Table of Contents
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a fantasy adventure film from the Harry Potter universe but set many decades before the Harry Potter timeline. Also, unlike Harry Potter films which are set in Britain, this Harry Potter spin-off has an American flavor. Based on the 2001 book of the same name, the film follows the adventures of Newt Scamander in the United States.
Doctor Strange (2016)
Doctor Strange is a mystical character from the Marvel Universe and the 2016 American superhero film of the same title works as his origin story. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film tells the story of Dr. Stephen Strange who loses his ability to perform surgery after an accident. He sets off on a journey to find alternate methods to heal his hands not aware that his destiny awaits there. From there on, his transformation from handicapped surgeon to a superhero begins.
Practical Magic (1998)
Practical Magic is a tale of two sisters who are poles apart but belong to a family gifted with the power of magic. As great as it seems, the two sisters are unaware of the supernatural forces that are coming to hunt them down. The film is about their stand together to fight off the evil forces and save their family legacy. The film is directed by Griffin Dune, whereas the two sisters are played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
Sleight (2016)
Sleight is a modern day take on the life of magicians globally. Gone are the days of stage shows for magicians as streets are becoming the new stage for the new generation of magicians. Directed by J.D. Dillard, Sleight follows the life of a street magician based in Los Angeles using science skills to float things in the air. However, there’s a darker side to his life and here’s where the film gets interesting.
The Magic Life (2012)
The Magic Life a documentary film revolving around three aspiring magicians. Directed by Nelson Chang, the film tries to reflect upon the world of magic performances whether on stage, parties or on the streets. The rest of the film is whether they are successful in pulling off the biggest trick of their lifetime and become renowned as magicians.
Presto (2008)
Presto is an animated short film produced by Pixar Animation Studios. The film is actually a humorous take on the stage magicians and their tricks using rabbit. The film follows the life of a magician trying to perform with his uncooperative rabbit resulting in a lot of funny incidents. Directed by Doug Sweetland, this short film is a perfect homage to stage magicians.
Make Believe (2010)
Make Believe is a documentary film showcasing the world of tricks and illusions. It follows the story of 6 best young magicians pit against each other for the title of Teen World Champion. Directed by Clay Tweel, the film is an excellent watch if you want to learn what actually happens at the backstage.
Houdini (1953)
It would be unfair not to list a biographical film about a real magician on our list of best films on magic and magicians. So, here’s the 1953 Hollywood biopic Film titled Houdini which is based on the life of magician and escape artist Harry Houdini. Directed by George Marshall, the film is the screen adaptation of the book of the same name penned by Harold Kellock.
Over to you!
Not many films are made on magic or magicians. Whether call it an illusion or a mystic art, magic has always enticed us all. By sharing our list of top Hollywood films on magic and magicians, we are giving our tribute to this age-old art and trying to keep the hopes that “Magic can be real”.
