision. Initially disguised as Wanda Maximoff’s friendly neighbor “Agnes,” Agatha gradually reveals her true nature as a centuries-old sorceress with a deep knowledge of dark magic. Known for her humor and manipulative wit, she initially serves as an ally of sorts to Wanda Maximoff in WandaVision. Her increasing curiosity about Wanda’s immense power, particularly Wanda’s ability to create an entire reality in the town of Westview, leads her to reveal her true intentions. Agatha’s character is captivating due to her depth, blending charm, menace, and ambition. Her exploration of forbidden magic and her intrigue in Wanda’s chaos magic make her one of the MCU’s most enigmatic and fascinating antagonists, and recently released series Agatha All Along delves deeper into Agatha’s story. 

The Sanderson Sisters

The Sanderson Sisters—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary—are a trio of delightfully wicked witches from the 1993 classic film Hocus Pocus and its sequel. The witches are iconic, partly because they are played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker who all bring a specific hilarious but sinister charm to their respective characters. In the original film, they are resurrected 300 years after their execution in Salem, Massachusetts, and return to wreak havoc on Halloween night. They are determined to achieve eternal youth by stealing the life force of children (no big deal). Winifred, the sharp-tongued and powerful leader, is driven by her desire for revenge and immortality, while Sarah, the flirtatious and airheaded sister, uses her enchanting voice to lure children to the witches’ cabin, and Mary, the loyal yet bumbling sister, has a heightened sense of smell (“I smell children!”) that aids in their hunt. Together, they’re a comedic yet creepy, blending slapstick humor with dark, magical intentions. Their quirky personalities and spellbinding antics (including an epic Halloween party song performance in the movie) have made them Halloween icons, beloved for their memorable costumes and unforgettable catchphrases.

The Wicked Witch of the West

Perhaps the most iconic witch of literature and film ever, The Wicked Witch of the West is the primary antagonist in The Wizard of Oz. Portrayed as a green-skinned, sharp-featured sorceress with a pointed black hat, she is relentless in her pursuit of Dorothy for accidentally killing her sister and for possessing the magical ruby slippers. The Witch is feared by all in the land of Oz, ruling with intimidation and powerful spells, and is often accompanied by her loyal army of flying monkeys. Her character is fueled by a desire for vengeance and control. Despite her terrifying presence, her vulnerability to water reveals an unexpected weakness, leading to her ultimate defeat. Over time, she has become a cultural symbol of classic villainy, with her iconic cackle, menacing broomstick, and unyielding determination defining her as a memorable figure in fantasy and horror.

The Witches of Eastwick

The classic Cher-led 1987 film, The Witches of Eastwick, based on John Updike’s novel, follows three women—Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie—living in the small town of Eastwick, who unexpectedly discover their own magical abilities after unknowingly summoning a mysterious man, Daryl Van Horne. Daryl, a devilish and charismatic figure, encourages each woman to embrace her latent powers and indulge in her deepest desires, sparking both romance and chaos. As their powers grow, the trio finds themselves entangled in Daryl’s increasingly dark influence, leading them to question his motives and ultimately reclaim their strength. Their journey is both comedic and sinister, exploring themes of empowerment, sexuality, and independence as they resist traditional societal constraints. The film blends dark humor with supernatural elements, making the Witches of Eastwick a captivating portrayal of friendship and self-discovery against a backdrop of magic and mayhem.

Willow Rosenberg / Dark Willow

Willow Rosenberg, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, evolves from a shy, bookish high schooler into one of the series’ most powerful and complex witches. Initially dabbling in magic to help her friends fight supernatural threats, Willow’s abilities grow as she explores her passion for witchcraft, leading to both remarkable feats and harrowing consequences. Her journey is deeply affected by her relationships, particularly with Tara, a fellow witch who guides her and helps her channel her powers responsibly. However, Willow’s reliance on magic becomes an addiction, culminating in a dark transformation after experiencing profound grief, where she nearly loses herself to dark magic. Her story explores themes of identity, power, and redemption, portraying the alluring and dangerous nature of magic. Willow’s arc makes her one of the series’ most beloved characters, as she faces both the empowering and destructive aspects of wielding magic, ultimately finding a path back to self-acceptance and balance.

Sabrina Spellman, the Teenage Witch

Sabrina Spellman, from the sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch, is a charming and relatable character who balances the typical struggles of a teenager with the complexities of being a witch. As she discovers her magical heritage on her 16th birthday, Sabrina learns that she has inherited powers from her aunts, Hilda and Zelda, who guide her in navigating the supernatural world. With her loyal talking cat Salem by her side, Sabrina uses her magic to tackle high school dilemmas, friendships, and romantic entanglements—often with humorous and unintended results. Her character is unique because she faces moral choices that highlight the consequences of wielding magic, learning life lessons about responsibility, honesty, and self-acceptance. Through its mix of comedy, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes, Sabrina the Teenage Witch offers a lighthearted yet meaningful exploration of adolescence, making Sabrina an iconic figure in witchy pop culture.

Samantha Stephens, of Bewitched

Samantha Stephens, the charming witch at the heart of the classic sitcom Bewitched, is a character who blends magical prowess with relatable, human warmth. Married to her mortal husband, Darrin, Samantha attempts to live a “normal” suburban life, often refraining from using her powers at his request, but her magic inevitably finds its way into their daily routines. With just a twitch of her nose, Samantha can perform nearly any spell, yet she often chooses not to, valuing her commitment to her marriage and respect for Darrin’s wishes. Her life is complicated by her eccentric, meddling family members, especially her mother, Endora, who disapproves of Samantha’s “mortal” lifestyle. Samantha attempts to bridge the gap between the magical and non-magical worlds, and through her gentle wit and kindness, her character became a beloved icon of 1960s television, symbolizing the balance between embracing one’s unique gifts and adapting to societal norms.

Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff

Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch, is one of Marvel’s most complex and powerful characters, whose journey spans heroism, tragedy, and self-discovery. Introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as a former Hydra experiment with telekinetic and telepathic abilities, Wanda evolves from a vengeful antagonist to a key member of the Avengers. Her relationship with Vision, a synthetic being, becomes central to her character, symbolizing her longing for love and stability despite her painful past. In the series WandaVision, Wanda’s grief and trauma after Vision’s death lead her to create a pocket reality where she can live out an idealized life, inadvertently trapping an entire town in her illusions. This event reveals her true nature as the Scarlet Witch, a figure of immense, chaotic power in the mystical world. Wanda’s struggle to control her powers, alongside her desire for family and normalcy, makes her both a sympathetic and formidable figure, ultimately transforming her into one of the most multidimensional and iconic characters in Marvel’s roster.

Elphaba and Glinda

Elphaba and Glinda, the iconic duo from Wicked, offer a fresh, complex perspective on the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz. Elphaba, born with green skin and a fierce intellect, faces prejudice and isolation, but her sense of justice and compassion drive her to challenge societal norms, ultimately leading her to be misunderstood and branded as “wicked.” Glinda, on the other hand, is initially the popular, glamorous figure who values her social standing and acceptance, but her friendship with Elphaba transforms her, revealing depth, empathy, and inner conflict. Their dynamic, full of contrasts and shared experiences, explores themes of acceptance, power, and the societal constructs of “good” and “wicked.” Through a bond that defies expectations, Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship evolves from rivalry to deep friendship, each ultimately shaping the other’s destiny and legacy in the magical land of Oz. While the musical premiered on Broadway 21 years ago and is a smash hit all over the world, fans of Wicked are no doubt excited to see their favorite witches on the big screen in the November 2024 film adaptation.

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