Warning! The following contains spoilers for Practical Magic 2. Read at your own risk!

I had a date to see Practical Magic 2 recently, and as luck would have it, the original was available to stream with an HBO Max subscription, so I could see it beforehand. It ended up being a blessing and a curse, to be honest, as while I wasn't in the dark about the Owens women, one plot point from the sequel drove me up a wall.

The movie opens up with the news that Gary Hallet, the detective played by Aidan Quinn in the first movie, has died. We then learn that Sally, who felt burned again by the Owens Curse, used magic to erase her daughters' memories of being witches, which is more or less what she did when her husband died in the first movie!

I Don't Understand Why Sally Made The Decision To Hide Magic From Her Daughters Again

Sally turned her back on magic before, and it went pretty poorly in Practical Magic. She forbade Francis and Jet from teaching the girls about magic, which ended up being a largely successful endeavor. The kids in town were able to get in Kylie and Antonia's ears, and before too long, it was time to come clean.

By the end of the movie, everyone in town knows the Owens women are witches, and they embrace it! Even Gary is so smitten with Sally that he clears her and Gillian of murder, even though they totally did kill her ex. They were loved, accepted, and well-liked, so why would Sally erase every memory they had of that?

The more I think about it, the crueler the spell seems. Sure, grief makes us do rash things, but when Kylie and Antonia lost every memory of magic, did it also remove the positive memories they had with their aunt and great-aunts attached to it? I still like the movie, despite other critics looking down on it, but this part really bugged me.

I'm Not Sure How Kylie And Antonia Weren't Able To Discover They Were A Family Of Witches

Magic aside, it's even more baffling to me that Kylie and Antonia didn't immediately find out they were witches all over again. Once again, Practical Magic ended with them getting the love and adoration of the town, and it's even mentioned that the aunts are visited by people nightly for help with their ailments.

Sure, Antonia mentions hearing "rumors" of the family being cursed to Kylie. But how did no one ever say, "Hey, remember when we all got together, and your family floated down from the roof of your house?" Them being witches was not a secret, and wouldn't the daughters be the least bit concerned that everyone remembered this but them?

Fortunately, this glaring plot hole has not diminished the sequel's success, as Practical Magic 2 is finding an audience despite the reviews. It may not be the same as the original, but it offers the nostalgia hit that audiences are looking for, and something the cast was looking for as well. I can't pretend I'm interested in seeing it again like I am with the original, but I'd be down to watch another sequel!

We'll see if another sequel is ever in the works, as there are more books to adapt. In the meantime, I'm going to try and use magic to erase my memory of that plot point, because it's still making me mad here as I write.

Last weekend I started the fall season at the movies by catching Practical Magic 2. I was a fan of the original movie for it being one of those cozy autumn movies to throw on when I’m not feeling a horror film. While I was watching it, I thought about how nice and rare it is to see Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman on the big screen again. And then from there, how few and far between it is to see women in that age group in big studio films like this. Let’s talk about it.

Practical Magic 2 Made Me Question Something

When it comes to movies, it still feels like there’s a giant gap in the female experience somewhere between one’s late 30s and 60s. I guess Hollywood doesn’t like to talk about women’s lives once they’re typically mothers or have arrived in what's defined as their middle-aged years. I think it’s damaging too, because it makes women unconsciously feel like life ends after their 30s. Meanwhile, male actors are shown as viable to do any sort of film from action to comedy no matter what age they are. Heck, Liam Neeson’s still doing action movies well into his 70s.

Obviously, I’ve realized how sexism permeates in Hollywood before. The thing that I started pondering after watching Practical Magic 2 is how many movies starring women in the age group of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman right now have come from studios, and had big opening weekends like the sequel did. So, I looked into it.

What Other Movies Starring Middle-Age Women Have Been Hits?

I looked into the ten top grossing movies I could find led by women who were in their later 50s and early-to-mid 60s when the movie was released, and you know what? It was better than I thought it was going to be. Take a look, and then I’ll talk about it:

I mean, there’s a reason Meryl Streep is the queen. She’s got the highest-grossing movie by far with Mamma Mia!, but takes up four spots on this list. Knowing that Meryl Streep has been able to really thrive during her 50s and 60s is really impressive to me, but she’s also kind of one of the few exceptions, right?

Not every talented actress in this age group is showing out with movies like Streep has, and it also helps that she filled a hole during the early 2000s, when romantic comedies could be box office hits, and were expanding beyond stories only about women in their 20s and 30s.

The only other repeater on the list is Jamie Lee Curtis, who’s found some winners in the past decade with sequels to favorite roles of hers. I know I’ve really appreciated seeing her remain as a leading lady, and not simply mom roles in recent years.

When these movies weren’t coming from Streep or Curtis, they were coming from Diane Keaton with her team-up with Jack Nicholson in Something’s Gotta Give. Roberts’ rom-com comeback from a few years ago. Then, there's Best Picture winner Everything Everywhere All At Once starring Michelle Yeoh – the only woman of color on this list. And, Helen Mirren as one of the most famous women ever, Queen Elizabeth II.

I look at this list, and I feel really empowered by these movies, because it shows the audience is there. And, each one of them did fill the similar void like Practical Magic 2 does. We just need more smart movies made about women during this era in life. I hope Practical Magic 2 continues to be one of the successful 2026 movie releases, and Hollywood takes more chances on films about women from a variety of ages.

This article contains some spoilers from Practical Magic 2, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and The Sex and the City TV spinoff And Just Like That.

Though I went into Practical Magic 2 without knowing the fate of Aidan Quinn's character, Gary, in retrospect, I should've expected him to be out of the picture when the film arrived in theaters on the 2026 movie schedule, considering Quinn wasn't part of the cast this time around. And yet, I was still caught a bit off guard near the beginning when we learned that Gary, the love interest of Sandra Bullock's Sally Owens in the original film, had died not long after they got married. The Owens curse that seemed to be lifted at the end of Practical Magic apparently struck again, leaving Sally grief-stricken as a widow twice over.

This Has Happened Before

I'll say up front, I haven't read Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic, or the sequel (The Book of Magic), on which this new book-to-screen movie is based, so I can't comment on the plot of the books. However, as a fan of the 1998 movie, I was immediately frustrated, because this isn't the first rom-com in recent years to do this. Those who've seen Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy will recall that Mark Darcy (Colin Firth's character) was deceased at the start of the 2025 film. And when Sex and the City returned with And Just Like That, Carrie Bradshaw's husband, John (aka Mr. Big) dies of a heart attack.

In all three cases, the death of their spouse was devastating to the main character, understandably so, and also for fans who rooted for the couple to get together in previous films (and a TV show, for SatC). Also, in all three cases, it happens at the start (or before the start) of their new story. Of course, since it's a rom-com, they're now single and available to find love again, which I'm assuming is the intention. It could also be cast availability, after all, though according to what Aidan Quinn told Spin 1038 (via Deadline), he wasn't asked to return for the Practical Magic sequel.

I Do Want To See More Stories Like These... But Does It Have To Be In The Sequel?

Now, I need to make it clear: I absolutely want to see more movies about women who are middle-aged or older finding love. I actually very much enjoyed the chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Lee Pace in Practical Magic 2. I also really liked Bridget Jones's romantic shenanigans in Mad About the Boy.

We need more romantic stories focused on women of a certain age getting back out there in the wake of divorce, the death of a spouse, or some other circumstance that leads them to seek a partner. Get out there and find love, have some fun, make us laugh, swoon and feel all the feels. I'm all for seeing that in more movies, but I don't think that these sequels necessarily need to be the place to do that, especially if there are better ways to progress the female lead's story without it hinging on her falling in love (again).

What If The Rom-Com Focused On An Already-Established Love Story?

What if Sally was already in love at the start of Practical Magic 2? What if she's been happily married for years when this new movie picks up, and we get to see what 20+ years later looks like for Sally and Gary as part of this new story?

I know that two people falling in love is a rom-com's bread and butter, but we're in sequel territory here. Exploring and celebrating a couple's relationship -- the humor, the attraction, the history -- beyond the early days is another approach a story can take, and one we don't see as much at the center of a rom-com. If continuing the character's journey in love is a key part of the main plot of the movie, there are ways to do that without having to reboot the love story entirely.

I love romantic comedies, and I completely understand why we romanticize the start of the love story in so many rom-coms, romance movies, books, songs, etc. I'm not opposed to more stories about people falling in love, but I would love to see more movies show the middle and later years of long-term relationships. After all, marriage isn't just the beginning part. I would love to see more romantic comedies that celebrate the deeper love that comes with years of being together and putting in the work to stay together through it all. Rom-com sequels are an ideal place to do that, since we're already invested in the couple.

But What About The Curse?

In the case of Practical Magic 2, because Gary's death ties into the overall plot of the movie, I understand that the existence of the curse is a factor here, but I think -- had they wanted to keep Sally and Gary's relationship going for this new story -- it could've been established that Sally had experienced the curse already with her first husband, and now it had moved to her daughters. I'm just throwing that out there, as I understand that the overall story hinged on the curse needing to be properly broken. They could have made it work.

Also, if they wanted an Owens woman to find love in this new movie, why not Gillian? I would love to see Nicole Kidman's character find a spark with someone who matches her energy, loves her for who she is, respects her independence, and just wants to be within her orbit.

There were a lot of things I liked about Practical Magic 2 (I probably liked it more than many of the critics, though maybe not quite as much as other fans) but the explanation of Gary's death had me flashing back to the other recent examples I mentioned, and it's really putting a damper on the idea of sequels to rom-coms for me. I love the idea of following up on beloved movies and characters, but I do hope we see some different (less fatal) ways to bring the lead characters back and deliver another great story.

When I found out Practical Magic 2 was happening, I was over the moon. When I found out Maisie Williams, aka my all-time Game of Thrones fave Arya Stark, was going to be in it, my excitement soared. It marks the actress’s first big role in years, and her role as the daughter of Sally Owens is genius casting. Then I saw Practical Magic 2, and just like many of the fans, I liked it way more than critics did. I just wish Williams' character got more to do. Then, I picked up the book, and I was even more frustrated.

Maisie Williams Didn’t Have Much To Do In Practical Magic 2

First off, I need to rant for a second about Antonia Owens. In a movie that does an incredible job of giving its original sisters, Joey King’s Kylie, and even the aunts a lot to do, it sure does shortchange Antonia. It felt like she was only a doctor so she could be in the scenes with Kylie’s boyfriend Gideon, as she stays back and babysits him while Kylie, Gilly and Sally go on a witchy adventure in England.

Even though Antonia is dealing with the realization that she’s a witch, and that her mom lied to her and Kylie their whole lives, she never gets to have any room to explore any of it. Since I knew this was one of this year’s book-to-screen adaptations, I figured there was a lot more for her in Alice Hoffman’s novel, and I was right.

Antonia’s Storyline In The Book Of Magic

In Hoffman’s fourth Practical Magic novel, Book of Magic, Antonia is actually pregnant, but not with the father of her baby, with her gay best friends Scott and Joel. Following the death of Jet, she has a bit of a meet-cute when she meets Ariel, the granddaughter of their family lawyer. She’s instantly taken aback by Ariel, and the pair go on a date and even share a kiss.

In the context of The Book of Magic, why Antonia stays back and doesn’t go with her sister to break the curse just makes a lot more sense. Deciding not to travel when you’re expecting just offers a more plausible reason than the movie gives us. I also like that she starts to fall in love just as Kylie is trying to break the curse.

There’s another aspect to the novel I haven’t mentioned yet. Antonia is also pivotal in figuring out one missing piece that’s needed to break the Owens family curse. I much prefer the source material when it comes to Antonia’s plotline, but I assume the filmmakers felt juggling the four main characters was too much.

Even though Antonia Owens didn’t get enough to do, I am very happy Practical Magic 2 exists, and that it became the first movie to dethrone Spider-Man: Brand New Day at the box office when it hit theaters. Here’s hoping Maisie Williams’ next role is front and center because I want to see her in more big films!

After nearly three decades Practical Magic 2 is finally in theaters, officially kicking off spooky season in the process. Fans have waited a long time to catch up with the Owens women, regularly watching the 1998 original (which is streaming now with a HBO Max subscription). And Sandra Bullock recently spoke about how personal it was filming the long-awaited sequel following the death of her partner Bryan Randall.

Bullock lost her partner in 2023 after a battle with ALS, with her sister issuing a statement shortly thereafter. Since a major theme of the Practical Magic franchise is grief, her art and life intersected as the Gravity actress filmed the sequel. In a video from CBS Morning's Instagram, Bullock was asked about the movie's writers leaning into her personal life while crafting Sally's narrative in PM 2. She explained by saying:

Talk about self-aware. It's only been a few years since the Oscar-winning actress experienced a loss, just like Sally does early into Practical Magic 2. The through line of grief is important to the movie, its story, as well as Sandra Bullock's character. So she thought it made sense to lean in, given how emotional she likely would have been on set either way.

Practical Magic 2 is also a book to screen adaptation, and in the source material Sally is similarly dealing with loss, mourning, and isolation. In the same interview, Bullock addressed this by saying:

The writing was on the wall. Or in this case, the book. So it makes sense that Sandra Bullock might want to embrace the way her role and real-life tragedy intersected. Because as she put it, it probably would have been hard to suppress those feelings once cameras went up.

When asked what it was like shooting the Practical Magic sequel so soon after the loss of her partner, the Miss Congeniality icon got real about balancing her grief with parenting, and how shooting was ultimately a source of joy. In her words:

Talk about moving. While Bullock is obviously still living with grief, it's heartening to hear that a joyous time she had while filming Practical Magic 2. There were probably some very emotional days of shooting, but overall it seems like she had a great time back in Sally's shoes alongside Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing.

Practical Magic 2 is in theaters now as part of the 2026 movie release list. The movie finally managed to dethrone Spider-Man: Brand New Day at the box office, so maybe it's not the last we've seen from the Owens witches.

Practical Magic 2 is the latest sequel to grace the 2026 movie schedule, and most critics seem to be in agreement on the movie. As it stands, the reviews have mostly been negative, with pundits laying out their rationale as to why the film doesn't work. However, now that the witchy flick is in theaters, it’s becoming quite clear that audiences don’t feel the same way about the Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock-led fantasy film. Let’s lay this all out, shall we?

Critics And Audiences Don't Agree On Practical Magic 2

Earlier this week, reviews dropped for Practical Magic 2, and there was a lot of negativity brought up about the new movie. The sequel has been called “practically garbage,” “rambling” and “significantly less charming” than the original movie. As it stands, it has also earned a 38 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 120 reviews.

However, the 93 percent audience score on RT tells a completely different story about what audiences think about it. Plus, it earned a B+ CinemaScore rating, which is certainly more than simply passing. Clearly, it’s a crowd pleaser, and it’s also opening No. 1 at the box office, nabbing the spot that's been held by Spider-Man: Brand New Day, (which has been breaking records) since July.

What Fans Are Saying About The Movie?

Now, it should be noted that the original Practical Magic didn’t necessarily impress critics either when it came out in 1998. The movie’s reviews amounted to 30 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and it actually flopped at the box office. But, tons of fans who love the classic film are raving about the sequel. Check out some comments, via Threads:

• “Critics really be liking the boring movies and rating them then best 😂😂. And giving Low scores to amazing movies because Practical Magic 2 was amazing. I was so excited, crying and laughing and crying some more. Enough said.” - @eternal_witchy
• “Just saw Practical Magic 2. I’ve waited 28 years for this sequel. Even purchased my ticket for today’s first showing a month ago. Yesterday I read that the critics hated it (guess what, they hated the first one too) so that told me I was going to love it! And I did. If you’re a fellow fan, go see it. And bring tissues. I might have ugly cried.” - @reblu26
• “Oh man. I just got out of the first showing of Practical Magic 2. Guys, GO SEE IT. Don't listen to critics who didn't even like the first one. All the concerns from the trailer are put to rest. It was amazing. Everyone in my theater laughed and cried. And it is SO aesthetically wonderful, just a beautiful film. Does honor to the first. You'll love it.” - @heatherw_illusiodm
• “I understand that the critics do not like practical magic 2, but they also didn’t like their original movie! This movie was made for us not for them! Loved It🖤” - @wiccanwitchempath

Fans had a lot of choice words for critics who didn’t get the sequel like they did. The reactions are like night and day! Other comments on social media are shouting it out for being nostalgic. For some, it was apparently so emotional that they cried, and others even went so far to call it better than the first one.

Practical Magic 2 takes place 25 years after the original movie and sees Sally Owens’ daughters all grown up (and played by Joey King and Maisie Williams). They have to grapple with the same generational curses Sally and Gilly had to deal with last time. The film also has Stockard Channing and Dianne West returning as Sally and Gilly’s aunts. And, it also has Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña. Solly McLeod and Katy Wix in the cast, too.

You can see Practical Magic 2 in theaters now, and decide if you side more with critics and general audiences.

When you look at Sandra Bullock’s filmography across nearly 40 years, the actress has done just about everything under the sun. But, as the 62-year-old recently reflected, there was a time in her career when she felt as though she had to step away from the romantic comedy genre. Bullock didn't mince words about why she stopped making such films for a time, and she also revealed the movie that helped her ease out of them.

Bullock has been in some of the best romantic comedies like While You Were Sleeping, Practical Magic and The Lost City. She recently confirmed she was very "intentional" about shifting away from them for a major reason:

For the first decade of Sandra Bullock’s career, she was arguably doing rom-coms more than any other mainstream starlet at the time. As she told real-life bestie Jennifer Aniston for Interview Magazine, she was actually getting flak for being in so many of those movies. It's true that she's also long been praised for her link to the genre, but there are certainly times when audiences revolt against a star who seems to be all over an aspect of the industry.

So Bullock needed a change, and 2004’s Crash allowed her to make that intentional career shift. The Paul Haggis-directed crime drama became a Best Picture winner and surely opened the door for Bullock to take more dramatic roles in movies like The Blind Side and Gravity. And that aforementioned sports drama actually won Bullock the Oscar for Best Actress.

While there was a time when she wasn’t into romantic comedies, she’s totally up for them now. She went on to say this to Aniston:

Wouldn’t that be great? Back in March, it was reported that Sandra Bullock would team up with the writer of The Lost City for another movie at Sony. With that in mind, Bullock might have another comedy on the horizon, and I love to see her bringing “the funny back”.

More recently, the All About Steve star reunited with Nicole Kidman to make the witchy sequel Practical Magic 2. The role marks Bullock's first film since 2022’s The Lost City (another rom-com) with Channing Tatum. It seems Bullock now has a greater appreciation for doing comedies, and that's certainly understandable. Many could argue that it's harder to get a theatrical release for a comedy than it used to be. So it's understandable that Bullock would want to bolster the genre a bit.

Aside from having Practical Magic 2 on the 2026 movie schedule, Bullock has been keeping a relatively low profile, though. In recent years, Bullock has been honest about feeling “so burnt out” around her career. The actress is also the mom to two teen children, Louis and Laila, and was a caregiver to her partner, Bryan Randall, as he battled ALS from 2020 up until his death in 2023.

