Add these darkly funny, lightly spooky films and shows to your watchlist this fall.
Practical Magic has been the go-to fall movie for cozy, supernatural vibes for decades. Its warm, homey atmosphere paired with the push-and-pull drama of two very different sisters who happen to be witches—and happen to be played by such Hollywood icons as Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman—has made the 1998 fantasy-romance an unmatched autumn classic.
This week, its long-awaited sequel Practical Magic 2 premiered in hopes of recreating those same feelings—but fans are split on whether it achieved that. Some say they were transported right back to the Owens home, whereas critics say it missed the mark by changing up what made the first film work. “Gone are the saturated, sepia tones of the 1998 flick, replaced with the flat, Netflix-y lighting so many films are blighted with these days,” writes Time Out critic India Lawrence. “It just doesn’t hit the same without all the glorious ‘90s outfits (although Kidman gets a number of lovely silky things to wear in this one).”
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Whatever your opinion on the new Practical Magic, if you love the original, you clearly enjoy a heart-warming, spooky concept. Below, we’re dropping 10 movies and TV shows to watch if you want to get thatPractical Magicvibe back this fall. Many of them have that nostalgia-inducing ’90s quality, some are cozy love stories and others serve up witchy-good fun.
Love Practical Magic? Here are 10 movies and TV shows to watch this fall:
1.The Witches of Eastwick(1987)
What’s it about: “Three small-town friends, Alexandra (Cher), Jane (Susan Sarandon) and Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer), each having lost the man in their lives, are feeling unfulfilled—until a furtive stranger, Daryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson), arrives and begins courting each of them in turn. Eventually, Daryl tells them that they are witches. But as the three friends spend more time at his mansion, enjoying themselves and learning about their powers, they begin to worry about Daryl’s ultimate intentions.”
2.The Craft(1996)
What’s it about: “After transferring to a Los Angeles high school, Sarah (Robin Tunney) finds that her telekinetic gift appeals to a group of three wannabe witches, who happen to be seeking a fourth member for their rituals. Bonnie (Neve Campbell), Rochelle (Rachel True) and Nancy (Fairuza Balk), like Sarah herself, all have troubled backgrounds, which combined with their nascent powers lead to dangerous consequences. When a minor spell causes a fellow student to lose her hair, the girls grow power-mad.”
Where to watch:Stream on HBO Max or rent it on Fandango
3.The Love Witch(2016)
What’s it about: “Elaine (Samantha Robinson), a beautiful young witch, is determined to find a man to love her. In her gothic Victorian apartment she makes spells and potions, then picks up men and seduces them. However, her spells work too well, and she ends up with a string of hapless victims. When she at last meets the man of her dreams, her desperation to be loved drives her to the brink of insanity and murder.”
4.Witch Hat Atelier(2026)
What’s it about: “In a world where only witches can cast magic, they must avoid being seen by ordinary people while casting. While Coco does her chores, she daydreams of becoming a witch. When a young witch named Qifrey visits her village, Coco uncovers the ‘absolute secret,’ becomes Qifrey’s apprentice, and begins her studies. This is the story of children who encounter despair, yet reach out toward hope.”
What to watch:Stream on Crunchyroll
5.The Good Witch(2015-21)
What’s it about: “Catherine Bell is Cassie Nightingale in this series based onThe Good Witchfranchise of made-for-TV movies. Nightingale, the titular sorceress, embarks on a magical journey with teenage daughter Grace, who shares her mother’s intuitive charm. When divorced Dr. Sam Radford and his teenage son move next door, they are quickly drawn to the Nightingales’ unique prowess. Sam realizes that Cassie’s signature charm is more than just a magic touch, ensuring the quaint town of Middleton is in for big surprises.”
6.You’ve Got Mail(1998)
What’s it about: “Struggling boutique bookseller Kathleen Kelly hates Joe Fox, the owner of a corporate Foxbooks chain store that just moved in across the street. When they meet online, however, they begin an intense and anonymous Internet romance, oblivious of each other’s true identity. Eventually Joe learns that the enchanting woman he’s involved with is actually his business rival. He must now struggle to reconcile his real-life dislike for her with the cyber love he’s come to feel.”
Where to watch:Stream on Paramount+ or rent it on Fandango
7.Over the Garden Wall(2014)
What’s it about: “On an adventure, brothers Wirt and Greg get lost in the Unknown, a strange forest adrift in time. A wise old woodsman and bluebird Beatrice help them find their way. Along the way, Wirt’s thoughts envelop him, while the wonder of the surroundings preoccupy Greg. The miniseries—based on creator Patrick McHale’s cartoon shortTome of the Unknown—features animation that evokes a nostalgic storybook feeling, inspired by folk art and classic illustrations. The voices include Elijah Wood and Christopher Lloyd with Samuel Ramey, Chris Isaak and John Cleese among guests.”
Where to watch:Stream on Disney+ and Hulu or rent on Prime Video
8.Gilmore Girls(2000-07)
What it’s about: “Set in a storybook Connecticut town populated by an eclectic mix of dreamers, artists and everyday folk, this multigenerational drama about family and friendship centers around Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory. Lorelai owns the town’s bed-and-breakfast, the Dragonfly Inn, with best friend/chef Sookie, and contends with weekly dinners with eccentric, well-off parents Richard and Emily Gilmore (who always have something to say about their daughter’s life). After high school, Rory attends Yale University but frequently returns to Stars Hollow to visit her mom.”
Where to watch:Stream on Disney+ and Hulu, or buy on Fandango
9.Stepmom(1998)
What’s it about: “Three years after divorcing Jackie (Susan Sarandon), the mother of his children, Luke Harrison (Ed Harris) decides to take the next step with his significantly younger girlfriend, fashion photographer Isabel Kelly (Julia Roberts). But, when the flaky Kelly meets Harrison’s children for the first time, their fierce allegiance to their mother is obvious. Try as she might, Kelly fails to endear herself to her young charges—and to Jackie—until a looming family crisis changes everything.”
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
10.The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood(2002)
What’s it about: “A classic Southern tale of hilarious sadness set in a sleepy Louisiana parish. A group of lifelong friends stage a rather unorthodox intervention to help a young playwright unravel the truth about her complicated, eccentric mother, find forgiveness and acceptance, and let go of her painful past.”
Where to watch:Rent on Prime Video
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