Practical Magic

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Practical Magic

PG-13

Released Oct 16, 1998

1h 45m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

26%

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102 Reviews

73%

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Natasha Alvar

Hallmarkies Podcast

Iconic. Great soundtrack, great performances, good ensemble, and Aidan Quinn is the best romantic lead.

Oct 30, 2024

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Aye E

I love the actors in this, I wish there was more Aiden Quinn in everything. There were a lot of fun elements of this story, but some weird pacing, some parts too fast some too slow, things that didn't connect. Things happening without clear explanation, things suddenly getting resolved for no reason, others going on too long. Some really odd tonal moments that felt a bit like a fever dream for no reason. Overall it was pleasant. All I know is that the sequel better have Aiden Quinn, and don't kill him off or you'll ruin the first movie as well as the second.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/17/25

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Natasha R

Practical Magic – this is a nostalgic movie for me. As the movie went on, I just kept smiling and singing along to every song; the soundtrack is absolute gold. I loved the innocence of a child stating, “I hope I never fall in love”. The joy of the midnight margarita scene and reminiscing of the times I’ve recreated this scene with close girlfriends. Did I hate the crazy ghost scene – yes. Overall – I think that this movie has some great qualities. It’s a little cheesy and the magic is certainly boring (really only conjuring a love spell) but it’s fun. I stand by that.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/08/25

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Shelby L

It's an absolute crime that this movie is not rated more highly. I rewatch this film every year in the fall. It has all the things a witchy girl could want: a Victorian mansion, black cats, peak 90s fashion, amazing music and true tales of sisterhood/family, love and friendship. It's one of my favorite movies of all time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/25

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Ti H.

This movie led me to discover the brilliant Alice Hoffman! This movie, every second is magical, thanks to beautiful visuals, a perfect soundtrack, the beautiful and hilarious Stockard Channing, and Dianne Weist, and stars Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman. Have great hopes for Practical Magic 2!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/25

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Sway M

If you don't like this movie, that's ok, but I wouldn't like you irl.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

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J. Patrick W

One of the best movies of all time! Absolute movie magic in a wondrous theme and acting out of this world! A must watch for all people and families!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/23/25

Full Review

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Griffin Dunne

Director

Sandra Bullock

Sally Owens

Nicole Kidman

Gillian Owens

Dianne Wiest

Aunt Bridget 'Jet' Owens

Stockard Channing

Frances Owens

Aidan Quinn

Officer Gary Hallet

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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)

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