Great Magic Movies
Whether you’re into card tricks or forbidden sorcery, this list of magic movies should have something to pique your interest. Moviegoers have long been fascinated with the subject, and men like Harry Houdini were appearing on film over 100 years ago. In recent years, magicians like Penn & Teller have provided insight into how tricks really work, while showmen like David Blaine often leave audience members scratching their heads in awe. With its mixture of both the taboo and the fantastical, magic (and movies about it) will continue to enthrall fans for decades to come.
The Craft (1996) – Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) is the new girl at a Catholic high school in Los Angeles. There, she encounters a trio of girls (Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True) who the other students believe to be witches. Turns out the student body is right, and the girls want Sarah to become their fourth member. Co-starring Skeet Ulrich and Christine Taylor.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) – During World War II, three young siblings are evacuated to the British countryside and taken in by a witch in training (Angela Lansbury). It’s not long before she’s blackmailed into casting spells to amuse the children, and they journey across war-ravaged London thanks to an enchanted bed. They also visit a cartoon realm and repel Nazi invaders, all the while singing songs (it’s a musical, after all).
Lord of Illusions (1995) – Based on a short story by horror writer Clive Barker, this film stars Scott Bakula as Harry D’Amour, a private detective with a keen interest in the occult. Heading to L.A. to investigate a case of insurance fraud, he gets tangled up in a sinister plot involving violent cultists, a supposedly dead man in an iron mask, and a room containing every magical secret known to man.
The Prestige (2006) – Based on the novel by Christopher Priest, The Prestige stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as rival magicians who carry their feud to disturbing lengths. Co-starring Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, and David Bowie, the film was directed by Christopher Nolan.
Practical Magic (1998) – Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star as sisters who also happen to be witches. When one of them accidentally kills a man, it sets off a chain of events that will either tear them apart or signal the end of a 300-year-old curse. Also starring Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, and Aidan Quinn.
7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964) – A fantastical tale about Dr. Lao (Tony Randall) and his traveling circus. But there’s more to this circus than meets the eye, as the residents of Abalone, Arizona will soon find out. Randall plays seven different roles in the film, and those of you who only remember him as Felix from The Odd Couple will have a chance to witness his impressive range.
Now that you’re armed with a list of magic movies, you’ll be able to work your own spells in no time. I’d suggest sticking to stuff like Criss Angel and David Blaine, though, as trying to become the next Lord Voldemort will only get you landed in jail.