Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus

Year: 1993

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Kenny Ortega

FantasyComedyFamily

In this bewitching story, three mischievous witches are inadvertently resurrected when teenager Max Dennison discovers an ancient spellbook in Salem. Along with his sister Dani and new friend Allison, Max must stop the witches from carrying out a nefarious plan. The trio of witches, portrayed by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, wreak havoc as the children race to steal their spellbook and prevent a wicked curse from engulfing the town.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Hocus Pocus yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Hocus Pocus (1993)

Trace every key event in Hocus Pocus (1993) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Thackery Discovers Emily's Fate

In the year 1693, Thackery Binx, a concerned teenager, learns that his younger sister, Emily, has been taken by a menacing witch. This shocking discovery sets Thackery on a path to confront the dark forces threatening his family.

1693 Small Town
2

Thackery Seeks Help

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Thackery pleads with his friend Elijah to inform the village elders about the imminent danger posed by the witches. This critical moment emphasizes the bond of friendship and the desperate measures taken to safeguard loved ones.

1693 Woods
3

Discovery of the Witches' Lair

Thackery ventures into the woods, driven by the need to save Emily. His determination leads him to discover the witches’ lair, where the Sanderson sisters are in the midst of brewing a terrifying potion that could restore their youth.

1693 Witches' Lair
4

Thackery Confronts the Witches

In a desperate attempt to save Emily, Thackery confronts the Sanderson sisters as they prepare to use the potion on her. However, Winifred overpowers him, showcasing her dark power and cementing the stakes of the conflict.

1693 Witches' Lair
5

Emily's Life Force is Drained

The Sanderson sisters successfully drain Emily's life force, regaining their youth in a chilling transformation. This act is not only tragic for Thackery but serves as a pivotal moment that seals his fate alongside theirs.

1693 Witches' Lair
6

Thackery's Transformation

As punishment for his failure to save Emily, Winifred casts a curse on Thackery, transforming him into a black cat destined to roam the earth for eternity. This curse signifies the tragic consequences of their witchcraft.

1693 Witches' Lair
7

Villagers Rise Against the Witches

Enraged villagers, armed with torches, storm the witches' lair to capture the Sanderson sisters. This moment reflects the community's fight against evil and the urgency of their actions to protect their loved ones.

1693 Witches' Lair
8

The Sanderson Sisters are Executed

As punishment for their dark deeds, the Sanderson sisters are hanged by the villagers. Before their demise, a prophecy reveals that they will rise again on All Hallows' Eve, showcasing the enduring presence of their wickedness.

1693 Witches' Lair
9

Modern-Day Salem

Three hundred years later, in modern-day Salem, a teacher shares tales of the Sanderson sisters with her class, including skeptical newcomer Max. This sets the stage for the revival of the witches' legend as Halloween approaches.

Present Day Salem
10

Max Meets Local Rascals

While biking home, Max encounters a group of local troublemakers who steal his sneakers, highlighting his outsider status in this new town. This incident serves as an introduction to the challenges he will face in Salem.

Present Day Salem
11

Breaking into the Sanderson Museum

Max, along with his sister Dani and classmate Alison, breaks into the deserted museum that once belonged to the Sanderson sisters. Their curiosity leads them to inadvertently resurrect the witches by lighting the black flame candle.

Present Day Sanderson Museum
12

The Witches Return

The lighting of the black flame candle awakens the Sanderson sisters, who return to reclaim their past. Confused yet excited, the witches are determined to continue their dark missions, setting off a chain of chaos in Salem.

Present Day Salem
13

Thackery Binx Joins the Fight

In their battle against the Sanderson sisters, Max and Alison encounter Thackery Binx, the immortal black cat who reveals his tragic history. His guidance becomes crucial as they strategize how to combat the witches' evil plans.

Present Day Cemetery
14

Chaos at the City Hall Halloween Party

The Sanderson sisters crash a crowded Halloween party at city hall, using their enchanting powers to mesmerize the guests. This moment escalates the conflict as Max rallies to protect his friends from the sisters' dark magic.

Present Day City Hall
15

The Final Confrontation

The climax unfolds as Max confronts Winifred in a desperate battle for survival. In a defining moment, he chooses to save Dani and ultimately break the spell that binds the witches, leading to their defeat and his own redemption.

Present Day Sanderson House

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:54

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Whimsical Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus

Family-friendly Halloween adventures filled with magical chaos and lighthearted scares.If you enjoyed the magical mishaps and spooky fun of Hocus Pocus, you'll love these family-friendly Halloween adventures. This list features movies with similar whimsical witches, lighthearted curses, and chaotic chases that balance mild scares with plenty of laughs, perfect for a festive movie night.

spookyplayfulmagicalhalloweenlightheartedadventurousnostalgicfestive

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a straightforward 'race against time' structure where ordinary characters, often children or teens, must outsmart resurrected magical villains. The conflict is driven by comical misunderstandings and cultural clashes, leading to a series of frantic chases and close calls before a triumphant, yet slightly bittersweet, resolution.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared festive Halloween setting, their balance of playful spookiness with family-friendly humor, and their focus on whimsical, rather than terrifying, supernatural antagonists. The tone is consistently lighthearted, and the pacing is fast and energetic.

Movies about kids fighting magic like Hocus Pocus

Children triumph over supernatural forces through cleverness and teamwork.Fans of Hocus Pocus will enjoy these stories where groups of kids or teens must band together to defeat a supernatural menace. These movies share a light emotional weight, a fast pace, and a focus on clever problem-solving over brute force, creating exciting and empowering adventures for younger viewers.

adventurousempoweringteamworkmagicalunderdogcleveryouthfulchaotic

Narrative Summary

The plot follows a classic underdog structure where inexperienced young heroes are thrust into a conflict with forces far beyond their understanding. Their journey is one of quick thinking and teamwork, involving a series of escalating encounters where they use their knowledge of the modern world to gain an advantage over ancient evils.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects movies based on the core dynamic of children versus supernatural villains. The similarity lies in the lighthearted tone of the conflict, the fast-paced and adventurous plotting, and the focus on themes like friendship, bravery, and using intelligence to overcome overwhelming odds.

Unlock the Full Story of Hocus Pocus

Don't stop at just watching — explore Hocus Pocus in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Hocus Pocus is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Hocus Pocus Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Hocus Pocus, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Hocus Pocus Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hocus Pocus

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Hocus Pocus. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Hocus Pocus that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Hocus Pocus Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Hocus Pocus

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Hocus Pocus: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Hocus Pocus