Top 15 Magician Movies of all time: From Houdini to The Illusionist

Top 15 magic movies ranked, showcasing mesmerizing illusions and talented performers. Enjoy the captivating world of magicians!

By Khushi Srivastava

Updated on Aug 05, 2023 | 04:22 AM IST | 949K

magician movie

Indulge in the enchanting world of magic through Hollywood's finest magician movies. From early stop-motion animations to contemporary masterpieces, these films have cast their spell on audiences worldwide. Over the years, cinema has both celebrated and questioned the magician's craft, using cutting-edge technology to recreate awe-inspiring feats. Some argue that this has diluted the genuine allure of live performances, while others believe it has rekindled interest in this ancient art form. Here, we present a list of the top 15 must-watch magician movies, showcasing the mesmerizing world of magic. So sit back, relax, and let the enchantment begin!

1. Houdini(1953)

Genre: Drama/Historical drama
Star Cast: Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Torin Thatcher, Angela Clarke
Director: George Marshall
Writer: George Marshall
Run time: 1h 46m
Year of release: 1953
OTT Platform: Paramount+
IMDb rating: 6.8/10

Harry Houdini, the famous magician, was known for his daring escape acts. He died at 52 from overwhelming sepsis, shocking the world. Even after almost 100 years, his name still conjures images of amazing escapes from impossible situations. Fans and magicians still speculate about the secrets behind his incredible acts. In 1953, Paramount Pictures released "Houdini," a movie about his life and death, starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. Though some parts were fictionalized for suspense, the film remains an entertaining and fun adventure.

2. An Honest Liar(2014)

Genre: Documentary/History
Star Cast: James Randi, José Alvarez, Penn Jillette, Teller, Jamy Ian Swiss, Richard Wiseman, Ray Hyman, Adam Savage
Director: Tyler Measom, Justin Weinstein
Writer: Tyler Measom, Justin Weinstein
Run time: 1h 33m
Year of release: 2014
OTT Platform: Plex
IMDb rating: 7.5/10

The documentary "An Honest Liar" explores these professionals from the perspective of James Randi, a retired magician and escape artist. Randi later became a scientific sceptic investigator, exposing what he believed were dishonest individuals pretending to have special powers.

However, the documentary also reveals that Randi had his own secrets, leading viewers to question whether he was truly a deceived individual or if he may have deceived others at times.

3. Sleight(2016)

Genre: Thriller/Sci-fi
Star Cast: Jacob Latimore, Seychelle Gabriel, Storm Reid, Donzaleigh Abernathy, Sasheer Zamata, Jay Walker, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Stella Stahl.
Director: J. D. Dillard
Writer: J. D. Dillard
Run time: 1h 29m
Year of release: 2016
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 5.9/10

In the movie "Sleight," Bo Wolfe is a teen who's both a street magician and a drug dealer. He takes care of his younger sister, Tina, after their parents passed away. Bo's magic involves an impressive sleight of hand and the power to control metal thanks to an electromagnet he built for a school project. To support Tina, Bo sells drugs but faces trouble. To protect his sister and get away from danger, he must use his cleverness and magic skills.

4. The Illusionist (2010 Animated)

Genre: Drama/Animation
Star Cast: Jean-Claude Donda, Eilidh Rankin, Duncan MacNeil, Raymond Mearns, James T. Muir.
Director: Sylvain Chomet
Writer: Sylvain Chomet
Run time: 1h 22m
Year of release: 2010
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Does magic really exist? Alice thinks it does when she meets Jean-Claude Donda, a French illusionist struggling to keep magic alive by performing shows in shabby places. Despite his tricks being just illusions, they become friends, and he spends his earnings on gifts for Alice, even risking financial ruin. The Illusionist movie was a hit, nominated for an Academy Award, but it's still a hidden gem, a touching tale of friendship with a hint of sadness that will stay with you long after it ends.

5. Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself(2020)

Genre: Documentary
Star Cast: Derek DelGaudio, Mia Sara, Bill Gates, Susan Sarandon, Ronan Farrow
Director: Frank Oz
Writer: Frank Oz
Run time: 1h 30m
Year of release: 2020
OTT Platform: Hulu
IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Discover pure magic in Hulu's one-man show documentary, Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself. This one-man-show documentary explores DelGaudio’s amazing tricks and storytelling to create a truly unforgettable experience. DelGaudio gets philosophical through his magic and stories and tries to answer the most basic yet complicated questions of life. Hulu's award-winning documentary boasts a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer, with an 89% audience rating.

6. The Illusionist (2006 Live Action)

Genre: Romance/Thriller
Star Cast: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell
Director: Neil Burger
Writer: Neil Burger
Run time: 1h 50m
Year of release: 2006
OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb rating: 7.5/10

The 2006 live-action movie "The Illusionist" is very different from the animated 2010 film of the same name mentioned before. It follows a mesmerizing illusionist named Eisenheim, played by Edward Norton, who amazes people with his shows centered around bringing the dead back to life (necromancy). However, his performances are not just for fun; he has a hidden motive that leads the audience into a dark mystery. The film is filled with stunning sets, beautiful costumes, an excellent cast, and a twisting plot. It's a historical mystery drama that will keep you guessing until the end because things are not as they seem.

7. Now You See Me and Now You See Me 2(2016)

Genre: Adventure/Crime
Star Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Daniel Radcliffe, Lizzy Caplan, Jay Chou
Director: Jon M. Chu
Writer: Jon M. Chu
Run time: 2h 9m
Year of release: 2016
OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb rating: 6.4/10

In the movie "Now You See Me," a secret group called the "Eye" has four illusionists known as the "Four Horsemen." They use their skills to steal from corrupt rich people and give the money to their audience. But, they catch the attention of federal agents. The first movie came out in 2013, and there was a sequel in 2016. The director wanted to name it "Now You Don't," but the marketing team disagreed. Now, a third movie is being made with the "Four Horsemen."

