Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Roald Dahl's The Witches

film

Roald Dahl's The Witches

2020

In late 1967, a young orphaned boy goes to live with his loving grandma in the rural Alabama town of Demopolis. As the boy and his grandmother encounter some deceptively glamorous but thoroughly diabolical witches, she wisely whisks him away to a seaside resort. Regrettably, they arrive at precisely the same time that the world's Grand High Witch has gathered.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? PG fantasy horror includes frightening witches, peril, a child’s transformation, deaths and grief, threatening scenes, and some intense imagery. The family bond and humor soften the impact, but younger children may find it disturbing. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard commercial production associated with the film release.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The boy is orphaned after his parents die in a car accident. Their deaths happen before the main events and are handled as a sad, important part of his backstory, without graphic detail.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild insults and character-based antagonism.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The witches are grotesque and threatening, with frightening reveals, suspense, child endangerment, and transformation-focused imagery.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Brief background depictions of adults at a hotel bar.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Witches threaten and attack children; there are chases, accidents, magical attacks, and slapstick peril, mostly without realistic injury detail.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face frightening supernatural threats and protect one another through brave, purposeful action rather than simple recklessness.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The magical premise, inventive plans, talking mice, and transformation rules encourage imaginative problem-solving and fantasy play.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The central family is Black and portrayed with agency and warmth; representation is meaningful, though the cast is not broadly diverse in every dimension.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

General adaptation of literary work.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

The loving relationship between the boy and his grandmother, along with cooperation against the witches, makes empathy and care central.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes family love, loyalty, resilience, ingenuity, and confronting evil despite fear and physical disadvantage.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The boy and his grandmother show loyalty, bravery, resourcefulness, and protective care, despite moments of danger and fear.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Roald Dahl's The Witches would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Roald Dahl's The Witches, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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