The Best Fictional Witches
- 1Harry Potter Universe
Professor Minerva McGonagall is the stern yet caring Transfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor house at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, fiercely protective of her students while upholding discipline. Memorably portrayed by Dame Maggie Smith in the Harry Potter films, McGonagall maintains a strict demeanor, but shows her warm guidance and courage in defending Hogwarts against threats. Though Muggles see her as just an ordinary, if prim, teacher, McGonagall reveals her badass magical powers in battle, wielding advanced transfiguration abilities against evil forces.
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- 2Harry Potter Universe
Hermione Granger is the brilliant and principled young witch and member of Dumbledore's Army who helps Harry Potter defeat evil forces, known for her book smarts, mastery of spells, and unwavering loyalty to her friends. Depicted by Emma Watson in the Harry Potter franchise, the studious Hermione masters advanced magic and research central to the fight against Voldemort. Initially strict about rules, she breaks them when justice demands it, emerging as a strategist organizing Dumbledore's Army and advocating for the oppressed.
- 3Maleficent, Sleeping Beauty
Maleficent is the elegant yet vengeful dark fairy of the Moors who curses Princess Aurora over a past betrayal before ultimately redeeming herself. Brought to life by Angelina Jolie's regal performance in the live-action Sleeping Beauty origin story Maleficent, she appears at first to embody the wicked sorceress of fairy tales. However, she is revealed to have nuance and humanity, developing a maternal bond with Aurora and fighting to protect the Moors and her fairy kin.
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- 4Harry Potter Universe
Luna Lovegood is the quirky, endearingly odd Ravenclaw student at Hogwarts who believes in strange creatures and conspiracy theories but proves herself a courageous ally. Portrayed wonderfully as a free spirit by Evanna Lynch in the Harry Potter series, Luna's airy demeanor belies her intelligence and bravery. Though teased for her eccentricities, Luna stays unabashedly herself, seeing value in others overlooked by bullies, and emerges as one of Harry's most loyal defenders.
- 5Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
Sabrina Spellman is the half-mortal, half-witch teenager who struggles balancing her magical powers, high school life, and destiny to defeat evil forces threatening her town. Depicted by Melissa Joan Hart in the classic Sabrina the Teenage Witch sitcom, Sabrina just wants to fit in with friends, but her inborn gifts land her in zany supernatural predicaments. She learns to accept her dual nature, using her magic selflessly, as she comes of age among both witches and ordinary teens.
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- 6Bewitched
Samantha Stephens is the well-meaning witch married to a mortal man who keeps her magical abilities secret while getting her family into comedic supernatural mishaps. Immortalized by Elizabeth Montgomery's charm in the beloved fantasy sitcom Bewitched, suburban housewife Samantha wants nothing more than a normal life. Yet she constantly uses her magic unconsciously, driving her frustrated husband to distraction with spells gone awry before eventually accepting her extraordinary gifts.
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- 7
Charmed Witches
CharmedThe Charmed Ones are the prophesized trio of magical Halliwell sisters who learn they are powerful good witches destined to protect the innocent from demonic threats. Portrayed with sisterly chemistry by Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Alyssa Milano, these reluctant heroes evolve into their roles guarding San Francisco from evil. Balancing their gifts with careers and love interests, the diverse sisterhood combines their distinctive powers to keep magic from harming humans.
- 8American Horror Story
Misty Day is the mysterious Cajun necromancer with power over the dead who joins a coven of misfit witches protecting each other in modern-day New Orleans. Compassionately brought to life by Lily Rabe in American Horror Story: Coven, Misty has a heart of gold despite her gothic persona, tending to her swamp sanctuary and reviving creatures with her gift. This lonely outcast finds friendship with the Coven, selflessly using her magic to aid others, though she remains traumatized by her own violent death.
- 9Harry Potter Universe
Nymphadora Tonks is the fun-loving young Auror and Order of the Phoenix member whose Metamorphmagus abilities allow her to transform her appearance at will. Depicted with vibrance and humor by Natalia Tena in the Harry Potter franchise, Tonks provides comic relief with her clumsiness and bubblegum pink hair. An unlikely match for the brooding Lupin, she nonetheless proves herself a courageous fighter against Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
10American Horror StoryMarie Laveau is the renowned historical Voodoo queen of New Orleans whose magical powers and leadership of voodoo practitioners made her an influential and feared figure. Portrayed ominously by Angela Bassett in American Horror Story: Coven, she rules 19th century New Orleans, striking fear in white elites. Though based in actual practices, tales of Laveau cursing enemies and communing with spirits cemented her legend as the Voodoo Queen ruling through magic.
