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Mystery horror film

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022): Cast, Ratings & Ending

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) movie poster

Hocus Pocus 2 is a 2022 mystery horror film directed by Anne Fletcher, starring Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Tony Hale. It was made on a reported $30 million budget. Critics gave it 65% on Rotten Tomatoes and 56 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10.

IMDb rating
6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
65%
Echo Score
59
Metascore
56
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Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) movie poster
Released
Director
Anne Fletcher
Genres
Mystery , Fantasy , Horror , Comedy
Original language
English
Studio
Disney+
Budget
$30M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Hocus Pocus 2 About?

The premise of Hocus Pocus 2 without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A new generation of witches unwittingly resurrects the Sanderson sisters, a trio of mischievous and powerful witches from the 17th century. Now, three teenagers must team up to stop the witches from achieving their nefarious plans and unleashing chaos on Halloween night. Facing a race against time as dawn approaches, the teens must find a way to outwit the witches and save Salem from their magical mayhem.

Hocus Pocus 2 Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • sequel
  • witch
  • spell
  • magic
  • curse
  • second part
  • power
  • magical
  • number 2 in title
  • sister
  • havoc
  • witchcraft
+38 more
  • village
  • female protagonist
  • halloween
  • wizard
  • dark
  • hero
  • trio
  • drugstore
  • pharmacy
  • halloween party
  • halloween costume
  • candle
  • amazon alexa
  • magic shop
  • younger version of character
  • mayor
  • carnival
  • carnival game
  • flying on a broomstick
  • flying broomstick
  • black cat
  • book of magic
  • circle of salt
  • selfie
  • father daughter relationship
  • birthday
  • robot vacuum cleaner
  • forest
  • ritual
  • mouth sewn shut
  • evil witch
  • year 1653
  • scene during end credits
  • scene after closing credits
  • walgreens
  • costume contest
  • candy apple
  • caramel apple
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Cast & crew

Hocus Pocus 2 Cast & Characters

Kathy Najimy leads the cast as Mary Sanderson, with Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson and Tony Hale as Mayor, Reverend Traske. Directed by Anne Fletcher; 12 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Anne Fletcher

More films directed by Anne Fletcher, best-rated first: Dumplin', The Proposal, Step Up and 27 Dresses.

Full filmography
Ratings

Hocus Pocus 2 Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Hocus Pocus 2 65% on Rotten Tomatoes and 56 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 59/100, strongest in character & emotion (70) and weakest in story & flow (50).

59 /100

Hocus Pocus 2 Echo Score Breakdown

Hocus Pocus 2 delivers a moderately enjoyable sequel that leans on nostalgia and the original cast's chemistry while stumbling in narrative cohesion. Critics highlight its flashy yet uneven execution, and users note predictable humor and safe storytelling, though many appreciate the festive tone. The film satisfies casual Halloween viewing but lacks the originality to stand out, resulting in a mixed but watchable experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the sequel maintains the original's whimsical atmosphere with a bright, flashy aesthetic. Critics describe the presentation as chaotic and slightly derivative, while users acknowledge the director's effort to preserve the fluffy tone. The cinematography and production design are competent but not innovative, leading to an overall modest appraisal of the film's artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When assessing character performance and emotional resonance, the returning Sanderson sisters receive consistent praise for their lively chemistry and spirited acting. Both critics and users commend the trio's ability to anchor the story, though some note secondary characters as bland. The strong central performances elevate the film, resulting in a solid rating for character work despite weaker supporting roles.

  • Story & Flow 50

    The narrative structure and originality receive mixed feedback. Critics point to a listless, uneven plot that relies heavily on nostalgia, while users describe the story as predictable and safe. Although the premise offers occasional amusing twists, the overall pacing and lack of fresh ideas limit engagement. This balance of modest interest and noticeable shortcomings yields an average story score.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    Sensory elements such as soundtrack and visual style are deemed pleasant but unremarkable. Reviewers mention a flashy, chaotic aesthetic and occasional whimsical moments, with users appreciating the festive mood and occasional catchy songs. However, no standout audio-visual innovations are cited. The sensory experience thus supports the film's light-hearted tone without delivering a memorable impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Rewatch value is moderate; the sequel offers seasonal fun and familiar charm that can entertain repeat viewers during Halloween. Critics note fan gratification and a satisfying, if thin, experience, while users acknowledge its watchability and occasional laughs but caution against high expectations. The film's appeal endures enough for occasional revisits but lacks strong incentives for frequent viewings.

