Magic encompasses a wide variety of themes and subjects: from fantastical dragons to animated spells and wizardry. But today, we will talk about the top fantastical movies that involve magic, which might even just be deception and distraction in the grounded real world; or the cauldron and Pitchforks kind. In this article, we cover Miyazaki Anime to Hollywood classics. But we’ll surely have something on this list that’s just perfect for you to get away from this mundane life!
Spirited Away (2001)
- Cast: Rumi Hiiragi, Daveigh Chase, Susan Egan, Susan Egan.
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Hiyao Miyazaki’s most popular animated film Spirited Away is an indispensable recommendation in the world of fantasy and magic. This Academy Award-winning film is about a sweet little ten-year-old girl called Chihiro. On the way to their new home, Chihiro and her parents are caught up in a world of spells, spirits, and magic.
Chihiro’s parents are metamorphosized into pigs and she has to get them out!
She makes a friend called Haku: he tells her that she will not be able to leave this world of spirits and magical bathhouses if she forgets her own name.
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- Cast: Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Based on the J.R.R Tolkien fantasy novels, the Lord Of The Rings series is one of the most influential works of fantasy and magic. Set in a Pangea-like place called Middle Earth, the first film is filled with Elves and Hobbits. Sauron casts a spell on One Ring to control the other rings. Following a struggle for the ring between the Dark Lord and the allegiance of Men and Elves; begins the second Third Age. where Frodo after finding the true powers of the ring has to protect it at all costs from falling into the wrong hands.
Now You See Me (2013)
- Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Isla Fisher.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
By the French director Louis Leterrier, one of the most thrilling works of magic is Now You See Me. The movie opens with a magic act where a volunteer from the audience is teleported to a Parisian bank’s locker. And now the crowd in Las Vegas is being showered with cash missing from the bank in a different continent. The story follows the Four Horseman (the four magicians) as they perform more reality-defying magic tricks. This film beautifully unifies the genre of heist and magic.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman.
- IMDb Rating:7.9 /10
The third installment of the Harry Potter franchise is directed by Alfonso Cuarón, so naturally, it’s an incredible work of magic. With the trademark broomsticks, amorphous creatures, and werewolves, it will appeal to one and all.
In Hary’s third year at Hogwarts, he is still as curious to procure all knowledge about his true identity. Hogwarts is of course the school of magic, wizardry, and cauldrons for students of 11 to 18. Harry gets into some trouble with the Dursley’s during the summer. But on his way back to Hogwarts his friends inform him of an escaped prisoner, who is an ally of Voldemort’s and is hungry for Harry’s soul!
The Prestige (2006)
- Cast: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson.
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
This is one of the most well-made films about magic. The film itself can be broken down into three elements, just like acts of magic: the Pledge (set up), the Turn ( subversion of reality), and the Prestige (restoration of reality). For the first act, we are presented with two associates of Cutter, an elderly magician. Angier accidentally loses his wife to a magic trick and blames Borden.
This Christopher Nolan film is about the long-standing rivalry between Borden and Angier. it mingles science and illusion beautifully to create magic. Scientists like Tesla and Edison, add to the thrill of the plot.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Cast: Anna Popplewell, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, William Moseley
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Based on the C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia novels, this is another fantasy staple. Directed by Andrew Adamson, this movie is also an Academy Award winner. Little lucy and her three siblings are sent to Professor Kirke’s house in the wake of the second world war. There when the children are playing hide and seek, Lucy accidentally enters the world of Narnia. But escaping from the cursed yet beautiful world is more difficult than it seems. Filled with horns that magically shoot arrows, talking beavers, and healing daggers it is perfect for a fantastical watch.
Magic in the Moonlight (2014)
- Cast: Colin Firth, Emma Stone, Marcia Gay Harden, Jacki Weaver
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Woody Allen has made a film every year since 1983, so in his highly ambitious oeuvre, there is one of magic. Set in enchanting worlds of the idle rich and Gatsby-esque frames, this film is definitely worth a watch, from one of the most successful filmmakers of all time.
Colin Firth who is a debunker meets a sorceress called Sophie. He is confused by her ability to make candles float and acquire intimate information about his aunt Vanessa. Since he is unable to find any plausible way to debunk her acts, he starts to believe her and falls in love with her. That is until his aunt gets into a terrible accident. He is more determined than ever now to find out the truth about Sophie.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Teresa Palmer, Monica Bellucci.
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
This film is perfect for an immersive getaway for children and young adults. The premise spans over thousands of years; a sorcerer called Merlin has three assistants one of whom double-cross him to join a witch of the evil forces called Morgana. Nick Cage’s Balthazar is tasked by Merlin to defeat the evil magician. But the only person who can do it is Dave, who is in the year 2000.
Involving voodoo dolls and glimpses of 740 AD England, it is the perfect film about magic.
A Whisker Away
Cast: Mirai Shida, Cristina Vee, Natsuki Hanae,Cherami Leigh.
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
This is the cutest movie about magic on this list. Miyo is a middle schooler and a misfit since the departure of her mother. She does not have any friends and has a bad relationship with her stepmother. Her only refuge is a boy at her school named Kento Hinode, who she is in love with. Despite her brave attempts, she is unable to win Kento over. Sad and dejected she receives a mystical mask from a man that allows her to be turned into a cat. Now, Miyo can spend all her time with Hinode. She now decides to give away her human form altogether as Hinode tells her she hates her. That is until she finds out that Hinode too likes her!
