Hocus Pocushas been among the most popularHalloween kids moviesfor years. This cult classic directed by Kenny Ortega released in 1993 and presented the story of Winnie, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson, three witches who are brought back to life by a teenager’s mistake, and this time, they aim to achieve immortality. Even though it was not a blockbuster hit back in the day, as the years went by, the film grew increasingly popular. So much so that over a decade after its release, a sequel toHocus Pocuscame into consideration, and by 2017, that idea was greenlit.
In September 2022,Hocus Pocus 2premiered on Disney+, with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles as the Sanderson Sisters. The cast also featured Doug Jones, who returned as Billy Butcherson, and incorporated Sam Richardson, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Tony Hale, Hannah Waddingham, and Lilia Buckingham. While theexpectations for this filmwere quite high,Hocus Pocus 2managed to live up to it, impressing fans with a new story while bringing back the comedic and nostalgic elements of the original. Fortunately, one of the recurring elements in this sequel wereits musical hits: the witches are back with incredible performances and the same eagerness to take over the stage they had back in 1993. Let’s go over every musical number in theHocus Pocusmovies.
6I Put a Spell on You — Hocus Pocus
It is very hard to associate this particular song with any other person than Winnie Sanderson, but in fact, before this iconic witch took over the stage at the Halloween party, the one who was singing this piece was the Skeleton Singer along with his band. While it is not their most memorable tune, it was a rather amusing moment during which the singer tried to conquer the witch with a gallant smile. Still, this rendition of “I Put a Spell on You”, performed by Joe Malone, was short-lived: he was promptly interrupted by Max, in an effort to get the adults to understand the gravity of the situation.
Related:Hocus Pocus 3 Return Possiblity Addressed By Bette Midler
5Sarah’s Theme — Hocus Pocus
“Sarah’s Theme”, also known as “Come Little Children” or “Garden of Magic” is a song featured in both films, and it is performed by Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson. This young witch is the clumsiest of the coven, and she is constantly being scolded by Winnie over the things she says or does. But her playful, childlike looks also made her the perfect fit for one all-important task: hypnotizing and luring kids to her. The Sanderson Sisters would not have been able to remain young for so many years if it hadn’t been for her gentle voice. Nevertheless, inHocus Pocus 2, we find out that this bewitching song was not Sarah’s creation, but rather is part of the witches' culture. This time, it is performed by the Mother Witch, who discovers them wandering in the forbidden forest. Therefore, one could conclude that the melody is handed down from generation to generation, as well as the spell book.
4Witchcraft — Hocus Pocus
“Witchcraft” is a 1957 song composed by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh, further popularized by Frank Sinatra. This is the most famous song performed by the Skeleton Singer and his band, and the one that made the audience embrace him as one of their favorite characters despite his limited screen time and the fact that he hampered the main characters' mission to protect Salem from the witches. After all, who wouldn’t want a band like this to spice up their Halloween party? This romantic song is perfect considering the celebration and, most of all, the Sanderson Sisters' comeback.
3The Witches Are Back — Hocus Pocus 2
“The Witches Are Back” is a modern take on Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s song “The Bitch Is Back,” and it was chosen as the theme song for the long-awaited return of the Sanderson Sisters inHocus Pocus 2. After Becca and Izzy mistakenly light a Black Flame Candle on Halloween night, Winnie, Sarah and Mary are brought back to Salem where they celebrate as only they know how: chanting and dancing. This scene gets particularly amusing when comparing the witches' cheerful attitude with the concern and bewilderment of the teenage girls, who are watching them from afar, yet totally mesmerized by their performance. And while at first Becca and Izzy believe that the sisters are oblivious to their presence, things turn out to be quite different: Sarah pops up before them frightening them to death and informing that the performance is meant for the two of them. This is just another demonstration that the Sandersons, however chaotic they may be, do not leave anything to chance.
Related:Hocus Pocus 2 Sets Strongest Premiere Yet for Disney+
2One Way or Another — Hocus Pocus 2
InHocus Pocus 2, the Sanderson Sisters also reversed “One Way or Another,” the 1978 Blondie classic inspired by singer Deborah Harry’s haunting experience with a stalker. Naturally, the song was not chosen randomly: Winnie, Sarah and Mary are tracking down Jefry Traske, the Mayor of Salem, in order to get back at his ancestors. After a Sanderson Sisters costume contest in which, astonishingly, they do not win, Winnie tosses everyone off the stage and starts singing. But besides delivering a terrific performance, the witch sets out to hypnotize the audience into leading her to Traske.
1I Put a Spell on You — Hocus Pocus
“I Put a Spell on You,“performed by Bette Midleras Winnie Sanderson is hands down the most iconic song fromHocus Pocus, as well as a scene that still lingers in every fan’s memory. On Halloween night 1993, Max Dennison lights up the Black Flame Candle and awakens the witches once again. But they come back with one mission: to become immortal, and to do so, they need lots of children’s souls. During the night, the witches show up at a party, take over the stage, and perform their own rendition of this Jay Hawkins song. Ironically, apart from delivering a great show, Winnie is literally putting a spell on all the adults who are present to make them dance themselves to death in order to steal every child in the city without them knowing.
