HOCUS POCUS 2
Two teen girls bring back the Sanderson Witches, and must protect their town.
Should You Watch It?
Skip it. Fans of the original HOCUS POCUS may find this sequel enchanting, but its heavy dose of witchcraft makes it a dark follow-up. This movie offers some positive messages about friendship, selflessness, and forgiveness.
Becca, Izzy and Cassie must learn to work through their disagreements, while the Sanderson sisters’ relationship demonstrates the lengths people will go to protect those they love. The story also emphasizes the importance of putting others before yourself.
However, witchcraft forms the foundation of the movie’s fantasy world. The Sanderson sisters use spells and potions to gain supernatural power, while crystals, herbs, moon spells, and sacred woods become part of the bewitched system. Human girls also cast spells and lift curses, making magic central to the story rather than a minor fantasy element.
Ultimately, the positive messages don't outweigh its celebration of witchcraft, making this one a clear skip for families who want to avoid entertainment that treats spell-casting as harmless fun.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESNearly 30 years after the Sanderson sisters' defeat, teenagers Becca and Izzy accidentally bring Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson back to Salem. The witches return with a new goal: to gain enough power to cast a powerful spell that will make them stronger than ever.
Becca and Izzy discover their friend Cassie’s involvement with the Sanderson sisters. The girls must set aside their disagreements and work together to stop the witches. As the story develops, Winifred uncovers that the power she seeks comes with a greater cost than she expects. Her relationship with Mary and Sarah grows more important than the power she spends the movie trying to obtain.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars for a sequel that brings back the Sanderson sisters’ familiar comedy while adding a relatable friendship story for younger audiences.
The strongest element is the chemistry between the Sanderson sisters. Their comedic performances provide much of the entertainment, while Becca, Izzy and Cassie offer a friendship story about working through disagreements and standing together.
A meaningful message about sacrificial love also emerges. The characters learn about forgiveness, selflessness and putting others before themselves, giving the adventure some worthwhile lessons beneath the comedy.
However, witchcraft and magic form the foundation, presented as sources of power, entertainment and even friendship. Spells, potions, crystals, herbs and moon rituals play major roles, making witchcraft far more than a passing fantasy element.
The Worldview
At its core, this story carries an occult worldview with pagan elements. It treats witchcraft as a real source of supernatural power, as characters cast spells, brew potions, and turn to magical objects, herbs, and crystals.
It even sorts magic into types and presents some of it as a force for good. The Salem witches treat Christianity as the enemy and believe people worship them. Expect rituals, chants, several mentions of Satan, and calls to "sacred powers."
Still, some moral elements shine through. The sisters love one another, characters learn to forgive, and Winifred finally gives up her own desires for the people she loves. Friendship and sacrifice make for touching scenes, but the plot still hands the spotlight, and the power, to the witches.
For Christians, that matters. Scripture warns against witchcraft and sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:10; Galatians 5:20), yet here the witches win our sympathy while Christianity plays the villain. Loyal love and forgiveness reflect biblical virtues, but the Bible roots them in God, not magic. Parents should know this tale wraps the occult in fun and friendship, an easy sell for young viewers.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Very strong occult worldview with pagan elements, including witchcraft presented as a source of supernatural power, spells, potions, magical objects, herbs, crystals, rituals, chants and supernatural practices. Different types of magic are distinguished, with some presented as being used for good purposes. Christianity is portrayed negatively by the witches, who view Christians as the “enemy,” while Satan is mentioned several times. The witches also believe people “worship” them. Homosexual elements with drag queens and a same sex-couple watching a movie
Foul Language
Two uses of “OMG” and various insults
Violence
Cartoonish fantasy violence, magical attacks, characters thrown or knocked down, threats, frightening supernatural imagery, and references to death, torture and sacrifice
Sex
A child asks what a virgin is, jokes about virgins, an implied reference to losing virginity, flirting, and references to “lovers”
Nudity
No significant nudity
Alcohol Use
Characters drink at a party, with additional references to drinking
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No drug use or abuse
Miscellaneous Immorality
Witchcraft, occult rituals, manipulation, lying, jealousy, revenge, selfishness, stealing, cursing, destruction and seeking supernatural power.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Winifred wants more and more magical power. What does the Bible say about seeking power apart from God? Isaiah 8:19
Winifred eventually sacrifices her own desires for her sisters. What does the Bible teach about sacrificial love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; John 15:13
Becca, Izzy, and Cassie experience conflict because of jealousy and broken trust. How should Christians handle conflict with friends Ephesians 4:31-32
The movie presents magic as something that can be used for good. How should Christians respond when entertainment makes occult practices seem harmless? Ephesians 5:11; Philippians 4:8
The Final Word
HOCUS POCUS 2 delivers charming performances and sweet messages about friendship, forgiveness, sisterhood, and sacrificial love that may lure curious kids. Unfortunately, witchcraft sits at the heart of the story, and the sequel presents occult power as a tool for good. Those positive themes can't outweigh its dark spiritual foundation. Parents should exercise extreme caution, especially with young children who may walk away more charmed by the witches than wary of them.
