Have you ever wondered what TV shows and movies have the most realistic witchcraft in them? I was thinking about that the other day and started to make a list of shows and movies I felt had the most realistic witchcraft in them.
My list is not in any order. It's just the order in which I thought of the shows and movies, and I would love to hear what you think.
Practical Magic (movie): I thought it was a great depiction of a circle and loved how the community could come together and help even though none of them had ever practiced. There are very fantasy sorts of magic, but it's relatively tasteful. The film's undertones, methods, habits, and reasons are very realistic in terms of paganism and witchcraft.
Also, the way Sally puts together her true love spell at the beginning of the movie is very similar to how I throw together simple spells. If you liked the movie and enjoy reading, there is a book series, and it's excellent.
The Craft (movie)
The Craft is another movie I really enjoyed and noticed it had a realistic vibe (not perfect). I did a little research and discovered that the production team hired a real Wicca consultant (Pat Devin), also known as High Priestess of Covenant of the Goddess, to ensure that the spells and incantations were realistic. Another little bit of information I learned was actress Fairuza Balk, who played Nancy, was also a practicing Wiccan.
Good Witch (TV and movie series)
The Good Witch is probably one of the more realistic series. There are no superpower fireballs, but instead some pretty advanced (yet still not over-powered stuff) like the daughter's psychic gifts and the alternative medicine usage. It's a perfect example of witchcraft. Subtle, yet she'd clearly been practicing for a very long time. It's a shame they are no longer making episodes, and the last movie came out in 2014. I really enjoyed the show.
The Love Witch (movie)
The Love Witch is another movie that I felt was excellent and seemed like whoever made it did their homework. I did a little research and learned that the director/writer Anna Biller had done a lot of research before starting the movie. She actually went to some rituals and had friends who were already witches that she spoke with when making the movie. And to top it off, she hired a bunch of witches and cast them as extras in the coven scenes.
A Dark Song (movie)
Another fairly realistic film is A Dark Song. It is probably the best cinematic presentation of a high magic ritual. It's a lot of work, time, dedication, sacrifice, etc., not just something you do on a whim. Although it gets a little Hollywood at the end, the film is overall realistic regarding ritual magic. And if you haven't watched the movie, you should. It is one of my favorites.
The 9th Gate (movie)
The 9th gate is realistic because it focuses on the quest for higher knowledge through books. Most people who delve into magic end up reading a lot. And there isn't any "Hollywood" magic in this movie. It simply focuses on a single ritual.