8. The Prestige(2006)

Genre: Sci-fi/Drama
Star Cast: Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Andy Serkis, Christian Bale
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan
Run time: 2h 10m
Year of release: 2006
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.5/10

In the movie "The Prestige," there are some subtle magical and fantasy elements. It revolves around two rival magicians, Robert Angier (played by Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (played by Christian Bale), who stop at nothing to ruin each other's magic shows. Their friendship turned into enmity after Angier's wife died, and he blames Borden for it. The film is a captivating blend of magic, love, and betrayal, as it follows the intense feud between these two rivals. With a fantastic cast, including the great David Bowie as Nikola Tesla, and plenty of unexpected twists, "The Prestige" keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

9. Death Defying Acts (2007)

Genre: Romance/Drama
Star Cast: Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Timothy Spall, Saoirse Ronan, Malcolm Shields, Leni Harper, Ralph Riach, Olivia Darnley.
Director: Gillian Armstrong
Writer: Gillian Armstrong
Run time: 1h 37m
Year of release: 2007
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 5.8/10

Renowned illusionist Harry Houdini arrives in Edinburgh, Scotland for thrilling performances. He offers a cash reward to any supposed psychic who can reveal his late mother's exact last words. Mary McGarvie, a charming swindler, takes up the challenge, leading Houdini into a risky flirtation that blurs reality and fuels his scepticism. The encounter will push him to his limits and challenge his beliefs.

10. Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay (2012)

Genre: Documentary
Star Cast: Ricky Jay, Winston Simone, Dick Cavett, David Mamet, Persi Diaconis, Michael Weber, Fred Neumann, Suzie Mackenzie.
Director: Molly Bernstein, Alan Edelstein
Writer: Molly Bernstein, Alan Edelstein
Run time: 1h 28m
Year of release: 2012
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 7.1/10

Deceptive Practice follows Ricky Jay's remarkable journey as a magician, author, historian, and actor. It all began when he started learning magic from his grandfather at just 4 years old. Throughout his career, he was inspired by legendary magicians like Al Flosso, Slydini, and Cardini. His main mentors were Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller. The documentary highlights Jay's achievements and the influences that shaped his incredible talent.

11. The Great Buck Howard (2008)

Genre: Drama/Comedy
Star Cast: John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Emily Blunt, Ricky Jay, Steve Zahn, Tom Hanks, Griffin Dunne, Debra Monk.
Director: Sean McGinly
Writer: Sean McGinly
Run time: 1h 30m
Year of release: 2008
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.4/10

Troy Gable dropped out of law school against his father's wishes. He wants meaningful life experiences. Troy finds a job with Buck Howard, a self-centered mentalist. Buck aims for a comeback to revive his declining career. Troy's journey with Buck brings more than he bargained for.

12. The Great Magician (2011)

Genre: Drama/Mystery
Star Cast: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Ching Wan Lau, Xun Zhou, Ni Yan, Gang Wu
Director: Derek Yee
Writer: Derek Yee
Run time: 2h 8m
Year of release: 2011
OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb rating: 5.9/10

In the early 1920s, in Beijing, talented performers gathered to showcase their amazing skills. They competed for a prize by performing a magic trick called the Eight Immortals' Treat. The one who could reproduce the trick perfectly would win the handsome prize.

13. The Mad Magician (1954)

Genre: Horror/Mystery
Star Cast: Vincent Price, Mary Murphy, Eva Gabor, John Emery, Donald Randolph, Lenita Lane, Patrick O'Neal, Jay Novello.
Director: John Brahm
Writer: John Brahm
Run time: 1h 13m
Year of release: 1954
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.5/10

"The Mad Magician" (1954) is a thriller with Vincent Price as the lead. He plays a magician named Don Gallico. Don is obsessed with his craft. But his employer steals his tricks. Frustrated, Don decides to take revenge. He kills his boss and takes on a new identity. He uses his magic skills to commit more crimes. A detective is on his trail. Don tries to cover his tracks but faces challenges. In the end, justice prevails, and he gets caught. The movie keeps you on the edge with suspense and surprise. Vincent Price's performance is outstanding and adds to the film's appeal.

14. Presto (2008)

Genre: Comedy/Animation
Star Cast: Doug Sweetland, Adam S. Gottbetter, Personajes Animados
Director: Doug Sweetland
Writer: Justin Wright, Ted Mathot, Valerie LaPointe
Run time: 5 mins
Year of release: 2008
OTT Platform: Youtube
IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Pixar's animated short film, Presto, was screened before the WALL-E movie. It's a funny story about a magician struggling to perform with his mischievous rabbit. The short pays tribute to beloved classic cartoons like Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes with lots of humor and gags.

15. The Escape Artist (1982)

Genre: Drama/Adaptation
Star Cast: Raul Julia, Griffin O'Neal, Desi Arnaz, Teri Garr, Joan Hackett
Director: Caleb Deschanel
Writer: Caleb Deschanel
Run time: 1h 34m
Year of release: 1982
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.1/10

After famous escape artist Harry Masters dies, his son Danny moves in with distant relatives. Danny is a skilled magician and wants to make a name for himself, but the mayor's troublesome son causes problems. Things get intense when Danny challenges the police to arrest him, promising a daring escape like his father's. The story builds up with suspense as Danny tries to prove himself.

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