When it comes to Sandra Bullock's career, it's unfortunate to think about her enduring backlash for doing rom-coms. It's sweet that she's getting her flowers these days, though, and I'm eager to see what she contributes to the genre next. For right now, though, know that Practical Magic 2 is in theaters nationwide.

Sandra Bullock has been taking a break from acting in recent years, but she's back to promote her movie on the 2026 release schedule, Practical Magic 2. And wow, am I realizing how much I missed her. Exhibit A: Her hilariously relatable rant about chin hairs.

Man, did I forget how real the actress can be, and then the Practical Magic 2 press tour came along. Bullock is just one of those celebrities that I want to be best friends with. As if I didn’t already love her for calling herself “Zendaya’s shoe polisher”, just check out Sandra Bullock’s thoughts on the topic of chin hairs:

So I never thought about this before, but now I’m never going to forget it. Most women can certainly relate to the stray chin hair every so often. It’s quite normal actually. But it’s so rarely talked about in public interviews that it’s easy to isolate the experience to yourself.

There’s something so lovely about Bullock getting honest about what she thinks about chin hairs. And her fears about what would happen if she wasn’t conscious to pluck them when they need to be plucked at one point is so good.

This happened during an appearance on Royal Court with her Practical Magic 2 co-star Nicole Kidman. Funny enough, Kidman doesn’t have the same chin hair thoughts. As the exchange went:

• Nicole: "I'm kind of hairless. Like a hairless cat."
• Sandra: "I mean I didn't say it's a forest. I said there was one."

Kidman’s comments about her lack of hair led Bullock to make fun of her a bit. Thank goodness Bullock was there to bring the chin hair realness, because Kidman sounds like she might actually be a fairy princess of a woman. (Though Kidman did get real about midnight margaritas the other day).

Bullock also talked a bit about how the mirrors in our cars are a common place to find unwanted chin hair one might not have noticed before. It’s interview moments like these when I realize that sometimes we’re all just having the same shared experience in life and not talking about it.

One time Florence Pugh totally talked about chin hairs while sharing a glitzy selfie on social media, and I found that super refreshing, too. There’s just something about us women normalizing the preconceived imperfections we have and regularly deal with rather than pretending they don’t exist all the time. Here’s hoping we get some of this energy on Practical Magic 2, which Bullock wanted to make for an emotional reason. The sequel is in theaters now.

Practical Magic flopped at the box office back in 1998 but came to earn cult status, largely for those in search of cozy fall movies to watch with midnight margarita in hand. Nearly three decades later, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are back as the Owens sisters for Practical Magic 2. I was expecting critics to be charmed, if not by nostalgia then possibly by the objectively talented cast. Instead, most of the reviews are full of not-so-glamorous descriptions.

Maisie Williams and Joey King now portray Sally’s two daughters, who become aware of their family’s abilities and the curse that haunts the Owens women. There also seems to be a curse haunting this franchise with critics, because Witney Seibold of SlashFilm rates it just 4 out of 10, calling it “staggeringly unfunny, and really sloppily assembled.” Sally and Gillian are “unbearably obnoxious,” Seibold’s Practical Magic 2 review says, as she writes:

Anna McKibbin of AV Club grades Practical Magic 2 a D- ahead of its release on the 2026 movie calendar, saying that abandoning New England for cold and gray London gives the sequel an "antiseptic harshness.” The script constantly stalls out on “a series of convoluted contrivances” as it searches for an audience who doesn’t exist. In McKibbin’s words:

Todd Gilchrist of Variety says sometimes the best way to honor a beloved experience is to just leave it alone. Rather than making Practical Magic 2 an improvement over the critically panned first movie, Susanne Bier is content to have Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman retread the original for this “overlong, predictable” sequel. Gilchrist continues:

Not everyone is disappointed in the finished product, however. While Amelia Emberwing of The Wrap admits Practical Magic 2 has its issues, it also serves as a “fantastical reunion,” writing:

Alison Foreman of IndieWire is also satisfied with the sequel, rating it a B+. While it falls into the trap of mistaking alternate scenery for fresh ideas, there’s obvious appeal to watching Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock do literally anything together. That goes for Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, too, as Foreman writes:

Many people will surely find the charm in revisiting these characters three decades later, but critics overall have not been wowed by the sequel. Practical Magic 2 is premiering to a 36% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, don’t let these reviews stop you from drawing your own conclusions. The movie hits the big screen on Friday, September 11.

When it comes to cozy fall movies that aren’t scary, 1998’s Practical Magic has been on the rotation for me every few years. And every time I watch it, I start thinking it’s flawless before something happens about halfway through that just doesn’t work for me. As we await Practical Magic 2 on the 2026 movie schedule this weekend, I need to talk about this. SPOILERS are ahead for the 1998 movie.

I Think Practical Magic Doesn’t Work For One Reason

To get ready for the sequel, I turned on Practical Magic with my HBO Max subscription. I hadn’t seen it in probably five years. As usual, when I started it, I was drawn in right away by the 1990s witchy aesthetic and Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s incredible chemistry as the Owens sisters. Then something happened that also always happens: Aidan Quinn’s Investigator Gary Hallet struts into the movie, and sort of ruins it for me.

If you don’t remember, halfway through the movie, Gary Hallet, who is a state investigator, arrives from Tucson, Arizona, digging around for Jimmy, who’s the boyfriend of Kidman’s Gilly, who the sisters inadvertently killed and tries to resurrect with magic. And look, I’m a complete sucker for a romance plotline, but, for some reason, Sally’s sudden romance with Gary just bothers me. I think the movie bit off more than it could chew, and the plotline feels like it’s shoehorning in an unnecessary B-plot, or perhaps the two actors have bad chemistry together. No matter what it is, it always sticks out like a sore thumb, and I do a little eye roll.

How I’d Recast The Spell If I Could

It’s hard to say what went wrong with Practical Magic’s romance plotline. I see why it’s there – the movie is about breaking generational curses, and every man who loves them is an Owens. By having Gary there, it shows Sally that there’s love out there for her despite the death of her husband and father to her two daughters.

I think one thing that’s totally unsexy about their romance is that Gary is trying to see if she murdered Jimmy, and doesn’t seem at all aware that it might have been self-defense. Gary is aware that Jimmy is a suspect in a string of murders involving young women, and yet he treats Sally like she’s his prime suspect before they randomly make out in between one of his interrogations. I also feel like in a movie that’s about sisterhood and multi-generational women in the same family, Gary gets a lot more to do than Gilly, their aunts, or Sally’s daughters. That's really frustrating.

I do hope that the upcoming sequel can break the curse that I think the movie sadly has. While the 1998 movie was technically a flop when it came out, I think there’s a good reason why it was revived for a second film. My problems aside, Bullock and Kidman’s sister dynamic is electric, and there’s something so cozy, mystical and feminine about the original that makes me go back to it again and again.

Iconic actors like Sandra Bullock seem to be so at ease at premieres that it never occurs to me that they get nervous. However, the actress is returning to the red carpet after four years away to promote Practical Magic 2's release on the 2026 movie schedule, and she's been open about how hard it can be to pose for pictures at these events--particularly when one does not have the poise, height or method dressing some newbies like Zendaya have had.

In an effort to be more comfortable on the red carpet, though, the actress is joking about how she's taking inspiration from Zendaya.

I totally see where she’s coming from. The process is overwhelming, and Bullock's last movie, The Lost City, came out in 2022. It's been a while since she's done a press tour, and she opened up about doing them with her long-time margarita friend, Jennifer Aniston, during a conversation with Interview Magazine. To that point, the Friends star said, “The hard part is going on carpets and doing interviews.”

However, for Bullock, talking isn’t the problem; the posing is:

I mean, we all know Zendaya is the queen of the carpet and method dressing in general. I can't stop thinking about her Dune or Challengers serves years later. She's also been on a generational run of movies and premiere looks, as she's released The Drama, Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey. So, I get why Bullock is taking inspiration from her.

I also can't help but laugh at her joke, partly because Zendaya is that iconic and also because the Gravity actress can totally rock a red carpet too. I can’t blame her for still being nervous, though. I mean, look at this Practical Magic 2 look!

However, once she's there, she has a "blast" with it and the butterflies go away. If you’ve ever watched Bullock on a red carpet, you know just what she means. (I loved seeing her promote Lost City with Channing Tatum.) Still, it's refreshing to see her talk about it.

Given that Practical Magic 2 has more emotional weight to it, and it's been a while since she had to walk a carpet, I can understand why Bullock is feeling some butterflies. What brought her back to acting was a desire to honor generations of women, specifically those in her own family. Plus, the original movie is so beloved. So, there is a pressure involved; however, it looks like she's having a blast!

Overall, I think Bullock has looked pretty magical while promoting the film, alongside her co-stars, Maisie Williams, Joey King, and Nicole Kidman. And, to prove how iconic her red carpet looks are, Williams has been dressing like Bullock on this press tour. Honestly, I think Zendaya would approve.

Be sure to check out Practical Magic 2 on September 11. I’m anxiously waiting to see the bewitching sequel and what the Owens sisters have been up to. Maybe we’ll even catch a moment where Bullock channels Zendaya.

Most of us already know Grand Theft Auto 6 is going to be a huge deal this year. The new game release on November 19th, just before Black Friday shopping deals come down the pipeline. So, when Netflix dropped its Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look doc, I wasn’t shocked to see it skyrocket onto the top 10 list. What does surprise me? A 13 year old comedy is also solidly sticking there, despite what I can only describe as one big challenge.

What movie am I talking about? The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. The Paul Feig film was his follow-up to the insane hit Bridesmaids, and when it was released it made $229 million globally. Not bad for a comedy made on a $43 million budget. So, of course, there are plenty of people that feel fondly about the movie. But that’s not what I find really shocking.

What I find shocking is 1. The movie is trending globally at No. 6 despite the fact it’s not even available in the United States. In fact, if you want to watch a Melissa McCarthy movie stateside, you’ll need to go for Identity Thief, Thunder Force, or God’s Favorite Idiot. This is a big feat. Sure, Netflix has 325 subscribers globally, but amidst those about 66.7 million are located in the US alone, so the movie is losing a large swathe of eyeballs right out of the gate thanks to not being available here.

Despite this, the movie has stayed on the Global Top 10 list, and it has done so for several weeks since entering the charts. So, clearly it’s one comedy that translates worldwide. We can thank the combined powers of countries like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, among others.

It’s frequently true that Netflix originals fare better on their global and domestic Top 10 TV and movie lists than syndicated content, but I’m always fascinated when there is an exception. Shows like Suits and Criminal Minds have seen huge audiences after syndicating on the streamer, and both of those wins led to resurgences (albeit short-lived for Suits: LA) for both franchises.

The Heat making its mark is exceptional not just because the movie is 13 years old, but also, it’s sticking on the list despite not being available in the US and despite facing competition from actual new Netflix releases like the Extended Look at GTA VI and Don’t Say Good Luck.

I will mention August is always a slow month for new content, but this is still impressive. Maybe someone should let Sandra Bullock know how beloved this comedy still is. I hear she’s the holdup on The Heat 2 (not to be confused with Heat 2).

Practical Magic is one of my favorite fall watches, so it's hard to believe that, with the hindsight of 2026, the movie was a major financial failure. The movie has become an October staple; “midnight margaritas” has practically become its own Halloween tradition, and Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are now back together for Practical Magic 2. None of that was guaranteed in 1998. As a matter of fact, Bullock remembers pretty clearly what it felt like watching the movie flop.

Speaking with Variety ahead of the sequel’s 2026 calendar release, the Oscar winner recalled how confident everyone felt about Griffin Dunne’s original movie before audiences and critics got their hands on it. She explained:

Those questions pretty much summarize the movie’s original reception. Practical Magic opened at No. 1 in October 1998 with $13.1 million, but it eventually finished with about $46.9 million domestically and $68.3 million worldwide. The Numbers lists its production budget at $60 million, while other contemporary estimates have placed it closer to $75 million. Either way, once marketing and theaters’ share of ticket sales entered the equation, those grosses were not enough to make Warner Bros. happy.

Critics were even less enchanted. The movie currently sits at 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, with much of the criticism centered on its wild tonal swings. One minute Bullock and Kidman are drinking margaritas with Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest. The next, the movie is dealing with domestic abuse, murder and a boyfriend who refuses to stay dead.

I get why that baffled people in 1998. I also think that weird mixture is a big reason people love it now. Because Practical Magic did eventually find its audience. It just took the long way around.

Ultimately, the movie became a fixture on cable and VHS, where a generation of viewers could watch it repeatedly without worrying about opening-weekend numbers. As has been noted by film analysts, many women who grew up obsessively watching the movie on cable and on home video made it an annual Halloween favorite. Dunne himself said he began noticing the change when his daughter’s teenage friends started quoting the movie and freaking out when they learned her dad had directed it.

Now, Bullock and Kidman are returning for a sequel that probably would have sounded insane to anyone looking at those 1998 numbers. Kidman told the outlet that the timing was never something they tried to force:

Practical Magic 2, directed by Susanne Bier, is a page-to-screen adaptation of Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic, and it also brings back Channing and Wiest while adding Joey King, Maisie Williams and Lee Pace, which has caused a bit of controversy, as one of the original cast members was not asked back.

There is something fitting about a sequel arriving this way. After all, the first movie spent years quietly finding the audience Bullock thought would be there from the beginning. Turns out she was right. They were just late.

Check out Practical Magic 2 when it hits theaters on September 10, but if you want to revisit the OG that started it all, its streaming with an HBO Max subscription.

Did you know Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston are real-life besties? The two Hollywood stars met over 15 years ago when they were attending a mutual friend’s wedding and have been close ever since. And as Bullock has just revealed, Aniston is the friend she goes to when she wants to have a fabulous margarita.

The topic came up in an interview between Bullock and Nicole Kidman, since they’re currently promoting the premiere of Practical Magic 2 on the 2026 movie schedule. In the Practical Magic movies, they play sisters who love their “midnight margaritas”. When asked if Bullock has her own margarita recipe, she said this:

Why have your own margarita recipe when one of your BFFs can whip one up? As Bullock added in the People interview:

Hey, if a drink is going to take one out, at least let it be from a good friend. The story had Nicole Kidman’s curiosity piqued, and she said this:

These days, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are reportedly great friends, too, so perhaps the three of them all sharing a midnight margarita could happen. While Bullock and Kidman have known each other since making Practical Magic back in 1998, reports say they are “much closer now than they were almost 30 years ago,” when they made the original movie together.

Both Kidman and Bullock must have more in common than ever, considering they are wickedly successful actresses as well as moms who are no longer in their long-term relationships. For Bullock, her partner Bryan Randall died in 2023 after a private battle with ALS. She has two adopted children. Kidman filed for divorce from her husband of 19 years, Keith Urban, last September. She has four children herself, two of which she shares with the singer.

In Practical Magic 2, the actresses reprise their roles as the Owens sisters, who are witches living in a New England town. This time around, Sandra Bullock’s character's daughters are all grown up and played by Joey King and Maisie Williams. As the younger Owens sisters deal with the ramifications of the Owens family curse, Sally and Gilly must deal with a new magical family struggle once again.

Bullock has said that one big reason she wanted to make the sequel was because of how the franchise confronts generational patterns. So, we can’t wait to see it when it hits theaters on September 10.

While we wait for that day, though, you can work on perfecting your margarita recipe while Bullock continues to sip on Jennifer Aniston's.

Fall is around the corner, which means we’re finally about to have some magic back in our lives with Practical Magic 2 coming to the 2026 movie schedule on September 10. As we eagerly await seeing our favorite Owens sisters again, no one is rocking the witchy representation more than the younger generation, specifically Joey King. But while she may be killing the Method Dressing for the upcoming movie, she’s not taking the credit. In fact, she’s giving it away to Zendaya.

The Spider-Man actress is known for her Method Dressing thanks to her stylist Law Roach. She was constantly outdoing herself for the Brand New Day premieres. And we saw it yet again with that gorgeous winged Odyssey dress, which was a perfect fit for the Athena actor. Turns out, this ethereal style was inspiration for King to channel her own inner witch goddess. She dishes to Entertainment Tonight about how the iconic actor gave her inspiration. She says:

Her stylist, Jared Eng, has given King the perfect witchy look for Practical Magic 2 promotions. And nothing is showing that off more than the sheer aesthetic she’s been rocking. I’m loving how ethereal she looks, which feels like a callback to the tone of the first film.

She’s already shown off a sheer black dress when she stopped by BBC Radio Studios on August 26. And the look from Ermanno Scervino’s resort 2027 collection did not disappoint. Check it out:

But that’s not the only look she’s been rocking. Each time we see her, the more in awe I am of her dress choice. While she’s hardly the first actor we’ve seen Method Dressing (check out Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday press tour), her look is definitely one I’ve been favoring.

Like this sheer dress she wore at London Practical Magic 2 Photo Call on August 27. This is custom Miu Miu reminds me of Nicole Kidman’s energy from the first movie. It's glamorous, it's rebellious, and it's perfectly witchy. Check it out:

But this last look really casts a spell. When King attended the Warner Bros. Pictures Los Angeles premiere at Directors Village, I knew she would be looking her witchy best. And I was totally right. This look comes from upcoming designer Ilya Migmoon who fully understood the Method Dressing assignment and nailed it. Check it out:

This is another look that gives me Gillian vibes. There's an earthy quality to it that feels aligned with the 'practical magic' of the movie. It also makes me wonder if Kylie Owens will be channeling her aunt in the upcoming sequel, especially since King’s costar Maisie Williams has been dressing like Sandra Bullock for her promotional style.

Each look makes me that much more excited than the last one to get back into this magical world. And I’m fully expecting some fun looks in Practical Magic 2. We’ve already gotten a peak at some iconic looks when the official trailer dropped. King especially looked perfectly bewitching.

Nostalgia has been a powerful force in the entertainment world for years, leading to plenty of long-awaited sequels. Case in point: Practical Magic 2, a new book-to-screen adaptation featuring the beloved cast of the 1998 original (which is streaming with an HBO Max subscription). The Owens witches are back on the big screen to kick off spooky season, and Sandra Bullock's comment about why it's finally happening has me in my feels. Someone cue up "Coconut" by Harry Nilsson!

What we know about Practical Magic 2 has been limited, but that'll change when it finally hits theaters on September 10th. The movie wrapped last September, and with fans waiting nearly 30 years to catch up with the beloved characters. While speaking with her co-star Nicole Kidman for People, Bullock got real about what inspired this sequel, saying:

I'm not crying, you're crying. While the first Practical Magic movie was largely about romance and sisterhood, it's clear that the movie's leading ladies are approaching it with a different perspective after all these years. And Bullock's comment about the generation before her has me thinking about the matriarchs of my own family, including my grandmother who died just one week ago.

Despite our mothers and grandmothers taking care of us, they have their own feelings and hopes that us younger folks might not have considered. Bullock's comments about "longing" hit me right in the heart, and proved why now was the perfect time for a sequel.

In the same conversation, Nicole Kidman (who sometimes practices magic) also spoke about the way she and her onscreen sister are approaching Practical Magic 2. In her words:

While there will no doubt be plenty of witchcraft in Practical Magic 2, it sounds like Susanne Bier's movie will explore the Owens family dynamic in a way that seems super relatable. Each family has it own issues, and sometimes it can be difficult for generations to connect.