- 11The Craft
Sarah Bailey is a curious Salem teenager who discovers she possesses magical abilities inherited from ancestors accused of witchcraft centuries ago. Relatably played by Robin Tunney in the '90s fantasy hit The Craft, Sarah is skeptical of her supernatural gifts until a coven of occult girls takes her under their wing. As she learns spells and conjuring, the troubled Sarah is empowered to protect herself, falling deeper under magic's alluring influence.
- 12American Horror StoryCordelia Foxx is a fictional character from the TV series American Horror Story.
- 13Charmed
Piper Halliwell is the reluctant eldest Charmed One whose time freezing and molecular combustion powers help her fight demons while trying to live a normal life. Depicted as a strong leader by Holly Marie Combs throughout the Charmed series run, Piper wishes to run a normal restaurant and relationship. But she rises to lead the Charmed Ones with her level head and formidable skills, defending innocents while yearning for her own happy ending.
- 14Practical Magic
Sally Owens is a shy aspiring witch who must both accept her magical legacy from her eccentric aunts and forge her own path and abilities. Portrayed endearingly by Sandra Bullock in the whimsical film Practical Magic, Sally hides from her gifts after tragedy, resisting her aunts' occult teachings to pursue normalcy. But she embraces her heritage when magic awakens within her, determined to nurture her children so they never shun their power.
- 15American Horror Story
Fiona Goode is the powerful yet narcissistic Supreme witch and head of the coven descended from centuries of strong witches. Portrayed with haughty extravagance by Jessica Lange in American Horror Story: Coven, Fiona dominates all through her potent magic and sensuality. Ruling through fear, she clings desperately to her supremacy, pitting young witches against one another. But Fiona meets her downfall going to extremes to preserve her fading gifts and position.
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- 16Marvel Universe
Scarlet Witch is the mutant Avenger with probability manipulation powers capable of altering reality itself, portrayed as a complex and often unstable hero by Elizabeth Olsen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gifted with immense magic allowing her to disrupt minds and warp physics, she is shunned for abilities she cannot fully control. Seeking to do good, Scarlet Witch still ends up causing catastrophic events that turn public opinion against once-revered enhanced beings.
More Scarlet Witch - 17Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise
Tia Dalma is the mysterious voodoo priestess aligned with Captain Jack Sparrow who uses prophetic powers and ancient magic to aid in his adventures. Memorably brought to life with otherworldly flair by Naomie Harris in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, the charismatic Tia Dalma offers Jack cryptic guidance from her bayou lair. Her casual practice of voodoo and seeming omniscience lend an aura of the supernatural to the pirate fantasy stories.
- 18The Wizard of Oz Universe
The Wicked Witch of the West is the green-skinned, fearsome sorceress who terrorizes Dorothy Gale and the Land of Oz with her evil magic before being melted. Famously portrayed by Margaret Hamilton in The Wizard of Oz, her snarling threats and chilling cackle make her one of cinema's most iconic villains. Though monstrous in appearance and deed, she represents the danger of letting jealousy and vengeance wholly consume one's humanity.
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- 19
Zelda Spellman
Sabrina, the Teenage WitchZelda Spellman is the sterner aunt who raises Sabrina and cautions her to use magic responsibly while still supporting her as a fledgling witch. Depicted strictly but lovingly by Beth Broderick in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Zelda believes Sabrina should avoid Mortal pleasures and focus on witchcraft studies. But her devotion to family leads Zelda to risk herself protecting Sabrina, proving that tough love comes from a place of care.
- 20Charmed
Phoebe Halliwell is the free-spirited youngest Charmed One whose premonition power aids her sisters in anticipating and averting demonic attacks. Depicted endearingly by Alyssa Milano in the supernatural series Charmed, Phoebe grows from carefree youngest sister into a devoted protector driven by visions to prevent evil and save innocents. Her intuition and empathy complement Piper and Prue's strengths, the Power of Three made unbreakable by her emotional intelligence.
