In 1693 Salem, Massachusetts, three witches—the Sanderson sisters—are apprehended for practicing dark magic and preying on children. As they face their execution, they cast a spell that will allow them to return to life if a virgin lights the Black Flame Candle on All Hallows' Eve. Fast forward to 300 years later, teenager Max Dennison struggles to adapt after moving to Salem with his family. On Halloween night, in an attempt to impress his crush Allison and defy local superstition, Max lights the cursed candle, unwittingly resurrecting the Sanderson sisters.

Now back and seeking immortality, the witches have until sunrise to secure their survival by absorbing the life force of children. Max, along with Allison and his younger sister Dani, find themselves tangled in a perilous adventure to thwart the witches' plan. A magical black cat, who is revealed to be an accursed human named Thackery Binx, guides and aids them. As the group navigates through a series of magical and spooky encounters, they also aim to prevent the Sanderson sisters from becoming immortal, understanding that the fate of all the children in Salem hangs in the balance.