Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- whimsical
- gothic
- witty
- halloween night
- cozy movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film's offbeat premise and lead chemistry appealing but judged its script and abrupt shifts between horror, romance, and comedy poorly controlled.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Owens sisters inherit witchcraft, family lore, and a curse from generations of women before them.
The Owens family curse threatens any man loved by an Owens woman, directly governing Sally’s and Gillian’s relationships.
Sally and Gillian differ sharply in temperament and outlook but repeatedly depend on their enduring bond.
The Owens family house functions as both a home and the center of practical spells, rituals, recipes, and inherited magic.
Films like Practical Magic, and why
The Witches of Eastwick
Shared romantic fantasy, female-centered supernatural premise, family bonds, and warm gothic atmosphere.
The Craft
Shared witchcraft, romance, female friendship, and playful supernatural comedy.
Chocolat
Shared cozy magical realism, family legacy, romantic longing, and whimsical domestic enchantment.
The Addams Family
Shared gothic romance, female protagonists, family secrets, and supernatural threat.
Movie Details
- Director
- Griffin Dunne
- Release Date
- 1998-10-16
- Runtime
- 104 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (1990)
Cast
- Sandra Bullock
- Nicole Kidman
- Stockard Channing
- Dianne Wiest
- Goran Višnjić
- Aidan Quinn
- Evan Rachel Wood
- Alexandra Artrip
- Mark Feuerstein
- Caprice Benedetti
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Practical Magic about?
- Two very different witch sisters confront a lethal family curse while trying to preserve love, loyalty, and their place in a suspicious New England town.
- What is Practical Magic like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Practical Magic as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Practical Magic violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Practical Magic as moderate.
- What did critics think of Practical Magic?
- Critics broadly found the film's offbeat premise and lead chemistry appealing but judged its script and abrupt shifts between horror, romance, and comedy poorly controlled.
- Which films are like Practical Magic?
- Films with a similar feel include The Witches of Eastwick, The Craft, Chocolat, and The Addams Family.
- How long is Practical Magic?
- Practical Magic runs 104 minutes.
- Where can I watch Practical Magic?
- In United States, Practical Magic streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, HBO Max.
