The Witch Thomasin

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is an animated adventure fantasy film written and directed by famed Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the story of Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who, while moving to a new home, finds herself trapped in a spirit world. With help from the mysterious Haku and a cast of unique characters, Chihiro embarks on a quest to save her parents, who have been turned into pigs by the Witch Yubaba. Along the way, she encounters mythical gods and monsters, and learns to appreciate the value of hard work. In the end, Chihiro and her parents are reunited and able to return to the human world. The film is widely acclaimed and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashûin, Akihiro Miwa
Rated PG

Howl's Moving Castle follows the story of Sophie, an average teenage girl who is suddenly transformed into an old woman by a witch. In order to reverse the curse, she must seek out the notorious wizard Howl and his mysterious castle which travels the countryside. Along the way, Sophie meets a variety of strange characters, including a fire demon, a scarecrow-like figure, and a living scarecrow. With the help of these characters, Sophie must defeat the Witch of Waste and restore her youth. Along the way, Sophie learns more about Howl and his true identity, and helps him to confront his inner demons. The movie is a fantasy adventure filled with beautiful animation, creative characters, and a touching story of love and courage.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, King Vidor, starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
Rated PG

The Wizard of Oz is a classic 1939 musical fantasy film based on the novel by L. Frank Baum. It follows the journey of Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas who finds herself in the magical land of Oz. With her dog Toto by her side, she embarks on an unforgettable adventure as she meets a few unlikely friends along the way. With help from the Good Witch Glinda, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy must battle the Wicked Witch of the West in order to get back to her home in Kansas. Along the way, she learns that there’s no place like home and that there’s no substitute for the love of family and friends.

From Roman Polanski, starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer
Rated Approved

Rosemary's Baby is a classic psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski and released in 1968. It follows a young couple, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, who move into an old and seemingly haunted apartment building in New York City. Rosemary soon begins to experience strange and unsettling events, including being drugged and raped by a coven of witches in the building who want her to be the mother of their satanic child. As her health and sanity deteriorate, Rosemary discovers that her husband has sold her soul to the devil in exchange for a successful career. With the help of an old friend, Rosemary must fight to save her unborn child, while protecting her own life and sanity in the process.

From Isao Takahata, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, James Marsden
Rated PG

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is an animated Studio Ghibli film directed by Isao Takahata. It tells the story of a tiny girl found inside a glowing bamboo stalk by an old bamboo cutter and his wife. The girl, Kaguya, grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady of mysterious origin. Her parents are determined to make her a princess and marry her off to a member of the nobility. Kaguya, however, is not interested in any of this and instead longs to return to the mysterious place from which she came. As she struggles to make her own decisions, she must confront the emotional consequences of her choices. The film is a touching, beautiful, and poetic representation of an ancient Japanese folktale.

From Directors: Jean Cocteau, René Clément, starring Jean Marais, Josette Day, Mila Parély, Nane Germon
Rated Not Rated

Beauty and the Beast is a 1946 French romantic fantasy film directed by Jean Cocteau and starring Jean Marais and Josette Day. The film follows the classic fairytale of a young woman, Beauty (Josette Day), who is taken prisoner by a beast (Jean Marais) in his magical castle. The beast is under a spell which can only be broken if he can learn to love and be loved in return. Despite his frightening appearance, Beauty eventually learns to look past the beast's exterior and falls in love with him. However, the spell can only be broken if the Beast can find someone to love him before the last petal of an enchanted rose falls. Beauty and the Beast is a timeless classic that has inspired countless versions of the tale since its release. It is noted for its sumptuous visuals and its groundbreaking use of special effects. The film was awarded the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 1946.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Kirsten Dunst, Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Kappei Yamaguchi
Rated G

Kiki's Delivery Service is a beloved coming-of-age film from Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the story of a young witch named Kiki, who must leave home and gain independence in order to become a full-fledged witch. With her trusty black cat, Jiji, by her side, Kiki sets out to make her way in the world. She soon finds herself in a new city, where she starts her own delivery service, using her broomstick to transport packages and goods. With help from her newfound friends, Kiki learns the importance of self-reliance and discovers her true talent, which ultimately helps her save the city. Filled with positive messages and beautiful animation, Kiki's Delivery Service is a must-see family classic.

From Ken Russell, starring Vanessa Redgrave, Oliver Reed, Dudley Sutton, Max Adrian
Rated R

The Devils is a 1971 British historical drama directed by Ken Russell, adapted from the 1952 non-fiction book The Devils of Loudun by Aldous Huxley. Set in 17th century France, the film follows a charismatic priest named Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed), who is accused of witchcraft and put on trial by a corrupt priest and the sexually repressed nuns of Loudun. The film draws on themes of religious hysteria and sexual repression, as Grandier battles with corrupt powers over his freedom and his own personal beliefs. The film follows Grandier's struggle with the forces of law and religion that ultimately lead to his execution.

