If you’re a fan of the bewitching 1998 film Practical Magic, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sister witches Sally and Gillian Owens, then you know the special charm this movie possesses. It perfectly blends romance, comedy, drama and a touch of the supernatural into a heartwarming story about the power of sisterhood and family.
Practical Magic has become a cult classic and a go-to comfort movie, especially around Halloween. But what do you watch when you’ve worn out your DVD of this enchanting film? Fear not, my fellow witch-movie lovers, for I have conjured up a list of 18 movies that capture a similar magical essence. These films feature strong female characters, often with supernatural abilities, quirky small towns, and themes of love, family and friendship. So grab your broomstick, light some candles, and let’s dive into this cauldron of cinematic sorcery!
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
You can’t have a list of witchy movies without including the ultimate Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus. This hilarious Disney flick stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the wicked Sanderson sisters who are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem. With the help of a magical cat, three kids must stop the sisters’ plans to become immortal before sunrise. Hocus Pocus is a must-watch every October.
2. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Based on the novel by John Updike, this dark comedy features a star-studded cast including Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jack Nicholson. Three single women in a small New England town unknowingly form a coven and conjure up the perfect man (Nicholson), who turns out to be the devil himself. Filled with sly humor and supernatural hijinks, The Witches of Eastwick is a wickedly entertaining romp.
3. Stardust (2007)
For those who love a good fairy tale with a side of magic, Stardust is the perfect choice. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, this enchanting adventure follows a young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) who ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. The star turns out to be a beautiful woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes), and together they must outwit evil witches and power-hungry princes. With a wonderful cast that also includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro and Ricky Gervais, Stardust is a delightful and romantic fantasy.
4. Chocolat (2000)
While not explicitly about witches, Chocolat has a magical, whimsical quality that will appeal to fans of Practical Magic. Juliette Binoche stars as Vianne, a mysterious woman who opens a chocolate shop in a conservative French village and slowly transforms the lives of the townspeople with her delectable confections and free-spirited attitude. With a charming cast that includes Johnny Depp, Judi Dench and Alfred Molina, Chocolat is a sweet and uplifting tale.
5. Charmed (1998-2006)
Okay, so this one is a TV series, not a movie, but hear me out. Charmed follows the adventures of the Halliwell sisters – Prue, Piper, Phoebe and later Paige – who discover they are powerful witches destined to protect the innocent from evil forces. With its mix of supernatural drama, sisterly bonding and romance, Charmed has a lot in common with Practical Magic. Plus, with eight seasons to binge, it’ll keep you spellbound for a while.
6. Beautiful Creatures (2013)
Based on the popular YA novel series, Beautiful Creatures is a Southern Gothic romance with a supernatural twist. In a small South Carolina town, teenager Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich) falls for the mysterious new girl Lena (Alice Englert), who comes from a family of “casters” (aka witches). As Lena’s 16th birthday approaches, when she will be claimed for either the light or dark side, the two must fight against an ancient curse. With an atmospheric setting and an impressive supporting cast that includes Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Irons and Emma Thompson, Beautiful Creatures casts an intriguing spell.
7. Eve’s Bayou (1997)
Set in 1960s Louisiana, Eve’s Bayou is a haunting and poetic coming-of-age story with elements of magical realism. 10-year-old Eve (Jurnee Smollett) turns to her aunt Mozelle (Debbi Morgan), who has psychic abilities, for guidance after she witnesses her father’s infidelity. As family secrets unravel, Eve discovers the power and burden of her own “second sight.” Beautifully acted and directed by Kasi Lemmons, Eve’s Bayou weaves a rich tapestry of Southern folklore, family drama and the supernatural.
8. The Craft (1996)
A cult favorite from the ’90s, The Craft follows four outcast teenage girls who form a coven and start practicing witchcraft to improve their lives and get revenge on their tormentors. However, as their powers grow, they soon learn that magic has consequences. Starring Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell and Rachel True, The Craft is a darkly stylish and entertaining exploration of female empowerment, friendship and the dangers of unchecked power.
9. Practical Magic (1998)
I know, I know, this is the movie we’re basing the list on, but I couldn’t resist including it. Practical Magic is just so darn charming and rewatchable. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman have wonderful chemistry as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, who come from a long line of witches. After Gillian’s abusive boyfriend dies and the sisters accidentally resurrect him, they must use their magic to protect themselves and their family. With a perfect blend of humor, romance and supernatural thrills, plus a swoon-worthy turn by Aidan Quinn as Sally’s love interest, Practical Magic is the ultimate comfort movie.
10. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)
While not strictly a witch movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil has a similar Southern Gothic atmosphere and eccentric characters as Practical Magic. Based on the bestselling book by John Berendt, the film follows a New York journalist (John Cusack) who travels to Savannah, Georgia to cover a high-society murder trial and becomes entangled with a colorful cast of locals, including a voodoo priestess played by Lady Chablis. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the movie captures the lush, mysterious beauty of Savannah and its inhabitants.
11. Penelope (2006)
Penelope is a modern fairy tale with a magical twist. Christina Ricci stars as the title character, a young aristocrat born with a pig’s nose due to a family curse. The curse can only be broken if she finds true love with “one of her own kind.” When Penelope ventures out into the world, she learns to accept herself and discovers that love comes in unexpected forms. With a whimsical tone and supporting turns by James McAvoy, Catherine O’Hara and Peter Dinklage, Penelope is a sweet and enchanting film.
12. Bewitched (2005)
A clever meta remake of the classic ’60s sitcom, Bewitched stars Nicole Kidman as Isabel, a real witch who gets cast as Samantha in a TV remake of “Bewitched” opposite a vain actor played by Will Ferrell. As Isabel tries to hide her powers and fit into the mortal world, she finds herself falling for her costar. With playful nods to the original series and fun performances by Kidman, Ferrell and Shirley MacLaine as Isabel’s diva witch mother, Bewitched is a light and breezy romantic comedy with a magical sheen.
13. Simply Irresistible (1999)
Sarah Michelle Gellar trades in her Buffy stakes for a magic crab in this quirky romantic comedy. Gellar plays Amanda, a struggling restaurant owner who receives a magical crustacean that imbues her cooking with mood-altering abilities. As her culinary creations bring success and love into her life, Amanda must learn to trust her own talents. While Simply Irresistible received mixed reviews, it’s a fluffy and sweet confection for fans of Gellar and magical realism.
14. Nanny McPhee (2005)
Based on the “Nurse Matilda” books by Christianna Brand, Nanny McPhee stars Emma Thompson as a mysterious and magical nanny who helps a widowed father (Colin Firth) wrangle his seven unruly children. With her enchanted cane and wisdom, Nanny McPhee teaches the children five important lessons, transforming the family in the process. Thompson, who also wrote the screenplay, is delightful in the title role, and the film’s charming mix of humor, heart and magic makes it a perfect family-friendly pick.
15. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
From the legendary Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a delightful coming-of-age story with a witchy twist. 13-year-old witch Kiki ventures out into the world with her talking cat Jiji to start her mandatory year of independent life. She settles in a seaside town and starts a flying delivery service, using her broomstick to transport packages. As Kiki navigates the challenges of growing up and finding her place in the world, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, confidence and staying true to herself. With gorgeous animation and a heartwarming story, Kiki’s Delivery Service is an enchanting film for all ages.
16. Bell, Book and Candle (1958)
Fans of classic Hollywood should check out this charming romantic comedy starring Kim Novak and James Stewart. Novak plays Gillian, a modern-day witch living in Greenwich Village who falls for her neighbor Shep (Stewart), a publisher engaged to her old college rival. Gillian casts a love spell on Shep, but soon realizes that real love is more powerful than magic. With its stylish ’50s setting, witty dialogue and sparkling chemistry between the leads, Bell, Book and Candle is a bewitching gem from a bygone era.
17. Halloweentown (1998)
For a dose of Disney Channel nostalgia, revisit the original Halloweentown movie. Debbie Reynolds stars as Aggie, a witch who takes her grandchildren to the magical realm of Halloweentown on her 13-year-old granddaughter Marnie’s (Kimberly J. Brown) birthday. Marnie discovers she has magical powers and must help save Halloweentown from an evil force. With its imaginative world-building, lovable characters and themes of embracing your unique identity, Halloweentown is a charming Halloween treat for the whole family.
18. Twitches (2005)
Another Disney Channel original, Twitches stars Tia and Tamera Mowry as long-lost twin sisters who discover they are powerful witches on their 21st birthday. Separated at birth and adopted by different families, the sisters must learn to use their magical powers to save their biological mother and the supernatural world from an evil force. With its fun sisterly dynamic, magical hijinks and message of family bonds, Twitches is a cute and entertaining movie that will appeal to fans of the Mowry twins and lighthearted fantasy.
So there you have it, 18 enchanting movies to watch if you love Practical Magic. Whether you’re in the mood for witchy romcoms, supernatural dramas, magical adventures or nostalgic Halloween favorites, there’s something on this list to satisfy your craving for cinematic sorcery. So grab some popcorn, light a few candles
