Why Practical Magic’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Is So Low

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Despite being a much-loved movie from the 1990s, Practical Magic has a surprisingly low score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, based on the novel by Alice Hoffman, stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters who are witches and are trying to break a family curse. It’s better described as a supernatural drama than a scary horror movie.

Despite featuring a stellar cast, the film Practical Magic wasn’t a financial success, failing to earn back its high production costs. However, it has gained a dedicated following over the years and remains a beloved part of ’90s pop culture. Although financial struggles aren’t uncommon for fantasy films, Practical Magic received particularly harsh reviews from critics.

It’s common for movies to get mixed reactions, but Practical Magic has almost universally received negative reviews from critics. When it first came out, critics didn’t like it, and sites that collect reviews, like Rotten Tomatoes, reflect that. Given that many people actually enjoy the film, it’s puzzling why the critical response has been so consistently poor.

The upcoming release of Practical Magic 2 in September 2026 will likely spark debate about what makes a good movie. Figuring that out is tricky, as it involves looking closely at the film itself and understanding how review sites like Rotten Tomatoes work. Ultimately, whether a movie is enjoyable is a matter of personal opinion, so it’s best to consider all viewpoints.

Practical Magic Has A 27% On Rotten Tomatoes

Lots of lesser-known movies have middling scores on Rotten Tomatoes, often around 50%. But Practical Magic stands out with a surprisingly low score of just 27%, suggesting almost everyone disliked it. This is odd, considering many people see the film as a beloved, hidden treasure from the 1990s. Examining the actual reviews helps explain this disconnect.

Many critics, including those featured on Rotten Tomatoes, have noted that the movie Practical Magic deviates significantly from the book it’s based on and struggles with inconsistent tone. Even Roger Ebert, in a review written when the film came out, observed its jarring shifts in mood. While a few critics offer thoughtful analysis, most simply dismiss the movie with short, critical remarks.

A common complaint about the movie is that it simplifies the feminist ideas present in Hoffman’s book. While Bullock and Kidman receive praise for their acting, many critics feel the script doesn’t give them much substantial material. Interestingly, most reviews aren’t harshly critical – they’re more indifferent. This lack of strong opinion creates a problem with how Rotten Tomatoes calculates and displays its scores.

The 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for Practical Magic isn’t an average score. It simply means that 27% of critics gave the movie a positive review. This system doesn’t distinguish between strong and weak positive reviews, which can be misleading. Many critics actually gave the film a fairly average rating, like two out of five stars.

If Rotten Tomatoes used the actual content of critics’ reviews to calculate scores, Practical Magic would probably receive around a 50% rating. This is similar to the 73% audience score the film currently has, based on over 100,000 user reviews.

Are The Critics Right About Practical Magic?

Even after looking closely at the movie’s Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s still hard to say if critics are right to give it average reviews. It’s a tricky question, and ultimately depends on personal preference. While some of the critics’ points are valid, that doesn’t necessarily make the movie bad or just okay.

While Practical Magic occasionally jumps between different moods and isn’t always consistent in its themes, its cozy atmosphere generally wins out. Some scenes are surprisingly dark and feel a bit out of place, but the film is mostly carried by its strong cast, who are a major reason for its appeal.

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman have incredible chemistry, and so do Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as their quirky aunts. Because the movie focuses so much on its characters, a somewhat slow or simple plot isn’t a major issue. It’s a little disappointing that the film doesn’t fully delve into the feminist ideas presented in the original story, but that’s understandable given the runtime. In fact, it might be better to hint at those themes than to not develop them properly.

Despite some flaws in how it’s made, Practical Magic is clearly an enjoyable film. It’s true that no movie or any other entertainment is perfect, and opinions about them are always personal. So, critics aren’t necessarily correct or incorrect when they review Practical Magic; they’re simply sharing their own perspective.

How Practical Magic Became A Cult Classic

It’s easy to understand why Practical Magic has become a beloved film. While many unsuccessful movies gain a following due to popular actors, Practical Magic‘s appeal is more profound. Witch-themed movies occupy a special niche, attracting a dedicated audience who really love them. Films like The Craft and The Love Witch are good examples of this.

Although Practical Magic doesn’t deeply explore feminist ideas, it still feels empowering to many viewers. Audiences are often willing to look past a movie’s flaws, especially if they connect with the characters and story. The film’s depiction of family is something many people find relatable.

Beyond the story, Practical Magic creates a wonderfully cozy and atmospheric experience, making it perfect for autumn viewing. It’s arguably one of the most visually appealing films ever made, and that’s what it’s best remembered for. As a visual medium, film relies heavily on atmosphere, and director Griffin Dunne truly excels in this regard. Few movies capture a mood quite as beautifully as Practical Magic.

Practical Magic 2 Has Big Shoes To Fill

Most movies that flop in theaters don’t get a follow-up, but a sequel to Practical Magic is actually happening later this year. The film is being made because the original gained a large and dedicated fan base, though it’s uncertain if it will be successful. Fortunately, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are both returning, which could be enough to draw audiences in.

I’m a little worried about the new Practical Magic movie. While the trailer looks visually polished, it seems to be missing the warm, cozy feeling that made the first one so special. Everything feels a bit washed out and dull, and honestly, that original movie’s atmosphere was its best part! If this new one doesn’t capture that same magic, I’m not sure it will really work.

The new movie has a lot to live up to. Practical Magic is a beloved film from the ’90s and holds a special place for many fans. While it’s possible to make a good sequel that honors the original, it won’t be easy. Hopefully, this long-awaited follow-up can improve on some of the first movie’s weaknesses while still capturing everything that made it so memorable.

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2026-05-03 00:11