Best Movies About Magic Ever Made
Magic exists in many forms, and top magic films illustrate them all. While fairy tales and family-friendly stories often feature magic, it encompasses much more than Mary Poppins. From the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli to the dark allure of Pan's Labyrinth, magic offers endless creative avenues. Whether set in fantastical realms or contemporary settings, films showcasing magic and illusion captivate audiences.
Magic has fueled storytelling since fiction began. Themes of witches, wizards, and spells are likely to appear in films through time. Be it Mickey Mouse animating brooms or documenting the Blair Witch’s existence, magic manifests in diverse forms. While many think of the Harry Potter series or Hocus Pocus, numerous contemporary films explore magical themes beyond these well-known titles.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
The NeverEnding Story surged back into public awareness due to Suzie’s theme song request in Stranger Things. Director Wolfgang Petersen’s first English film revolves around Bastian, a bullied boy who steals a mysterious book from Mr. Coreander – The NeverEnding Story. This book unveils a mythical land, Fantasia, which is being devoured by The Nothing.
Bastian learns that the child Empress is ill and that only Atreyu can save her. Armed with the medallion Auryn, Atreyu sets out on his quest. However, Bastian becomes part of the story and realizes he must save Fantasia from annihilation. Filled with remarkable creatures, this beloved '80s adventure, based on Michael Ende’s novel, won multiple awards and inspired an entire film series.
The Dark Crystal (1982)
Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal stands as one of the greatest magic films. Departing from his cheerful muppets, this movie presents a darker fantasy. The groundbreaking animatronics were groundbreaking, and fantasy illustrator Brian Froud’s work helped pave the way for Labyrinth. Due to its lasting impact, The Dark Crystal was followed by a prequel series on Netflix in 2019, receiving accolades, including an Emmy.
The narrative explores deeply rich lore, centering on Jen, a young Gelfling. As he embarks on a journey to heal a destroyed crystal, he confronts the evil Skeksis, who have brought chaos to his world. Though it received mixed reactions upon release, The Dark Crystal gained a thriving cult following, inspiring a series of books and comics.
Sleight (2016)
Sleight uniquely merges action and drama, starring a young Storm Reid, who gained fame through Euphoria. The film grossed $4 million with a modest budget of $250,000. Premiering at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, it received favorable reviews from critics.
This magical mystery centers on Bo, played by Jacob Latimore, a street magician juggling his talent and selling drugs to care for his younger sister Tina. Bo uses magnets for tricks, making objects float. His life spirals when a drug kingpin threatens him, leading to Tina’s kidnapping. By bending genre conventions, Sleight transcends the traditional magical movie narrative.
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Featuring a stellar cast, The Witches of Eastwick stars Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jack Nicholson. The film adapts John Updike's novel into a dark fantasy-comedy, earning two Academy Award nominations and a BAFTA for Best Special Effects.
Three discontented women — Alex, Jane, and Sukie — convene weekly to discuss their ideal men, unaware they are forming a coven. When enigmatic Daryl Van Horne arrives, he caters to their desires but conceals a dark truth. The film blends humor and fantasy seamlessly, intertwining the characters’ ambitions with magical elements.
Suspiria (2018)
The Suspiria reboot, inspired by Dario Argento's iconic horror film, stands out as one of the best magic movies available. It excels with unsettling suspense and striking visuals that delve into the ominous facets of magic, presenting gruesome horror.
The story follows Susie, a young American dancer (Dakota Johnson), raised in a Mennonite family. She finds herself at the Markos Dance Academy in Berlin. Panic ensues after another student, Patricia, mysteriously disappears, suggesting the Academy may be run by witches.
Becoming Madame Blanc's star protégé, Susie clinches the lead in a pivotal production, Volk. Soon she faces a dark ritual, culminating in a shocking twist that must be seen to appreciate fully. This film marked Mia Goth's rise in horror cinema and earned praise for its unique take on witchcraft in a horror context.
Earlier, SSP told about all Harry Potter movies: ranked from worst to best.
