Cartoon witches and tv shows to watch include Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Owl House, Little Witch Academia, and Winx Club. Witches have always cast their spell over storytelling, captivating audiences with their magical presence in animated films and TV shows.
Over the years, witches have bewitched audiences in live-action films and TV shows. As time progressed, they transformed and conquered the world of animation.
From Disney creations to teenage spellcasters and scheming sorceresses, witchy characters abound in animated worlds, with classic and contemporary icons leaving their enchanting mark.
Bewitching Animated Shows: Witches Who’ve Captured Our Hearts
From the quirky to the downright spooky, these witch-centric shows have cast a magical spell on viewers, making them crave more! So, let’s take a deep dive into the most popular animated series with witchy characters that have left us spellbound.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch: The Animated Series (1999-2000)
Starting our magical journey, we cannot overlook the charming and lovable Sabrina Spellman. Based on the Archie Comics character, this bewitching teenage witch began her animated adventures in the late 90s. Balancing high school life with her magical responsibilities, Sabrina, her talking cat Salem and her zany aunts Hilda and Zelda enchanted audiences with their quirky antics and relatable struggles.
Sabrina’s unique appeal lies in her down-to-earth personality and relatable teenage problems, all with a magical twist. The show’s lighthearted tone and lessons about friendship, responsibility, and embracing one’s uniqueness make it a true classic that continues to bewitch young and old fans.
The Owl House (2020 – Present)
Jumping into the more recent animated witch landscape, we find ourselves in the mysterious and quirky world of The Owl House. Luz Noceda, a human teenager, stumbles upon a portal to the magical realm of the Boiling Isles, where she befriends the rebellious witch Eda Clawthorne and her adorable, tiny demon sidekick King. As Luz begins her magical education under Eda’s tutelage, she learns the importance of challenging the status quo and embracing her path.
The Owl House is praised for its rich world-building, captivating animation, and strong character development. Its diverse cast and focus on themes such as self-discovery, friendship, and fighting against injustice make this show a modern favorite in the witchy animated universe.
Little Witch Academia (2013, 2017)
Embarking on a journey through the enchanting world of Japanese animation, we discover Little Witch Academia. Studio Trigger produces this captivating anime series, which follows the story of Atsuko “Akko” Kagari, an aspiring witch. Akko enrolls at the prestigious Luna Nova Magical Academy, hoping to follow in the footsteps of her idol, the witch Shiny Chariot.
As she navigates life at the academy, Akko faces challenges due to her lack of magical lineage and clumsy nature. However, her determination and friendships empower her to overcome obstacles and flourish as a witch.
Little Witch Academia casts a spell on viewers with its breathtaking animation, endearing characters, and inspiring message about perseverance and self-belief. The series embodies the magic of pursuing dreams and never giving up, making it a heartwarming treasure in the bewitching world of animation.
Winx Club (2004 – Present)
Soaring into the realm of magical girl teams, we find ourselves enchanted by the Winx Club. This Italian animated series, created by Iginio Straffi, follows the adventures of a group of fairies studying at the Alfea College for Fairies. Among them is Bloom, a seemingly ordinary girl who discovers she has magical powers and is, in fact, a witch. The Winx Club battles dark forces with her friends and learns valuable lessons about friendship, love, and teamwork.
Winx Club combines the allure of the magical girl series with a diverse and relatable cast of characters. Its colorful animation, exciting storylines, and heartfelt messages about embracing one’s destiny and the power of friendship have made it a beloved addition to the pantheon of witchy animated shows.
W.I.T.C.H. (2004-2006)
W.I.T.C.H., another magical girl team, enthralled audiences in the early 2000s with its animated series based on the Italian comic book of the same name. The show centers around five teenage girls – Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin – chosen as the new Guardians of the Veil to protect the universe from sinister forces. As they tackle the challenges of their newfound powers, the girls learn to embrace teamwork and self-belief.
The unique fusion of magical girl components and witchy aesthetics sets W.I.T.C.H. apart, crafting an enthralling world that captivates viewers.
Mary (Mary And The Witch’s Flower)
While many witches often play antagonist roles, some can be more relatable and endearing to the audience. After all, despite their villainous portrayal, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to learn magic?
