Movies About Magicians
There have been lots of movies about magicians released over the years and they always seem to capture people’s attention. Perhaps it’s the feeling of wonder and bewilderment that keeps people coming back for more! Or is it the thrill of an unsolved mystery and a puzzle to solve? Whatever it is, we know that people all across the world love a magician movie.
Of course there have been lots of movies that contain wizards and witches, but I’m going to focus on films that are about actual magicians, whether it’s close-up magic or stage magic!
So, without further ado, I’d like to showcase some of the best films about magicians and hopefully inspire you to watch some of these if you haven’t already done so!
The Illusionist (2006)
We have to start with ‘The Illusionist’ which was released in 2006. In this movie, Edward Norton plays the magician Eisenheim.
In this romantic mystery film, Eisenheim uses his magic abilities to secure the love of a woman (played by Jessica Biel). This magician film has a 7.6/10 rating on IMDb and has been largely praised by critics and magicians alike.
There is one trick in particular within this film that is based on a real magic trick which is called ‘The Orange Tree Illusion’. However, they did use CGI to replicate this trick within the film. However, it can be perfumed in person too!
Now You See Me (2013)
Now You See Me is a movie focused on a group of magicians who call themselves ‘The Four Horsemen’. These illusionists pull off a heist during their performance, robbing a bank and then giving the money to their audience.
During the film, FBI and Interpol agents attempt to solve this mystery in a big game of cat and mouse. Sadly for them, it proves very difficult! This magician movie has a great cast including Morgan Freeman, Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson, Michael Caine and Dave Franco to name a few.
Now You See Me has a rating of 7.2/10 on IMDb with a host of very positive reviews.
Now You See Me 2 (2016)
The first movie was released in 2013 with the sequel coming three years later in 2016. Now You See Me 2 follows ‘The Four Horsemen’ once again but this time, they are recruited by a tech genius. They are asked to pull off the most impossible heist yet as well as clear their names and expose the mastermind behind it all.
Both of these movies have a mixture of actual sleight of hand and CGI in use too. With a rating of 6.4/10 on IMDb, it’s clear to see that people didn’t enjoy the second film as much as the first. Still worth a watch though!
Sleight (2016)
This movie isn’t as well known as some of the others. However Sleight has more actual sleight of hand than most of the magician movies (as you’d imagine given the name!).
This movie follows a young street magician who has to care for his little sister after the passing of their parents. He turns to illegal activities to ensure they both have a place to live. Unfortunately, he gets in too deep, and his sister is kidnapped. In a last ditch attempt to save her, he turns to magic and uses his brilliant mind to hatch a plan!
This magic movie has a 5.9/10 rating on IMDb and you can take a look at the trailer below.
The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige is definitely one of my favourite movies about magicians! With a star studded line up including Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Micheal Caine and Scarlett Johanson. This movie follows two magicians attempting to outwit each other. Two magicians in competition with each other in this manner was rife in the The Golden Age of magic!
When Robert Angier’s wife, Julia McCullough, dies during a performance, he blames Alfred Borden for this tragic turn of events. As a result, they become arch enemies.
With a rating of 8.5/10 on IMDb, it’s fair to say that many people really enjoyed this magical movie. If you’ve not had the pleasure of watching this movie, check out the trailer below!
Houdini (1953)
This movie also had to make into my list because Harry Houdini is one of history’s most captivating magicians.
This movie was released in 1953 by Paramount Pictures. It showcases Houdini’s extraordinary life from starting out as carnival ‘wild-man’ to emerging as an internationally-acclaimed illusionist. Many elements of the film have been changed to add extra suspense but it’s still a great watch if you’ve not seen it already!
Magicians (2007)
Magicians takes a slightly different angle to the aforementioned films because it’s more of a comedy. David Mitchell and Robert Webb, from the UK sitcom The Peep Show, play magicians Karl and Henry who are looking to take part in a magic competition.
There are a number of UK magicians that make an appearance within this film such as Patrick Page and Ali Bongo.
