13 Must-See Movies About Magicians

In this blog post, we delve into 13 movies about magic and magicians – some of which capture the essence of the craft and some that simply entertain with the help of movie magic! 

Classic magician movies

The Illusionist (2010)

This period drama, set in 19th-century Vienna, focuses on a magician (played by Edward Norton) who uses his skills to win back the love of his life from a corrupt, power-hungry prince. It’s a visually stunning film with an intriguing plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. With excellent performances and stunning cinematography, this film is a perfect blend of magic and romance.

The Prestige (2006)

Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Prestige is a gripping tale of two rival magicians (played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman) who become obsessed with outdoing each other’s illusions. Set in Victorian-era London, this film explores the dark side of magic and the lengths that magicians will go to for the sake of their art. 

Houdini (1953)

Houdini is a name that’s long been associated with magic. Harry Houdini was an escape artist who relied on death-defying acts to captivate his audience. The film starred Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh and takes us through a fictional account of the master magician.

The Great Buck Howard (2008)

The Great Buck Howard stars John Malkovich as the titular Buck Howard, a once-famous mentalist and magician now resigned to smaller venues on his comeback tour. The film is inspired by mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, with Malkovich expertly capturing the real-life magician’s eccentric mannerisms. 

Modern comedies

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

A comedy set in Las Vegas where a magician tries to revive stale acts with an edgy rival, starring Steve Carell and Jim Carrey. The film depicts both traditional stage magic and more extreme, illusion-based magic acts. Burt Wonderstone’s character is based partly on famous magicians Siegfried & Roy.

Now You See Me (2013)

A fast-paced heist movie that follows a team of four magicians called the Four Horsemen, played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco, who pull off ingenious and seemingly impossible heists during sold-out magic shows. The magic performed is a blend of stage illusions, mentalism, escapology, and sleight of hand.

Magic in the Moonlight (2014)

This romantic comedy is set in the 1920s and follows a sceptical magician who is brought in to debunk a young woman who claims to be a medium, but ends up falling for her instead.

Death Defying Acts (2007)

A fictionalised account of Houdini’s exploits in Edinburgh that stars Guy Pearce. The master illusionist offers a cash reward to any supposed psychic who can accurately tell him his late mother’s exact last words. Along the way, he falls for a gorgeous swindler (Catherine Zeta-Jones).

Sleight (2016)

This drama/sci-fi movie follows a young drug dealing street magician who turns to using magic to save his sister who was kidnapped. He performs magic tricks all over Los Angeles, and after building an electromagnet into his arm, he’s able to control and manipulate anything metal.

Fantasy and adventure

Harry Potter (2001)

The Harry Potter series is famously known for its magical world of Hogwarts where he and his friends practice magic, witchcraft and wizardry. The characters use spells, potions and other magical abilities to navigate their world and overcome challenges. 

Magic Camp (2020)

This Disney movie is about a summer camp for young magicians where the campers help a straight-laced banker rediscover his love of magic. This heartwarming comedy involves a magic competition between different teams of young magicians performing traditional stage magic tricks.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

An enjoyable musical fantasy that is a fictionalised depiction of the life of PT Barnum, a showman and entertainer who created the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Featuring catchy musical numbers, exotic performers including pickpocketers and daring acrobats, Barnum’s mesmerising spectacle soon takes the world by storm. 

Horrors and thrillers

The Wizard of Gore (1970)

This horror film follows a TV talk show host and her boyfriend who investigate an insane magician who uses hypnotism to control the thoughts of people in order to perform onstage illusions and mind bending. 

Lord of Illusions (1995)

In this horror film, private eye Harry D’Amour travels to Los Angeles and meets with a new client, Dorothea Swann. Swann reveals that she and her husband – famed magician Philip Swann – have been targeted by a religious cult experimenting with reincarnation.

The Escape Artist (1982)

This ‘80s thriller focuses on the young son of Harry Masters, considered the second best escape artist in history. Danny Masters learns various escape techniques, inspired by the legendary Harry Houdini, and uses them to navigate challenging situations.

Want to become a magician yourself?

If these magic movies inspire you to enter the world of magic yourself and learn the secrets behind mind-bending illusions, then why not hire a professional magician?

At CW Magic, we offer magic lessons for all ages and in all settings, from birthday parties to corporate events, or you can learn in the comfort of your own home. Chris’s magic lessons go far beyond video tutorials – he’ll help you build confidence, performance skills, and tap into a real magician’s mindset.

To learn more, fill out the form and we’ll be in touch! Or give us a call on 07747 141238.