30 years later, this near-perfect thriller starring Neve Campbell has become a cult classic

When it comes to movies about witches, there are several strong contenders for best entry in the subgenre. From classics like Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic to ironic entries in the canon like The Love Witch to downright terrifying films like The Witch to the hallucinatory horror of Suspiria. But one film arguably beats out all the rest with its portrayal of female adolescence through the filter of a witchy thrills. As of May 3, director Andrew Fleming's anthem for misfits, The Craft, has turned 30. Following four teen girls who become friends through witchcraft before a Lord of the Flies mentality ends their alliance forever, The Craft continues to rank near the top of just about everyone's list of "best witch movies." What's not to love? Breakout performances from all four central characters, lots of life-or-death teen drama, and at least one game of "light as a feather, stiff as a board," this movie was a cornerstone for a lot of teen weirdos on its release. Despite being very rooted in its time (rotary phones in every household), The Craft continues to hold a sort of timeless quality that allows it to keep finding viewers decades down the line. Why is that? We have thoughts! O

May 4, 2026 → May 4, 2026