New 130-Minute Fantasy Sequel Gets Divisive Answer From Critics & Audiences

Many movies and TV shows have divisive reviews from critics and audiences. And the highly anticipated fantasy sequel to one of the best 90s cult classics is one of them.

Practical Magic 2 was one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. The sequel to Practical Magic (1998) earned divisive reviews from critics and fans. On Rotten Tomatoes, Practical Magic 2 currently has a 37% Tomatometer score based on critics’ reviews. However, the film has an impressive 93% Verified Hot Popcornmeter score, proving viewers are loving the sequel.

Both Practical Magic Movies Received Negative Reviews from Critics

Despite its popularity, the first Practical Magic was not critically acclaimed either. Practical Magic holds a 30% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, but a far more positive 73% Popcornmeter score based on audience reviews. It quickly became a cult classic and earned a loyal fanbase, many of whom watch the fantasy film every year, especially during Halloween.

Practical Magic follows sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, who their aunts raised after their parents died. The Owens women come from a long line of witches, but also live under a curse: any man an Owens woman loves will eventually die. Practical Magic 2 centers on Sally’s daughters as they try to finally end the curse.

Many critics believed Practical Magic tapped into too many genres and that the plot felt uneven at times. Roger Ebert wrote a review for the Chicago Sun-Times, saying that Practical Magic “doesn’t seem sure what tone to adopt, veering uncertainly from horror to laughs to romance.” However, the Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman film eventually became a fan favorite.

About Practical Magic 2, Peter Travers from The Travers Take wrote, “Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock are back for witchy woo and midnight margaritas. It’s too bad they don’t have a spell handy to make this long-aborning sequel a better movie or even a bearable one.” However, the fantasy sequel also received a few positive reviews.

India Lawrence from Time Out wrote, “It’s not going to bewitch audiences for decades to come, but Practical Magic 2 is still a cosy flick that puts sisterhood at its heart.” Meanwhile, Adrian Horton from Guardian said, “The midnight margarita redux may feel obligatory, but there’s just enough magic here to still, despite everything, cast a peculiar spell.”

Practical Magic Is Based on a Book Series

Sally wearing white blouse and Gillian wearing black top, standing together in movie Practical Magic

While many were surprised to see Practical Magic return for a sequel almost 30 years later, others were already familiar with the book series. Practical Magic is based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel of the same name, and Practical Magic 2 is based on its sequel, The Book of Magic, published in 2021.

Fans of the book series who also loved the original 90s film adaptation wanted to see Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return as the Owens sisters as soon as the sequel was published. The Practical Magic book series also includes two prequels: The Rules of Magic (2017) and Magic Lessons (2020), opening the door for future films in the franchise.

Practical Magic 2 is reported to have a $30M weekend opening at the box office, per Deadline, which is closer to Sandra Bullock’s beloved rom-com The Proposal, which opened with $33.6M. Positive reviews from viewers and the undying popularity of the 90s’ film might bring more people to the theater, turning the sequel into a decent box-office hit.

Practical Magic 2 might not be perfect, but the film brings back all the best elements of the original, including the undeniable chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Joey King and Maisie Williams join the cast as Sally’s daughters, with Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest returning as aunts Frannie and Jetty for a fun, heartwarming, and entertaining sequel.