Summerween Movie Magic

I know I recently wrote about my favorite romantic summer movies, but I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Summerween… that time of the year when those of us who hate summer begin the countdown to fall. Since I’m stuck inside until pumpkin lattes go on sale, I decided to share some of my favorite Summerween movies that I watch while basking beneath the AC or put on an outdoor screen on those nights when the humidity doesn’t threaten to choke me. Most of these movies are available on various streaming platforms, or if you’re like me, you may even have a few on DVDs.

Some of these movies are older movies, and a few are romantic fantasies and rom-coms (before those genres were actually things.) But all of them are filled with all the Summerween feels to enjoy while waiting until September to arrive. Many are family-friendly, but some are for adult audiences only. So light a candle, draw a heart in your journal, and pop the popcorn. These films are here to remind you that a little magic goes a long way even when it’s still tank top season.

I’ve not included links to the streaming services because the rights to movies are constantly being sold between the services so it’s hard to keep up. All trailers courtesy of YouTube.

🎬 Favorite Summerween Movies

☀️ 1. Practical MAgic (1998)

Sisters, spells, second chances, and margaritas at midnight. Romance + magic + Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman = the perfect summerween summer movie!

☀️ 2. stardust (2007)

A fallen star, a lovestruck hero, sky pirates, and a glam witch played by Michelle Pfeiffer makes this movie a romantic fantasy adventure that deserves all the rewatch love.

☀️ 3. Bell, Book and Candle (1950)

Classic rom-com meets witchy charm. Kim Novak falls in love with Jimmy Stewart and risks her powers for romance.

☀️ 4. Beautiful Creatures (2013)

Based on a great Young Adult novel, this Southern Gothic teenage romance is filled with curses, secrets, and swoony moments. Great for fans of supernatural slow burns.

☀️ 5. hocus pocus 2 (2022)

New witches, old favorites, and a fresh twist on legacy and love. Not a love story per se, but it hits that nostalgic sweet spot.

☀️ 6. howl’s moving castle (2004)

A Studio Ghibli masterpiece. A cursed girl meets a dramatic wizard. Enchanting and romantic in all the best ways.

☀️ 7. the secret of moonacre (2008)

Magic, mystery, and a fairytale feel. Not as well-known, but full of charming visuals and romantic undercurrents.

☀️ 8. Maleficent (2014)

Love in many forms, including romantic, platonic, maternal. A magical twist on a classic villain’s story with a soft heart underneath the horns.

☀️ 9. labyrinth (1986)

A teenage girl journeys through a magical maze to rescue her brother from the Goblin King only to discover temptation, transformation, and a touch of dark romance along the way. (And this one comes with David Bowie in leather pants!)

☀️ 10. Penelope (2006)

A quirky, modern fairy tale about a woman cursed with a pig’s snout who learns love begins with self-acceptance. Sweet, magical, and cozy with just enough whimsy for Summerween.

☀️ 11. ella enchanted (2004)

Curses, talking books, and a charming prince. This YA fantasy rom-com has just the right amount of magic and romance, perfect for a lighter Summerween option.