Plot

Hocus Pocus 2 Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Hocus Pocus 2 from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 16 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1653 Salem, Massachusetts, a determined Reverend Traske banishes the headstrong Winifred Sanderson - portrayed by Bette Midler - after she boldly rejects the idea of marrying John Pritchett. Refusing to be separated from her beloved sisters, Mary and Sarah, she leads them to a secluded forest. There, they encounter Mother Witch, who bestows upon Winifred a mystical book bound in human skin, featuring a living eyeball as its centerpiece. However, Mother Witch warns the sisters against the powerful Magicae Maxima spell, which grants absolute power, while teaching them the dark arts of maintaining their youth through the exploitation of children. Seeking vengeance, the sisters unleash their wrath on the Reverend, cursing his home until it is consumed by flames.

Full summary

The whole story of Hocus Pocus 2, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

Hocus Pocus 2 Trailers & Videos

7 videos: 2 trailers, 2 teasers and 3 clips.

All 7 videos
Teaser Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Teaser They're Back!
  • Teaser Talkback
  • Clip Official Clip
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Hocus Pocus 2?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year does the story of Hocus Pocus 2 begin?

Cars

Cars in Hocus Pocus 2

3 cars on screen, including the 2019 Ford Fusion and the unknown.

  • 2019 Ford Fusion in Hocus Pocus 2 2019 Ford Fusion Important role
  • unknown in Hocus Pocus 2 unknown Important role
  • 2016 Acura RDX in Hocus Pocus 2 2016 Acura RDX Background role
Details

Hocus Pocus 2 Also Known As

24 alternative titles, including “Фокус-покус 2” and “جادو جمبل ۲”.

Also known as
  • Фокус-покус 2
  • جادو جمبل ۲
  • هوکس پوکس ۲
  • 호커스 포커스 2
  • El retorno de las brujas 2
  • Abracadabra 2
  • ホーカスポーカス 2
  • Hokus Pokus 2
  • Hókus Pókus 2
  • Três Bruxas Loucas 2
  • Hókusz pókusz 2
  • 女巫也疯狂2
+12 more
  • הוקוס פוקוס 2
  • Χόκους Πόκους: Οι Τρεις Μάγισσες 2
  • Hokkus Pokkus 2
  • 女巫也瘋狂 2 Hocus Pocus 2
  • 女巫也瘋狂 2
  • 女巫也疯狂 2
  • อิทธิฤทธิ์แม่มดตกกระป๋อง 2
  • Ma Lang Thang 2
  • Хокус Покус 2
  • Hokus-pokus 2
  • Fokus Pokus 2
  • اجی مجی ۲

Seen Hocus Pocus 2?

FAQ

Hocus Pocus 2 FAQ: Cast, Release Date & Director

Release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of Hocus Pocus 2, each answered in a sentence.

When was Hocus Pocus 2 released?

Hocus Pocus 2 was released on September 30, 2022.

Who directed Hocus Pocus 2?

Hocus Pocus 2 was directed by Anne Fletcher.

More films by Anne Fletcher

Who is in the cast of Hocus Pocus 2?

Hocus Pocus 2 stars Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson and Tony Hale as Mayor, Reverend Traske, among 12 credited actors.

What was the budget of Hocus Pocus 2?

Hocus Pocus 2 had a reported budget of $30 million.

How is Hocus Pocus 2 rated?

Hocus Pocus 2 has 6.0/10 on IMDb, 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, 56 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.

Does Hocus Pocus 2 have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Hocus Pocus 2 has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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