Three generations of Owens women will be taking center stage, and it seems like it'll be an emotional journey for moviegoers. I know that I was both touched and intrigued by the above comments. And after reading the above comments I'll definitely be bringing tissues to the theater.

Practical Magic 2 will hit theaters on September 10th as part of the 2026 movie release list. Now excuse me while I batch some midnight margaritas.

The legendary musician and actress Dolly Parton may have passed away last week, but her unmatched legacy lives on. Parton not only is remembered for her music but for her incredible life in philanthropy and for the kindness she spread to those around her. There's been an outpouring of tributes and stories about Parton in the wake of her passing. However, one anecdote from Sandra Bullock truly has my heart and, of course, it involves a pink tour bus.

Bullock recently attended the premiere of her upcoming 2026 movie release, Practical Magic 2, in London. It was there that she was asked a lot of questions about returning to the beloved fantasy franchise and working with Nicole Kidman again. Yet Bullock truly seemed to light up when asked about Parton, who she briefly worked with on Miss Congeniality 2. They truly bonded when they both showed up on set with tour buses, as Bullock opted for one due to her fear of flying. She said to People:

Parton clearly had no ego about any of this at all. She was used to spending time on the bus as a musical artist so she was happy doing just that, even though she was offered time to herself to prepare for the film somewhere more comfortable. When Bullock asked her where she was going to do her hair and makeup, the singer also insisted on doing it where she was familiar -- in her tour bus. Bullock also asked where Parton would sleep, and the Oscar winner recalled Parton's response:

Clearly, the Blind Side star was inspired by Dolly Parton’s down-to-earth nature and opted out of her fancy hotel room as well. Also, sleeping on side-by-side tour buses with Parton seems like an absolute dream come true, and I’d probably want to do the same as well.

This is one of those magical Parton stories I just can’t get enough of. Even though she has passed on, her gorgeous spirit lives on through the stories people tell about her as well as the amount of work she did in her lifetime to help other people. It makes it feel like she’s still all around us, which Bullock made sure to mention:

What an incredible woman, who never forgot her humble beginnings as a traveling musician, sleeping on tour buses while she wrote sustaining hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” which was made famous by Whitney Houston. Parton always seemed to be the same girl in the back of a tour bus, and I appreciate how she never appeared to get wrapped up in fame and fortune. Hopefully, this story inspires other artists to stay close to their roots as well, the way it inspired Bullock.

Dolly Parton may no longer be with us, but the masses can still enjoy her work in cinema and in music. You can revisit her work with Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, which is now available to rent or buy on digital platforms.

Nicole Kidman is back on the upcoming movie schedule, this time to return to her role of Gillian Owens in Practical Magic 2 alongside Sandra Bullock. And, thanks to an interview that came out of the press tour, I just learned that the Oscar winner isn’t a stranger to casting a spell or so in her personal life.

Kidman’s niece, Lucia Hawley (daughter of her sister Antonia), was one of the journalists to talk to the stars of Practical Magic 2. In the interview, Hawley pointed out something bewitching about their family with these words:

Hawley is talking about Nicole’s mum, Janelle Ann Kidman, who died back in 2024 at the age of 84. Apparently, she was not only born on Friday the 13th, but she also taught her kids some helpful spells. Here’s what Nicole Kidman said when asked about her favorites by her niece:

Thank goodness the interview involved Sandra Bullock because she was just as curious as I was about this funny-sounding spell. Bullock questioned the Kidman gals about what exactly putting someone’s name in a freezer does, and they suggested it “freezes them out”. As Kidman’s niece added:

Does anyone else want to try this now? I had no idea this was a thing, but upon further research it’s quite a popular spell that’s been passed down for generations. All you need is a piece of paper, a pen or pencil to write the person’s name and a container of water to submerge it in. It apparently is used to “freeze” negative energy or unwanted behaviors from someone.

And the comment section of the SheerLuxe interview moment is flooded with people who’ve used the spell themselves. Some of whom even swear by the spell's effectiveness. The funny moment had Bullock spooked and asking if she’s been in the freezer, which Kidman totally denied. And Kidman suggested that the person she uses the spell on can always “come out of the freezer.”

Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock have been jetting all over lately promoting Practical Magic. This week, Kidman wore a gorgeous chain dress to the European premiere of the sequel. At the same event, Bullock let her daughter in the film, Maisie Williams, wear one of her former red carpet looks.

Practical Magic 2 comes to theaters on September 10. Until then, you can revisit the original right now with an HBO Max subscription.

Nostalgia has been a major factor in Hollywood for years, leading to many long-awaited sequels. The latest of these is Susanne Bier's Practical Magic 2, continuing the story of the original movie (which is streaming with an HBO Max subscription) almost 30 years later. The cast has been crushing the fashion game at various premieres, and I can't get over Maisie Williams dressing like Sandra Bullock... as well as Joey King's latest sheer outfit.

Joey King has rocked multiple sheer looks for Practical Magic 2, continuing the fashion trend that's been going strong for years. And while Nicole Kidman recently stunned in a custom Chanel dress, it was the younger Owens sisters who took the cake at the recent London premiere. Namely because Williams is method dressing as Bullock, while King wore another chic sheer ensemble. Check out the quartet of stars together below:

While some fans were bummed that OG actresses Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip weren't asked to return for Practical Magic 2, at least some A+ talent were brought on to play the roles of Kylie and Antonia Owens. King and Williams have the resumes and talent to step into the magical franchise, and they've also been crushing the fashion game.

For this latest event, I love how closely Maisie Williams resembled Sandra Bullock. The Game of Thrones star rocked a choker just like her on-screen mother, and the black dress is almost identical to one that the Gravity star wore for the original movie. And they really do look like they could be related. So kudos to the casting team. Funny enough, Bullock posted an Instagram video about her onscreen daughter "raiding Mama's closet"

Williams and King are the new kids in town, and the trailers make it seem like they have great chemistry. You can see a full look at their most recent fashion serves below:

What we know about Practical Magic 2 has been limited, but luckily the movie will get its wide theatrical release shortly. But the book to screen adaptation will bring the Owens Witches from Massachusetts to the U.K., presumably to find the origins of their mysterious powers, and the curse that follows the women and sentences their love interests to death. Now that Sally's girls are old enough to have both powers and romantic lives, issues from the past will seemingly come to the surface.

The original Practical Magic might have come out back in 1998, but the movie is still a beloved project that's part of the pop culture landscape. The Midnight Margaritas, iconic soundtrack, and original cast are all beloved, so the pressure is on for the sequel to deliver the same magic (pun intended). While Sally's daughters were recast, OGs like Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest are all back in their roles.

Practical Magic 2 will hit theaters on September 10th as part of the 2026 movie release list, kicking off spooky season in the process.

We’re coming up on one year since the shocking news of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s divorce after two decades together. It’s surely been a tough time of transition for the family of four — who include their teenage daughters Sunday Rose and Faith — but the former couple seems to have come to an amicable place, and apparently Sandra Bullock may have played a role in that.

Nicole Kidman’s split from country music singer Keith Urban came around the same time as her reunion with Sandra Bullock for Practical Magic 2 (which is set to hit the 2026 movie calendar in September), and Bullock was reportedly instrumental in helping her on-screen sister not succumb to negativity. An alleged insider told In Touch:

There have certainly been difficult things for Nicole Kidman to navigate during the past year, but she’s been focused on moving forward — as evidenced by her sweet Father’s Day tribute to Keith Urban.

Part of that may be Sandra Bullock’s influence, who reportedly became great friends with Nicole Kidman on Practical Magic 2. The insiders suggest Bullock may have pulled from her own experiences while offering support:

Sandra Bullock’s longtime partner Bryan Randall died in 2023 after a private battle with ALS, so one can see why she would allegedly encourage the former couple to “be kinder to each other,” if, for no other reason, the sake of their daughters. The source continued:

Regardless of how much Sandra Bullock directly assisted in helping Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban get to a healthy place in their post-divorce relationship, I’m glad the exes got there, and it’s good to know that Nicole Kidman has friends like Bullock to lean on.

We’ll get to see them both when Practical Magic 2 is released Friday, September 11. The sequel takes place 25 years after the events of its 1998 predecessor, as the witchy Owens sisters face a new crisis regarding the origin of their powers and must take action to save the family’s next generation.

It will be especially nice to see this reunion knowing how much Sandra Bullock was there for Nicole Kidman during her breakup.

Jennifer Aniston’s latest photo dump features her boyfriend Jim Curtis and a long list of famous friends. However, her comments section also featured quite the ensemble of celebrity pals. That list specifically included Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Garner, and we have to talk about their replies.

Now, in this photo dump all about the summer, Aniston highlighted a bunch of ways she’s been spending the hotter days of 2026. She kicked it off with a cute car selfie of her and Jim Curtis (who she’s been in a serious relationship with for many months now), and then followed that up with adorable photos with friends. Those friends included famous folks like Naomi Watts, Billy Crudup, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and more. Take a look:

This post is honestly summer goals, and I think Sandra Bullock’s comment makes that point even clearer, as she wrote:

For context, Bullock and Aniston have been friends for a very long time. They became pals about 16 years ago when they bonded at a mutual friend’s wedding, per Vanity Fair. Since then, they’ve supported each other, and they have spoken very highly about one another. Over the years, the Horrible Bosses star has also posted (via People) about her friendship with her fellow actress.

However, Bullock only joined Instagram in April. So, when the Miss Congeniality star began uploading posts, we finally got to see the friends interacting on socials. And it’s been wonderful to see comments like this from both Bullock and Aniston (who wrote “She’s here!” on her friend’s first IG post earlier this spring).

Meanwhile, Jennifer Garner also got in on the fun, highlighting the moon photo in Aniston’s dump while also shouting out Nancy Banks, who is tagged in a delightful selfie:

Notably, this selfie Garner commented on was taken in a dark space, and while the Friends star is in focus, her friends are blurry. Overall, it’s a very cute photo, and they all look so happy to be together.

Of course, this kind of love and support makes sense. I mean, back in May, Aniston was in the comments on Garner's post hyping up her Elektra bangs. Plus, the actresses share mutual friends and collaborators, like Reese Witherspoon, who works with Aniston on The Morning Show and executive produces Garner’s series, The Last Thing He Told Me, both of which can be streamed with an Apple TV subscription. So, it’s always fun to see all these women interacting with each other online and hyping up posts like this.

Garner and Bullock weren’t the only famous folks in the comments, though. Alongside them, Aniston’s summer photo dump was met with more love from celebs like Lily Collins and more, take a look:

• Lily Collins: 🥰🥰🥰🥰
• Whitney Cummings: Heaven ❤️
• Rita Wilson: Paradise!!
• Leven Rambin: Happy to see you happy 🔥

Of course, this level of love comes as no surprise. We’ve seen Aniston and Courteney Cox reunite on social media, and the Rachel actress and Lisa Kudrow have hilariously discussed Friends recently. Overall, The Morning Show star has been consistently posting about and supporting her friends online. So, it’s always wonderful to see her get that kind of appreciation in return.

Now that all that is said and done, I think it’s time for us to start manifesting a project that involves Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Garner and Sandra Bullock. Clearly, they adore each other, and I’d love to see that energy on the big screen.

For years, Sandra Bullock has been one of those celebrities who has opted out of the whole social media thing. But, last week, she changed that to celebrate Practical Magic 2 being on the 2026 movie schedule. Now, she’s also joining the internet in celebrating April 25th, and Miss Congeniality fans are so here for it.

Today is “the perfect date” from Miss Congeniality, which means all your friends who love the 2000 comedy are reposting the moment from the movie. And then there’s Sandra Bullock, who posted this on her Instagram:

It may have been 26 years since the actress first starred as Gracie Hart, but she hasn’t forgotten about the iconic movie. The photo looks to be from the set of Practical Magic 2, where she’s bundled up in a big coat over a dress and some boots with a script in her hands. She captioned it with “All you need is a light jacket,” which is, of course, a reference to this quote from Miss Congeniality:

Stan Fields: "What’s the perfect date?"

Charyl Frasier/Miss Rhode Island: "I’d have to say April 25th because it’s not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket."

Clearly, Sandra Bullock didn’t take this picture on April 25, because she looks like she’s freezing. While we don't know exactly when the photo was taken, it does seem like it could be from the set of Practical Magic 2, which she and Nicole Kidman filmed in England. They started in July and wrapped shooting in September. While that means she was on set primarily in the summer, it’s possible they had some early morning shoots where she had to get the puffer coat out and bundle up.

However, the point of this post is not about that; it's about April 25th, and that's what the fans were excited about. Check out how they responded to the post:

• "Ha! I GET it! 👏👏👏🙌" - @cindy_thept
• "Sandra Bullock acknowledging April 25th on instagram??? Oh we are so BLESSED" - @rachel_jamrose
• "you precious human! 🤍" - @gabymarieee
• "The perfect “date”, right? 🎥 I see what yeah did there, clever girl 🌹🖤" - @daneil.kearney
• "Oh Sandra, you queen." - @taylorpolidore

Sandy Bullock in Miss Congeniality will never not be iconic, and this post shows it. While the actress has been hard on how the sequel turned out, the first movie is undoubtedly a touchstone of early 2000s comedies and one of Bullock's best movies to date. And, did you know Hugh Jackman even auditioned for it? It would have been pretty wild to have seen him in the role of Agent Eric Matthews.

Bullock’s upcoming role in Practical Magic is actually her first starring role since 2022’s The Lost City with Channing Tatum – so it’s kind of a big deal. I know I’m very excited to see her reunite with Nicole Kidman over 20 years after the original movie, even more so because I heard the actors got a lot closer on the sequel’s set. Practical Magic 2 also stars Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Joey King, Maisie Williams, Lee Pace and Xolo Maridueña. You can see it in theaters on September 11.

Until then, go outside, and enjoy the “perfect date” with a light jacket – if your local weather allows it, of course.

In Miss Congeniality and its early aughts sequel, Sandra Bullock played an FBI agent going undercover at a beauty pageant. Needless to say, her character was not used to all the upkeep beauty queens must go through. As it turns out, Bullock herself did not love the real-life transformation she had to go through to pull off playing Gracie Hart, who was playing Gracie Lou Freebush.

In a resurfaced video that originally had been timed for the release of Miss Congeniality in 2000, Ms. Bullock called all of the upkeep so “aggravating.” In the clip from what would become one of Sandra Bullock’s most iconic roles, ET spoke with a younger Sandra Bullock about her soon-to-be iconic role. Take a look.

At the time, Bullock said the role was really outside the realm of the type of projects she had been offered throughout her career. Then she said something I found absolutely astonishing: She never considered herself to be one of the more attractive women in Hollywood. (Girl, what?)

She was very earnest when she said this. While she went on to star as a very put-together woman in The Proposal and has landed a wide swathe of types of roles throughout her career –I’m thinking about the difference between Hope Floats and Bird Box here – she really took Miss Congeniality to raise awareness about what women go through. She went on to joke about the “plucking,” but in all seriousness, she made a good point:

Of course, years later, she kind of got her wish. Thin eyebrows are definitely out. A lot of women don’t even (regularly if at all) shave their armpits and legs these days, but I’d argue these beauty regimens have simply been replaced by things like sunscreen routines, contouring, botox, fillers and other types of beauty strategies, including the infamous penis facial Bullock’s even talked about.

It’s hard for me to believe it’s been 26 years since Miss Congeniality first hit theaters and 21 years since the sequel came out. (A sequel Miss Bullock regrets.) There were babies born that last year that doubtless went bar-hopping for their 21st birthday this year. A lot has happened in society during this time, and a lot of that is reflected in the larger swathe of roles and types of roles women get in the industry. Though there’s yet work to be done.

In related news, though, we only recently found out Hugh Jackman tried out for Miss Congeniality, so it’s clear the great early 2000s movie is one that still has resonance, today.

Simply put, when you think about the career of Christian Bale, your first thought isn’t “he’s hilarious!” The man has an absolutely stacked filmography full of hugely successful movies and acclaimed performances, and they almost all learn toward the dramatic – even including his two collaborations with director Adam McKay. He has a reputation for being serious… which makes it all the more delightful that I found myself guffawing hearing his recent answer to a question about the anticipated upcoming crime thriller Heat 2.

Bale is attached to star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio for the project, which is a sequel to Michael Mann’s beloved 1995 epic. The original film memorably features a stacked ensemble headlined by Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino, but when he recently spoke with Extra TV on a red carpet about having “big shoes to fill” in the making of the film, he didn’t namedrop any of those legendary talents, instead saying:

Indeed I do, sir, and it gave me a good laugh. And for those who don’t get it, I’ll ask you to rewind your mental clock back to the year 2013 when director Paul Feig – fresh off the success of Bridesmaids – put together a buddy cop comedy titled The Heat featuring the stars that Bale mentioned.

Watching the brief interview, one gets the sense that the actor was giddy to have the opportunity to make that joke, but he did also have a sincere thought to offer about the project, specifically in offering praise to the filmmaker at the helm. Said Bale,

Fans will remember that Heat 2 is going to be a reunion for Christian Bale and Michael Mann. They previously worked together in the making of 2009’s Public Enemies, the biographical drama that saw the Dark Knight star playing FBI agent Melvin Purvis opposite Johnny Depp’s John Dillinger.

Currently in pre-production and set to start filming later this year (Leonardo DiCaprio is presently busy working with Martin Scorsese and Jennifer Lawrence on the atmospheric horror film What Happens At Night), Heat 2 is an adaptation of the novel of the same name co-written by Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner and published in 2022. The story serves as both a prequel and a sequel to its predecessor and is a globe-trotting adventure set across the final two decades of the 20th century. The project is targeting a theatrical release date in 2027, but Amazon MGM (which is set to distribute) has not yet planted a flag in a specific weekend.

One of the most charming sequels on the way among the 2026 movies is Practical Magic 2 starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as witch sisters Gilly and Sally Owens. The film will reunite the two leading ladies alongside a lot of new faces. Kidman recently spoke about the experience and why it’s kind of wild how it all came together.

Practical Magic 2 wrapped filming back in September after Kidman first confirmed it was happening the summer prior. During a new conversation with Ariana Grande for Interview Magazine, Nicole Kidman gave this update about making it:

Not every movie set has so many women in them that get to be together and support each other, or get along as well as it sounds like Practical Magic 2 went. Nicole Kidman called the experience “so fun” before also saying this:

The original Practical Magic wasn’t a smash success when it came out. Back in 1998, it was a flop for Warner Bros. on top of being panned by critics (per Vulture). Since then, it’s become a spooky season favorite, and gained a lot more popularity among audiences. Going into its release next fall, we wouldn’t be surprised if the movie starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock is a commercial hit given how big of stars they are.

Previously, Nicole Kidman has talked about how she and Bullock decided to both live in London during the production of Practical Magic 2. The actress said that she adores Bullock, calling her “funny and so lovable.” It was also reported that they’ve become really good friends on this sequel shoot in particular thanks to the “network of support between each other.”

Kidman also has shouted out the director, Suzanne Bier, along with Joey King, who is set to play one of the daughters of Bullock’s character, Sally Owens. We don’t know who else anyone is playing, but Game Of Thrones’ Maisie Williams is also starring in her first high-profile role in years.