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- 21Practical Magic
Gillian Owens is a shy aspiring witch reluctantly drawn into learning magic by her two eccentric aunts and finding her latent abilities. Relatably portrayed by Nicole Kidman in the quirky film Practical Magic, Gillian just wants normalcy, avoiding the family legacy after her revered aunt's curse. But discovering her own rare resurrection gift rekindles her magical education. In defending her aunt, Gillian embraces that magic can be used for good, blending it with domestic life.
- 22American Horror Story
Myrtle Snow is the flamboyant, vengeful member of the witch's council, ostracized for her gifts, who seeks to protect her endangered Coven sisters. Unforgettably portrayed by Frances Conroy in American Horror Story: Coven, Myrtle uses her command of the ancient Seven Wonders to expose the Coven's foes. Beneath her eccentric exterior and love of couture lies a motherly figure whose loyalty leads her to return from death itself to avenge her murdered apprentices.
- 23Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is the mysterious, vain yet whimsical magical English nanny who uses her reality-bending magic to nurture and discipline the Banks children in unexpected ways. Portrayed delightfully by Julie Andrews in the Disney classic musical Mary Poppins, she floats into their lives upon the East Wind, teaching valuable lessons through enchantment. Strict but kind, Mary Poppins creates magical experiences while encouraging the children to explore their own imaginations.
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- 24The Wizard of Oz Universe
Glinda the Good Witch is the benevolent sorceress who guides Dorothy Gale through the mystical Land of Oz with her wisdom and kind magic in contrast to the Wicked Witch's evil. Famously portrayed by Billie Burke in The Wizard of Oz, Glinda appears in radiant beauty to protect Dorothy, providing ruby slippers and advice to follow the Yellow Brick Road. Though powerful, she opts for subtle inspiration over displays of magic, promoting inner strength and self-realization to achieve one's goals.
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- 25Hocus Pocus
Mary Sanderson is the exaggerated, cackling leader of the bumbling trio of evil sisters who seek eternal youth by stealing the lives of Salem children. Amusingly depicted by Kathy Najimy in the Halloween comedy film Hocus Pocus, she displays amateurish evil more prone to squabbling with her sisters than proper witchery. However, behind the buffoonery lies ruthless vanity willing to sacrifice lives for beauty, posing a real threat to the town's children.
- 26Harry Potter Universe
Ginny Weasley is the fiercely loyal young witch who proves herself as a courageous and skillful member of Dumbledore's Army in the fight against Voldemort. Memorably brought to life by Bonnie Wright in the Harry Potter franchise, Ginny sheds her initial shyness to join the resistance effort with aptitude advanced beyond her years. With sheer nerve and magical aptitude, she holds her own against more experienced wizards, emerging as a heroic fighter.
More Ginny Weasley - 27The Little Mermaid
Ursula is the scheming sea witch who makes a treacherous deal granting Ariel legs and a human voice using her potent magic of transformation. Brought to life with theatrical flair by Pat Carroll's iconic voice acting in the Disney classic The Little Mermaid, the bombastic Ursula manipulates Ariel's dreams of experiencing another realm. But the spirited mermaid prevails, proving love conquers the dark enchantments of an evil witch only seeking selfish gain.
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- 28
The Witches of Eastwick
The Witches of EastwickThe Witches of Eastwick are three repressed women yearning for adventure whose latent powers are awakened when they attract and magically empower the mysterious Daryl Van Horne. Depicted tantalizingly by Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer in the film, these friends discover their witchcraft allows them to manifest their deepest desires. Though Van Horne proves problematic, the women's magic ultimately liberates them to take control of their lives on their own terms.
- 29Charmed
Paige Matthews is the long-lost youngest Charmed One, given up at birth, whose whitelighter abilities of telekinetic orbing complement her sisters' powers in fighting evil. Portrayed earnestly by Rose McGowan joining the supernatural series in season 4, Paige masters brand new gifts as she bonds with newly discovered sisters Piper and Phoebe. Though hesitant at first, the orphaned Paige comes to cherish having a magical family and purpose protecting the innocent from harm.
- 30Charmed
Prue Halliwell is the stubborn eldest Charmed One whose telekinetic powers aid her sisters in combating warlocks, demons and dark forces as she evolves into a formidable protector. Originally portrayed authoritatively by Shannen Doherty on the series, Prue struggles to accept her destiny fighting supernatural foes while achieving professional success. But she grows into leadership over her siblings, tragically sacrificing her life defending them from a dark assassin.
