Spells may expire and hexes eventually wear off, but the charms of Hocus Pocus are still very much in effect more than 20 years after the movie was filmed.

The cult Halloween classic, which starred Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker as witches intent on stealing youth away from children, has become a staple of October movie screenings. Initially maligned by critics after its 1993 release, it has since developed a loyal following, and in an interview with ABC News published today (October 29), the stars who played the film's kids say they're shocked it's had such lasting power.

"The fact that Hocus Pocus found a niche in that world where it cannot be extricated from the holiday itself to me is really amazing," said 33-year-old Thora Birch, who played Dani. "I'm really surprised, but humbled and happy to be a part of something like that. I had the best time on that film—maybe more than any other movie I worked on."

That is, when she wasn't shooting scenes with the story's black cat, Thackery Binx.

"There were a number of live cats, animatronic cats—the thing with the cat was a toss-up," she recalled. "You never knew what would happen."

On the other hand, 39-year-old Vinessa Shaw, who played Allison, had particularly fond memories of shooting with another particular co-star.

"I'd talk with Sarah Jessica Parker and she'd ask me if I really loved what I did as an actress," Shaw shared. "She'd say 'It's a wonderful job if you love it.' So, she was just very sweet and curious and made me feel really comfortable."

Big fan of Hocus Pocus? Read more of the cast's memories in the full interview.

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