Other names to note are the return of Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest as Frances and Jet Owens, the aunts to Sally and Gilly. Cobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña and Lee Pace are also in the cast as well. The movie is set to be once again written by Akiva Goldsman, along with the addition of Georgia Pritchett.

Practical Magic 2 hits theaters on September 18, 2026 alongside the next Resident Evil. Kidman sounds like she had a blast making it, and we hope that’ll translate in the movie itself.

It was in the summer of 2024 that fans of cozy fall movies got some news they’d been hoping to hear for nearly 30 years, when we found out that the not-so-scary witch movie classic, Practical Magic, was finally going to get a sequel. Original stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, thankfully, signed on to reprise their roles, and now that the movie has finished filming, we’re hearing that the duo have become good buddies because of working on the 2026 movie schedule entry.

How Did Nicole Kidman And Sandra Bullock Reportedly Become Good Friends While Filming Practical Magic 2?

We’ve heard plenty of tales about how the frequently intense process of filming a movie or television show can lead to the cast and crew becoming quite close, and while that didn’t seem to have worked the first time around for Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, their work on Practical Magic 2 is said to have sealed the deal for the Oscar winners.

According to a source who spoke to the National Enquirer, the upcoming book-to-screen adaptation really helped Kidman (who’s been going through a rumor-filled split from her husband of 20 years, Keith Urban) and Bullock bond. The source alleged:

Even without the two supposedly becoming solid friends while filming their new movie, getting such a major endeavor done “under schedule and with a sensible budget” is a pretty big deal on its own. But I think everyone can admit that the idea of the Speed and Babygirl stars now being great friends makes this reunion even cooler.

It was just a few months ago that Kidman opened up about working with Bullock again, and noted that they “were just right back into it” when it came to developing a rapport, adding that the famed talents were “just having the best time together.” The source continued:

Their hair and makeup teams are involved in this?! Look, if two separate glam squads are coordinating then the friendship might be major, OK? And, the source claimed that the stars are now likely in it for the long haul when it comes to being cohorts, especially as they prepare to get the film into theaters next year:

Well, now not only can I not quite wait for the film to come out, but I can’t wait to hear more about how these ladies got along on set. I’m also really ready to see their interviews together and watch them maybe do some witchy method dressing on the red carpet. Let’s go!

Nicole Kidman has garnered attention for more than her work as of late. Near the end of September, insiders reported that Kidman (57) and Keith Urban (58) – her husband of over 19 years – separated, and Kidman formally filed for divorce days after that news broke. The rumor mill continues to churn with gossip about what allegedly caused the split. All the while, Kidman’s remained busy, with Practical Magic 2, being one of her latest gigs, and it seems her co-star, Sandra Bullock, shared some praise for her ahead of the divorce filing.

At this point, Sandra Bullock (61) and Nicole Kidman have known each other for quite some time, and they’ve seemingly become quite close. That level of friendship may or may not have been a contributing factor in their decision to reunite for Practical Magic 2. Kidman recently spoke to Vogue about making the film, and she called her collaboration with Bullock “joyful.” In turn, Bullock penned a note about Kidman, which was sent to the author of the article, saying, “it seems both of our mothers raised VERY independent women.”

It’s hard to say exactly why the Proposal actress chose to specifically use the word "independent" here. On the one hand, she could’ve just been referring to the general way in which Kidman lives her life both personally and professionally. Considering the way Kidman has taken control of her career and landed varied roles, “independent” would be an apt descriptor. Still, there’s also the possibility that Bullock was referring to Kidman’s handling of any alleged marital issues she may have been going through at the time.

During that same interview – which was also conducted and sent to print before the Kidman/Urban split became public knowledge – there may have been another comment referencing the matter. Kidman was asked about navigating life in her 50s, and she responded by questioning how many times a person is “taught that you think you know where your life is going and then it isn’t going in that direction.” Again, that may not have been the A-lister referencing her marriage, but the timing is interesting.

Shortly after Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s split was reported, insiders claimed that the pair were “always working through” stuff within their marriage. A few sources also asserted that the impending divorce was set in motion by alleged actions on Urban’s part. There were even rumors that Urban was engaged in an affair with his guitarist, Maggie Baugh, but those rumors were quickly shut down by Baugh’s father. As of this writing, neither Urban nor Kidman – who share daughters Sunday Rose (17) and Faith Margaret (14) – have yet to publicly comment on their divorce.

Kidman continues to work in the meantime, and Practical Magic 2 (which was announced in June 2024) is arguably now one of her most anticipated films. Filming began in July 2025 and wrapped in September, with Kidman celebrating the end of production with a sweet video. Kidman previously shared kind words in regard to working with Sandra Bullock again, as she said they were “having the best time together” while shooting in London. Considering their closeness, it’s no wonder they have such on-screen chemistry as the Owens sisters.

We’re still a little less than a year out from the legacy sequel’s release, but I’m already anticipating a fun press tour involving Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. It wouldn’t be surprising at all if the two stars showered each other with compliments similar to the “independent” and “joyful” comments they shared.

Practical Magic 2 is set to open in theaters on September 18 as part of the 2026 movie schedule. In the meantime, stream the first film using an HBO Max subscription.

One of the upcoming 2026 movies I’m most looking forward to is the sequel to Practical Magic, which is set to reunite Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters over 25 years after they first played them in the original Practical Magic. The movie is about a year away from release, and Kidman just shared the most enchanting video to celebrate production wrapping.

Practical Magic 2 started rolling its cameras back in July, and two months later, Kidman and Bullock are saying goodbye to their witchy roles all over again. Check out what the Big Little Lies star posted to mark the end of production:

If you’re a fan of the first Practical Magic movie like I am, you get how perfectly this caps off the filming of the second film. Kidman and Bullock holding hands in a gorgeous field next to a sunset, laughing together, really embodies the nostalgic and genuine magic of the first movie, and while the co-stars packing their bags and saying goodbye to the universe based on Alice Hoffman’s sweet novels is emotional, it means we’re one step closer to seeing it for ourselves.

For those who might need a refresher, the 1998 movie is about the Owens sisters, who are witches who live with their two aunts and have a curse on their family that dooms any man who loves one of the women in their family. Sally and Gilly are polar opposites, but must come together to cover up an incident involving one of Gilly’s lovers.

Nicole Kidman confirmed Practical Magic 2 was happening last summer before director Susanne Bier, who has previously directed Bullock for Bird Box and Kidman for the Netflix series The Perfect Couple, became officially attached in May, before more of the cast was added to the project. The movie will also reunite Practical Magic fans with Stockard Channing’s Frances Owens and Dianne Wiest’s Jet Owens, and feature newcomers to the cast, including Joey King, Xolo Maridueña, Lee Pace, Solly McLeod and Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams in her first big movie in years.

While there are a lot of new cast members, Kidman’s post seems to indicate the focus will very much remain on the Owens sisters. When production started, here’s what she posted about the first day on set:

Practical Magic is reportedly inspired by Alice Hoffman’s 2021 book, The Book Magic (making it one of many upcoming book adaptations on the way). The novel is about three generations of Owens women who come together to break their family’s curse that hasn’t allowed each of them to be in loving relationships. We know that Joey King will be playing one of Sally’s daughters, but the identity of the rest of the characters has yet to be shared.

Practical Magic 2 is heading to theaters on September 18, 2026.

When The Morning Show Season 4 hits the 2025 TV schedule on September 17, we’re likely to see Jennifer Aniston’s Alex in a world of soapy drama, chaos and all the stress that comes with running a news organization. The actress’ real life, however, couldn’t appear more different. Aniston shared photos from her summer adventures, which featured a lot of friends, dogs and the soft launch of her new boyfriend.

Jennifer Aniston’s photo dumps are always full of love, laughter and recognizable faces. Her latest post is no different, as she thanks summer for serving as the backdrop for fun times with buddies like Courteney Cox, Jason Bateman, Adam Sandler, Sandra Bullock and more, including her partner Jim Curtis. Check it out below:

The Friends star’s latest post hit all the notes we’ve come to expect — vacations with Jason Bateman and his wife Amanda Anka, proof that she and Courteney Cox are bestie goals, a glimpse at her workouts (or, in this case, the aftermath of what looks like a particularly grueling one), and plenty of snuggly dogs — but fans were quick to notice a little something extra on the end.

The 17th slide shows the back of a man’s head watching the sunset on a beach. Fans were quick to call out the soft launch of her alleged relationship with Jim Curtis, who she’s reportedly been connected to since May. Comments included:

• You think we wouldn't notice photo number 17??? ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ – andrea_portugaldeveza
• Oh hello 17 pic ❤️❤️❤️ – jenanistonworld
• The soft launch 👀 – _nicoledavidson_
• We all have been waiting for this post 🙌🥰 – jenanistonbulgaria
• Who's in the 17th pic 🤔 – raman.neel
• 17! Rachel is it your Ross 🤍😍🙌🔥 – mariposa_delicada28

The new couple was reportedly introduced by mutual friends earlier this summer and have been quietly hanging out for the past few months. They’ve seemingly gotten closer to going public, though, as Jennifer Aniston and Jim Curtis have been on two double dates in the past few weeks, per People — one with Courteney Cox and her longtime partner Johnny McDaid and another with Jason Bateman and Amanda Anka.

It’s always fun to see which celebrities pop up in Jennifer Aniston’s Instagram photo dumps, and would the summer really be complete without a reunion between her and The Sandman? Or dinners with Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes? We’ll also never get tired of seeing her reunite with her Friends co-star Courteney Cox, even 20 years after one of the best sitcoms of all time ended (but can still be streamed with an HBO Max subscription).

Jennifer Aniston has made it clear that no one has the right to know about her personal life, but that won't stop us from hoping that maybe she'll choose to let us in a little and show us more of Jim Curtis (next time, maybe we can see his face).

While we wait to see if a hard-launch is in the cards, we’ll definitely be catching up with Alex Levy and her decidedly less care-free life on The Morning Show, whose fourth season premieres Wednesday, September 17, available to stream with an Apple TV+ subscription.

Movie fans like to debate the best Hugh Jackman movies, but one thing isn clear: the star of stage and screen is an A-lister. He became a household name for his role in the X-Men movies, but prior to the release of the 2000 original he was more or less a Hollywood unknown. That's around the time he auditioned for Miss Congeniality with Sandra Bullock and it... didn't go well.

Miss Congeniality is one of the best romantic comedies of the early aughts, and is currently streaming with a Paramount+ subscription. In a recent interview with Variety, Jackman spoke about auditioning for the project pre-X-Men, and struggling to keep up with Sandra Bullock during his audition for the role of FBI Agent Eric Matthews. In his words:

What a bummer. Jackman was still early in his career, so perhaps this specific audition was a learning experience for him. That, or it proved just how great of an actress Bullock is. Either way, it's an experience that the 56 year-old actor remembers all these years later.

While I have to assume that Jackman rarely auditions nowadays, especially after his acclaimed roles projects like Christopher Nolan's The Prestige as well as his Oscar-nominated performance in Les Miserables. Later in the same interview, he spoke about how it felt to lose out the role to Miss Congeniality. He said:

I wonder why Jackman's agent didn't want him to land the role of Matthews in Miss Congeniality. Perhaps they didn't realize how much of a success the comedy would ultimately be. It's arguably one of Bullock's most iconic projects of all time.

Fans of 2000 comedy will remember that this specific role ultimately went to actor Benjamin Bratt. Long before replacing Jimmy Smits in Star Wars, he played hunky leading man Eric Matthew and had great chemistry with Sandra Bullock. Although now I have to wonder what the movie would have been like if Hugh Jackman was the one who played the charming FBI agent.

X-Men was also released in the same year, and catapulted the 56 year-old into superstardom. Although now I want to see him and Bullock paired in a movie all these years later. Make it happen, people!

Miss Congeniality is streaming on Paramount+, and both Hugh Jackman and Sandra Bullock continue to have thriving careers. They've both got projects coming up on the 2026 movie release list and beyond, but nothing together just yet.

Jennifer Aniston is set to make a big return on the 2025 TV schedule when The Morning Show Season 4 is available to stream with an Apple TV+ subscription in September, and you can bet she’ll be making more than a few headlines while promoting her character Alex Levy’s upcoming trials and tribulations. Fans can also bet she’ll be making a point of gabbing with and hanging out with her closest galpals like Sandra Bullock and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Despite being one of the planet’s most recognizable and beloved celebrities, Aniston hasn’t ever fully embraced the limelight in the way that others have, as she doesn’t view fame as being as vital a part of life as friendship, telling Vanity Fair that when she was in her 20s, she began joining women’s circles with her female companions, which had quite an effect. In her words:

Both Aniston and Bullock talked about their burgeoning friendship that started at some point around 2010 when they met during a mutual friend’s wedding. In this case, “met” means downed a bunch of shots with, and it was apparently such a positive experience that they’ve remained friends ever since, despite waking up the next day still feeling the alcohol. As Bullock put it:

Despite any such industry perceptions, Bullock and Aniston bonded over a shared love of many things, including practical jokes and interior design. Bullock also gives Aniston lots of love and credit for being so open and inviting, and her willingness to let others into her life.

The two mega-stars also happened to both date Friends co-star Tate Donovan, which is also something of a throughline in Aniston's relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow.

Well, not directly involving Tate Donovan, but rather someone else who did also appear on Friends: Brad Pitt, the famed ex-hubby of both Paltrow and Aniston.

They first met when the latter's TV co-star David Schwimmer was filming the 1996 comedy The Pallbearer, and Jennifer Aniston noted that she "went to her and Brad's engagement party." But while Pitt is no longer romantically involved with either of them (and has completely different former marriage issues), the two women are still as close as ever.

When asked if they ever talk about the Se7en star, Aniston responded gamely with:

However, she also pointed out that their discussions revolve around far more than just past relationships with A+ stars. They're also quick to get tips from each other. As she put it:

If only we could all be the kind of friend that Jennifer Aniston is to her nearest and dearest, hanging out on vacation and during her Sunday night all-star dinners. Which is to say, someone should get my name on that invite list, even if it requires an elaborate false persona.

Meanwhile, on the TV side of things, The Morning Show Season 4 will debut on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, September 17.

After it was announced that a Practical Magic sequel was underway, fans couldn’t be more excited about seeing stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock on the big screen together again. The duo captured our hearts as the witchy sisters in the Halloween classic, and it turns out this chemistry extends to a real life friendship. Kidman recently opened up about her relationship on set with Bullock, and this truly seems like a spiritual sisterhood come to life.

In a recent interview with Kidman for People Magazine, the actress opened up about working with The Blind Side actress after it had been 27 years since the original Practical Magic film was released. It seems like they picked up where they left off because the Moulin Rouge star couldn’t help but gush over her co-star and the bond they’ve created. Apparently, the two leading ladies have a lot in common, and getting into character as sisters wasn’t such a far cry. She said:

I love that this friendship extends beyond the screen and this relationship is truly blossoming. 27 years is a long time between projects together, and it’s hard to rekindle chemistry, but knowing they are having a blast gives me hope that they will be able to communicate the strength of this sisterhood once again. Maybe since they had such a great time working together on this, it will open doors for other opportunities to work together. I feel like Kidman is constantly working and would totally be down, as these two feel like a guaranteed box office draw.

As for what we know about Practical Magic 2, the plot is still being kept under wraps. The original film follows two sisters who are witches and perform a spell to resurrect Kidman’s character’s boyfriend when he dies unexpectedly and the police start investigating. But when magic goes awry, the sisters need to fix things before their bloodline is ended forever. It's a great mix of spooky fun, combined with a rom-com feel. While the Babygirl actress couldn’t give too many details, she did assure fans that the talent involved and sequel script should keep people satisfied. She said:

With a real life friendship in the mix, along with the amazing female talent in front of and behind the screen, I believe Practical Magic 2 will be a perfect mix of fan service and new storytelling. One of the producers of Practical Magic 2 has also sung the praises of the script, and how faithful the book-to-screen adaptation will be to Alice Hoffman’s book, The Book of Magic, the novel sequel to Practical Magic. All and all, this project is in good hands, and I can’t wait to finally see it all come to fruition on the big screen.

You will be able to see Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock reunite for Practical Magic 2 when the film hits theaters on September 18th, 2026. In the meantime, fans can revisit 1998’s Practical Magic which is now streaming with a Hulu subscription. For more information on other exciting films heading to theaters next year, make sure to consult our 2026 movie release schedule.

Oh, the Razzies. It’s been the antithesis to the prestige of award season in Hollywood since 1980. The Golden Raspberry has been awarded “Worst Picture” to famously bad movies like Gigli, Cats and Howard the Duck over the years, and the most recent recipient of the top prize was Madame Web, with Dakota Johnson also winning the prize for Best Actress as well. But after hearing her story about Sandra Bullock, the Razzie might be an honor!?!

After all, Dakota Johnson was up against the likes of Cate Blanchett, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga for the award, who are all clearly talented, separate from their disliked projects last year. Here’s what Johnson shared about how the award allowed her to connect to Bullock:

OK, if I were an actress and I won a Razzie only to get a message from Sandra Bullock asking me to brunch, I would feel unbelievably lucky. Dakota Johnson shared this story while on the Good Hang With Amy Poehler podcast, and she revealed that she had never rubbed elbows with Bullock before winning the award. So, when she got the voice-note after the big Razzie win, she “freaked out.”

While Johnson did not say if she actually stumbled upon a Razzie Worst Actress brunch club, it would actually be a pretty great group of women. Winners include Brooke Shields, Madonna, Liza Minnelli, Demi Moore, Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Kristen Stewart, Melissa McCarthy and Kate Hudson, among many more. Like, can you imagine if all those women got together for a Razzie brunch? That would be epic.

When Johnson won the award, it was actually her second time, as she also earned it nearly a decade prior for Fifty Shades Of Grey. When it comes to her thoughts about earning the award for the Sony Spider-Man movie that critics were brutal to and also bombed at the box office so much that its alleged popcorn bucket was cancelled, Johnson also said this:

While on her first podcast with Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler, Johnson made these comments after talking about how “very, very few” actors and filmmakers “have control” over how movies turn out. They spoke about choosing to have a good humor about films like Madame Web not hitting with audiences, because, well, it happens.

Johnson previously released a comment on the flop by saying she was “not surprised” about what happened with the movie commercially after the “learning experience” she had on the project.

It’s also a lot easier to laugh about it when Sandra Bullock is in your corner. (Bullock, by the way, won for All About Steve in 2009 after previously being nominated for Speed 2.) Madame Web is now streaming for those with a Netflix subscription.

It’s always thrilling to see the (movie) stars realign with one another, especially if they initially hit it out of the park. A pair many have been waiting on to do just this is Keanu Reeves and his Speed co-star Sandra Bullock. After their 1994 smash and excellent high octane chemistry, they had a so-so romantic fantasy follow up, and they're now gearing up to reunite in a new romantic thriller. Reeves is hyped for the reunion, but realizing how long the duo has tried to get this rolling is surprising to me.

