The Three Main Witches
The 1993 film Hocus Pocus centers on three resurrected witches. Their names are Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson. They are played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Other Named Witches
The film also references other witches. The child witches who originally defeated the Sanderson Sisters are named Allison and Max in the modern storyline. Historical accounts note that the original Salem witch trials involved many accused women, though the film focuses on the three sisters.
Why the Names Matter
The Sanderson Sisters’ names help define their characters. Winifred is the leader, Sarah uses her voice, and Mary uses her sense of smell. Their names appear in dialogue, merchandise, and fan discussions, making them key to the movie’s identity.
For more background on the film, see the Hocus Pocus Wikipedia page.
