🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Tommy Wirkola
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror
- Release year: 2013
- Runtime (length): 1h 28min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (222K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 16%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two kids get traumatized by gingerbread and decide to solve their problems by inventing the shotgun and killing every witch they see.
🍿 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Gingerbread House Trauma
The film opens with a retelling of the classic Hansel and Gretel fairytale. Abandoned in the woods, young Hansel and Gretel stumble upon a gingerbread house inhabited by a cannibalistic witch. They manage to outsmart her, pushing her into her own oven, marking the beginning of their witch-hunting careers. This formative experience leaves Hansel with diabetes, a lasting reminder of the sugary trap.

Augsburg and the Missing Children
Years later, Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) have become renowned witch hunters. They arrive in Augsburg, a town plagued by missing children. Hired by the mayor, they investigate a series of disappearances, quickly discovering the presence of powerful and malevolent witches led by the formidable Muriel (Famke Janssen).

Unraveling the Past
As Hansel and Gretel delve deeper into the case, they uncover a sinister plot involving a ritual requiring the sacrifice of twelve children during the Blood Moon. Simultaneously, they begin to piece together fragmented memories of their past, hinting at a connection to the witches and their parents’ disappearance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Hansel (Jeremy Renner): A diabetic witch hunter haunted by his childhood trauma, skilled in combat but grappling with his past.
- Gretel (Gemma Arterton): A fierce and independent witch hunter, seeking to avenge her past and protect the innocent alongside her brother.
- Muriel (Famke Janssen): A powerful and cruel grand witch determined to make witches immune to fire through a dark ritual.
- Mina (Pihla Viitala): A kind-hearted white witch who aligns with Hansel and Gretel to fight against the evil witches.
- Sheriff Berringer (Peter Stormare): The corrupt and skeptical sheriff who initially opposes Hansel and Gretel, representing the fearful ignorance of the villagers.
- Ben (Thomas Mann): An enthusiastic fanboy who idolizes Hansel and Gretel and becomes their apprentice, eager to learn the ways of witch hunting.
- Edward (Derek Mears): A gentle giant troll who initially serves Muriel but later defects and becomes an ally to Gretel, forming an unlikely bond.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Hansel: “Whatever you do, don’t eat the fuckin’ candy.” – Hansel warns Mina and Ben as they approach the witch’s candy house, referencing their childhood trauma.
- Gretel: “Let the girl go, or I’m gonna blow your sheriff brains all over these hillbillies.” – Gretel threatens Sheriff Berringer while saving Mina, showcasing her tough and no-nonsense attitude.
- Muriel: “The room looks somehow drab and could do with some colour.” – The head witch comments just before she forces someone to turn a shotgun on himself and splatter his brains onto the wall, showcasing the movie dark humor.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $55,703,475
- Worldwide Gross: $226,349,749
💥 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this movie knowing it would be ridiculous, and it delivered! The action was over-the-top, the witches were hilariously ugly, and the whole thing felt like a B-movie with an A-list budget. I actually laughed out loud when Hansel had to inject himself with insulin because of all the candy he ate as a kid – such a weird but funny detail. Don’t expect a masterpiece, but if you’re in the mood for some brainless fun, you might enjoy it. The fight scene in the gingerbread house was surprisingly brutal! It gave me the chuckles and some cringe moments, which made the movie worthwhile to watch!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of action-horror films”
- “Viewers who enjoy dark fairy tale reinterpretations”
- “Those looking for a fun, gory, and over-the-top movie experience”
- “Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Strong language”
- “Nudity”
- “Suggestive themes”
- “Some disturbing images”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters isn’t quite as bad as some are making it out to be but the entire film just has an uneasy mix of genres that never fully come together. Decent performances by Renner and Arterton, but supporting players are better.
- Rotten Tomatoes: “A bloody orgy of violence that is loud, dull and incoherent.
- Common Sense Media: “This is a fairly entertaining action film, but it’s gory and doesn’t have a lot of substance.
Audience Reactions
The over-the-top action and gore were surprisingly entertaining.: Many viewers found the movie to be a fun, mindless action flick perfect for turning your brain off and enjoying the ride.
The chemistry between Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton was a highlight.: The sibling dynamic and banter between Hansel and Gretel were praised as a refreshing twist on the typical action duo.
Overall Consensus: Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is a guilty pleasure for those who enjoy over-the-top action, gore, and dark humor, but lacks depth and a coherent plot.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Jeremy Renner was cast in this movie before his roles in ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’, ‘The Avengers’, and ‘The Bourne Legacy’ made him a bigger star.”
- “Hansel’s diabetes is a direct result of being force-fed candy by the witch in the gingerbread house. This detail is a dark and humorous touch.”
- “The text in the newspaper clippings during the opening credits is taken from Alexander Roberts’ 1616 ‘A Treatise on Witchcraft’.”
- “The director, Tommy Wirkola, is known for his Tarantino-esque sense of humor and gore, previously displayed in his Norwegian Nazi zombie film ‘Dead Snow’.”
🖥️ How to Watch Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters?
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, you might like these similar films:
- Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012): Similar concept of reimagining a historical figure as a supernatural hunter with action and dark fantasy elements.
- Van Helsing (2004): Features a monster hunter battling supernatural creatures in a gothic setting with plenty of action and special effects.
- Snow White and the Huntsman (2012): A dark fantasy retelling of a classic fairy tale with a focus on action and a strong female lead battling evil.
- Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001): Set in 18th century France, this film involves a mysterious beast that terrorizes the countryside, prompting a skilled hunter and his Native American companion to investigate, blending historical fiction with action and horror.
🛒 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters Related Products
- Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (Blu-ray): Own the action-packed adventure on Blu-ray with stunning visuals and bonus features. Experience the thrill of the hunt in high definition.
- Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters – The Official Movie Novelization: Delve deeper into the world of Hansel & Gretel with the official novelization. Explore the backstories and untold stories of your favorite characters.
- Witch Hunter Costume: Dress up as your favorite character with this detailed costume. Perfect for Halloween, cosplay, or themed parties.
- Gemma Arterton Signed Photo: Own a piece of movie memorabilia with a signed photo of Gemma Arterton as Gretel. A valuable addition to any collector’s display.
🎧 Soundtrack
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Bundy” – performed by Animal Alpha
- “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – performed by Atli Örvarsson
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is a fictional story loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale of the same name. The film takes the original story as a starting point and reimagines the characters as adult witch hunters.
Hansel’s diabetes is a direct result of being force-fed candy by the witch in the gingerbread house when he was a child. It’s a lasting consequence of that traumatic event.
Despite initial plans, a sequel to Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters has not been officially announced or produced. While the ending leaves the door open for further adventures, no concrete plans are currently in motion.
🔥 Bonus Content
Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters Edward Troll making of
Do you love trolls? Check out how the animators created Edward, the giant troll from Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. From concept to creation, this behind-the-scenes video shows the incredible artistry and imagination that brought this character to life.
Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters (Behind The Scenes Part 1)
Curious about what went on behind the scenes of Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters? This featurette takes you on a journey with the cast and crew, revealing the secrets and challenges of bringing this dark fairy tale to life.
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