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Parents' Guide to

The Worst Witch

By Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Slow-paced magic adventure for the pre-Potter set.

Movie G 1986 70 minutes
The Worst Witch Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

Mildred Hubble (Fairuza Balk) is the worst witch at Miss Cackle's International School for Witches. She can't balance her kitten on her broom. She fails a potion-making quiz when she turns herself invisible instead of making a laughing potion. And she's plagued with doubt because, after all, her mother wanted to be a witch but "didn't have the gift." Add to that the competitive bullying nemesis Ethel Hallow (Anna Kipling) and a disastrous performance in front of the Grand Wizard, and you get a very hopeless witch indeed. But when she discovers a plot to take over the school by some mean witches, she may just get the chance she needs to prove herself.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

This 1980s witch fable based on the popular young reader books by Jill Murphy is no Harry Potter, but harmless enough for a Halloween special.

While the special effects are laughably cheap and the musical numbers are atrocious, that's part of the charm of this DVD. Parents of a certain age will appreciate the kitschiness of Balk as an innocent witch, in her pre-crazy-goth-lady days, and will love Facts of Life den mother Charlotte Rae as both the sweet-as-pie Miss Cackle and as her inexplicably Southern-accented evil twin Agatha. These are milder scares for kids not ready for the magic of the Harry Potter world. But there are still some moments of cackling witchiness and exploding spells that aren't for the very young or sensitive.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how children can overcome their shyness and insecurity to share their special gifts with the world. How does Mildred learn that her skills are valuable? Why does she doubt herself? When do you doubt yourself? If you've read the books, how do they compare?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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