It’s that time of year again: the season of cozy nights in, woolly sweaters, and your favorite hot drinks. Every October, certain on-screen witches seem to flicker back into my life like familiar ghosts, equally nostalgic as they are powerful. From snarky and mischievous teens to the sisters using their craft to shape destiny, TV witches have always offered something more than a silly broomstick—they’ve embodied themes like friendship, sisterhood, justice, love, and power. In many ways, they hold a mirror up to our own society, forcing us to reckon with ourselves. As a celebration of my favorite TV tradition, here are my top five TV witches who remain impossible to forget.
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Alex: Wizards of Waverly Place - 5th
I'm sure it goes without saying, but Wizards of Waverly Place is a beloved Disney show. It follows the Russo family, a family of wizards (and wizards-in-training), who conceal their powers from the New York community where they live. It was a staple for many of us—so I would be remiss to not put Alex Russo on this list. Was Alex responsible? No. Was she humble? No, not that either. What people love Alex for is her wit and impossible charm! What ultimately cements her place in my top five is definitely her attitude: Alex brings a rebellious, fresh energy to TV witchcraft—and you cannot tell me you didn't want to be her at some point growing up. She made magic look fun! So while Alex Russo may underachieve on tests, she’s certainly top-tier for her humor. Watching Wizards of Waverly Place is for the nostalgia-seekers!
Piper, Prue, and Phoebe Halliwell: Charmed - 4th
Charmed centers on a group of sister witches known as the “Charmed Ones,” who are destined by family lineage to protect humanity and defeat evil forces. If I am being real, 75% of the time these witchy sisters are a hot mess, but in an endearing way. If I have to choose just one sister to rank at the top, it would definitely be Prue—the level-headed sister who has the power of telekinesis. But I'm not here to pit these powerful sisters against each other. In fact, what I love most about Charmed is the relatable dynamics of the show, and it says just as much about sisterhood as it does about witches. If you are someone who loves several season shows with 20+ episodes, Charmed is certainly for you!
Sabrina Spellman: Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - 3rd
She's half-mortal, half-witch, and full icon! From the Archie Comics of the 60s to the TV drama of the late 2010s, Sabrina Spellman has been a staple for multiple generations—reinventing herself to reflect the cultural moment. She is so cemented into popular culture that you will surely know at least one version of the iconic witch. Maybe you love the campy, humorous Sabrina from the 90s sitcom, or you root for the morally complex Sabrina from the 2010s horror-drama. Regardless, what is most charming about Sabrina (apart from her fantastic wardrobe) is her ever-present desire to do what is right, even if it rebels against the status quo. Both Sabrina the Teenage Witch and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina are best for people who love shows with a feminist lens!
Bonnie: The Vampire Diaries - 2nd
I am almost certain that Bonnie Bennett is experiencing back problems from carrying Mystic Falls for every single season of The Vampire Diaries. She is the town's hardest-working witch and gets hardly any credit! Sure, she’s Elena’s best friend, but more importantly, she is a fierce protector of her own supernatural heritage. Bonnie uses her powers to protect everyone, even when it requires impossible personal sacrifice (she died how many times?). Bonnie is ranked second because she gives grit and heart to every spell, frequently saving the day—even as the narrative sidelines her importance, wit, and compassion. Let me just say that if magic is power, Bonnie is its most quietly loyal keeper.
Alex and Camryn: Twitches - 1st
Okay, as a twin I am admittedly biased. But something about these quirky and imperfect twin witches (AKA Twitches) speaks to an entire generation. If you haven't experienced the life-changing movie Twitches (and its sequel, Twitches Too), it follows twin sisters who find each other after being separated at birth—discovering on their 21st birthday that they are witches from a magical kingdom called Coventry. With an evil darkness threatening to take over the magic and mortal world alike, Alex and Camryn must come together to protect who and what they love. Twitches is absolutely a mandatory watch for all twins, but anyone with a love for the campy, 2000s feel will find comfort in this timeless movie!
