Practical Magic 2 review roundup: Bullock and Kidman's chemistry can't save a messy sequel
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return as the witch sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, 28 years after the original film. Critics say their rapport is still magical but the script is a mess, while audiences have loved it, and it is now available to rent or buy at home.
The story (no spoilers)
Twenty-eight years after the first film, the Owens women are still living with an old family curse: any man they fall in love with is doomed. Sally (Sandra Bullock) has kept her grown daughters, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams), in the dark about their magical heritage.
When Kylie falls for Gideon (Xolo Maridueña), the curse strikes again, and her search for a way to break it for good draws Sally, her sister Gillian (Nicole Kidman) and the aunts Franny and Jet (Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest) into new trouble far from home.
Where to watch or download
Links go to official services only. Streaming services let subscribers download titles in their app to watch offline, on supported plans; stores let you buy a copy to download and keep. Availability differs by country and changes over time (checked 18 October 2026). ElysiumHub does not host files or link to unofficial downloads.
The verdict
A cosy watch at home if you love the 1998 film and just want more time with the Owens sisters. Critics say to lower your expectations of the story, but fans on Rotten Tomatoes rate it far more highly than reviewers do.
- 36%Rotten TomatoesTomatometer, 170 reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 44MetacriticMetascore, 41 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 91%RT audiencePopcornmeter, 2,500+ verified ratings, 18 Oct 2026
What critics say
“In its heart, Susanne Bier's 'Practical Magic 2' rekindles that magic with ease, but there are a couple of technical struggles that hold it back from being exceptional.”
“it's the star power and easy rapport between Bullock and Kidman that provides the sorcery that lifts 'Practical Magic 2.'”
“The most glaring issues with Practical Magic 2 lie in its script, which consists of a never-ending series of baffling narrative decisions and plot holes.”
“Ultimately, Practical Magic 2 has no idea what it's trying to do.”
What works
- Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman's easy, funny rapport is as strong as ever.
- Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing are a welcome return as the aunts.
- Plenty of nostalgic nods for fans of the 1998 film.
What doesn't
- Critics found the script messy, with baffling decisions and plot holes.
- At over two hours, it feels long and overstuffed.
- Some found the effects hokey and the magic surprisingly scarce.
Practical Magic 2 opened in US cinemas on 10 September 2026 and arrived to rent or buy online on 13 October. Directed by Susanne Bier and loosely based on Alice Hoffman's novel The Book of Magic, it reunites Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, who also produced, with their co-stars from the 1998 cult favourite.
What critics liked
The two leads get nearly all the praise. The San Francisco Chronicle's G. Allen Johnson wrote that the star power and easy rapport between Bullock and Kidman is the sorcery that lifts the film, and TheWrap's Amelia Emberwing, one of its warmest reviewers, felt it rekindles the original's magic with ease, enough to justify a midnight margarita and a trip to the cinema.
Where it falls short
The story is the problem for most critics. Collider's Taylor Gates pointed to a never-ending series of baffling narrative decisions and plot holes, and Little White Lies' Patrick Sproull concluded that the film has no idea what it is trying to do, with surprisingly little spellcasting. Even TheWrap felt technical problems, including hokey effects, hold it back.
The performances
Bullock and Kidman slip straight back into their roles, and critics agree they are best when they are simply together on screen. Joey King and Maisie Williams play the next generation of Owens women, and Lee Pace and Xolo Maridueña join the cast.
Should you watch?
Critics and fans could hardly disagree more: the Tomatometer is 36%, but the audience score is 91% and the CinemaScore is B+. If you love the original, it is a cosy night in.
Quick answers
- Is Practical Magic 2 worth watching?
- A cosy watch at home if you love the 1998 film and just want more time with the Owens sisters. Critics say to lower your expectations of the story, but fans on Rotten Tomatoes rate it far more highly than reviewers do.
- What are the review scores for Practical Magic 2?
- Rotten Tomatoes: 36% (Tomatometer, 170 reviews, 18 Oct 2026). Metacritic: 44 (Metascore, 41 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026). RT audience: 91% (Popcornmeter, 2,500+ verified ratings, 18 Oct 2026).
- Where can I watch Practical Magic 2?
- Official options: Fandango at Home (rent and buy to keep; US) and Fandango (in cinemas; US). Availability varies by country and changes over time.
- How long is Practical Magic 2?
- Practical Magic 2 runs 130 minutes (2 hr 10 min).
- When was Practical Magic 2 released?
- Practical Magic 2 was released on 10 September 2026 by Warner Bros. Pictures.
- Who is in Practical Magic 2?
- It is directed by Susanne Bier and stars Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Joey King, Maisie Williams, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Lee Pace and Xolo Maridueña.
Sources
This roundup summarises the reviews and reporting below. Follow the links for the full pieces.
- 'Practical Magic 2' Review: Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman Get a Flawed but Fantastical Reunion · TheWrap
- 'Practical Magic 2' review: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman cast a spell over messy sequel · San Francisco Chronicle (via Yahoo)
- 'Practical Magic 2' Review: Even Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock Can't Make This Weak Sequel More Enchanting · Collider
- Practical Magic 2 review · Little White Lies
- Practical Magic 2 · Rotten Tomatoes
- Practical Magic 2 · Metacritic
- Practical Magic 2 · Wikipedia
ElysiumHub Screen Desk roundups summarise published reviews and reporting, and are written with AI assistance. Scores belong to the sites that publish them. Read our editorial standards. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.