Best Movies About Magic

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows two rival magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), as they become obsessed with each other’s secrets. Borden and Angier are desperate to outdo each other in their pursuit of the perfect magic trick, and their rivalry soon spirals out of control. As the two men continue to push the boundaries of their craft, the audience is taken on a journey into the dark side of showmanship, and the lengths that two determined individuals will go to outwit and outshine each other. The film also stars Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson, and features a complex plot involving loyalty, betrayal, and the power of illusion.

From David Yates, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon
Rated PG-13

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the final installment of the Harry Potter series, directed by David Yates. Harry, Ron and Hermione set out to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes in a desperate attempt to defeat Lord Voldemort. With their mission nearly complete, they must face their greatest challenge yet as they come face to face with Voldemort in a final showdown where the fate of their world hangs in the balance. Along the way, they make allies, defeat enemies, and prove their courage and loyalty to each other and to those they love. In the end, Harry must make the ultimate sacrifice to save the world and its people.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Griffiths
Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third installment of the Harry Potter film series. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the movie follows Harry Potter as he returns to Hogwarts for his third year of study. While attending classes, Harry is warned by the enigmatic Professor Lupin that a dangerous criminal, Sirius Black, has escaped from the wizard prison of Azkaban and is looking for him. Harry and his friends must uncover the secrets of the past in order to bring Sirius to justice and save the wizarding world. Along the way, they must contend with the Dementors, a soul-sucking force of darkness, and the terrifyingly powerful wizard Voldemort. With the help of the friendly hippogriff Buckbeak, Harry and his friends ultimately triumph over evil and save the day.

From Mike Newell, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Eric Sykes
Rated PG-13

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a 2005 fantasy film based on the novel of the same name by J.K. Rowling. It is the fourth installment in the Harry Potter film series. Directed by Mike Newell, the film follows Harry Potter's fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as he competes in the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous competition between three wizarding schools. Harry finds himself chosen as a fourth competitor in the tournament, despite being underage. While struggling with the dangers of the tournament, Harry must also deal with the return of Lord Voldemort, who is gaining strength and is determined to kill Harry. With help from his friends, Harry must face the challenges of the Triwizard Tournament and prepare for the battle against Voldemort.

From David Yates, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Bill Nighy
Rated PG-13

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is the seventh film in the Harry Potter series and follows Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione as they try to find and destroy Lord Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes in order to save the Wizarding world from his tyranny. With Voldemort gaining strength, the trio is forced to go on the run with the Ministry of Magic and the Order of the Phoenix hot on their trail. As they face a number of obstacles and dangers, they must rely on each other more than ever in a desperate quest to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds them. With the help of trusted allies, they must stay one step ahead of their enemy in a race against time.

From Neil Burger, starring Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell
Rated PG-13

The Illusionist is a 2006 drama film written and directed by Neil Burger and starring Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti. Set in Vienna around 1900, the film tells the story of Eisenheim (Norton), a magician who falls in love with a princess, Sophie (Jessica Biel). When the princess's betrothed, Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), learns of their relationship, he plans to have Eisenheim arrested. Eisenheim enlists the aid of Inspector Uhl (Giamatti) to help him prove his innocence. Through his magical powers, Eisenheim creates illusions that make it seem as though he is communicating with the spirit world, and he also uses his tricks to discredit the prince and save his own life. In the end, the truth about Eisenheim's magic is revealed and he and Sophie are reunited.

From Chris Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith
Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, directed by Chris Columbus, based on the novel of the same name by J.K. Rowling, tells the story of an orphaned boy, Harry Potter, who discovers he is a wizard and is sent to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to hone his magical abilities. Along the way, he makes new friends, confronts evil forces, and learns to accept who he is and embrace his destiny. With the help of his friends, he must face a powerful dark wizard and prevent him from obtaining the Sorcerer’s Stone, a magical artifact that can grant immortality and ultimate power.

From David Yates, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon
Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a 2009 fantasy film directed by David Yates and based on J.K. Rowling's novel of the same name. The sixth installment of the Harry Potter series follows Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends as they return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their sixth year and battle Lord Voldemort's growing power. As Hogwarts is plagued with turmoil and danger, Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) entrusts Harry with secrets pertaining to Voldemort's past and reveals a powerful weapon that may be the key to victory. Harry and his friends must confront the growing darkness while learning to master powerful magic and forging strong relationships. Together, they ultimately face off against Voldemort and his Death Eaters in a thrilling finale.

From Michael Gracey, starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya
Rated PG

The Greatest Showman is a 2017 musical film directed by Michael Gracey and written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya. The plot follows circus impresario P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) as he creates the Barnum & Bailey Circus and attempts to make it a worldwide success. Along the way, he meets and falls in love with a Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson), and must contend with the cruelty of the upper class and the challenges of keeping his circus afloat. Despite all the obstacles, Barnum perseveres and eventually succeeds in creating the "Greatest Show on Earth". The film is a spectacular, inspirational celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurs and dreamers who, against all odds, strive to make their mark on the world.

From David Yates, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Brendan Gleeson
Rated PG-13

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) is a film in the fantasy genre directed by David Yates. The story follows Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) as he returns to Hogwarts for his fifth year of magical education and battles the return of Lord Voldemort. He finds himself a target of the anti-Muggle-borns and is accused of lying about Voldemort’s return. In order to protect himself, Harry and his friends form a secret group called “Dumbledore’s Army” to train their magical skills and prepare to face Voldemort and his Death Eaters. With the help of his trusted mentor Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), Harry must battle the Ministry of Magic and prove the truth about Voldemort’s return. The Order of the Phoenix is the fifth installment of the Harry Potter film series, and was a box office success, bringing in over $939 million worldwide. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and two BAFTA Awards.

From Chris Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris
Rated PG

From Louis Leterrier, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Common, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson
Rated PG-13

From David Mamet, starring Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, Mike Nussbaum, Lilia Skala
Rated R

From Woody Allen, starring Colin Firth, Emma Stone, Marcia Gay Harden, Hamish Linklater
Rated PG-13

From Jon M. Chu, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco
Rated PG-13

From Sean McGinly, starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich, Tom Hanks, Emily Blunt
Rated PG

From Andrew Fleming, starring Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True
Rated R

From Griffin Dunne, starring Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest
Rated PG-13

From Lee Tamahori, starring Nicolas Cage, Julianne Moore, Jessica Biel, Thomas Kretschmann
Rated PG-13

From Zach Helm, starring Natalie Portman, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman, Ted Ludzik
Rated G

From Caleb Deschanel, starring Raul Julia, Griffin O'Neal, Desi Arnaz, Teri Garr
Rated PG

From Don Scardino, starring Steve Carell, Luke Vanek, Steve Buscemi, Mason Cook
Rated PG-13

From J.D. Dillard, starring Jacob Latimore, Seychelle Gabriel, Storm Reid, Donzaleigh Abernathy
Rated R

From Gillian Armstrong, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Saoirse Ronan
Rated PG