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Best movies featuring magic and illusion

Step into worlds where the impossible becomes reality. From cunning stagecraft to mystical powers, these films explore the captivating art of magic.

The Illusionist
Now You See Me
The Wizard of Oz

Magic in cinema offers a fascinating dichotomy: the world of the stage illusionist, relying on misdirection and skill to astound audiences, and the realm of true, often fantastical, supernatural power. Both forms tap into our innate desire for wonder and the unknown.

Films about stage magic, like the turn-of-the-century rivalry depicted in The Prestige or the modern spectacle of Now You See Me, often delve into themes of obsession, deception, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. These movies highlight the dedication and often dangerous nature of mastering the art of illusion, blurring the lines between performance and reality.

On the other hand, movies featuring supernatural magic transport us to entirely different worlds or reveal hidden corners of our own. From the classic journey through a magical land in The Wizard of Oz to the intricate wizarding world of Harry Potter, these stories explore destiny, good versus evil, and the responsibility that comes with wielding immense power. Fantasy epics like Stardust blend adventure with genuine enchantment, while films like The Craft examine the darker, more grounded aspects of witchcraft.

Whether it's the sleight of hand that makes you question your own eyes or the spell that reshapes the very fabric of existence, movies about magic continue to captivate and surprise, reminding us that sometimes, seeing is believing – or perhaps, not believing at all is part of the trick.

14. The Magician's Elephant (2023)

Based on the book by Kate DiCamillo, The Magician's Elephant is a beautifully animated fantasy tale. It follows young Peter, who, seeking his lost sister, asks a fortune teller for guidance and is told to find a mysterious elephant brought by a magician. The arrival of the elephant in his town sets off a chain of magical events and seemingly impossible tasks that Peter must complete. It's a charming story about hope, belief, and the interconnectedness of things, rendered in a lovely visual style.

The Magician's Elephant

13. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

Take a comedic look behind the curtain of the Las Vegas magic scene with The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi play a long-reigning, old-school magic duo who find their act becoming stale and are challenged by a flashy, street-magician rival played by Jim Carrey. This film pokes fun at the world of stage magic, from the cheesy costumes to the elaborate illusions. It's a lighthearted comedy about friendship, ego, and rediscovering your passion for what you do, even if it involves pulling rabbits out of hats.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

12. Magic in the Moonlight (2014)

Set in the glamorous French Riviera in the 1920s, Magic in the Moonlight is a romantic comedy from director Woody Allen. Colin Firth plays a famous British stage magician known for debunking spiritualist frauds, who is brought in to expose a young American woman (Emma Stone) claiming to be a psychic medium. The film explores themes of belief versus skepticism, rationality versus faith, all against a beautiful period backdrop. It's a charming story about finding wonder and perhaps a little bit of magic in unexpected places.

Magic in the Moonlight

11. Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

Return to the magical land of Oz with Oz the Great and Powerful, a prequel exploring the origins of the famous Wizard. James Franco stars as Oscar Diggs, a small-time magician with questionable ethics who is transported from Kansas to the wondrous, colorful world of Oz. There, he encounters three witches and must decide whether to embrace his destiny as the great wizard. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film is a visual spectacle, expanding on the lore established in the original stories and films while creating its own unique look and feel for this fantastical realm.

Oz the Great and Powerful

10. The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

Inspired by the iconic segment from Disney's Fantasia, The Sorcerer's Apprentice brings ancient magic into a modern setting. Nicolas Cage stars as Balthazar Blake, a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan searching for his long-lost apprentice, who he finds in a seemingly ordinary college student played by Jay Baruchel. The film is packed with action sequences as the duo battles dark sorcerers while trying to save the world. It features impressive special effects showcasing large-scale magical battles and even includes a nod to the famous scene with the walking brooms.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

9. The Witches (1990)

Based on the wonderfully dark children's book by Roald Dahl, The Witches is a fantasy film that might give you a few shivers! It tells the story of a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches led by the Grand High Witch, played with terrifying glee by Anjelica Huston. The witches are disguised as ordinary women but harbor a sinister plan to turn all the children in England into mice. Jim Henson's Creature Shop provided the incredible, grotesque practical effects for the witches' true forms, adding to the film's deliciously creepy atmosphere. It's a unique and memorable take on classic witch folklore.

