Common Sense Media Review
Campy teen witch thriller more violent than fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Craft
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is generally misunderstood regarding its rating, with many reviewers feeling it should be rated PG-13 instead of R due to the minimal graphic content. They highlight its mature themes, including violence and self-harm, but also appreciate the lessons about consequences, making it suitable for more mature teens, especially those intrigued by witchcraft and supernatural elements.
- rating confusion
- mature themes
- good lessons
- minimal graphic content
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This is a sinister tale of teenage power and witchcraft. Sarah (Robin Tunney) is new to St. Benedict's Academy in L.A. and looking for friends when Bonnie (Neve Campbell) decides she's the perfect choice for her witch's coven. Soon, Sarah, Bonnie, Rochelle (Rachel True) and ringleader Nancy (Fairuza Balk) are casting spells to get even with their high school nemeses. But their spells begin backfiring in dangerous and disturbing ways, and Sarah, the only "natural witch" in the bunch, must protect herself and those she loves from this power she's unleashed.
Is It Any Good?
What's odd about this chilling and ominous tale is its sneaking moral. It's supposed to warn girls against resentment and revenge, encouraging them to "do unto others as they would have done unto them," as Wiccan mentor Lirio (Assumpta Serna) says. That's all well and good, but there's also a blame-the-victim mentality here. So they'll get back what they have sown three-fold. Does that mean that Sarah deserves to be raped? Does that mean that Nancy, arguably the most damaged from an abusive childhood, deserves to be locked up? Does the epic battle between Nancy and Sarah really mean that there can only be one Queen Bee, one mean girl? Should they have stood up for themselves in some other way, or simply acquiesced to the abuse around them? These are questions teen viewers should consider.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about religion: Some consider Wicca to be a way to worship the Earth. What do you think? How does it compare with other conventional religions?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 24, 1996
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2000
- Cast : Fairuza Balk , Neve Campbell , Rachel True , Robin Tunney , Skeet Ulrich
- Director : Andrew Fleming
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some terror and violence, and for brief language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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