ET chatted with the A-list actor, who was attending the 2025 movie calendar premiere of the John Wick spinoff Ballerina. To start off the conversation, they asked Reeves how he felt about being on set with Bullock again after all these years. He shared that he and his The Lake House costar wanted to land another project together, and thanks to an old Speed producer, it’s now a reality. However, the timeline on the now unnamed Amazon MGM project took some time to secure, with Reeves stating:

Thank goodness for their past producer and this idea he pitched alongside the film’s writer, Noah Oppenheim (Jackie, Zero Day). During Speed’s 30th anniversary last year, talks of a threequel were on the table, pending some terms, but I’m glad to see we’re getting something entirely else to add to the Bullock/Reeves catalog. After all, the sequel was a flop and it landed the Jack Traven actor in "movie jail" for turning down the 1997 installment. Still, I am surprised for even A+ Hollywood names it took them this long to nail something down together.

Finding the right title, genre and time in their respective schedules is understandable. It does sound like that it’s been a process in coordinating things properly (I do trust their word because both deliver stellar work). But, outside of the current multi-year search in re-joining ranks with one another, their track record checks out in these slow-paced timelines. It was 12 years between Speed (which you can stream with a Max subscription) and The Lake House (available via VOD services), and now, it’ll likely be at least 20 before this new romantic thriller hits theaters.

While this title is getting into the full pre-production swing, both have some fun titles heading our way. The Miss Congeniality star is returning to her witchy roots in Practical Magic 2 alongside Nicole Kidman. The Bill & Ted alum will next appear in Aziz Ansari's comedy Good Fortune.

Both flicks should hold us over until the highly anticipated and exciting Bullock-Reeves return to screen. Hopefully it won’t take them so long in the future if they choose to team up again.

Remember Speed? The 1994 action movie that paired Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves aboard an out-of-control bus was a critical and commercial success, and you may be among the people who think the actors should be paired back together in a Speed standalone sequel (Reeves didn’t return for Speed 2). While such a project is not in the cards for now, word’s come in that Bullock and Reeves will be re-teaming for this first time in years. That’s welcome enough news on its own, but I’m also jazzed about the kind of movie they’re doing this time around.

This piece of news comes from us to THR, which reports that Bullock and Reeves have signed onto a yet-to-be-titled romantic thriller from Amazon MGM Studios. While the two previously dabbled in the romantic genre together in 2006’s The Lake House, this movie sounds like it’ll be more intense. Alas, no plot details are available at this time, with the thriller, which is being written by Jackie and Zero Day’s Noah Oppenheim, only being described as “propulsive.”

There’s an extra layer to this Speed reunion too, as Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves will also reunite with producer Mark Gordon, who produced the action flick. Gordon and Oppenheim reportedly brought the idea for this action thriller to the actors, and from there the development process began. Bullock will produce via her Fortis Films banner, Reeves and Gordon are producing alongside Bibby Dunn through The Mark Gordon Company, and Oppenheim will carry out these same duties with Sarah Bremner through Prologue Entertainment.

One of the reasons Speed was so successful was because of the excellent chemistry Reeves and Bullock shared while they were playing Jack Traven and Annie Porter, respectively. Unfortunately, the premise of The Lake House meant that these two didn’t share nearly as much screen time together, and the movie also didn’t end up getting many positive reviews. Whatever this romantic thriller ends up being about, here’s hoping it fares better, as I'm looking forward to seeing that chemistry again.

While Keanu Reeves hasn’t been seen on the big screen since John Wick: Chapter 4 in 2023, he did voice Shadow the Hedgehog last year in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which can now be streamed with a Paramount+ subscription. Next month, he’ll reprise John Wick in the Ballerina spinoff, and then his next movie, Good Fortune, opens in October on the 2025 movies schedule. As for Sandra Bullock, her last two movies, The Lost City and Bullet Train, came out in 2022. In addition to this romantic thriller, she and Nicole Kidman are also returning for Practical Magic 2.

Keep your eyes peeled on CinemaBlend for more news on Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves next movie together. Also, if you’re now in the mood to rewatch Speed after reading this article, it can be accessed with a Max subscription.

Many of us are patiently awaiting Jennifer Aniston’s return on The Morning Show Season 4, which is expected to hit the 2025 TV schedule later this year. In the meantime, though, the actress is satiating us with peeks into what her glamorous life has been like lately. While fans are gushing over how happy she looks amongst her puppies and celebrity friends, it’s the sweet photo of her and Courteney Cox that’s giving me life.

Production wrapped on the fourth season of The Morning Show — one of Apple TV+’s best series — in December, and Jennifer Aniston teased that filming was “so hard.” While that makes us excited to find out exactly what that means, it looks like life has been anything but hard with all these friends — furry and otherwise — around her. Check out Aniston’s post:

Quite a few celebs can be seen basking in the sun that is Jennifer Aniston. Sandra Bullock’s there, Jason Bateman and his wife, Bateman’s Smartless co-host Sean Hayes and his husband, Aniston’s longtime BFF Andrea Bendewald and a couple of cute, cute dogs are among those posing for selfies with the Friends star.

Jennifer Aniston looks extremely grateful in the final slide, where she bows her head to make a wish over her birthday cake on what I’m guessing was her 56th birthday celebration on February 11. Fans love how happy the actress appears to be in all of her pics, as they commented:

• Gorgeous girl!! ❤️ you’re glowing ☀️❤️🥰 – numberonefaniston
• I love you and I love this!!!! Seeing you happy makes me happy ❤️ –robertarhavena
• I’m so so so happy to see that you’re happy and healthy!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 – jennythecatt
• Happiness looks so good on you JA 🤍 – gabymarieee
• The way you are loved 💌 everyone wants to have jen ani close :’))) just a lot of love love! – annaisabellag

Even more celebrity friends dropped some love in the comments, including Josh Gad, Whitney Cummings and Jessica Capshaw, as Emmanuel Acho wondered:

That’s a fair question, because at 56 years old Jennifer Aniston is still STUNNING, basically 100% of the time. Of all the selfie love and friendly smiles, though, one photo stood out the most to me, and as a Friends fan, that is of course the pic of her and Courteney Cox.

These two actresses have been connected to each other since 1994 as Rachel Green and Monica Gellar, and to see them blowing kisses to each other over a Facetime call just warms my Millennial heart. The stars of one of the best sitcoms of all time regularly share love for one another and their other Friends co-stars on birthdays — particularly for Lisa Kudrow, as the trio refer to each other by the silliest nicknames.

To those of us who rewatch Friends on a more-than-regular basis, it means a lot anytime the castmates are seen together after all these years.

If you want to start your own Friends binge, all 10 seasons are available to stream with a Max subscription, and while we wait on The Morning Show to return, you can catch up on the first three seasons with your Apple TV+ subscription.

The Academy Award for Best Actress has been handed out every year since 1929 — it was initially awarded to star Janet Gaynor for her roles in 7th Heaven, Street Angel, and Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans — and in the near-century since, it's been presented 97 times to 79 actresses. Winning that coveted statuette is unsurprisingly a dream come true for many a big-screen performer, but the award does come with added attention on the actress's next projects. Will whatever they work on next be as critically acclaimed or commercially successful? Here are 32 films that Oscar-winning actresses did after taking home the Academy Award, and how they were received.

Emma Stone

The whole La La Land Oscars brouhaha at the 2018 ceremony was quite memorable, but clearly so was star Emma Stone's performance as aspiring actress Mia Dolen opposite Ryan Gosling's jazz pianist Seb Wilder. One of Stone's best movies, the role earned the star her first Best Actress win (she would strike gold yet again with her 2024 victory for Poor Things). Her next performance also stirred up awards buzz: she was nominated for a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for portraying tennis legend Billie Jean King in the sports drama Battle of the Sexes.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep's history with the Academy Awards is long and legendary: over her decades-spanning career, she's been nominated for a record 21 Oscar nominations, winning thrice. After taking home the Supporting Actress statuette for Kramer vs. Kramer, Streep got her first big Best Actress win for one of her most iconic performances: as the titular character of the devastating 1982 drama Sophie's Choice. Her next role was just as haunting: as Karen Silkwood in the 1983 thriller Silkwood, for which she earned yet another Best Actress nod.

Michelle Yeoh

Along with kicking major butt, Michelle Yeoh made history with her starring role as Evelyn Quan Wang in the 2022 action-dramedy Everything Everywhere All at Once, for she became the first Asian performer to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Following that notable win in 2023, the Wicked star lent her voice to the sci-fi flick Transformers: Rise of the Beasts as Airazor, a Maximal warrior who transforms into a peregrine falcon. That title earned largely mixed reviews, and it currently sports a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Jessica Chastain

After losing out on the Oscar for Zero Dark Thirty, Jessica Chastain took the Best Actress trophy home for her transformative role as televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in the 2022 bio-drama The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Her next project was far less successful with awards bodies — the action-spy thriller The 355 was both a critical and commercial bomb, reportedly losing Universal an estimated $93 million. Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph wrote: "Despite the strong cast, this is the film equivalent of a corn-syrup-based fizzy drink being passed off as chic in taller, slimmer cans."

Frances McDormand

Three-time Best Actress winner Frances McDormand took home her first Oscar in 1997 for her instantly iconic performance as Minnesota police chief Marge Gunderson in the classic Coen Brothers dark comedy Fargo. Later that year, the acclaimed performer joined a heavyweight lineup of actresses — including Glenn Close, Cate Blanchett and Jennifer Ehle — in the World War II drama Paradise Road. However, despite that acting clout, the film received mixed reviews, with its approval rating at a lowly 43% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Brie Larson

Child actor turned Marvel superhero Brie Larson took her career to a whole new level with her performance as kidnapping victim Joy "Ma" Newsome in the 2015 survival drama Room, for which she swept the subsequent awards season and took home the Best Actress Oscar. In 2016, the Lessons in Chemistry lead starred in another survival drama, this time the Ben Wheatley-directed action-comedy Free Fire. CinemaBlend's own Gregory Wakeman wrote of the film: "Free Fire has enough gun blasts and violence to entertain, but ultimately lacks the requisite surprises or savvy to be anything more than a frivolous diversion."

Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman's Best Actress win for her portrayal of Queen Anne in the black-comedy period piece The Favourite was a deserved yet delightfully shocking moment at the 2019 Oscars. Her next role was equally strange, but less acclaimed: she appeared alongside Kaitlyn Dever, Jim Gaffigan and Walton Goggins as snake-handling fundamentalists in the horror mystery Them That Follow. Though it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, it earned mixed reviews from critics.

Cate Blanchett

One of the most versatile actors in the industry — she's played Queen Elizabeth I and Bob Dylan, for crying out loud! — eight-time Oscar nominee Cate Blanchett secured her first Best Actress win in 2014 playing a neurotic former socialite in the Woody Allen-directed dramedy Blue Jasmine. And speaking of versatility, the Aussie star followed that awards win with a voice role in the animated fantasy sequel How to Train Your Dragon 2, which got its own Oscar nod for Best Animated Feature.

Sandra Bullock

Rom-com queen Sandra Bullock received her first Best Actress nomination and win in 2010 for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in the biographical football drama The Blind Side. Her next film credit was the Stephen Daldry-directed 2011 drama Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, which did manage to score a Best Picture nod but not without controversy. Chris Krapek of The Huffington Post called the film "not only the worst reviewed Best Picture nominee of the last 10 years, [but] easily the worst film of 2011."

Katharine Hepburn

Hollywood icon Katherine Hepburn earned four Academy Awards for Best Actress out of 12 nominations across her illustrious film career—a record for any performer. The leading lady's first Oscar win was in 1934 for the Pre-Code drama Morning Glory (the rest would come later in the star's life), which she followed up with John Cromwell's Spitfire. Some viewers found Hepburn miscast as "hillbilly" faith healer Trigger Hicks — the film has a 35% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman didn't win the Best Actress Oscar for one of her most beloved performances, as cabaret star Satine in Moulin Rouge! but she instead secured the big win only a year later for playing English writer Virginia Woolf in The Hours. The Babygirl star's first post-award project was the 2003 avant-garde thriller Dogville, written and directed by Lars von Trier. Though the film prompted quite a polarizing response from critics at the time of release, it did end up on several best-of-the-decade roundups, including The Guardian and Paste.

Jennifer Lawrence

If they didn't already love her from her work in the David O. Russell dramedy Silver Linings Playbook, the world certainly fell for Jennifer Lawrence when she charmingly tripped up the stairs to accept her Best Actress statuette in 2013. That fall, she would reprise her role as Katniss Everdeen in the second Mockingjay movie, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which is widely considered the best installment of The Hunger Games film series (it's got a solid 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating) and earned Lawrence a Critics' Choice nod.

Helen Mirren

Dame Helen Mirren is a regal onscreen presence no matter what the role, but her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 docudrama The Queen welcomed her among the Hollywood royalty known as Oscar winners. However, despite the film title, she didn't strike gold with her next project: the Nicolas Cage-led adventure flick National Treasure: Book of Secrets, alongside Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris and Diane Kruger. Per Rotten Tomatoes, critic consensus said of the 35% "Rotten" movie: "A talented cast goes to waste in the improbable National Treasure: Book of Secrets."

Jodie Foster

One of Hollywood's most acclaimed child stars — she was only 12 years old when she starred opposite Robert De Niro in the Martin Scorsese masterpiece Taxi Driver, earning her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress — Jodie Foster successfully segued into more adult fare with the 1988 legal drama The Accused. As an assault survivor Sarah Tobias, Foster received a Best Actress win—it wouldn't be her last, with the star winning the same award for her next film release, one of the greatest horror movies of all time, The Silence of the Lambs.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made Oscar history when she became the first African-American woman ever to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, for her performance as a struggling widow in 2001's Monster's Ball. After becoming an Oscar winner, Berry became a Bond Girl — bikini-sporting NSA agent Jinx, to be exact — in the 2002 spy flick Die Another Day, opposite Pierce Brosnan as 007. However, the latter is widely considered to be the worst entry in James Bond's canon.

Julie Andrews

A legendary performer across both screen and stage, Julie Andrews won her Best Actress Oscar in 1964 for a truly iconic role: as the titular nanny extraordinaire in Mary Poppins. And she didn't stop there — the very next year, she would get yet another Academy Award nomination for an equally beloved character, as The Sound of Music's Maria, the sweet, singing governess to the Von Trapp family. Talk about an epic filmography!

Kathy Bates

One of the best Kathy Bates performances, as obsessive superfan Annie Wilkes in the 1990 Stephen King thriller Misery, earned the talented actress her first Academy Award nomination and win. (She would have three more Oscar nods across her decades-spanning career.) Bates' next film role was in the South African drama The Road to Mecca, based on the Athol Fugard play of the same name — the performer was praised for both her acting and her accent work.

Hilary Swank

Before there were transgender characters like Emilia Pérez (Emilia Pérez), Sin-Dee Rella (Tangerine), or Raymond Rayon (Dallas Buyers Club), there was Brandon Teena, the real-life trans man at the center of the 1999 drama Boys Don't Cry. Hilary Swank's harrowing, career-making performance as Teena earned the star her first Best Actress award, with critics like Entertainment Weekly's Owen Gleiberman calling the actress a "revelation" in the film. Reactions to her next movie, the 2000 supernatural thriller The Gift, were far more mixed. A. O. Scott of The New York Times wrote: "The picture is saved from mediocrity by [director Sam] Raimi's smooth competence, and by the unusually high quality of the acting."

Renée Zellweger

After prior Best Actress nominations for two of her best movies, Bridget Jones' Diary and Chicago — plus a Best Supporting Actress win for Cold Mountain — Renée Zellweger finally got her big Best Actress win for her portrayal of Judy Garland in Rupert Goold's Judy. After taking a multi-year break from acting, Zellweger's much-anticipated next film credit will be a return to a beloved role, in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman was so convincing as a troubled ballerina in the 2010 psychological thriller Black Swan that she thought the film was a docudrama while making it. So, it's no surprise, then, that her tour-de-force performance garnered the star an Academy Award for Best Actress. Ever one to keep you guessing genre-wise, Portman's next role was in the 2011 stoner fantasy-comedy Your Highness, which sadly was a box office bomb and received largely negative reviews from critics.

Cher

The "Goddess of Pop" Cher officially added the title of "Oscar winner" to her already legendary showbiz career with her 1988 Best Actress triumph for one of her best movies, the acclaimed rom-com Moonstruck. Her next movie role came two years later as Rachel Flax, the saucy single mom to young Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci in the 1990 dramedy Mermaids. The heartfelt title has been dubbed an "underappreciated 1990s coming-of-age gem" by The Guardian, which singled out Cher's performance as "nothing short of magical."

Kate Winslet

One of the greatest performers of her generation, it took Kate Winslet a whopping six Oscar nominations before she finally took home the Academy Award for Best Actress, for playing a former Nazi camp guard in 2008's The Reader. Her next onscreen role was in the 2011 black comedy Carnage, by disgraced director Roman Polanski. The film received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of the cast, including Winslet's — she earned a Golden Globe nod for Best Actress in a Motional Picture Musical or Comedy.

Julia Roberts

After a decade that solidified her as rom-com royalty, Julia Roberts proved her dramatic bonafides by winning the Best Actress Oscar for playing the title role in the 2000 legal drama Erin Brockovich, one of her best movies. America's Sweetheart returned to her romantic comedy roots with her next film, fittingly entitled America's Sweethearts, though critics weren't too sweet on the movie. It only holds a 33% approval rating at Rotten Tomatoes, with the site's consensus reading: "Despite its famous cast, the movie lacks sympathetic characters and is only funny in spurts."

Susan Sarandon

After Oscar nominations for Atlantic City, Thelma & Louise, Lorenzo's Oil and The Client, Susan Sarandon was finally named Best Actress by the Academy for playing Sister Helen Prejean in 1995's Dead Man Walking. Her next film was the decidedly lighter kids' flick James and the Giant Peach, in which Sarandon voiced the character of Miss Spider. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with Randy Newman's score earning an Oscar nod; however, the film was a box office failure, grossing $300,000 less than its budget.

Marion Cotillard

French movie star Marion Cotillard became the first actor to win an Academy Award for a French-language performance for her transformative turn as legendary singer Édith Piaf in the 2007 music biopic La Vie en Rose. Her next film credit was another biographical drama — this time, the Michael Mann-directed gangster film Public Enemies, alongside Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. Though many critics praised the leading performances, reviews were mixed, with the title holding a 68% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin's acting debut in 1986's Children of a Lesser God saw the actress making Oscar history not once but twice: she became the first deaf performer to ever win an Academy Award, as well as the youngest winner in the Best Actress category. The CODA star followed up that momentous victory with the 1987 Western Walker, starring Ed Harris, Richard Masur and Peter Boyle. The historical drama was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 38th Berlin International Film Festival but received very polarized reviews and was a failure at the box office.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Fun fact: Gwyneth Paltrow wasn't initially supposed to star as Viola de Lesseps in the 1998 Bard-inspired romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love — Julia Roberts was. But Gwyn is no doubt grateful the latter ultimately left the production, as the role won her a Best Actress Oscar. Her next project was equally acclaimed: 1999's Anthony Minghella-helmed thriller The Talented Mr. Ripley scored five Academy Award nominations.

Audrey Hepburn

Screen legend Audrey Hepburn won her first Oscar in 1953 for her debut starring role, as Princess Ann in the classic black-and-white comedy Roman Holiday. The British beauty would later be nominated four more times for films like her first post-award project, the 1954 Billy Wilder-directed dramedy Sabrina, as well as The Nun's Story, Breakfast at Tiffany's and Wait Until Dark.

