Maybe it’s my algorithm, but my social media is inundated (in a good way) with our favorite witches—Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman—who’ve been promoting the sequel to the classic ‘90s movie Practical Magic. I’ve been counting down the days until Sally and Gillian Owens return to the big screen. The film is out now and was released on September 11, 2026. I admit, I watched the original Practical Magic, which is rated PG-13, when I was 7 years old. However, my mom didn’t know I watched it (sorry, Mom). So, as a mother, it had me wondering if the second movie is something my own kids can see. If you, too, are wondering, “Is Practical Magic 2 OK for kids?” I have you covered.
I’m someone who grew up wanting to be an Owens sister, so it’s not surprising that I headed straight to the movie theater. From scary scenes to profanity to sensitive topics to be aware of, I’m sharing all the info—to help you decide whether or not Practical Magic 2 is OK for your kids.
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Quick Summary of Practical Magic 2
- Rating: PG-13
- Run time: 2h 10m
- Recommended age: 13+
- My parent-age recommendation: 11+
- Violence: some physical violence, witchy violence, gore, and death
- Language: mild profanity
- Alcohol & drugs: drinking scenes and one drug scene
- Frightening scenes: yes
- Positive messages: themes of living a life well-lived, sisterhood, and motherhood
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 35% critics, 92% audience
What is Practical Magic 2 about?
It’s been 27 years since the original Practical Magic film debuted. A ‘90s classic book-to-movie adaptation based on Alice Hoffman’s novel, the movie is about two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, who are witches. However, their family is under a centuries-old curse: fall in love with an Owens woman, and your fate is death. They navigate sisterhood and their powerful magic with the mentorship of their eccentric aunts, Fran and Jet, played by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest.
In Practical Magic 2, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprise their roles as Sally and Gilly Owens. Sally swore off magic years ago and vowed to never introduce witchcraft to her two daughters, Kylie and Antonia, played by Joey King and Maisie Williams. Her girls are now older, but without knowledge of the curse and their inner witch, they abruptly learn about their heritage when one of them falls in love. Will the curse ever be broken?
Why is Practical Magic 2 rated PG-13?
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) rating of Practical Magic 2 is PG-13 for some violent content, suggestive material, and brief strong language. But what does that entail, exactly? Keep scrolling for everything parents need to know about Practical Magic 2.
Minor profanity
My kids have heard profanity before, and when it happens, I try not to call attention to it. In Practical Magic 2, I clocked a total of three times when expletive words and phrases were used, including:
- “Ass”
- “D*ck”
- “F*ck”
Is there sexual content, romance, or nudity in Practical Magic 2?
Yes, as a witchy rom-com, of course, there is some romance! After all, the story is about cursed women who are unable to fall in love. As for sexual content, there is only one scene where it’s inferred that two characters had sex—they’re seen in bed and assumed to be naked under the covers. There are a few kissing scenes as well; however, they’re PG and brief. There is one scene where a man is naked, but explicit exposure is avoided.
Are drinking or drugs in Practical Magic 2?
In Practical Magic 2, there are a few scenes where characters are drinking alcohol. It’s important to note that each character is assumed to be of legal age in these moments. And one character does mention ‘getting drunk.’ As for drug use, a drink is spiked with some sort of sedative.
Is Practical Magic 2 scary?
This movie is the ultimate witchy rom-com, but there is some violence, gore, and weapons used in Practical Magic 2, including:
The history of ‘witches’ burned at the stake
While the movie isn’t action-packed, there is some violence parents should be aware of, including brief clips of a witch being burned at the stake. Although you don’t see her die, it is discussed by the characters.
Physical violence
Parents can also expect some physical violence between the cast, but I’d say it’s kept to a minimum. One character is hit in the head with a cast-iron pan (a nod to the first movie) and another by a car. A female character’s head is knocked into a wall, and I noted that there were a few audible gasps from audience members during my preview—myself included. Plus, with the use of magic and curses, know that some characters are put under some physical restraint from magic.
Some ‘witchy’ gore
If this is an official term, there is some ‘witchy’ gore. The scariest thing for kids would most likely be that a few characters are stabbed. This can be shocking for kids to see. However, I will add that instead of blood, the audience sees some sort of black, mystical magic that comes out of characters’ bodies when this type of violence occurs. The times you’ll see blood are when the witches use knives to cut their hands when performing a ‘blood pact,’ signifying that they’re bonded by blood.
The weapons used in the movie
For parents who are wondering what types of weapons are used to hurt characters in Practical Magic 2, here’s what to expect:
- a cast-iron pan
- knives
- a long silver needle
Sensitive topics parents will want to know about
If your kids don’t know about the Salem witch trials and why ‘witches’ were burned at the stake in the 1600s, you may want to go over this history for some context of why this happens in the movie.
With that said, death does occur. However, the way that the film talks about death and portrays it isn’t scary or negative. The Owens family frames this topic as a time to celebrate and reflect on someone’s life—focusing on life being well-lived.
Additionally, while brief, the topic of sexual assault, specifically rape, is mentioned. As a sensitive subject, parents may want to consider how to navigate this discussion if their child does not know what sexual assault is and asks for an explanation.
Are there positive messages?
If you’re wondering if there are any positive messages in Practical Magic 2, the answer is “yes.” Parents can expect themes of the magic of sisterhood, motherhood, and why life should be celebrated.
Do my kids need to watch the first Practical Magic movie?
Before you race to the theater, you may be wondering if it’s a prerequisite to watch the first Practical Magic beforehand. In Practical Magic 2, the narration gives a great backstory to the first film, so a screening of Practical Magic 1 isn’t required.
Similar to the other witchy Hocus Pocus movie sequel, to truly appreciate any nods and references to the original film, watching the 1998 flick might make it more enjoyable! Keep in mind that the first movie is rated PG-13, so I’d consider doing a parental preview without the kiddos first to decide if it’s appropriate.
My final verdict
I do think Practical Magic 2 is OK for kids—but not for all ages. Looking back, I understand why my mom didn’t take her 7-year-old to see the original film. I think that the violence is what would hold me back from taking younger kiddos. Plus, the history of witch trials may have little ones needing an explanation.
While the MPA rating is PG-13, I would say it would be OK for kids who are 11 and up. For kids younger than 11, I recommend watching other Halloween movies more suitable for younger kids, like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, or Twitches.
With that said, I laughed, I cried, and it’s definitely a fall movie I’ll be watching on repeat every year. Even if you’ve decided that Practical Magic 2 isn’t OK for your kids, know that I’m giving it a two-thumbs-up for the ultimate girls’ night. It’s perfect for people who love the original movie, for those who love stories about sisterhood, for moms who want a movie to watch with their teen, for anyone who loves a good rom-com, and, of course, for anyone who loves some Sandra Bullock humor!
FAQs
Is Practical Magic 2 scary?
While the film is a witchy rom-com, there are some scary scenes. Know that there is some physical violence and use of weapons.
Does Practical Magic 2 have bad language?
I clocked a total of three times when expletive words and phrases were used.
Is there death?
Yes, death does occur in the film.
Can I take my 8-year-old to see Practical Magic 2?
I would recommend Practical Magic 2 for kids ages 11+. The official MPA rating says the film is for kids 13+.
Is Practical Magic 2 OK for my tween or teen to see?
Yes, Practical Magic 2 is OK for tweens and teens. I would recommend Practical Magic 2 for kids ages 11+.
Do I need to see the first Practical Magic before watching Practical Magic 2?
In Practical Magic 2, the narration gives a great backstory to the first film, so a screening of the original Practical Magic isn’t required.
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
