Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Practical Magic

Play trailer Poster for Practical Magic PG-13 1998 1h 45m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
27% Tomatometer 101 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Sally and Gillian Owens, born into a magical family, have mostly avoided witchcraft themselves. But when Gillian's vicious boyfriend, Jimmy Angelov, dies unexpectedly, the Owens sisters give themselves a crash course in hard magic. With policeman Gary Hallet growing suspicious, the girls struggle to resurrect Angelov -- and unwittingly inject his corpse with an evil spirit that threatens to end their family line.
Watch on Fandango at Home Stream Now

Where to Watch

Practical Magic

Practical Magic

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Practical Magic's jarring tonal shifts sink what little potential its offbeat story may have -- though Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock's chemistry makes a strong argument for future collaborations.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View More (101)
Anthony Quinn Independent (UK) Filming in a golden-syrupy light, Dunne seems to have little ambition beyond making his stars look adorable (not tricky) and hoping we'll have forgotten most of The Witches of Eastwick. Mar 30, 2019 Full Review Jami Bernard New York Daily News It doesn't seem as if there was much communication between the three screenwriters who are credited with adapting Alice Hoffman's novel. Perhaps they should have tried ESP. Rated: 1/4 Mar 30, 2019 Full Review Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel Practical Magic, in other words, is anything but magical. The only spell it casts will put you right to sleep. Mar 30, 2019 Full Review Chance Solem-Pfeifer Willamette Week There’s a particular exhilaration to movies that veer off-road without announcement or apology—the “midnight margaritas” interlude in Practical Magic being one of the all-time joyful examples. Jan 22, 2025 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins The majority of it is mischievousness, meddling in love lives, and wee-hour revelry; the bulk of the preternatural shenanigans are entirely frivolous – lending to something of a tonal mishmash. Rated: 4/10 Dec 29, 2024 Full Review Natasha Alvar Hallmarkies Podcast Iconic. Great soundtrack, great performances, good ensemble, and Aidan Quinn is the best romantic lead. Oct 30, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More (1000+)
Geri H. Great cast. Love the story line. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/20/25 Full Review Ajai V. Great movie. I love Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/17/25 Full Review Juan A. It’s kinda crazy because I think she has a solid rep in acting but Sandra Bullock has been in some stinkers. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/17/25 Full Review Alysha S 4.55. I don't get why critics do not like it. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/13/25 Full Review TheMovieSearch R Practical Magic stands as one of the most enchanting and emotionally rich films to come out of the late 1990s, blending supernatural intrigue with heartfelt family drama. At its core, it’s a story about sisterhood, destiny, and the burdens of a generational curse, but it never loses sight of its warmth or humanity. The Owens sisters, played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, are the beating heart of the film — two women bound by blood, magic, and a love that defies every curse set against them. From the very first moment, there’s a whimsical melancholy that runs through the story, creating an atmosphere that’s as comforting as it is mysterious. Director Griffin Dunne captures something truly special with Practical Magic — a perfect balance of realism and enchantment. He never overplays the witchcraft elements but instead roots them in the everyday emotions of grief, love, and belonging. The result is a film that feels grounded even when it’s dealing with potions, ghosts, and spells. The visual tone, with its autumnal hues and quaint seaside charm, gives the movie a timeless quality. Dunne’s approach allows the magic to feel symbolic — not just about supernatural power, but about the strength that runs through generations of women who refuse to be broken. Sandra Bullock delivers one of her most heartfelt performances as Sally Owens, a woman struggling to live a normal life despite the family’s deadly curse on love. Bullock’s performance is beautifully layered — gentle yet fierce, pragmatic yet romantic. Nicole Kidman, as her wild and impulsive sister Gillian, provides the perfect counterbalance. The chemistry between them is electric, filled with affection and tension in equal measure. Together, they embody the idea that true strength comes not from escaping one’s fate, but from facing it head-on. Their performances are the soul of this movie. The supporting cast is equally brilliant. Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest shine as the aunts, bringing warmth, humor, and wisdom to their roles. They anchor the story’s mystical side with an effortless grace that makes the world of the Owens women feel lived-in and real. Every scene they’re in feels like an embrace — comforting, witty, and full of love. The screenplay, adapted from Alice Hoffman’s novel, captures both the tragedy and the triumph of the Owens family perfectly. It’s a rare blend of supernatural storytelling and heartfelt emotional truth. What truly elevates Practical Magic is its ability to move seamlessly between tones — it’s a romantic drama, a supernatural thriller, a dark comedy, and a feminist allegory all rolled into one. The themes of love, loss, and reclaiming one’s power are timeless, and the film never loses sight of its emotional core. Even amid heartbreak, there’s humor and resilience. The blend of darkness and light keeps the movie from ever feeling one-note, and its pacing allows the viewer to savor every magical moment. In the end, Practical Magic isn’t just a story about witches — it’s a story about women discovering their own strength and the courage to love despite the risks. It’s beautifully acted, masterfully directed, and infused with a warmth that lingers long after the credits roll. The film has only grown in appreciation over the years, rightfully earning its cult-classic status. It’s a powerful, comforting reminder that magic — real or not — often lies in the love we share and the strength we find within ourselves. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/12/25 Full Review Mania I. What started off is a cute little story got lost somewhere in the middle. The lead female roles have great demonstrate together and I think if they would have had more competent director and a better screenplay they could do further movies together. The supporting cast is also strong but it takes a tone in the last third of the movie that didn't coincide with the beginning of the movie. Confusing movie but visually pleasant to look at. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 11/10/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Practical Magic

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW
Home Fries 29% 33% Home Fries Watchlist The Pallbearer 48% 19% The Pallbearer Watchlist Excess Baggage 33% 40% Excess Baggage Watchlist Where the Heart Is 34% 76% Where the Heart Is Watchlist TRAILER for Where the Heart Is Fathers' Day 26% 26% Fathers' Day Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis Sally and Gillian Owens, born into a magical family, have mostly avoided witchcraft themselves. But when Gillian's vicious boyfriend, Jimmy Angelov, dies unexpectedly, the Owens sisters give themselves a crash course in hard magic. With policeman Gary Hallet growing suspicious, the girls struggle to resurrect Angelov -- and unwittingly inject his corpse with an evil spirit that threatens to end their family line.
Director
Griffin Dunne
Producer
Denise Di Novi
Screenwriter
Alice Hoffman, Robin Swicord, Akiva Goldsman, Adam Brooks
Distributor
Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros.
Production Co
Fortis Films, Warner Brothers, DiNovi Pictures
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 16, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA)
$46.8M
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
Most Popular at Home Now