From Robert Stevenson, starring Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns
Rated G

Mary Poppins is a 1964 musical fantasy film directed by Robert Stevenson and based on the novel series by P.L. Travers. The film stars Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins, a mysterious nanny who uses her magical powers to help the Banks family find joy and order in their lives. Along with Bert (Dick Van Dyke), Mary takes the children on unforgettable adventures and teaches them valuable lessons in life. With the help of her friends, Mary is able to make the family realize the importance of imagination and togetherness. The film features memorable musical numbers, such as "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". Mary Poppins is a timeless classic that continues to spark joy and delight in audiences of all ages.

From Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne, Roy Atwell
Rated Approved

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a 1937 Disney animated classic, directed by William Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce, and Ben Sharpsteen. The film tells the story of Snow White, a young princess who is forced to flee her home after her jealous stepmother orders a huntsman to kill her. During her journey, she finds shelter with a group of seven dwarfs who work in a nearby mine. She soon befriends them and starts to live with them. The evil stepmother discovers her whereabouts and attempts to kill her by various methods, but the dwarfs save Snow White and eventually defeat the stepmother. Snow White then returns to her kingdom, where she is reunited with her prince and they live happily ever after.

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes
Rated G

The Little Mermaid is a classic 1989 Disney animated musical film directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. The story is based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale of the same name and follows the mermaid, Ariel, as she defies her father and risks everything to be with the human prince she loves. Ariel is a young mermaid living under the sea with her father, King Triton, and sisters. She dreams of exploring the human world above and falls in love at first sight with Prince Eric. Against her father's wishes, Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to trade her tail for legs and a chance to be with her prince. Ariel has three days to make Eric fall in love with her and break the spell, or otherwise, she will be forced to live forever in Ursula's service. With the help of her friends, Sebastian the crab and Flounder the fish, Ariel must overcome obstacles and discover the power of true love.

From Neil Burger, starring Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell
Rated PG-13

The Illusionist is a 2006 film directed by Neil Burger and starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, and Jessica Biel. The film is set in Vienna, Austria in 1900 and follows the story of Eisenheim, a master magician and illusionist, and his love interest, Sophie, the daughter of a powerful Austrian nobleman. Eisenheim uses his magical powers to entertain the local crowds, but his true mission is to reunite himself with Sophie, who has been forced into an arranged marriage with a wealthy nobleman. Despite their social differences and the obstacles that stand in their way, their love for each other is strong and unconquerable. The film follows Eisenheim's journey as he attempts to use his talents to break the barriers that divide them and ultimately reunite them. Along the way, Eisenheim faces opposition from the police chief and the nobility of Vienna, who try to shut him down and expose his secrets. Ultimately, Eisenheim triumphs in the end, proving that love and magic can be stronger than any force.

From Matthew Vaughn, starring Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller, Ian McKellen
Rated PG-13

Stardust is a 2007 fantasy-adventure film directed by Matthew Vaughn and based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name. The story follows Tristan (Charlie Cox), a young man from a small town in Britain, who sets out to retrieve a fallen star from the fantastical world of Stormhold. Along the way, Tristan encounters a wide array of characters, including the star, Yvaine (Claire Danes), a witch (Michelle Pfeiffer), a prince (Robert De Niro), and a pirate (Ricky Gervais). He also discovers a prophecy that will determine the fate of Stormhold. In the end, Tristan and Yvaine, along with the help of his loved ones, must work together to save the kingdom and fulfill the prophecy.

From Dario Argento, starring Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Miguel Bosé
Rated R

From Directors: Les Clark, Clyde Geronimi, Eric Larson, Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske, starring Mary Costa, Bill Shirley, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton
Rated G

From Directors: Wolfgang Reitherman, Clyde Geronimi, David Hand, starring Rickie Sorensen, Sebastian Cabot, Karl Swenson, Junius Matthews
Rated G

From Directors: Robert Stevenson, Ward Kimball, starring Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Roddy McDowall, Sam Jaffe
Rated G

From Robert Eggers, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Julian Richings
Rated R

From Sidney Hayers, starring Peter Wyngarde, Janet Blair, Margaret Johnston, Anthony Nicholls
Rated Not Rated

From Robert Stromberg, starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Manville
Rated PG

From Kenny Ortega, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz
Rated PG

From Andrew Adamson, starring Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes
Rated PG

From Hiromasa Yonebayashi, starring Hana Sugisaki, Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Yûki Amami, Fumiyo Kohinata
Rated PG

From Nicolas Roeg, starring Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher, Rowan Atkinson
Rated PG

From Sam Raimi, starring Cate Blanchett, Katie Holmes, Keanu Reeves, Giovanni Ribisi
Rated R