The Craft (1996)
A Catholic school newcomer falls in with a clique of teen witches who wield their powers against all who dare to cross them -- be they teachers, rivals or meddlesome parents.
Details
Budget
$15,000,000
Rating
7/10 (1896 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Columbia Pictures, Red Wagon Entertainment
About The Craft
The 1996 film "The Craft" blends horror, drama, and fantasy elements to explore a group of outcast teenage girls who discover and practice witchcraft. The story centers on Sarah, a new student at a Catholic school, who becomes involved with a clique of three other girls. Together, they use magic against those who have wronged them, including teachers and rivals.
The narrative uses themes of puberty, female friendship, and being an outsider, common in teen dramas. The film also delves into darker aspects like black magic and the occult, moving beyond typical high school struggles. While it touches on subjects like suicide attempts and hair loss through its magical plots, it maintains a focus on the consequences of unchecked power and karma.
"The Craft" has a runtime of 101 minutes and was released with a vote average of 7 out of 10 from over 1,800 votes. Critics offered mixed reactions, with a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 55/100 score on Metacritic. The movie has garnered a dedicated following over time due to its distinctive blend of supernatural themes and adolescent angst.
Why you might be searching for The Craft
People often search for "The Craft" because of its memorable depiction of teenage witches and the specific dynamics between the four main characters. The film's unique blend of 90s gothic aesthetics and occult themes, particularly involving love spells and black magic, makes it stand out. Its exploration of female friendship and the consequences of wielding power also contributes to its lasting recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Craft" on HBO Max, AMC+, or through the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home, and can be watched with ads on Plex Player. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-craft)
"The Craft" is not based on a true story, though one character, Nancy, was inspired by a real person writer Peter Filardi knew. The film aimed for authenticity in its portrayal of witchcraft by hiring a Wiccan consultant, but created its own deity, Manon, out of respect. [denofgeek.com](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-craft-nancy-peter-filardi-interview/)
At the end of "The Craft," Sarah defeats Nancy, Bonnie, and Rochelle after they try to kill her. Sarah uses her magic to create illusions that target Bonnie's vanity and Rochelle's insecurity, then binds Nancy, taking away her powers and leading to Nancy's commitment to a psychiatric hospital. Bonnie and Rochelle also lose their powers due to abusing them, as Sarah explains that Manon stripped them. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Craft_(film))
"The Craft" received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the lead performances and its initial exploration of teen nonconformity and female independence. Others felt the film's second half became too reliant on special effects and a heavy-handed message. Many viewers connect with its themes of female empowerment and the pain of adolescence. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Craft_(film))