Sally Field

The Academy likes her, they really like her — yes, Sally Field has won not one but two Best Actress statuettes, the first being for her inspiring performance in 1979's Norma Rae and the second five years later for another one of her best films, Places in the Heart. Following her first win, Field reprised her role as Carrie, or "Frog," in 1980's Smoky and the Bandit II opposite her real-life love Burt Reynolds. Though the sequel was a box office success, prompting a third film, it received almost entirely negative reviews from critics.

Charlize Theron

One of the best Charlize Theron roles was also the star's most remarkably unrecognizable: the South African-born actress earned a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of real-life prostitute and serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the 2003 crime drama Monster. Her next big-screen performance was the 2004 war drama Head in the Clouds, which saw Theron acting opposite her then-romantic partner Stuart Townsend. The film was a critical and box office failure; in the San Francisco Chronicle, Walter Addiego wrote: "If not for the presence of Charlize Theron, it's hard to imagine this film would have attracted anywhere near the kind of attention it's gotten."

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon proved she was more than just a musical sidekick with her Oscar-winning performance as June Carter Cash in the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line. The Legally Blonde star was next seen in the harrowing 2007 political thriller Rendition opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, Meryl Streep and Peter Sarsgaard. However, "the impressive cast cannot rescue Rendition, which explores complex issues in woefully simplified terms," reads the critics' consensus on Rotten Tomatoes, with the film at a paltry 47% approval rating.

Elizabeth Taylor

Through much of the mid-20th century, celluloid icon Elizabeth Taylor was one of MGM's most bankable stars. In fact, her final film for the studio — 1960's Butterfield 8, playing glamorous call girl Gloria Wandrous — earned the movie star her first Academy Award for Best Actress. Her next performance was just as iconic: as the titular Egyptian queen in the 1963 historical epic Cleopatra, which received nine Oscar nominations and four wins, though, alas, none for Taylor specifically.

As someone who routinely watches the same handful of movies over and over again, I’ve made it my goal this year to watch at least one film I’ve never seen every other week. So far, I’ve been successful, but the year is still young. At the start of the month, I finally watched When Harry Met Sally and loved it, and now I’ve added Sandra Bullock’s While You Were Sleeping to my list of best romantic comedies. As much as I loved the movie, though, there was one scene that left me wondering what the writers were thinking when they included it.

Bullock plays Lucy, a lonely transit worker who believes she’s in love with Peter (Peter Gallagher), a commuter at the train station where she works. When he’s pushed onto the train tracks in a mugging, Lucy springs into action and saves him. She follows him to the hospital, where she learns he’s in a coma and accidentally lets the hospital staff and Peter’s family think she’s his fiancée. As much as she hates lying, Lucy enjoys being part of a family again until Peter’s brother, Jack (Bill Pullman), shows up, and he and Lucy start getting close, complicating things.

I knew nothing going into the movie beyond the fact that it’s considered one of the best romantic movies to watch during Christmas, and I’m happy to report that assessment is right. I just wish one scene would have happened differently.

While You Were Sleeping Is A Masterclass In The Miscommunication Trope

It’s easy to get frustrated with the miscommunication trope in movies and TV shows because all two characters need to do is talk to clear things up; however, I never once found myself frustrated with Lucy in While You Were Sleeping. Instead, I felt sympathetic for her and the massive pickle she found herself in. Dare I say, watching her struggle to keep the charade up while falling in love with Jack was comical? Because it totally was.

I found myself gasping and laughing more times than I could count at the constant miscommunication going on in the movie. From Jack thinking Lucy was cheating on Peter with her neighbor Joe Jr. (Michael Rispoli) to Mary (Monica Keena) telling the entire family Lucy was pregnant when she was not. And don’t even get me started on Saul’s (Jack Warden) inability to help Lucy come clean with the rest of the family. There wasn’t one instance where I felt the miscommunication was farfetched or annoying

But I Wish The Movie Left Out The Mistletoe Kiss Scene

A few days after formally meeting Peter’s entire family, Lucy is invited to spend a belated Christmas celebration with them. She reluctantly agrees to go and has a great time. As Lucy is going to leave, Jack follows her out, and the two get caught under the mistletoe hanging over the front door. The two are hesitant to participate in the kissing tradition but are egged on by Peter and Jack’s entire family. Ultimately, they listen to the family’s cheers to “kiss” and lock lips for the first time.

On the one hand, including the scene was a genius way for Lucy to kiss Jack without the lie about being Jack’s fiancée unraveling. After all, it would be easy to shoot down any cheating allegations because it was just a friendly kiss under a mistletoe that everyone encouraged them to do. In a way, it was the perfect way to get the actual love interests to kiss and create the quintessential first kiss scene every rom-com needs.

However, I can’t wrap my head around the fact that the entire family stands there cheering Lucy and Jack on, knowing that she’s engaged to their son, who is in a coma. What’s even worse is that Lucy and Jack go for a full-on kiss! They could have kissed each other’s cheek or done a quick forehead peck, but nope, they lock lips. The entire scene really took me out of the movie and made me question if I should be rooting for Lucy and Jack in the first place. Thankfully, I got over it, but I think the kiss scene between the two of them should have been saved until after the truth had been revealed.

I know the holiday season is over, but if you don’t mind watching a Christmas-adjacent movie in January, then I highly recommend streaming While You Were Sleeping with a Hulu subscription. And while you're there, consider checking out some of the other best '90s movies streaming on the platform.

Some actors excel in dramas, others in action flicks; but there are also others whose best work happens to be in some of the best romantic comedies of all time. Nothing against Hugh Grant, Meg Ryan, or Colin Firth’s more dramatic or action-oriented work, but let’s be real for a second and admit that Four Weddings and a Funeral, When Harry Met Sally, and Bridget Jones’s Diary, as well as their other work in the genre, is why they’re so beloved.

That said, here are 32 actors whose best roles are rom-coms…

Hugh Grant

With movies like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, and Bridget Jones’s Diary to his name (and many, many more), it’s no wonder Hugh Grant’s name comes up rather frequently when discussing the best rom-coms ever made. Sure, his work in Paddington 2 and Remains of the Day is great, but the man knows how to anchor a romantic comedy with that signature charm and wit.

Renée Zellweger

Sure, Renée Zellweger won her two Oscars in dramas – Cold Mountain and Judy – but that doesn’t mean those were her best roles. Again, they were both great, but don’t hold a candle to her work as the titular character in Bridget Jones’s Diary or her star-making performance in Jerry Maguire. More than 20 years after first playing those iconic characters, Zellweger’s work is still received with heaps of praise.

Julia Roberts

One of the queens of the ‘90s rom-com, Julia Roberts bookended the final decade of the 20th century with legendary performances in Pretty Woman and Notting Hill. Those roles, which should be revisited annually if we’re being honest, helped pave the way for Roberts’ stellar career.

Meg Ryan

It’s impossible to put together a list of Meg Ryan’s best movies and not include the likes of When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail, to name a few. The rom-com mainstay, who shared the screen with Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal, and Kevin Kline over the years, has given us unforgettable moments and more beloved characters than just about anyone.

Cameron Diaz

My Best Friend’s Wedding, There’s Something About Mary, The Holiday, The Sweetest Thing, and countless other romantic comedies made Cameron Diaz one of the biggest stars of the past 30 years. The actress has shown off her more dramatic roles in everything from Any Given Sunday and Being John Malkovich, but her performances in those rom-coms can’t be touched.

Drew Barrymore

Long before Drew Barrymore became one of the premier names in the world of daytime talk shows, she held it down in the rom-com circuit. Fever Pitch, Never Been Kissed, 50 First Dates, and The Wedding Singer are just some of Barrymore’s best romantic comedies. And while she does have a killer scene in the opening minutes of Scream, these are her most memorable performances.

Colin Firth

As much as we love watching Colin Firth play Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, his more modern take on the character in Bridget Jones’s Diary is the stuff of legend. Firth, a tremendous dramatic actor in his own right, has been a staple of the romantic comedy over the years thanks in part to those Bridget Jones movies, Mamma Mia!, and Love Actually. However, don’t let this take away from the greatness of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy or The King’s Speech.

Billy Crystal

When Harry Met Sally is one of the first movies to come to mind whenever the topic of hilarious Billy Crystal movies comes up. Filled with some of the funniest lines (and others filled with heartbreak and emotion), Crystal’s work in the rom-com genre is absolutely fantastic, be it movies like America’s Sweethearts or Forget Paris. And The Princess Bride sort of counts, right?

Cary Grant

Few Hollywood leading men have a resume as great as Cary Grant, an actor who appeared in dozens of romantic comedies over the years. Charade, The Philadelphia Story, Holiday, and so many others have long cemented Grant’s place in the annuls of rom-com history, and those hilarious and heartfelt performances are still cherished many years after his death.

Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin was the king of the silent film and an actor who could do anything from drama to slapstick to romantic comedy better than just about every single one of his contemporaries. Chaplin’s 1931 rom-com, City Lights, helped define the genre and has been a benchmark for nearly 100 years.

Nia Long

Nia Long has so many great movies to her name, including Friday, Boyz n the Hood, Big Momma’s House, and Soul Food. This also includes some all-time great romantic comedies from the ‘90s like Love Jones, The Best Man, and Hav Plenty. Though her name doesn’t come up as much as it should, Long is still in a league of her own.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton won an Oscar for her titular in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, but the talented actress has several other iconic rom-coms to her name. Something’s Gotta Give, Manhattan, The Family Stone, and Baby Boom all show off the incredible skill and nuance of this once-in-a-generation actress. And this is coming from someone who thinks The Godfather is one of the top five movies of all time.

Audrey Hepburn

Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, Sabrina, Roman Holiday, and My Fair Lady are all some of the funniest movies of the 20th century, and all happen to feature the unmatched talent of Audrey Hepburn in iconic roles. The late actress had a great number of dramatic roles over the years, but her charm and charisma seen in these rom-coms made her one of the all-time greats.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu has all kinds of great film and TV roles on her resume, but for some, she’ll always be remembered for her portrayal of Rachel Chu in Crazy Rich Asians. The massively popular romantic comedy about a Chinese-American NYU professor learning her boyfriend is a member of the richest and most powerful family in Singapore still hits more than a half-decade after its release.

Richard Gere

Though Richard Gere has killed it in dramas like An Officer and a Gentleman and musicals like Chicago, those performances don’t hold a candle to, at least culturally, to his role as Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman. Gere and co-star Julia Roberts would rekindle that spark less than a decade later with another great rom-com, Runaway Bride.

Reese Witherspoon

The Importance of Being Earnest, Sweeet Home Alabama, and Legally Blonde all allowed Reese Witherspoon to show off comedic skills in romantic comedies, and those roles remain some of her best. Sure, she won an Oscar for Walk the Line, but there’s no touching Elle Woods.

Henry Golding

Henry Golding had already had some success by the time he was cast as the uber-wealthy Nick Young in Crazy Rich Asians, but his performance in the 2018 romantic comedy sent him to the next level. He’s found success in movies like The Gentlemen and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare since then, but his rom-com performance is still his best.

Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes has long killed it in comedies, romance movies, and romantic comedies. Take Hitch for example. The 2005 rom-com starring Will Smith as a professional “date doctor” who meets his match in Mendes’ character was so much fun and allowed the actress to show off all of her skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Sandra Bullock

While You Were Sleeping, Hope Floats, The Proposal, and Two Weeks Notice are just a few of Sandra Bullock’s all-time great romantic comedies. The Academy Award-winning actress has long been one of the best to attempt the genre, and she’ll have a long-lasting legacy because of those strong, vulnerable, and incredibly relatable characters.

Michael Ealy

Over the years, Michael Ealy has put together a crazy good filmography, one that is filled with medical dramas and thrillers, action flicks and comedies, etc. But let’s not forget all the great work he’s done in the world of romantic comedies. Kissing Jessica Stein, Think Like a Man, and About Last Night have all shown what the talented actor is working with.

Adam Sandler

Though not the prototypical romantic lead, there are so many great Adam Sandler rom-coms out there. From The Wedding Singer to Punch-Drunk Love and 50 First Dates to Spanglish there’s so much variety and fun to be had with his stellar filmography.

Jennifer Garner

13 Going on 30, anyone? Jennifer Garner became one of the queens of the rom-com with the release of her 2004 comedy about a young girl who is transformed into a 30-year-old magazine editor and undergoes a massive transformation (both physically and emotionally). She’s also appeared in other great comedies of the era like Ghosts of Girlfriends Past and Love, Simon, to name a few.

Woody Allen

Woody Allen’s monologue in the opening minutes of Manhattan is honestly one of the best cinematic moments of the ‘70s and features some of Allen’s best writing. That’s saying something considering the writer-director-actor has been a part of so many great rom-coms over the years. Annie Hall, Midnight in Paris, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Hannah and her Sisters have made us laugh, cry, and feel everything in between over the past 50-plus years.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway’s name doesn’t come up in the rom-com discussion as much as it should, which is a shame considering the Oscar-winning actress has killed it in movies like The Princess Diaries, Ella Enchanted, Love & Other Drugs, and so many others. Yeah, she was great in Interstellar and Les Misérables, but there’s no denying her performances in these romantic comedies.

Morris Chestnut

Okay, Morris Chestnut was AMAZING in Boyz n the Hood with his portrayal of Ricky Baker, but the man has become a legend in the rom-com game over the past few decades. Two Can Play That Game, The Best Man, The Brothers, The Perfect Holiday, Breakin’ All the Rules are all classics, thanks in no small part to Chestnut’s performances.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams’ career has been full of swirling tales of romance like The Notebook, The Vow, and Disobedience, but some of her best work has been in romantic comedies. Wedding Crashers and Midnight in Paris quickly come to mind, but her best performance can be found in About Time, an incredibly emotional and hilarious story of love, loss, and second chances.

John Cusack

Look at the best John Cusack movies and you’ll see iconic rom-coms like High Fidelity, Say Anything, Serendipity, Better Off Dead, and America’s Sweethearts. The vulnerability and likeability of the Hollywood star have made those movies, and the beloved characters he plays in each of them, such gems over the years.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson is amazing when it comes to roles in romantic comedies, and few could come close to her batting average in the early-to-mid 2000s. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, My Best Friend’s Girl, Something Borrowed, and A Little Bit of Heaven all come to mind in this regard.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs has done it all, but he’s excelled tremendously in the rom-com world. Movies like The Wood, The Best Man, Brown Sugar, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back have shown just how charming and funny the classically trained actor can be.

Ben Stiller

Though an unlikely leading man in the realm of romantic comedies, Ben Still has long excelled in the genre. Over the years, we’ve had sensational comedies like There’s Something About Mary, Along Came Polly, Keeping the Faith, and even Reality Bites that have allowed the comedian-actor-writer-director to show off what he’s working with, and it’s been great all along.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston will always be remembered for her portrayal of Rachel Green on Friends, but let’s not forget that she has also been a longtime staple of the romantic comedy genre. The Break-up, Wanderlust, Just Go With It, The Switch, Rumor Has It, and several others have been perfect movies for Aniston to show off her skills.

Patrick Dempsey

From Can’t Buy Me Love to Made of Honor and everything in between, Patrick Dempsey has been a tour de force in the world of romantic comedies. He’s done great work on TV and in big-screen dramas over the years, but he particularly excels in the rom-com genre.

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are two of the biggest names in Hollywood, with movies and series hitting the 2024 TV schedule and beyond. However, 1998's Practical Magic premiered when their careers were still on the rise, and the popular witch movie reached the right audience at the right time. Many Kidman and Bullock fans like myself would likely agree that Practical Magic is a favorite amongst the respective Oscar winners' careers.

Practical Magic is a fun movie about witch sisters that I think I'd only seen it once over the years. However, in honor of the spooky season, I finally decided to rewatch it, and am so glad I did. My perspective on the movie has now changed, and I need to dig into how I'm rethinking things now.

Warning Practical Magic spoilers are ahead.

I Didn’t Connect With Practical Magic When I was Younger, But Now See Its Appeal

Practical Magic is a film with a dedicated fan base and I thought I would easily become part of that group, since the movie on paper is something I vibe with. I have been a fan of witch TV shows and movies from a young age, and like many, was a devoted fan of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Charmed. The desire to become a witch was very strong in those early pre-teen years, and I therefore openly embraced anything about witches.

I initially watched Practical Magic in my teens or as a pre-teen. I watched and read many things not intended for my age group but still loved them. Therefore, the film didn’t seem like something I would enjoy when I was older. If I didn’t like it then, I thought I would never like it. In fact, I avoided rewatching Practical Magic because of my disappointed initial reaction.

As a fan of some of the best romantic comedies and general witch-related content, I didn’t originally feel like Practical Magic delivered on either front. However, rewatching the film proved that the younger me wasn’t always right.

I connected with Practical Magic a lot more after this viewing, and now see why so many people loved it from the start. It’s also a good witch film and a good romantic movie. It’s still not exactly my favorite Sandra Bullock movie or the best Nicole Kidman movie, but it’s a lot more fun, sexy, and heartwarming than I remembered.

The Bond of Sisters Drew Me In

A big theme of witch-centric projects is the bond of sisterhood. You see that in almost any movie involving witches., where women harness their power from their connections with others in their coven. A few of the greatest examples not only spiritually embrace the idea of sisterhood but make the main witches biological sisters. A perfect illustration of this is Charmed.

The idea of sister witches is consistently one of my favorite themes in the film and television world. Therefore, I immediately loved Sally (Bullock) and Gillian’s (Kidman) bond. The idea of them being opposites, but not at antagonistic odds, is also a nice touch. Often, we see sisters who are not alike and also not bonding.

From my reality, my sisters and I are not exactly alike but our connections have never wavered, at least after we got over our teen angst years. Many sisters have a powerful bond that Practical Magic highlights perfectly, with Sally and Gillian willing to die for each other. That’s beautiful and may be true for most sisterly bonds.

We also see the same unbreakable sisterly bond with two more generations of the Owens women. We see this with the aunts, Jet (Dianne Wiest) and Frances Owens (Stockard Channing), and Sally’s daughters, Kylie (Evan Rachel Woods) and Antonia Owens (Alexandra Artrip). Practical Magic’s DNA very much ties with the strength of sisterhood, and that’s one of the reasons I found it so charming this time.

I could understand the characters’ deep love and devotion to one another because that’s how I feel about my sisters. I would definitely resurrect a corpse for them.

The Main Practical Magic Romance Was Actually Sweet

I think the main reason I didn’t adore Practical Magic initially was because I found the romance between Sally and Gary dull. It wasn’t swoon-worthy or quotable like my favorite romance movies. I actually couldn’t even remember their love story beyond the fact that I just didn’t enjoy it. Upon rewatching Practical Magic, however, I liked it a lot more.

I love the idea of fate and destiny in my romance movies. Therefore, the idea of her making a wish for him and then him finally appearing is so up my romance alley. I loved the concept of their story. Additionally, Sandra Bullock is one of the queens of romantic movies for a reason. She has chemistry with everyone.