The Witches

8. Enchanted (2007)

What happens when a classic animated Disney princess is thrust into the cynical reality of New York City? Enchanted answers that question with humor and heart. Amy Adams shines as Giselle, a fairy tale heroine exiled from her animated kingdom who finds herself navigating the complexities of the real world. The film cleverly blends live-action with animation and features fantastic musical numbers composed by Disney legend Alan Menken. It's a playful deconstruction and celebration of Disney tropes, offering both genuine magic and a healthy dose of modern wit.

Enchanted

7. The Craft (1996)

A 90s cult classic, The Craft delves into the world of teenage witchcraft. When new student Sarah transfers to a Catholic prep high school, she falls in with a trio of outcast girls rumored to be witches. Together, they form a coven and begin to dabble in spells, initially for typical teenage desires, but soon discovering the darker side of their newfound power. The film gained a significant following for its exploration of female friendship, empowerment, and the consequences of wielding magic. It features practical effects that still hold up and a distinctive 90s aesthetic.

The Craft

6. Stardust (2007)

Based on Neil Gaiman's beloved novel, Stardust is a charming and whimsical fantasy adventure. Follow young Tristan Thorne as he ventures beyond the wall separating his village from a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for the girl he loves, only to find the star is actually a woman named Yvaine. The film features a fantastic ensemble cast, including a scene-stealing Robert De Niro as a cross-dressing sky pirate and Michelle Pfeiffer as a powerful witch. It perfectly captures the tone of a fairy tale for grown-ups, blending romance, comedy, and swashbuckling action with truly imaginative magical elements.

Stardust

5. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

A true cinematic treasure, The Wizard of Oz is a journey down the yellow brick road that has enchanted audiences for generations. Step out of the sepia-toned world of Kansas into the dazzling Technicolor land of Oz alongside Dorothy and her companions. This adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic novel is renowned for its groundbreaking use of color film, its timeless songs like 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' sung by the unforgettable Judy Garland, and its fantastical characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. It's a story about finding courage, heart, and brains, and realizing there's no place like home.

The Wizard of Oz

4. Now You See Me (2013)

Get ready for a thrilling ride with Now You See Me, where a team of illusionists called 'The Four Horsemen' pull off daring heists during their performances, showering their audiences with money stolen from corrupt corporations. This movie is a slick, fast-paced caper with a star-studded cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Mark Ruffalo. It blends the spectacle of modern magic shows with the excitement of a high-stakes thriller. The film's visual effects often blur the line between real magic and elaborate illusion, making you question everything you see. It's pure popcorn fun with plenty of twists and turns.

Now You See Me

3. The Illusionist (2006)

Transport yourself to the opulent, mysterious world of fin-de-siècle Vienna with The Illusionist. Starring Edward Norton as the enigmatic Eisenheim, a magician whose illusions seem to defy reality, this film weaves a tale of forbidden love and political intrigue. The lush period detail is stunning, and the film relies heavily on practical effects and classic stagecraft to create its magic, giving it an authentic feel. Did you know that the film's score, composed by Philip Glass, is instantly recognizable and adds immensely to the film's atmospheric quality? It's a beautifully crafted story that keeps you wondering just how he does it, right up to its clever conclusion.

The Illusionist

2. The Prestige (2006)

Prepare to be captivated by The Prestige, a masterclass in cinematic illusion from director Christopher Nolan. This intense rivalry between two turn-of-the-century stage magicians, portrayed brilliantly by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, explores the dark side of obsession and sacrifice required for the ultimate trick. The film's narrative structure is as intricate as a complex illusion itself, keeping you guessing until the final reveal. Fascinatingly, Nikola Tesla, the real-life inventor, plays a key role in the plot, brought to life by none other than David Bowie in a rare film appearance! It's a story about secrets, dedication, and the price of greatness, all wrapped in a stylish, atmospheric package.

The Prestige

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)

Step into a world of wonder with the film that started it all! Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone isn't just a movie; it's the gateway to a global phenomenon. Discover the magical halls of Hogwarts alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they navigate potions, spells, and the mysteries hidden within the ancient castle. Did you know that author J.K. Rowling insisted the main cast be British, a casting choice that helped define the beloved characters we know today? Or that the iconic score, including 'Hedwig's Theme', was composed by the legendary John Williams, perfectly capturing the enchanting atmosphere? This film beautifully translates the wonder of the book to the screen, introducing us to a truly spellbinding universe filled with fantastical creatures and thrilling adventures.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

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