Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Bette Midler leads a cast with real comic timing. Put it on tonight on Disney Plus and see for yourself.

Hocus Pocus arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Hocus Pocus gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. After 300 years of slumber, three sister witches are accidentally resurrected in Salem on Halloween night, and it is up to three kids and their newfound feline friend to put an end to the witches' reign of terror once and for all. Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker lead a cast with the timing to make it work. Hocus Pocus came out in 1993. The timing in Hocus Pocus is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Hocus Pocus is a strong candidate. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Bette Midler is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.