Aidan Quinn and her have great chemistry and instantly made me interested in the future of their relationship. Additionally, I also enjoyed Sally’s first romance with her husband (though we only saw it for a couple of minutes). Practical Magic may not be one of my favorite Sandra Bullock romance movies but I think it is an enchanting one that is better than I remember.

I Love The Witch Lore In The Film

Practical Magic only gives us some basic lore about the Owens women. However, it’s enough to get me intrigued to learn more. The idea of cursing the men that they love is both tragic and fascinating. Even though Gary survived, a part of me still wonders if he will face the same curse at some point, or if it’s finally been put to rest.

Either way, I want to know a lot more about it. I was always planning to read Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic book series, but now the movie makes me want to read it even more. I want to learn the full Owens family lore.

Practical Magic also reminded me of how much I used to love the world of witches. The last witch thing I embraced was The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (which needs to become a movie), and that was the first witch thing I consumed in so long. It might be time to return to the world of witch lore.

Sandra Bullock And Nicole Kidman Were Extremely Charming In Practical Magic

I am a fan of Bullock and Kidman. Some of my favorite movies star Bullock and she is someone I will gladly watch in anything. Kidman is an exceptional actress who has done a variety of interesting roles. My admiration for both actors has just grown with their careers.

That’s why it should come as no surprise that they’re both really good in Practical Magic. Bullock is perfect as the more girl next door, practical sister, while Kidman gets to play the reckless, sexy sister. They’re two sides of the witching life. They make Sally and Gillian people you want to watch forever.

I now can’t wait to watch Practical Magic 2 and hope it pleases my now-high fan expectations.

Stream Practical Magic on Max.

In the spring of 1994, no one could have predicted one of the best action movies of all time was on the way, co-starring Ted “Theodore” Logan portrayer Keanu Reeves and the relatively unknown Sandra Bullock. (And Dennis mother-fluffing Hopper, of course.) Speed was lightning in a bottle on film, and its Jason Patric-starring, seafaring sequel could not replicate the initial feature’s kinetic majesty. But could Speed 3 ever happen to right that wrong?

It’s a question that fans of the Jan de Bont blockbuster have been asking for literal decades now, as Speed itself is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its 1994 debut. And while Reeves himself seemed dismissive of the idea back in 2014, pop culture is now in a place where it seems feasible that Speed 3 could pop up on the 2025 movie schedule, assuming all parties involved are interested. And Sandra Bullock seems down if there are any Hollywood studios ready to let de Bont do his thing.

Speaking at a Q&A alongside Keanu Reeves and the filmmaker himself (via THR), Bullock addressed the notion of whether a third Speed film is possible, first joking that it would be “the geriatric version,” and that it wouldn’t be so fast. But then she offered a more sincere outlook, saying:

For a bit more context, the stars and director had just discussed the hectic and totally CGI-free production that resulted in Speed's chaotic bus journey, the massive unfinished freeway stunt, the airport sequence and more. So it was in everyone's front of mind that the director was willing to go all out in order to make the most propulsive experience possible for audiences. (And seemingly without traumatizing his actors, thankfully.)

What's more, 20th Century Fox execs basically gave him free rein, with certain limitations, and de Bont took advantage in every way he could. Even when it involved trying to cover up a mishandled bus stunt that destroyed a bunch of cameras.

And by all means, maybe he's not the same kind of filmmaker now, and wouldn't necessarily be such a high-risk creative force behind the scenes. But then if that's the case, then having this whole hyped-up conversation about Speed 3 would be trivial, since the world doesn't need another haphazard sequel for Annie Porter. Just more of that instantly believable chemistry between Annie and Jack.

Bullock closed out her assessment with the admission that she doesn't even know herself what would be the perfect hook would be, but knows that it would have to be de Bont's vision or nothing at all. She continued:

Keanu Reeves was put in “movie jail” for turning down Speed 2: Cruise Control, which ended up being one of the better career decisions he's made in a lifetime full of them. But this many years away from the explosive magnificence that started it all, returning to that world hopefully sounds like a more interesting idea for all involved. At least assuming Jan de Bont (and hopefully screenwriter Graham Yost) have only the best ideas for how to handle it.

Twisters proved that ‘90s blockbusters are able to be sequelized without the need to lean entirely on former casts and plotlines, and Speed is one of several action movies that could make a standalone sequel work. But only as a last resort. For now, I'm still hoping for Bullock and Reeves to share the screen again, where no one's age can go under 50.

Celebrities owning restaurants is an old tradition in Hollywood. Sometimes, like Mark Wahlberg, it's a simple burger chain, other times, it's a classy hotel where you can have an elegant meal, like Richard Gere. Everything from tacos to sushi to fried chicken and everything in between. 

Just like people love watching scenes in movies about food, people love to rub elbows with the elite in some of these establishments. Here are 32 actors who own restaurants all over the country. 

Mark Wahlberg - Wahlburgers

The first Wahlburgers opened in Hingham, Massachusetts in 2011. The chain has since grown to dozens of stores all over the country and was the subject of a reality show for 10 seasons on A&E. The chain is collectively owned by three Wahlbergs, including Mark and Donnie, along with their chef brother, Paul. 

Ryan Gosling - Tagline

Ryan Gosling has become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, and so it makes sense he would open a restaurant in Beverly Hills. Co-owned by the Barbie star and Chef Ben Benameur, the Moroccan joint serves up delicious food in a cozy atmosphere.

Lady Gaga - Joanne Trattoria

Joanne Germanotta was a beloved aunt to Lady Gaga (whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta). Not only did Gaga name a 2016 album after her, but the family has also opened Joanne Trattoria on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. In true Gaga style, the restaurant is not only a great place for Italian food, but it supports local artists, hosts regular drag shows, and has regular performances by local musicians. 

Robert De Niro - Nobu

Robert De Niro first became a regular at chef Nobu Matsuhisa's LA sushi joint Nobu way back in the 1980s. In the mid-90s, De Niro approached Matsuhisa about opening a New York spot. Nobu opened in 1994 in Tribeca and the company has since become a powerhouse in the hospitality industry, with dozens of restaurants and hotels all over the world. 

Michael Imperioli - Scarlet

White Lotus star Michael Imperioli has dabbled in the restaurant industry for a long time. In the mid-'90s Imperioli and his wife opened a speakeasy-style bar called Ciel Rouge, in Tribeca. Almost 30 years later, and 20 after Ciel Rouge closed in 2005, the couple opened Scarlet on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It sticks with the classy, chill speakeasy vibe that made their first venture successful. 

Sandra Bullock - Walton's Fancy & Staple

Walton's Fancy & Staple in Austin, TX, is pretty much exactly what you would expect from Sandra Bullock. It's an upscale neighborhood place with hearty food and a cheery atmosphere. Walton's is the Speed star's second restaurant in her adopted hometown. The first, Bess Bistro, closed in 2016 after a successful 10-year run. Walton's opened in 2009. 

Ludacris - Chicken And Beer

Is there anything better than good fried chicken and great beer to wash it down? If you're in Atlanta and don't check out Ludacris' place, simply named Chicken and Beer, you're missing out on those two wonderful things that pair so well together.

Norman Reedus - Nic & Norman's

Norman Reedus is famous for playing rough-around-the-edges characters like Daryl in The Walking Dead, but his restaurant is not. Nic & Norman's, which has locations across the Southeast is rustic, but it's not rough in any way. The upscale but relaxed gastropubs are sure to satisfy anyone. 

Susan Sarandon - SPiN

When Susan Sarandon and her fellow investors opened SPiN in 2009, there was a surge in the popularity of table tennis (or ping pong). The fad was pretty short-lived, but the table tennis-focused restaurants have remained successful with multiple locations around the country. 

Dan Aykroyd - House Of Blues

One of Dan Aykroyd's most beloved SNL characters, Elwood Blues of The Blues Brothers, has proven to be more than just a role for the actor. On Thanksgiving Day 1992, Aykroyd and his partner Isaac Tigrett (who founded the Hard Rock Cafe), opened the first House of Blues in Cambridge, MA. It has since grown into one of the largest chains of live music venues in the world, and serves some pretty delicious food, too. 

Eva Longoria - Beso

Eva Longoria can do no wrong on the big and small screens, but she didn't have much luck in the restaurant industry. Her steakhouse in LA, Beso, ran into multiple problems in its short run, though none were the fault of the actress. 

Kevin Hart - Hart House

Kevin Hart's LA chain Hart House was ambitious. He wanted to create an affordable vegan chain, and despite rave reviews, it just couldn't make it in the market. The company closed all of its locations in 2024 after initially finding success. 

Issa Rae - Hilltop Coffee And Kitchen

Issa Rae is a true force of nature both in front of and behind the camera. She's also found success in the food industry. Hilltop Coffee And Kitchen brings high-end coffee vibes to historical Black neighborhoods in LA, like Inglewood and View Park. 

Danny Trejo - Trejo's Tacos

Everyone loves tacos and every loves Danny Trejo. So of course a concept like Trejo's Tacos is sure to work and it has succeeded greatly. The chain has multiple locations across LA and has even spawned a second concept: Trejo's Donuts which also opened to rave reviews. 

Channing Tatum - Saints And Sinners

Saints And Sinners, a bar on Bourbon Street in New Orleans co-owned by Channing Tatum was a wild success... at least for a time. The industry is notoriously fickle and Tatum and his partners learned that the hard way when the bar closed in the summer of 2024 after 12 great years. 

Justin Timberlake - The Twelve Thirty Club

Justin Timberlake first dabbled in the food industry in the early teens when he helped design a Memphis-style BBQ joint in New York City called Southern Hospitality. Though he wasn't an owner, he was involved in the concept phase of the place and was a regular there. More recently, he has teamed up with restauranteur Sam Fox to open The Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville. 

Nicholas Braun - Jac’s On Bond

Cousin Greg may not always get the most respect on Succession, but the actor who plays him, Nicholas Braun, sure gets respect in the hospitality industry. Braun is an investor in multiple restaurants in New York City, including a chill bar and restaurant called Jac's on Bond Street in the trendy NoHo neighborhood. 

Zach Braff - Mermaid Oyster Bar

MacDougal Street in New York's Greenwich Village is home to some great restaurants, like the legendary Caffe Reggio and Mamoun's Falafels. It's also where you can find Zach Braff's more upscale, but still laid-back seafood spot appropriately called Mermaid Oyster Bar. 

Anthony Mackie - NoBar

Like others on this list (and in the world), Anthony Mackie has had mixed results as a bar/restaurant owner. His most famous spot, NoBar, opened in Brooklyn in 2011, followed by a second Booklyn location in 2013. Sadly both closed in 2015. 

Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis - Planet Hollywood

The granddaddy of all actor-owned restaurants has to be Planet Hollywood. The first Planet Hollywood opened in New York City in 1991. Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis, among others, were all investors in the concept and, at least at first, the restaurant was a huge success, opening additional locations across the globe. At its peak, there were upwards of 60 locations in the late '90s, but the fun didn't last. Things started to unravel and the stars started to jump shit and most of the locations, other than their most successful ones, closed. 

Richard Gere - Bedford Post Inn

Legendary actor Richard Gere doesn't just own a restaurant, he owns an 8-room bed and breakfast called the Bedford Post Inn in... appropriately, Bedford, NY. The stylish and quaint inn does include a spot to eat, the Bedford Post Tavern, and the inn and the restaurant both draw all kinds of celebrities for a restful stay or a delicious dinner. 

Robert Redford - Zoom

It shouldn't come as any surprise to learn that Robert Redford's former restaurant in Park City, UT was home to a lot of home to a lot powerbrokers during the Sundance Film Festival for many years. Prior to closing in 2016, the hot spot was where the elite met to eat and strike deals during one of the biggest film festivals in the world. 

Hugh Jackman - Laughing Man Coffee

The origin story for Hugh Jackman's Laughing Man Coffee is one of the best on this list. The Aussie actor and his wife took a trip to Ethiopia to learn more about coffee and how the beans were grown. There, according to the coffee shop's website, Jackman met a coffee farmer named Dukale. Dukale gave Jackman a real hands-on experience and after the trip, he and some partners opened Laughing Man Coffee with the goal of working directly with farmers around the world to bring their coffee to New Yorkers. 

Jon Bon Jovi - Soul Kitchen And JBJ's

Jon Bon Jovi may be most famous for being the voice of the band named after him, but he's dabbled a lot in acting, and a little in the hospitality biz. His first venture was started by his foundation and called Soul Kitchen. The restaurant, located in Red Bank, NJ, sells food for whatever hungry customers can afford. Bon Jovi has also opened a spot on the famous Broadway strip in Nashville called JBJ's which features live music and a full menu, in addition to beer and booze, of course.

Piper Perabo - Jack's Wife Freda

Piper Perabo got her big break playing a bartender in Coyote Ugly and while the New York City chain she's an investor in, called Jack's Wife Frida, doesn't feature half-dressed women dancing on the bar, it's got something even better: delicious Mediterranean food. With five locations across the city, you can always find what you're craving, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Jessica Biel - Au Fudge

Au Fudge, which closed its doors in 2018, was something unique in the celebrity restaurant world - a kid's restaurant. As the name implies, Jessica Biel's spot was all about dessert and candy. It also had all the stuff kids love, like chicken fingers, on the menu. The world needs more of these, right parents?

Debi Mazar - The Tuscan Gun

Debi Mazar and her chef husband's love of food was first shown through a cooking show on the Cooking Channel. They spun that into a Tuscany-themed New York restaurant called The Tuscan Gun. Using chef Mazar's husband Gabriele Corcos' recipes, the Italian joint brought the best of Italy to Williamsburg. 

Quentin Tarantino - Do Hwa

For years, Quentin Tarantino's Korean restaurant Do Hwa brought the delicious flavors of East Asia to the West Village in New York. While very few people would call Tarantino "understated," his restaurant was, in all the best ways. It was cozy and delicious before it closed in 2018.

Jerry Ferrara - Fat Sal's

A sandwich joint called Fat Sal's is just perfect for Entourage star Jerry Ferrara. It sounds exactly like something Turtle would open on the show. Fat Sal's has multiple locations around LA and is a great spot if you want traditional deli sandwiches sold by a guy you can be sure loves them as much as you do. 

Justin Theroux - Ray's

Justin Theroux is a jack of all trades. He's an actor, a writer, and an ex-husband to Jennifer Aniston. He's also a bar owner, along with partner Nicolaus Braun with Ray's on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The dive bar is everything you could ever want in an unpretentious local water hole, which is no surprise, coming from Theroux. 

Ashton Kutcher - Dolce Enoteca E Ristorante

Ashton Kutcher has never been afraid to make risky investments. Some have paid off handsomely, like his early investments in Spotify and Uber. Others haven't worked out so well, like his short-lived Italian spot, Dolce Enoteca E Ristorante. The hot spot worked for a while but it closed in 2020, like so many other restaurants. 

Ty Burrell - The Eating Establishment

Modern Family star Ty Burrell took a slightly different route to restaurant ownership than most of the other actors on his list. Instead of starting a new spot, he bought an old one. The Eating Establishment, which dates back to 1970, was purchased by Burrell and other investors in 2016 and they've continued to run the popular Park City, UT restaurant ever since. 

Eminem - Mom's Spaghetti

Mom's Spaghetti is the perfect kind of place for Eminem to own, right? The Detroit, Michigan-based eatery has name that perfectly describes the food you can get there, and it's taken straight from an Eminem lyric in "Lose Yourself."

Jon Huertas - Clutch

Jon Huertas, best known for playing Brad Alcerro in Sabrina The Teenage Witch, is the proud owner of Clutch Roadhouse in Culver City, CA. Clutch is known for its great food and charitable works, both very important to the This Is Us star. 

Whenever we talk about the best ‘90s movies, it doesn’t take long before the conversation turns to the most iconic actors of the final decade of the 20th century and their most beloved performances. But what are Will Smith’s, Julia Roberts’, or Keanu Reeves’ best movies for the unforgettable and transformative 10-year stretch? 

We’re being totally subjective here (Because why not?), but here are the best ‘90s movies for these 32 actors. Best Picture winners, a handful of the best action movies of all time, and other films that turned up-and-comers into overnight megastars can all be found below.

Will Smith (Independence Day)

Will Smith was already a household name by the time Independence Day was released and became the biggest movie of 1996, but this massive sci-fi flick took him to new heights. Electric, magnetic, and charismatic beyond belief, the Fresh Prince became the King of the summer blockbuster with his portrayal of Captain Steven Hiller.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic)

Is there a bigger ‘90s movie than Titanic, both in terms of financial returns and cultural prominence? Yeah, James Cameron’s story of the ill-fated ship, his special effects, and the rest of the cast made this 1997 disaster movie a must-see, but Leonardo DiCaprio, with his “King of the World” moment, made this an all-timer. 

Tom Cruise (Jerry Maguire)

Picking the best ‘90s movie for Tom Cruise is no easy task, considering some of the actor’s best performances took place that decade. However, despite Magnolia and Mission: Impossible being great in their own ways, this has to go to Cruise’s dynamic portrayal of the struggling sports agent in Jerry Maguire. “Show me the money,” is a quote we keep in our repertoire nearly 30 years later. 

Sandra Bullock (Speed)

Sandra Bullock put herself on the map with her performance in Speed, one of the most iconic 1994 movies. Though she was great in Demolition Man the year before, Bullock’s take on Annie Porter made her an overnight sensation and quickly became one of her best roles to date, even outside the ‘90s.

Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption)

How Morgan Freeman didn’t win an Oscar for his performance in The Shawshank Redemption is one of the biggest mysteries, and travesties, in Hollywood history. His portrayal of Ellis "Red" Redding in this spectacular Stephen King adaptation is so strong and so believable that you don’t see him as an actor playing an inmate, but more like an aging prisoner trying to “get busy living or get busy dying.”

Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction)

As much as we would have loved to argue for Jurassic Park being Samuel L. Jackson’s best ‘90s movie, Ray Arnold has nothing on the bad mother [redacted] that was Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction. Easily Quentin Tarantino’s best movie, this 1994 classic is essentially a master class in dialogue and non-linear storytelling.

Meg Ryan (Sleepless In Seattle)

A few years after leading the best romantic comedy of all time with When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan teamed up with Nora Ephron (who was directing this time around) for Sleepless in Seattle in 1993. The chemistry between Ryan and Tom Hanks as Annie Reed and Sam Baldwin, is incredible, even if they only share a couple minutes of screentime.

Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman)

It’s hard to imagine what Julia Roberts’ career and Hollywood in general would be like if the actress didn’t play Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman. Sure, Roberts already had some hits and would have gone on to land big roles, but this 1990 rom-com instantly made her one of the brightest stars on the planet and showed off her dynamic range and impeccable comedic timing.

Angela Bassett (What's Love Got To Do With It)

Angela Bassett’s best movie, What’s Love Got to Do with It saw the celebrated actress take on the role of the legendary Tina Turner in this 1993 biopic about the late singer’s life, career, and toxic relationship with husband and music partner Ike Turner. Bassett had some pretty iconic ‘90s roles throughout the decade, but this is at the tippy top of the mountain.

