Spells and Sisterhood: 10 Films to Conjure before the Owens Sisters Return in 'Practical Magic 2'
By Shauna Bushe - September 9, 2026
Practical Magic stands as a unique cornerstone of modern witch cinema. Director Griffin Dunne’s classic has little to do with traditional tropes like pointed hats or broomstick flight; it lives instead in the whir of a midnight blender, salt tossed over a shoulder, the scent of fresh lavender, and the fierce, unconditional devotion of women who protect their own. As we prepare to revisit the Owens family in Practical Magic 2, here are 10 essential films that capture that same blend of whimsy, heart, and cosy spell craft.
'Practical Magic 2' releases in cinemas on September 11, 2026.
1 The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Before the Owens sisters were dancing in their kitchen, three dissatisfied New England women were unintentionally summoning a charismatic, manipulative demon to liven up their sleepy coastal town. Equal parts satirical comedy and dark fantasy, this film treats magic not as a learned academic skill, but as an uncontrollable extension of female desire and repressed frustration.
2 The Craft (1996)
If Practical Magic is a warm cup of midnight margaritas, The Craft is a stone-cold shot of whisky. Andrew Flemings 90’s cult hit trades comfort for volatile, capturing the intoxicating nature of adolescent female friendships fused with real-world occult practising. It serves as a sharp cautionary tale about how fast power corrupts, when influence is fuelled by jealousy and boundaries go unchecked.
3 Death Becomes Her (1992)
This dark comedy masterpiece treats potion-crafting, female rivalry and body manipulation with grand, theatrical relish. It shares Practical Magics sharp understanding of how messy things get when women attempt to control life, youth and love through supernatural short-cuts and the unbreakable bonds forged when cleaning up the resulting catastrophes.
4 Hocus Pocus (1993)
While Kenny Ortegas Disney staple leans into the campy theatrics, compared to the more grounded, romantic mood of Practical Magic, its foundation relies on the same core DNA; an unpredictable spell book and iconic sisterhood. Bringing a mesmerizing energy to witch lore and established a baseline for the perfect cosy, autumn watch.
5 Bewitched (2005)
With a familiar twitch of the nose, Nicole Kidman conjures up new magic as Isable Bigelow. An actual witch who moves to San Fernando Valley, determined to give up her powers and live an ordinary life. Paired with Shirely MacLaine in a dynamic reminiscent of Stockard Channing and Dianne West, Bewitched serves as a self-aware, light-hearted romantic comedy where instead of fighting ancestral curses, the characters navigate the vanity of Hollywood.
6 Simply Irresistible (1999)
Sarah Michelle Gellar picks up the magic ladle as Amanda Shelton. Unlike domestic magic found in the Owens kitchen, Amanda’s cooking becomes literally enchanting after a run-in with a mysterious crab. Simply Irresistible enters the whimsical world of culinary witch as she cooks her way into the arms of true love.
7 Penelope (2006)
In the universe of generational curses, Penelope is a light-hearted warm up, delivering a vibrant, modern fairy-tale by shifting the focus from romantic salvation to a sense of self-acceptance. Penelope subverts classic fairy-tale tropes with a whimsical, candy-coloured charm, trading dangerous love spells for a story where the ultimate magic comes from looking in the mirror and loving what you see.
8 Teen Witch (1989)
Is an essential addition if you enjoy love, quirky mentors and that coming-of-age era. While much softer and firmly rooted in 80s teen comedy, Teen Witch shares that magical heritage and focus on real connection rather than casting spells.
9 Beautiful Creatures (2013)
A gothic supernatural romance, with small town secrets and a grand estate hidden away from judgmental eyes. It’s a gorgeous fantasy mystery about a young boy who falls for a mysterious girl, completely unaware of her cursed lineage. Offering the same blend of magic, tragic romance and ancestral destinies that made Practical Magic an enduring classic.
10 The Good Witch (2008)
Leaning into the cosy kitchen magic, herb gardens and brewing remedies, The Good Witch is that ultimate witchy comfort watch. Much like Sally and Gillian facing judgmental whispers, Cassie faces an uphill battle of gossip. It forgoes any dark themes and dials up the heart-warming nature of a community coming together, romance and historical charm.
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Shauna Bushe
Writer
Shauna is always down to talk about movie lore, collector of all things physical media and driven by a life long love for horror cinema.
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