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Hocus Pocus (film)

Hocus Pocus is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Kenny Ortega and released by Disney.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hocus Pocus is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Kenny Ortega and released by Disney. It follows three witches, the Sanderson sisters, who are accidentally resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night and try to regain their youth. The film stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the witches.

Plot

The story follows a teenager who accidentally resurrects the Sanderson sisters in modern-day Salem. The witches seek to steal children’s life force and regain their youth, while a group of local kids tries to stop them.

Production

Hocus Pocus was directed by Kenny Ortega from a screenplay by Mick Garris and Neil Cuthbert, with a story by David Kirschner and Garris. Disney released the film in 1993.

Cast and characters

The principal cast includes Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, and Omri Katz as Max Dennison. Other major characters include Dani, Allison, and Thackery Binx.

Reception and legacy

The film has become a notable Disney fantasy title and later inspired franchise material. It is listed in Disney’s catalogue and has continued to be marketed through home video and streaming releases.

Key facts

  • The film is set in Salem, Massachusetts, and centers on the Sanderson sisters, a trio of witches.
  • Its plot begins after the witches are accidentally brought back to life on Halloween night.
  • Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy portray the three witches.
  • Kenny Ortega directed the film.
  • The film was released in July 1993 and runs 96 minutes.
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Canadian context

Hocus Pocus is widely available to Canadian audiences through Disney’s distribution and streaming services, making it a familiar Halloween-season film for Canadian viewers.[5]

Frequently asked questions

What is Hocus Pocus about?
It is about three resurrected witches in Salem who try to steal children’s life force and regain their youth.
Who directed Hocus Pocus?
Kenny Ortega directed the film.
When was Hocus Pocus released?
It was released on July 16, 1993.
Who plays the Sanderson sisters?
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy play Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson.
What is the film’s runtime?
The runtime is 96 minutes.
Is Hocus Pocus a Disney film?
Yes. It is presented as a Disney film and is included in Disney’s film catalogue and Disney+ library.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hocus_Pocus_(1993_film)
    Supports: Director, writers, story credit, genre, and basic plot summary.
  2. Disney — https://movies.disney.com/hocus-pocus
    Supports: Release date, rating, runtime, cast, and Disney’s presentation of the film.
  3. IFC Center — https://www.ifccenter.com/films/hocus-pocus/
    Supports: Year and running time.
  4. D23 — https://d23.com/a-to-z/hocus-pocus-film/
    Supports: Plot summary, release date, director, runtime, cast, and production notes.
  5. Disney+ — https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-b99c38fd-44ae-402f-b727-bc7fccb63740
    Supports: Disney streaming availability and plot description.