# Hocus Pocus

> 1993 film directed by Kenny Ortega

**Wikidata**: [Q431140](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q431140)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hocus_Pocus_(1993_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hocus-pocus

## Summary
Hocus Pocus is a 1993 American fantasy comedy horror film directed by Kenny Ortega. It was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and released on July 16, 1993, in the United States.

## Key Facts
- Directed by Kenny Ortega, released in 1993
- Genre: fantasy comedy horror film
- Produced by Walt Disney Pictures
- Release date: July 16, 1993 (United States)
- Country of origin: United States
- Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures, along with two other unnamed companies
- IMDb ID: tt0107120
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 41%
- Metacritic score: 43/100
- Box office gross: $45,395,069 (domestic)
- Runtime: 92 minutes
- Budget: $28,000,000
- Wikipedia sitelink count: 37
- Wikidata description: "1993 film directed by Kenny Ortega"

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Hocus Pocus?**
Hocus Pocus follows the story of three witch sisters—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson—who are resurrected in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night by a teenage boy who lights a magical candle. The witches then attempt to reclaim their youth by stealing the life force of children, while the teenagers and an immortal cat work to stop them.

**Who are the main cast members of Hocus Pocus?**
The film stars Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, and Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson. The teenage protagonists are played by Omri Katz, Thora Birch, and Vinessa Shaw.

**What genre does Hocus Pocus belong to?**
Hocus Pocus is classified as a fantasy comedy horror film, blending elements of supernatural fantasy, humor, and mild horror in a family-friendly format.

**Is Hocus Pocus a Disney film?**
Yes, Hocus Pocus was produced by Walt Disney Pictures, making it an official Disney production released under the Disney banner.

**Has Hocus Pocus received any sequels or follow-ups?**
Yes, a sequel titled Hocus Pocus 2 was released in 2022, directed by Anne Fletcher, continuing the story of the Sanderson sisters in a new adventure.

## Why It Matters
Hocus Pocus matters as a cult classic that has grown significantly in popularity since its initial release, becoming a Halloween staple for families and fans of supernatural comedy. Despite mixed reviews upon release, its annual television airings and home media availability have cemented its place in pop culture, particularly as a gateway film for younger audiences to explore the horror-comedy genre. The film's enduring appeal lies in its memorable performances, quotable dialogue, and the perfect balance of spooky and silly elements that make it accessible to a wide audience. Its cultural impact is evidenced by the production of a sequel decades later, demonstrating its sustained relevance and fanbase.

## Notable For
- Cult classic status with growing popularity over decades
- Annual Halloween television tradition
- Memorable performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy
- Blend of fantasy, comedy, and horror in a family-friendly format
- Significant home media and streaming viewership
- Inspiration for a 2022 sequel, Hocus Pocus 2
- Iconic quotable lines and scenes
- Strong association with Halloween celebrations
- Introduction of supernatural comedy to younger audiences

## Body

### Production and Release
Hocus Pocus was directed by Kenny Ortega and released on July 16, 1993, in the United States. The film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures, along with two other production companies not specified in the source material. It had a theatrical runtime of 92 minutes and was made on a budget of $28,000,000. The film premiered during the summer movie season, which is somewhat unusual for a Halloween-themed film, but it has since become strongly associated with the October holiday.

### Critical Reception and Performance
Upon its release, Hocus Pocus received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 41% rating, while Metacritic gives it a score of 43 out of 100. Despite the lukewarm critical reception, the film performed moderately at the box office, grossing $45,395,069 domestically. Over time, however, it has gained a significant cult following, with its popularity increasing through repeated television broadcasts and home media releases.

### Cast and Characters
The film features a notable cast led by Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, the eldest and most powerful of the witch sisters. Sarah Jessica Parker plays Sarah Sanderson, the charming and boy-crazy middle sister, while Kathy Najimy portrays Mary Sanderson, the loyal and comedic youngest sister. The teenage protagonists are played by Omri Katz as Max Dennison, Thora Birch as Dani Dennison, and Vinessa Shaw as Allison. The film also includes the character of Thackery Binx, a teenager turned into an immortal cat, voiced by Jason Marsden.

### Genre and Style
Hocus Pocus is classified as a fantasy comedy horror film, combining elements from multiple genres to create a family-friendly supernatural adventure. The fantasy elements include witchcraft, immortality, and magical spells, while the comedy comes from the witches' reactions to the modern world and their over-the-top personalities. The horror aspects are mild and played for laughs, making the film accessible to children while still providing some spooky atmosphere for older viewers.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
Since its release, Hocus Pocus has become a Halloween tradition for many families, regularly airing on television during the month of October. Its quotable lines, such as "I put a spell on you," have entered popular culture, and the film is often referenced in Halloween-themed media. The enduring popularity of the original film led to the development and release of Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022, directed by Anne Fletcher, which continues the story of the Sanderson sisters in a new adventure set in modern-day Salem.

### Distribution and Availability
The film is widely available through various distribution channels, including DVD, Blu-ray, and digital streaming platforms. Its consistent presence on television, particularly on Disney-owned networks and streaming services, has contributed to its sustained popularity across generations. The film's Wikipedia page has 37 sitelinks, indicating its presence across multiple language editions and its status as a notable cultural artifact.

### Technical and Creative Team
While the source material primarily highlights director Kenny Ortega, it's worth noting that the film was also shaped by its writers, cinematographers, and production designers who created the distinctive look and feel of 1990s Salem, Massachusetts. The costume design for the Sanderson sisters, in particular, has become iconic, with their colorful, mismatched dresses and distinctive hairstyles contributing to their memorable on-screen presence.

### Related Entities and Connections
As a Walt Disney Pictures production, Hocus Pocus is connected to the broader Disney filmography and brand. It shares thematic and stylistic elements with other Disney family-friendly fantasy films of the era, though its specific blend of comedy and mild horror sets it apart. The film's success and cultural impact have also connected it to the broader trend of Halloween-themed family entertainment in American cinema.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/)
2. [Source](http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/hocus-pocus-1970-2)
3. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film812522.html)
4. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/fullcredits)
5. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
6. The Movie Database
7. Hocus Pocus. Rotten Tomatoes
8. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/releaseinfo)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [Source](https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/68215)
11. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0107120/)
12. Kinopoisk
13. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=1507090)
14. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/hocus-pocus/)
15. Online-Filmdatenbank
16. Bechdel Test Movie List
17. mymovies.it
18. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/61DB-9BF3-A043-B604-71FD-M)
19. Danish Film Database
20. [Hocus Pocus | Halloween Wiki | Fandom](https://halloween.fandom.com/wiki/Hocus_Pocus)
21. [Personality Database ™️ | Famous People and Characters | Personality Database ™️ 2022](https://www.personality-database.com/profile?pid=2&cid=8&sub_cat_id=1023)
22. TheTVDB
23. Trakt.tv
24. FilmVandaag.nl
25. Know Your Meme