Keanu Reeves (The Matrix)

Picking Keanu Reeves’ best movie of the 1990s is more difficult than you’d think. Point Break, My Private Idaho, and Speed are all contenders, but none come close to the heights of The Matrix and his performance as Neo, aka, the One. Watching Reeves’ character develop throughout this great ‘90s sci-fi film never gets old.

Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting)

Robin Williams had SO many good movies in the ‘90s, but Good Will Hunting was in a league of its own, at least in terms of performances by the late comedian. The richness, range, and emotion found in his portrayal of Sean Maguire is something to behold. No wonder he took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Bruce Willis (The Sixth Sense)

The ‘90s saw Bruce Willis play everything from his most iconic character in the second and third Die Hard movies to the leads in multiple blockbusters. However, none of those compare to his work in The Sixth Sense. There is just something so warm and refreshing about his portrayal of a child psychiatrist trying to help a young boy make sense of life and his strange gift.

Harrison Ford (The Fugitive)

Have you gone back and watched The Fugitive lately? If not, do so now. If you have, you’re all too familiar with Harrison Ford’s performance as Richard Kimble, the Chicago doctor trying to clear his name after being wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. Air Force One and Clear and Present Danger are great, but this 1993 thriller is one of Ford’s career-best.

Frances McDormand (Fargo)

Frances McDormand’s portrayal of Marge Gunderson in the Coen Brothers' Fargo earned the actress the first of her three Academy Awards, and for good reason: she’s the heart and soul of the 1996 crime comedy.  

Gary Oldman (The Fifth Element)

Gary Oldman played some of the meanest ‘90s villains in movies like Air Force One, Leon: The Professional, and The Fifth Element, the latter of which features his best work of the decade. Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg is one of those characters that you love to hate and enjoy watching as much as the 1997 sci-fi film’s hero, which is saying something.

Wesley Snipes (White Men Can't Jump)

In the years following his breakout performance in Major League, Wesley Snipes became one of the dependable faces in Hollywood thanks to unforgettable turns in New Jack City, Demolition Man, and Jungle Fever. But let’s be real, Snipes’ take on Syd Deane is one of the most iconic ‘90s characters and essentially carries this all-time great basketball movie.

Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan)

Tom Hanks dominated the ‘90s with Oscar-winning performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump as well as other decade-defining films like Toy Story and A League of Their Own. But in terms of the BEST movie, that has to go to Saving Private Ryan, Steven Spielberg’s harrowing World War II epic about heroism, survival, and the hope of a better tomorrow.

Robert De Niro (Cape Fear)

We could have listed Goodfellas, Heat, or even A Bronx Tale as Robert De Niro’s best movie from the ‘90s, but his performance as Max Cady in Cape Fear is on a whole other level. Easily one of the Oscar winner’s most menacing characters, the psychopathic ex-con with a bone to pick is a force of pure evil here.

Al Pacino (Heat)

After playing all-time great gangsters in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Al Pacino was on the other side of the law in Michael Mann’s 1995 crime epic, Heat. Sure, Scent of a Woman earned him that elusive Oscar for Best Actor, but his take on Lieutenant Vincent Hanna is the stuff of legend. Plus, we also got to see Pacino and Robert De Niro share a scene for the first time.

Anthony Hopkins (The Silence Of The Lambs)

Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs is one of the greatest performances of all time. That said, it should be no surprise that this great horror film gets the call here. Though there was some stiff competition.

Philip Seymour Hoffman (Boogie Nights)

As much as we would love to break down all the awesome ways Philip Seymour Hoffman stole the show in Twister and My Boyfriend’s Back, the late actor really came into his own in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 drama, Boogie Nights. Hoffman’s sympathetic take on Scotty J. was nothing short of brilliant and showed what was to come.

Jodie Foster (The Silence Of The Lambs)

If you were to break down Jodie Foster’s best performances, her portrayal of Clarice Starling would be at or near the top of that list. A movie that has been quoted or referenced countless times over the years, this 1991 thriller remains one of the best ever made.

Brad Pitt (Seven)

David Fincher’s Seven is Brad Pitt’s best movie from the ‘90s for a variety of reasons: 1) the movie about a serial killer taking lives based on the seven deadly sins is violently unique, 2) it was the start of a partnership between actor and director, and 3) Pitt showed he was more than a pretty face and really had what it took.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (T2: Judgment Day)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is not only a decade-defining action movie or a landmark achievement in visual effects, it’s also Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best movie of the ‘90s and perhaps all time. James Cameron’s sequel is bigger and louder than its predecessor and epic beyond compare.

Whoopi Goldberg (Sister Act)

Whoopi Goldberg won her first Academy Award for her role as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost, a film that kicked off an impressive decade for the comedian and actor. Her spiritual guide for Patrick Swayze’s ghostly Sam Wheat in this supernatural thriller helped anchor the film and turn it into the biggest movie of 1990.

Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting)

Matt Damon went from a relatively unknown actor to one of the brightest faces (and voices) in Hollywood thanks to Good Will Hunting. His tortured performance as a young math prodigy in South Boston is still captivating more than 25 years later.

Eddie Murphy (The Nutty Professor)

Eddie Murphy did a little bit of everything in the ‘90s, but The Nutty Professor shows off some of the comedian’s best work. Playing multiple characters (heroes, villains, and in between) really showed off Murphy’s dynamic range and varied comedic styles.

Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore)

Though Big Daddy proved that Adam Sandler could handle slightly more dramatic roles, there’s no denying the fact that Happy Gilmore is the former SNL star’s best ‘90s movie. His take on a failed hockey player finding new purpose (and fortune) in the world of golf was a game-changer and created one of the best sports characters of all time.

Denzel Washington (Malcolm X)

Denzel Washington is another actor who had more great roles in the ‘90s than we can count, but at the top of his “best” list is Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic, Malcolm X. The movie about the controversial civil rights icon was eye-opening, enchanting, and epic.

Joe Pesci (Goodfellas)

We could have talked about My Cousin Vinny, we could have talked about Home Alone, and we could have even made a case for Casino, but none of that is possible without Goodfellas. The movie, which introduced the world to Joe Pesci’s Tommy DeVito, is one of the greatest gangster movies of all time and an influential piece of cinema we still rave about 30-plus years later.

Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise)

Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise, a movie featuring one of the best female friendships with Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis’ titular characters, helped kickstart the decade back in 1990. Easily Sarandon’s best movie of the ‘90s, this crime drama about two friends on the run from the law is just so dang great.

Jim Carrey (Dumb & Dumber)

Jim Carrey absolutely dominated the ‘90s comedy scene, and the box office in general back in 1994. While Ace Ventura Pet Detective and The Mask both have their moments, we have to be real for a second and admit that Dumb and Dumber is some of Carrey’s best work.

Movie fans had lots to love in the '90s and these actors and their best movies of the decade will never be forgotten.

If you look at lists of George Clooney’s best movies or Brad Pitt and Matt Damon’s greatest work, without a doubt Ocean’s Eleven will be on all of them. The same can be said for the rest of the stellar A-List cast that includes Julia Roberts, Casey Affleck, Andy Garcia and many, many more, and it’s easily some of director Steven Soderbergh’s finest work. It’s so good, in fact, the remake ended up getting two sequels – Ocean’s Twelve and Thirteen, plus the female-led Ocean’s Eight almost two decades later. This fast-talking, smooth world of heists and crime is irresistible, and today we’re talking about the best quotes from this beloved franchise. 

"Why do it? Because yesterday I walked out of the joint after losing four years of my life and you're cold-decking 'Teen Beat' cover boys. Because the house always wins. Play long enough, you never change the stakes, the house takes you. Unless, when that perfect hand comes along, you bet big, and then you take the house."  -Danny, Ocean’s Eleven

When Rusty asked Danny why they needed to do this heist he gave the great speech above. What makes it even better is it’s followed by Pitt’s character asking if Clooney’s has “been practicing” his speech, to which Danny responds with “A little bit, did I rush it?”

"Well, first, I know all the guys you’d hire to come after me, they like me better than you. Second, you’re not gonna go to cops. Well, let’s face it, you’re not going to go to the cops. Third, you shook Sinatra's hand. You should know better, Willy." –Danny, Ocean’s Thirteen

Once Danny exacts his revenge on Willy Bank and bests him, he says this great line, which ends with him bringing it back full circle to the Frank Sinatra line that Reuben said to Al Pacino’s character at the beginning of the movie.

"Who died and made you Danny?" –Turk, Ocean’s Twelve 

Linus really tried to take on more of a leadership role in this movie, and the boys didn’t take it lightly, hence this sassy line from Turk that came after basically everyone else got arrested. 

"So whatever happens tonight, I want you to remember one thing, you are not doing this for me. You are not doing this for you. Somewhere out there is an 8-year-old girl lying in bed, dreaming of being a criminal. Let's do this for her." -Debbie, Ocean’s Eight

In the quiet moment right before the heist began, Sandra Bullock looked at herself in the mirror in a public bathroom and said this motivational, yet funny, monologue to herself. Everyone needs a pep talk, and this was Debbie’s. 

"You think we need one more? You think we need one more. Alright, we’ll get one more." -Danny, Ocean’s Eleven

The boys had their crew of ten assembled, however, they were questioning if they needed one more. That, my friends, is how Matt Damon comes into the Ocean’s 11 cast as the young pickpocket Linus. 

"We got a grease man." -Rusty, Ocean’s Eleven

As Danny and Rusty search for their grease man, Pitt’s character takes Clooney’s leading man to the circus. That’s where they find Yen, and Rusty couldn’t have been happier to hire him. 

"The specs aren't on the gray market, the black market or any other market. And all I keep hearing is there's never been a system like this. Now, I found out where they designed it, but I can't even get in the building! I've blown all my buy money, my bribe money, four of my best ID's and I am nowhere! Not only am I nowhere, I'm pretty sure I'm being followed." –Linus, Ocean’s Thirteen

While walking through their plan with Roman, Rusty says the security in this casino is “spooky.” 

Then, while on the phone with Danny, Linus confirms that as he shares that what they’re trying to figure out is the Greco while noting that he’s been having a really hard time. 

"If you're going to have a problem with stealing, then you're not going to like the rest of this conversation." -Debbie, Ocean’s Eight

Debbie and Lou’s relationship is very reminiscent of Danny and Rusty. And just like the boys’ first scene in Ocean’s Eleven, Sandra Bullock’s first interaction with Cate Blanchett’s character does not disappoint.

"She already left me once. I don’t think I’d do it again just for kicks." -Danny, Ocean’s Eleven 

Ocean’s Eleven opens with Danny Ocean in a hearing about whether or not he’s likely to commit a crime again if/when he gets out of jail. After explaining that his wife Tess left him, he gets asked if she’ll do it again, and he quips back the great line above. 

"Mr. Benedict, you can lose $80 million secretly or $160 million publicly. It’s your decision. [Rusty puts his phone down and looks at Tess] Hi." -Rusty, Ocean’s Eleven 

This line hits so hard because it’s one of the big moments where it becomes clear that these guys are going to pull off the heist. What makes it even better is that as Brad Pitt’s Rusty is talking to Andy Garcia’s Terry, he also just casually says hi to Julia Roberts’ Tess in the middle of it all. 

"You're analog players in a digital world. You're done." – Roman, Ocean’s Thirteen

Once Roman finds out that the Greco is the issue Rusty and Danny are running into he’s quick to tell them that this heist is out of their league. As much as he likes them, this is too much, and it’s too technological for these “analog” players according to him. 

"You’re gonna ask me a question? Give me time to respond, unless it’s rhetorical in which case the answer is obvious: yes." – Rusty, Ocean’s Twelve 

One of the most fun dynamics in Ocean’s Twelve is between Rusty and Linus. Seeing Brad Pitt act as Matt Damon’s reluctant mentor is so silly, and fun, and it’s moments like the one above that I get a great chuckle out of. What makes it even better, is when Linus started to ask his question about Tess looking like Julia Roberts, Rusty stopped him, saying he could never ask about that. 

"You of all people should know Terry. In your hotel, there is always someone watching." - Tess, Ocean’s Eleven 

As one of their final tricks, the boys make it so Tess hears Terry betray her. So, when she runs into him, she makes sure he knows that she’s leaving and that it’s 100% his own fault. 

"It just hurts, you know, because it seemed like we all agreed to call it ‘the Benedict job.’ I mean that’s what we called it when we were doing it. If you wanted to call it something else all along then…" – Virgil, Ocean’s Twelve

When the boys found out that the job they pulled off in Ocean’s Eleven was named after Danny Ocean, they weren’t thrilled. While many of them lamented to George Clooney’s titular character during their first team meeting, Affleck’s disappointed words as Virgil were top-tier. 

"Ted Nugent called, he wants his shirt back." -Danny, Ocean’s Eleven 

After Danny gets out of jail a second time, Rusty comes to pick him up. Of course, the movie ends on a classic Pitt/Clooney back and forth. So, once Rusty says he hopes Danny was a groom since he left prison in a tux, Danny ribs his friend with the line above. 

"I’d like to say a few words about commitment, about honor, about responsibility, about a very special someone and admitting to her. Get up. Pull the chair out. Admitting to her, in front of everybody, that her wedding, and that very special honeymoon trip to Epcot Center, will have to be postponed." -Terry, Ocean’s Twelve 

When Terry Benedict starts to make his visits to the boys at the start of Twelve, he does a good job of intimidating them all. However, one of the most memorable moments was when he showed up to scare the brothers Virgil and Turk Malloy, who are played by Casey Affleck and Scott Caan, respectively. 

"What? Did you guys get a group rate or something?" - Reuben, Ocean’s Eleven

Once the crew is assembled, they all head to Vegas and meet at Reuben’s swanky house. What makes this scene iconic is that when most of the guys show up at the same time, Elliott Gould’s rich character quips this hilarious line.

"‘I,’ ‘I wasn’t in Four Weddings and a Funeral.’ Just protect your fake baby." -Linus, Ocean’s Twelve

As Tess, Linus and co. make their way into the hotel, with Tess pretending to be Julia Roberts, she starts getting overwhelmed by all the paparazzi around them. Then, when Linus told her to calm down and think about the great rom-com Four Weddings and a Funeral, she reminded him that the actress was not in that movie, to which Damons’ character had this hilarious response. 

"You lose focus in this game for one second…" -Linus // "I know, and somebody gets hurt." - Danny, Ocean’s Eleven 

Picture this, Linus and Danny are almost in the vault and they’re trying to detonate the explosives to get in, however, the clicker isn’t working. So, in the midst of this high-stakes heist, they have a humorous back and forth about preparation, focus and batteries. 

"[Sobbing] I'm old, and I'm going to prison. Then I'm going to be really, really poor." -Rose, Ocean’s Eight

Helena Bonham Carter’s role in Ocean’s 8 is so fun, and it’s because she’s quite dramatic and extra. No line proves that better than one where she was lamenting to Debbie and Lou after her fashion show. 

"Well, we've shaken all the trees, we've looked under every rock, we’ve searched…I mean, we've talked to everybody we can trust. I know it's not a great idea but it is an idea and as long as we have one idea we shouldn't give up." – Linus, Ocean’s Thirteen 

Right when the boys are on the verge of failure, and they’re out of ideas, Linus thinks up one, and Danny wonders if he really means it. Well, it’s desperate times, so yes he really meant it when he suggested that they contact Terry Benedict, their nemesis from the first two films. 

"[Slaps Danny] That is for keeping me in the dark. [Punches Danny] That is for making me a master thief. [Elbows Danny] And that is for ruining our second third anniversary." – Tess, Ocean’s Twelve

After everyone gets cleared and out of jail, Tess has a very reasonable reaction to it all as she slaps, punches and elbows Danny once they’re in the cars leaving. 

"I couldn't even hear myself think. You know, five women in one cell. So I got myself thrown in solitary for a little peace and quiet, and that's where I finally came up with it." -Debbie, Ocean’s Eight

As you likely know, like Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Eight begins with our master planner getting out of prison. It quickly becomes clear that Debbie has been scheming the whole time she’s been in the clink, and once she got herself “thrown in solitary” she could really cook on her plan. 

"Number one: if any of you try to screw me, you'll be dead. I'll be looking in on the operation just to make sure. Number two: I'm your senior partner, which means last money in, first money out and you will double my investment." –Terry, Ocean’s Thirteen 

Enter Terry Benedict, AKA, Andy Garcia’s bad man from the first two movies. However, this time, he’s the thirteenth member, and he’s actually helping Linus, Danny, Rusty and co. as they try to take down Willy Bank and avenge Reuben. As they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. 

"I want the last check I write to bounce." –Saul, Ocean’s Twelve  

The late great Carl Reiner played Saul, and he wanted to go out on top with his money in Ocean’s Twelve! While he eventually does come back to help the crew, this moment where he walks out with his head held high is pretty epic. 

"A him gets noticed, a her gets ignored. For once, we want to get ignored." –Debbie, Ocean’s Eight 

While Debbie and Lou are putting their team together, Lou runs the idea of hiring a few guys by her. However, Sandra Bullock’s character makes a point that’s both sad and useful at this moment: they don’t want to be seen, they are actively trying to get ignored, and it works in their favor. 

"How was the clink? Did you get the cookies I sent?" - Rusty, Ocean’s Eleven 

After Danny gets out of jail and meets up with his pal Rusty Ryan, and Brad Pitt’s character jokes around with his pal by asking if he got the sweet treats he sent while he was in “the clink.” 

"No, Dad. It will work. [Danny puts his hand out for the phone] No Dad, I won't put Danny on. [Rusty puts his hand out] Or Rusty." – Linus, Ocean’s Thirteen

In a heated phone call with his father, Linus pushes back against his parent – who is later revealed to be a con man working as an FBI agent specializing in casino fraud cases – about the fake nose he wears later in the movie, and he also won’t let him talk to Rusty and Danny. While Matt Damon’s performance at this moment is incredible, it’s the perfectly timed gestures of George Clooney and Brad Pitt trying to take the phone that make it. 

"Terrific, it’ll be nice working with proper villains again." -Basher, Ocean’s Eleven 

Basher is the explosion expert for the team, and when he’s approached about doing the job he responds with this fantastic line, despite the fact that Don Cheadle’s British accent is quite bad in the film. 

"Look, it’s not in my nature to be mysterious. But I can’t talk about it, and I can’t talk about why." –Rusty, Ocean’s Twelve 

After Rusty tells Linus that he should just ask the question, the inquiry he makes is not one Rusy is willing to go into detail about. Hilariously, this topic has to do with Tess looking like Julia Roberts, which is funny because, you know, Tess is played by Julia Roberts. 

"First of all, if there’s one thing I know it’s bad acting." –Daphne, Ocean’s Eight  

Surprise, Anne Hathaway’s Daphne Kluger is the eighth member of Ocean’s 8, and it’s brilliantly revealed at the end of the female-led Ocean’s movie when she starts her admission with this line. 

"It's not their fight." -Danny, Ocean’s Thirteen

These are some of the first words uttered in Ocean’s Thirteen after Rusty boards a private jet and asks Danny if “they understand.” It’s later revealed after Linus asks Danny the same question that the “they” they’re referring to are Tess and Isabel, Danny and Rusty’s respective partners.

Overall, the Ocean’s movies are full of quick-witted, fun and intelligent lines, and it’s one of the big reasons why they remain so iconic to this day.