10 awesome magician movies you should watch

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Pictures for every taste: from light comedies to philosophical fantasy.

10. Incredible Burt Wonderstone

• USA, 2013.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 100 minutes.
• IMDb: 5, 9.

Illusionists Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton are superstars and true masters of their craft. In public, the two feign friendship, while in fact they quietly hate each other. One day, magicians have a very strong competitor, Steve Gray, whose popularity is growing day by day. To once again become the first in their business, Burt and Anton must learn new tricks and in the process to improve relations with each other.

This comedy about magicians is made with soul and professionalism: David Copperfield shared secret information about some of the tricks with the filmmakers, and the other consultant was the famous illusionist Criss Angel. By the way, a character named Steve Gray is just a parody of Angel.

The picture is distinguished not only by its brightness and outstanding humor, but also by an interesting cast. The film stars comedy masters such as Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi and Jim Carrey.

9. Magicians

• UK, 2007.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 0.

Karl and Harry performed in tandem amicably and successfully, but one accident intervened in their lives, deprived of victory at a prestigious competition and made their comrades enemies. Years later, they meet again in a competition of magicians. Both understand that only by uniting will be able to win, and for this they need to forgive old grievances.

This British comedy is undoubtedly an amateur film: not every viewer will like its characteristic black humor. However, those who decide to watch the film will have a nice bonus - a very unexpected outcome.

8. Oz: the great and terrible

• USA, 2013.
• Fantasy, adventure, comedy, family.
• Duration: 127 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 3.

Oscar Diggs is a circus magician with no clear moral compass. During a balloon flight, a hurricane carries him from Kansas to the Land of Oz. Oscar meets the locals, among whom there are many magical creatures. They are all confident that the alien will be able to save their lands from the spell of the Wicked Witch. So Oscar unwittingly finds himself drawn into the conflict between the three sorceresses of the land of Oz. The illusionist will have to use his skill to understand the situation and fight back against evil forces.

This film shows the backstory of events from the iconic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. It stars James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz. Bright Hollywood actors, good humor and instructive message make "Oz" an excellent film for family viewing.

7. The Great Buck Howard

• USA, 2008.
• Drama, comedy.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 4.

Troy Gable is dropping out of law school to work as a personal assistant to the lively magician Buck Howard, who is trying to resurrect his career. For this, the illusionist plans to travel across the country with his show. Troy wants to join the journey, but the boy's father is totally against it. Under pressure from his father, Troy decides to quit, but at Buck's request, he remains until the presentation of his main trick.

A light comedy will surprise you not only with an unusual plot, but also with a strong cast. The role of the controversial Buck Howard is played by John Malkovich, who stunningly organically gets used to the images of eccentrics. Tom Hanks and the beautiful Emily Blunt also appear in the frame.

6. The magic of moonlight

• USA, France, 2014.
• Drama, melodrama, comedy.
• Duration: 98 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 5.

Stanley Crawford is an illusionist who skillfully exposes the scammers who conduct seances. He plans to quickly "split" the famous swindler Sophie Baker and her insidious mother. However, over time, Stanley begins to admit the idea of Sophie's innocence. And that he seems to be falling in love with this extraordinary person.

The film was directed by Woody Allen, with Emma Stone and Colin Firth in the lead roles. Powerful acting duo, subtle humor, beautiful retro suits and decorations make Moonlight Magic a delight for aesthetes. Also, this film has such a dreamy and romantic atmosphere that you will want to revisit it several times.

5. Is there anyone there?

• UK, 2008.
• Drama.
• Duration: 94 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 7.

England, 1980s. Edward is an unusual boy. Closed and on his own, he grows up in a nursing home run by his parents. Clarence, a former illusionist and extraordinary personality, suddenly appears at the orphanage. A friendship is struck between him and Edward, which helps the old man to come to terms with the past, and the boy to see life from a new side.

The film is distinguished by subtle British humor, slow disclosure of characters and a philosophical message. Also, one cannot fail to note the brilliant performance of Michael Kane, who played the role of the magician Clarence, and his young colleague Bill Milner.

The film was shot by British director John Crowley, known for his films Boy A, Goldfinch and Brooklyn.

4. The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus

• UK, France, Canada, 2009.
• Fantasy, adventure, comedy, detective.
• Duration: 123 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 8.

The wandering troupe enchants the audience with a magic mirror that can send anyone to a fictional world where dreams come true. This "Imaginarium" is controlled by the mind of Dr. Parnassus, the head of the troupe, who has lived in the world for over a thousand years. Once he fell in love with a mortal girl and asked the devil to exchange his immortality for youth. As payment for the deal, Parnas must give up his child when he turns 16. The illusionist's daughter Nina will soon reach this age - and Parnas is trying to find a way out of a difficult situation.

This is a painting by Terry Gilliam - a lover of absurdity and philosophy, known for his works "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", "12 Monkeys", "Brazil" and others. In the best traditions of the director, "Imaginarium" turned out to be surreal and confusing, with several levels of meaning.

3. The illusion of deception

• USA, France, 2013.
• Thriller, crime, detective.
• Duration: 115 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

A group of talented illusionists known as the Four Horsemen put on a show in Las Vegas. During the performance, magicians miraculously rob a bank in Paris and flood the audience with money. FBI Agent Dylan Rhodes is investigating this outrageous incident. Alma Dray from Interpol has been appointed as his partner. But the further the agents move in the case, the more they get confused …

In addition to an intriguing plot and high-class stunts, the tape attracts with a galaxy of first-tier Hollywood stars. The film stars Michael Caine, Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and other notable actors. The film became incredibly popular, paid off at the box office more than four times and received a sequel - three years later, "The Illusion of Deception - 2" was released.

2. Illusionist

• USA, Czech Republic, 2006.
• Fantasy, thriller, drama, melodrama, detective.
• Duration: 110 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 6.

The famous magician Eisenheim attracts the attention of high society in Vienna with his shows - including Sophie, her childhood sweetheart. Unfortunately, however, Sophie is the bride of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Leopold. Soon, the girl realizes that she still has feelings for the illusionist. From this moment on, the mysterious events associated with Eisenheim begin to take place. Inspector Walter Uhl undertook to investigate them.

The film is based on the story of Stephen Millhauser, a Pulitzer Prize winner. The intriguing plot of the film more than once makes the viewer groan in surprise. And the excellent performance of the leading actors is a special pleasure. A bonus to all the advantages of the film is the stunningly beautiful orchestral music, which adds mystery and mystery to the "Illusionist".

1. Prestige

• UK, USA, 2006.
• Science fiction, thriller, drama, detective.
• Duration: 125 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 5.

End of the 19th century, London. The magician Milton's show is a huge success with the public. Robert, his wife Julia and friend Alfred help him to demonstrate miracles. At one of the performances, Julia dies due to an oversight of Alfred, and Robert cannot forgive him for the loss of his beloved. Over the years, former comrades become famous illusionists. Alfred bypasses his colleague in skill, showing a number with movement in space. And Robert goes to great lengths to become as successful as his rival.

The film was shot by the cult Hollywood director Christopher Nolan, known for the films "The Dark Knight", "Remember", "Inception". "Prestige" is based on the book by Christopher Priest. Initially, Sam Mendes really wanted to film the work, but Priest saw only Nolan as a director: the writer was greatly impressed by the previous works of the master of cinema.

"Prestige" was loved by critics and viewers, and for a long time it was at the top of various ratings of the best films.