Vampires, Demons, Werewolves, Faeries, and now Witches, Alan Ball’s supernatural HBO drama True Blood has never ceased to fulfill our appetite for the weird and wonderful, and as witches now play a huge part in the hit US show; with Season four introducing Fiona Shaw as a Marnie Stonebrook (a medium with incredible powers who leads a Wicca group in Bon Temps); we thought it was the perfect time to celebrate the May 21st release of the latest thrilling season of True Blood, by taking a look back at the most memorable witches from film and television. Which of these unforgettable witches is your favourite?
The Sanderson Sisters, Hocus Pocus:
This 90s comedy was one of Sarah Jessica Parkers first roles as one of the infamous Sanderson witches. She starred along side Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy, who played her equally evil and zealous sisters. As ominous as their characters were, they had their funny moments, too: a particular moment involving vacuum cleaners instead of brooms faired particularly well with audiences. 
Glinda and The Wicked Witch of the West, Wizard of Oz:
Who could ever forget the beautiful Glinda or the green-with-envy (literally) Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz? Not only has the film gone down in history as one of the world’s favorites, but modern day audiences are still screaming for more from this famous duo. The hit musical Wicked opened in 2003 and has become a Broadway and West End staple, even claiming the prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Musical.

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters, Practical Magic:
Long before they were Oscar winners, these two Hollywood A-listers were just a pair of witches looking for love. Practical Magic focused around a pair of sisters (Bullock and Kidman) fighting off a family curse by using, you guessed it, practical magic. The women of the Owen family were doomed with the fate of having men they loved facing an untimely death, but will they ever overcome the obstacles and find true love? Have a Friday night in and rent this romantic tale to find out. 
Melissa Joan Heart, Sabrina the Teenage Witch:
The 7-year long TV series starred Melissa Joan Heart as the lovable Sabrina, a 16 year old high-school student who finds out she’s a witch while living with her two hilarious aunts, Hilda and Zelda Spellman. Throw in a talking cat (named Salem), and a heartthrob love interest (Harvey Kinkle), and you have a recipe for a perfect tween sitcom. 
Hermoine Granger, Harry Potter:
Harry and Ron could never have made it without the brilliant sidekick, Hermoine Granger; played by Emma Watson, she become one of the most recognizable characters in both literature and Hollywood, due to the success of J.K. Rowling’s series. With the final film of Harry Potter, The Deathly Hallows Part 2, opening to a record breaking $483.2 million, and being the third highest grossing film of all time, it’s no wonder Ms. Granger (or should we say Mrs. Weasley) is a household name. 
Galadriel, Lord of the Rings:
Cate Blanchett played this famous creation from JRR Tolkein’s trilogy, Lord of the Rings in Peter Jackson’s award-winning films; not only appearing as the ‘Lady of the Wood’, who’s both an Elven queen and able to telephathically communicate with those around her, but also providing the narration for the Oscar-winning films.

The Three Witches, Macbeth:
These ominous figures of Shakespeare’s famous Macbeth are the ones who started the infamous ‘double, double, toil and trouble’ line. Some of Hollywood’s best, including Orson Welles and Roman Polanski, have had their own spin on these fateful witches, and even J.K. Rowling (author of the Harry Potter series) has said the inspiration for Voldemort’s prophecy came from the message the three witches gave to Macbeth in this Shakespearean tragedy. 
Samantha, Bewitched:
Bewitched was one of America’s longest running sitcoms (clocking in with 8 seasons), starred Elizabeth Montgomery as the lovable Samantha, and followed the humorous hiccups of witch Samantha after she decides to wed mortal Darrin Stephens, and tries her hand at living the life of a simple suburban housewife. The show was also inspiration for the 2005 film starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell.
The Queen, Snow White:
This beloved Disney fairytale is just as alive today as it was during its release in 1937. It seems that audiences can’t seem to get enough of the dreaded poisoned apple, with ‘Mirror Mirror’ and ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ both due this year, and Julia Roberts and Charlize Theron taking on the infamous role, respectively. 
Louisiana Witches, True Blood:
It may be a series born out of vampire folklore, but after introducing a sex-crazed demon, werewolves, and faeries, True Blood has thrown witchcraft into the mix; and with Holly Clearly coming out as being a witch in Season 3, and both for Jesus Velasquez and Lafayette Reynolds quickly following suit. True Blood Season 4 follows these witches as they visit local covens and become obsessed with using their powers to kill vampires. Do they succeed? Well you’ll have to watch and see! 
True Blood: the Complete Fourth Season is available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download from 21 May
