The Witches

The Witches

Year: 2020

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Echo Score: 88
AdventureMysteryFantasyHorrorComedyFamily

A spirited young orphan finds a safe haven with his grandmother in rural Alabama. Their peaceful life is disrupted when they unknowingly encounter a secretive group of witches, led by the menacing Grand High Witch, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. To protect him from their sinister plot, his grandmother whisks him away to a luxurious seaside resort, where danger and deception lurk around every corner.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Witches 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 & Setting – The Witches (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Witches (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1968

The events of the movie unfold in 1968, a period marked by social upheaval and cultural change in the United States. It was a time when civil rights movements were gaining momentum and children were increasingly aware of the tales and myths around them. This backdrop heightens the sense of fear and adventure as the boy confronts the supernatural.

Location

Alabama, Chicago, Hotel

The story takes place in 1968 Alabama, where a young boy moves in with his grandmother after a family tragedy in Chicago. Alabama is known for its rich history and Southern hospitality, which contrasts with the urban feel of Chicago. The nearby hotel serves as a central location where the boy and his grandmother uncover the dark secrets of witches.

🏠 Home 🌆 City 🏨 Accommodation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Main Characters – The Witches (2020)

Meet the key characters of The Witches (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Grandma (Octavia Spencer)

A loving and protective figure, Grandma is deeply aware of the supernatural, sharing her knowledge of witches with her grandson. Her wisdom and resourcefulness shine as she turns maternal instincts into actions to combat evil. She symbolizes strength and resilience, embodying a fierce determination to protect her family.

👵 Grandmother 💪 Resilience 📚 Wisdom

Hero Boy (Jahzir Bruno)

The protagonist of the story, the Hero Boy exhibits curiosity and bravery when confronted with witches. His evolution is marked by trial and tribulations, showcasing his strong spirit. Throughout his journey, he learns to fight against adversities while forging lasting friendships.

👦 Courage 🐭 Transformation 👬 Friendship

Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway)

The Grand High Witch represents the archetype of evil in the story, seeking to annihilate children. Her cunning nature and deceitful tactics highlight the menacing aspects of witchcraft. Ultimately, she serves as the primary antagonist that the Hero Boy and his allies must defeat.

🧙 Wickedness ⚔️ Antagonist 😈 Deceitfulness

Bruno Jenkins (Codie-Lei Eastick)

Bruno is a friendly yet gluttonous boy who becomes an ally to the Hero Boy. His initial carefree nature contrasts with the dangers they face together. Bruno's transformation impacts his character growth, as he learns the significance of bravery and camaraderie.

👦 Gluttony 🤝 Friendship 🧙‍♂️ Transformation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Major Themes – The Witches (2020)

Explore the central themes of The Witches (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧙‍♀️ Witchcraft

The central theme of witchcraft runs throughout the movie as the boy discovers the terrifying realities of witches who disguise their true forms. It highlights the dangers of underestimating evil, depicted by the Grand High Witch and her sinister plot. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of wisdom and vigilance, especially for children.

👵 Family

Family plays a crucial role in the narrative, particularly the relationship between the boy and his grandmother. Their bond strengthens as they face magical dangers together, showcasing love, bravery, and the idea of creating a new family amidst adversity. The film reminds viewers of the importance of family support in overcoming fears.

🐭 Transformation

Transformation is a key theme, represented by both the literal transformations of the characters into mice and the evolution of their relationships. The boy's journey from a frightened child to a courageous figure illustrates personal growth. As they navigate their new realities, the characters learn to rely on each other and adapt to their circumstances.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

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.

Magical Family Adventures Like The Witches

Heartfelt journeys where plucky kids face magical threats with resourceful allies.Discover other movies like The Witches where children embark on thrilling adventures against magical foes. These stories share a similar mix of whimsical fantasy, heartfelt bonds, and suspenseful peril, perfect for viewers seeking similar family-friendly tales of courage and magic.

whimsicaladventuroussuspensefulheartfeltmagicalresourcefultriumphant

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a young protagonist who discovers a magical, often hidden, world that comes with both wonder and danger. With the help of a trusted adult or a found family, they must use their courage and resourcefulness to overcome a sinister force, leading to a satisfying and happy conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared ability to deliver family-friendly suspense without being overly frightening. They combine a steady pacing, a medium emotional weight, and a core tone of whimsy, ensuring the adventure is thrilling yet ultimately comforting and fun.

Movies About Transformative Child Heroes Like The Witches

Stories where children, physically changed, must outsmart formidable villains.If you liked The Witches and its story of a boy turned mouse fighting evil, explore these similar movies. This collection features children who undergo magical or fantastical transformations and use their new forms to become resourceful heroes against daunting odds.

transformativeresourcefulthreateningadventurousunlikely herosurvivaltriumphant

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a child facing a powerful foe, suffering a transformation that seems like a curse, but then learning to use their new form to their advantage. The journey focuses on adaptation, cleverness over brute force, and the triumph of the small and seemingly powerless over a great evil.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific character arc and plot device: the transformative journey of a child hero. They mix themes of survival and conspiracy with a sense of adventure, creating a unique vibe where vulnerability is turned into a tool for victory.

Unlock the Full Story of The Witches

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Witches 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 The Witches is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Witches Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Witches, 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.

The Witches Summary

The Witches Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Witches with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Witches Timeline

The Witches Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Witches 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.

The Witches Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Witches

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Witches: 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 The Witches

Similar Movies to The Witches

Discover movies like The Witches that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.