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The Worst Witch

The Worst Witch

Things never go right for Mildred Hubble...

TV movie198670 minMidcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films
Director
Robert Young
Starring
Diana Rigg, Charlotte Rae, Tim Curry, Fairuza Balk

Mildred is one of the young girls at a prestigious witch academy. She can't seem to do anything right and is picked on by classmates and teachers. The headmistress of the school, Miss Cackle, has an evil twin sister who plans to destroy the school. Can Mildred foil the plan before the Grand Wizard comes to the Academy for a Halloween celebration you'll never forget?!!

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Worst Witch?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list The Worst Witch on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Worst Witch?

The Worst Witch earns 6 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Halloween pick.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Worst Witch worth watching?

The Worst Witch's Midcredits score is the 73rd percentile of all films, from 7.8K ratings across 4 sources. 71% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

73rd percentile

Better received than 73% of films

81st percentile among Comedy75th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)64th
Approval (how many liked it)80th

65 /100

64th percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Comedy68th percentile among 1980s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.5 — solid but not unanimous.

71% liked it

80th percentile of all films

86th percentile among Comedy81st percentile among 1980s
71% rated it 7–1029% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

77th percentile

7.8K ratings across platforms

74th percentile among Comedy74th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 5% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

It's a low-budget, cheesy 80s TV movie with a nostalgic charm, often compared to Harry Potter.

Fans praised

  • Charming Halloween nostalgia with a cult following
  • Tim Curry's musical cameo is a highlight
  • Heartwarming underdog story about perseverance

Detractors panned

  • Low-budget production and dated special effects
  • Inconsistent tone between campy musical and faithful adaptation
  • Turgid songs interrupt the plot

What stands out

Acting65

Mixed performances; Tim Curry and Diana Rigg praised for camp, some find them misplaced

Characters60

Relatable underdog Mildred, but some find supporting characters one-note

AtmosphereDivisive60

Oozes Halloween charm despite low production values

Emotional impactDivisive60

Resonates with nostalgic childhood underdog feelings

Plot and story55

Simple good-vs-evil story, faithful to book but deemed thin

Sound and musicDivisive50

Catchy songs divisive; some find them turgid and dated

Cinematography30

Cheap-looking production, poor green-screen work

Effects and spectacle25

Horrible special effects even for 1986

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 30 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 24 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is The Worst Witch like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
HopefulJoyfulTense
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
PlayfulWarmExuberant · 2% of films: Bursting with energy and joy in its own filmmaking.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its magical school and underdog story with earnest warmth and playful energy.
The rideA lighthearted underdog story with mild tension building toward a triumphant Halloween celebration.
StructureA straightforward linear narrative following Mildred's arc.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you with a warm, uplifting feeling and a belief that perseverance pays off.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterInvasion
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% (this title) · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Invasion: An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeMildred must stop an evil twin's plot to destroy her school, driven by her own growth.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSelf-worth
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Self-worth · 7% of filmsComing of age · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeMildred learns that perseverance and self-belief matter more than natural talent.
StanceThe film affirms that hard work and self-belief can overcome bullying and scheming.

The world

TimelessInstitutionalFantasy
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · Denis King
SettingMiss Cackle's Academy for Witches
MusicIncludes a memorable musical number by Tim Curry.

Content guide

Is The Worst Witch okay for kids?

Ratings in 1 other country
  • UKU

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does The Worst Witch have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Worst Witch?

Cast

Diana Rigg
as Miss Hardbroom
Charlotte Rae
as Miss Cackle
Tim Curry
as The Grand Wizard
Fairuza Balk
as Mildred Hubble
Sabina Franklyn
as Miss Spellbinder
Su Elliot
as Delilah
Liz May Brice
as Zoe Chant-Vestry
Pui Fan Lee
as Prefect
Danielle Batchelor
as Maud Warlock
Anna Kipling
as Ethel Hallow

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Worst Witch?

Movies like The Worst Witch include Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge (2001), Nightbooks (2021) and Halloweentown (1998). Of the 12 closest matches, most are stories about witches, and all are fantasy films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

5 of these 12 share its world: a fictional world. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Worst Witch?

405 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: magic user. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.