12 Best Hollywood Movies About Magic and Magicians
In these gloomy times with bad news hitting us every other day, we need to cling on to hope, and sometimes, magic. So today, let’s watch Hollywood movies about magic and magicians that were created to keep our magical dreams alive.
Also read: 50 Must Watch Hollywood Movies Of All Time For A Movie Marathon
1. Harry Potter Series
To start off the list is, of course, the boy who lived, Harry Potter himself. We have all dreamt of going to Hogwarts at some point in our lives, or maybe, still, do? Based on J.K. Rowling’s novels of the same name, Harry Potter has become a household name because of the immense amount of relatability despite it belongs to the fantasy genre. The 8 movies never let you move from your seat. So to all the muggles out there, give the Potterverse a try? And to all my fellow witches and wizards, let’s revise our lessons, the Hogwarts’ express is waiting for you.
2. The Wizard of Oz
The 1939 musical fantasy is recognised by the Library of Congress as the most-watched film in the history of cinema. It is adapted from L. Frank Baum’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The film follows the adventures of Dorothy Gale, played by Judy Garland, when she lands in dreamland. This is one of the greatest Hollywood movies based on the magic of all time.
3. Now You See Me
What happens when magic and thrill come together? Now You See Me lets you find out, first hand. An ensemble cast with members like Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Mélanie Laurent, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman, Now You See Me goes beyond the sleight of hand tricks to see the darker world of magicians who attempt to walk the Robin Hood way.
4. Now You See Me 2
In the sequel to Now You See Me, Daniel Radcliffe joins the cast this time to spin your head one more time with twists and turns at every moment and never let you believe your own “Eye”.
5. The Illusionist
Starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, and Jessica Biel, The Illusionist is a film revolving around love and mystery. When two people from very different social standings fall for each other, all illusions come together to bring them together.
6. The Prestige
In a Nolan presentation, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman show you how far the rivalry between two magicians can go. A special appearance by David Bowie makes the film all the more exciting to watch.
7. The Greatest Showman
A biographical musical based on P.T. Barnum’s creation of Barnum’s American Museum, The Greatest Showman stars Hugh Jackman in the lead role along with Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya.
8. House of Games
Lindsay Crouse stars as Dr. Margaret Ford, an unsuspecting psychiatrist who gets a little too involved in the ruse of a group of conmen. The tricks up the sleeves of the conmen make the film thrilling.
9. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel feature in this movie based on the novel of the same name by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Balthazar, a sorcerer, played by Cage and David Stutler played by Jay Baruchel fight against the evil magicians to save the world and establish peace.
10. Enchanted
A Disney production, Enchanted is a live-action animated film starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey, and Susan Sarandon. The film pays homage to Disney’s traditional animated films and then switches to live-action which takes place in modern day New York. The plot revolves around an innocent girl trying the escape the clutches of an evil sorceress in the fantasy world, and how magic works in the real world.
11. Labyrinth
Have you ever been so frustrated with your siblings that you just inadvertently curses them? Well, young Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly, did just that. Except, her wish of having her baby brother be taken away by the goblins actually comes true. How Sarah deals with the goblin king and navigates his labyrinth to save her brother forms the crux of the story. Other than Jennifer Connelly as Sarah and David Bowie as the Goblin King Jareth, most of the other significant characters in this musical fantasy film were played by puppets.
12. Doctor Strange
A part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange, with the titular role played by Benedict Cumberbatch, based on the Marvel comics, is about an ace neurosurgeon learning sorcery from The Ancient One (played by Tilda Swinton) after he faces an unfortunate accident. How he uses his newly found powers in fighting Kaecilius(Mads Mikkelsen), the evil sorcerer is worth a watch.
Just 12 suggestions to rethink your weekend movie night plans. Have more Hollywood movies about magic and magicians on your mind? Go on now, take the bunny out of the hat, tell us what your list is in the comments.