Mary and The Witch’s Flower, a top-notch animated film on Netflix, grants a young girl the chance to wield magical powers and become a witch for a night. As she explores her newfound abilities, Mary’s character development unfolds throughout the film, revealing the drawbacks of magic and ultimately relinquishing her power in the end.
Bewitched (1973)
Last, let’s return to the 70s and pay homage to the classic animated series Bewitched. This animated spin-off from the popular live-action TV show of the same name followed the adventures of Tabitha Stephens, the daughter of the witch Samantha Stephens and her mortal husband Darrin. Tabitha and her brother Adam, also a witch, navigate the challenges of growing up with magical powers and keeping their heritage a secret from their mortal friends.
Bewitched’s delightful blend of 70s animation, supernatural hijinks, and heartwarming family dynamics made it an entertaining watch for audiences of all ages. The show’s lighthearted take on witchcraft and its focus on love, family, and self-acceptance has earned it a special place in the hearts of fans and witch enthusiasts alike.
Hilda (2018 – Present)
Diving into enchanting folklore, we find Hilda, a British-Canadian animated series that has bewitched audiences with its fantastical world and endearing characters. While not a witch herself, Hilda, the blue-haired protagonist, encounters various magical beings, including witches, on her thrilling adventures.
Based on the graphic novel series by Luke Pearson, the show follows Hilda as she moves from her enchanted forest home to the bustling city of Trolberg, where she uncovers the extraordinary lurking within the ordinary.
Hilda’s charm lies in its breathtaking animation, heartwarming storytelling, and lovable characters, all wrapped up in a magical world inspired by Scandinavian folklore.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
A trip to the world of witchy animation would be incomplete without paying homage to the whimsical and enchanting Kiki’s Delivery Service, a Studio Ghibli classic directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki.
This beloved film follows the adventures of Kiki, a young witch who sets out on her mandatory year-long journey of independence, accompanied by her talking cat, Jiji. Kiki settles in a quaint seaside town, where she starts a delivery service using her broomstick as transportation.
Yubaba (Spirited Away)
It’s amusing, or perhaps even ironic, how often people assume animated content can’t be frightening or intimidating. This assumption applies to numerous films, including the Japanese fantasy film Spirited Away, which tops the list.
Yubaba, one of Spirited Away’s antagonists, is a witch who persistently harasses and torments the protagonist, Chihiro. She stands as one of Studio Ghibli’s finest villains. Boasting truly terrifying magic and skills rarely seen in animated movies, Yubaba is indeed a formidable witch.
The Worst Witch (2017 – 2020)
Adding a touch of British charm to our witchy animated lineup, The Worst Witch tells the story of Mildred Hubble, a young witch attending Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. Based on the book series by Jill Murphy, the show follows Mildred’s struggles as an ordinary girl trying to fit in at a school for witches, often finding herself in hilarious and sometimes perilous situations.
The Worst Witch combines magical adventure, humor, and school life, creating an enchanting world that resonates with viewers of all ages. The show’s focus on friendship, loyalty, and self-acceptance makes it a heartwarming and magical addition to the pantheon of animated witchcraft.
Evil Queen (Snow White And The Seven Dwarves)
Disney appears to hold a monopoly on witches for various reasons. With a range from vengeful megalomaniacs to fearsome beings hunting for princesses’ souls, Disney has gathered an impressive collection of magic users over the decades.
The Evil Queen, one of the oldest witches, hails from the classic animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. She wields power to poison an apple or transform into a hag and employs a magic mirror for numerous wicked purposes.
Ursula (The Little Mermaid)
At some point, witches became even more sinister. Instead of targeting princesses or attempting to poison or kill unfortunate souls, they began stealing souls and making deals like twisted demons.
Ursula, the sea witch, ranks among Disney’s most terrifying villains. She not only deceived The Little Mermaid, Ariel, into relinquishing her voice but also overpowered Triton, nearly married Eric through illusions, and grew to the size of a skyscraper. She is undoubtedly far from your typical witch.
Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
Of all the pointy-hatted magic users, the infamous Maleficent is the most iconic and remarkable. In recent years, she has been portrayed as an anti-hero or misunderstood villain, but in Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent was a force to be reckoned with.
The list of her wicked deeds is extensive. From cursing Princess Aurora to suffering a terrible death, wielding magic in terrifying ways, and even transforming into a colossal dragon to confront the dashing prince, Maleficent has been and always will be a phenomenal witch.