The 57% RT Flop That Became a Generation-Defining Horror Classic 28 Years Later

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With October here, many movie fans are creating their lists of 31 horror films to watch throughout the month. A popular choice every year is the 1996 movie *The Craft*, starring Robin Tunney, Rachel True, and Fairuza Balk, who is particularly memorable as Nancy Downs. Although now a beloved cult classic and a defining horror film of the 1990s, it wasn’t always so well-received.

Despite initially receiving poor reviews and failing to make a profit at the box office—earning only a 57% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and less than double its $15 million budget—*The Craft* has become a beloved classic. Over the past two decades, especially with the growth of social media, it’s found a dedicated following among millennials and now offers younger viewers a nostalgic look at 1990s pop culture, fashion, and feminist themes.

The Craft Has Always Been More of a Focus on Feminine Strength Than a Horror Film

One reason *The Craft* might not have been immediately appreciated upon release was its surprisingly progressive feminist ideas, which weren’t deliberately included by the writer, Peter Filardi, but felt ahead of their time. Films exploring these kinds of themes often aren’t fully recognized until later, when viewed with a more modern perspective, beyond the typical ‘90s viewpoint of white male critics and general horror fans. The film’s core message didn’t evolve; society simply became more receptive to it.

The characters’ rise as symbols of female strength likely stems from the real-life woman who inspired Nancy, the film’s most memorable character. According to director Filardi, this woman faced hardship but possessed a determined and proactive spirit. He described her as the foundation for the character he created, embodying a fiery energy. He also noted that each of the female characters represents a different natural element – earth, wind, water, or fire – with each being fairly self-explanatory.

While *The Craft* certainly has scary parts, the movie is mostly about the strong bond between four girls as they support each other through difficult personal struggles. They deal with issues like long-term family problems, racism, body image issues stemming from past trauma, and growing up with abuse. The film’s core message is about them overcoming these hardships together and using their powers responsibly to heal and grow.

The Craft Dives Into Numerous Other Social Issues

Beyond its feminist message, *The Craft* addresses several important social issues. Rochelle, the film’s only Black character, experiences blatant racism from a classmate who openly admits to disliking her because of her race. The movie also explores the impact of past trauma through Sarah’s history with depression and suicide attempts, stemming from her mother’s death during childbirth. Nancy’s character illustrates a cycle of abuse, as she herself is abused and then uses her newfound power to harm others. Additionally, the film touches on sexual harassment and assault when Chris, after falsely claiming he slept with Sarah, attempts to attack her.

These kinds of themes weren’t explored much in 1990s horror, a period that wasn’t known for being particularly innovative. However, with the current popularity of horror that deals with trauma, movies like *The Craft* are being rediscovered and appreciated by audiences, especially younger viewers who also enjoy films like *The Babadook*.

During the 1990s, fans of classic 80s horror – the fun, over-the-top, and often bloody films – weren’t quite ready for the more complex and atmospheric horror movies that started appearing, like *Event Horizon*. Interestingly, many of the horror films now considered classics actually weren’t successful when they first came out.

The Craft, and Especially Fairuza Balk, Has Become Horror Iconagraphy

Even over 25 years after it came out, *The Craft* still pops up all over the internet, especially around Halloween. Many people consider Nancy Downs’ style to be the ultimate ‘90s goth look, and her famous lines – like “You don’t even exist to me!” and “Back in the old days, if a witch betrayed her coven, they would kill her” – are frequently shared as memes and references on social media.

It’s not just online where the love for *The Craft* lives on! Even now, you can still find tons of merch at places like Hot Topic. I recently saw a mug with a picture of the four witches and the word “Weirdos” above it – a nod to that iconic line, “We are the weirdos, mister!” It’s awesome to see the movie still being celebrated like that.

The film is available on a special Steelbook 4K Blu-ray and a collector’s edition Blu-ray from Scream Factory, appealing to fans who still prefer physical copies. Its ‘90s-inspired soundtrack, featuring artists like Our Lady Peace, Sponge, Jewel, and Portishead, perfectly captures the sound of that era. A sequel was also a surprise release, and though it didn’t quite live up to the original, it served as a solid remake or reboot for a new audience.

The Craft is a great example of a movie that went from being a flop to becoming a beloved, influential horror film for a generation. Though it’s not necessarily terrifying, its themes remain relevant and powerful, making it a must-include on any list of impactful films.

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2025-10-19 05:10