7 films about magicians and illusionists

We challenge you! We have compiled a selection of excellent films for you to watch at home. Here are some fascinating stories about talented illusionists.

Houdini

USA, Canada, drama, biography, 2014

This is the story of a man who stood at the origins of the craft of illusionist. It was Harry Houdini who first showed the world that magic tricks are not just doves from sleeves, but a breathtaking spectacle—something that seems to the viewer like playing with death. He independently invented and performed the most complex acts on stage, which other illusionists struggled to figure out for years. And despite the fact that fans adored Houdini, he was often criticized by society during his lifetime.

In the three-part television film, lead actor Adrien Brody performed all the stunts himself.

Rating: IMDb 5.9, Kinopoisk 6.1

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

USA, fantasy, comedy, adventure, 2013

The film depicts a fascinating confrontation between two magicians from different worlds. One of them is Burt Wonderstone, who has performed in Las Vegas for many years and has already managed to bore the audience with his stuffy appearance and boring acts. The other is a representative of the "new wave," the daring and unpredictable street illusionist Steve Gray, who refuses to play by the rules. Burt sees Steve as competition, which provokes him to revamp his image and find new ways to attract audiences.

The famous magician David Copperfield appears in a small episode of the film.

Rating: IMDb 5.9, Kinopoisk 6.1

Now You See Me

USA, France, thriller, crime, detective, 2013

If you think about it, a talented magician can become a brilliant criminal: disappearing so that no one has time to understand, appearing so that everyone wonders where he came from, using the skill of his deft hands to leave the audience staring in amazement. This simple idea came to a certain secret villain who decided to bring together four famous illusionists to carry out an incredible robbery.

The film got a sequel in 2016.

Rating: IMDb 7.3, Kinopoisk 7.7

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

United Kingdom, France, Canada, fantasy, adventure, comedy, detective, 2009

An amazing attraction from a certain Dr. Parnassus travels the world. Anyone who passes through his mirror can witness their own fantasies brought to life in an amplified and more vivid form. The Doctor himself has been alive for many centuries, and no one knows that this gift is cursed by the higher dark forces. To stay alive, Parnassus must give each of his daughters to the sinister Mr. Nick as soon as she turns sixteen. The hour is approaching for the illusionist's youngest heir, the red-haired beauty Valentina. And he is ready to do almost anything to save her from this fate.

Colin Farrell, Johnny Depp, and Jude Law agreed to finish playing the role of the late Heath Ledger in the film, donating their fees to his daughter.

Rating: IMDb 6.8, Kinopoisk 7

Magic in the Moonlight

USA, France, melodrama, comedy, 2014

This story took place in the 1920s in the favorite vacation spot of wealthy Europeans—the French Riviera. It was here that the respected illusionist Stanley Crawford went at the request of his influential friends. His experience and keen eye were supposed to help expose Sophie, a charlatan who claimed she could communicate with spirits. And it must be said, the girl was very convincing.

Both of the film's lead actors, Emma Stone and Colin Firth, are Oscar winners.

Rating: IMDb 6.5, Kinopoisk 7

Oz the Great and Powerful

USA, fantasy, adventure, comedy, family, 2013

Many of us have heard the story of the all-powerful Wizard, to whom the heroes of the famous children's story went to fulfill their dreams. The film Oz: The Great and Powerful sheds light on who he is and how he ended up in this mysterious land. The main character of the film is Oscar Diggs, an unsuccessful magician who escapes from his pursuers in a hot air balloon. Caught in a squall, he is carried away to a magical land. There, he is mistaken for the savior of a prophecy, who has enough power to overthrow the evil witch who has been tormenting the locals for many years. Diggs is forced to play along, not daring to say that his "magic" is nothing more than a show.

Johnny Depp could have played the lead role in the film, but he turned down the project in favor of The Lone Ranger.

Rating: IMDb 5.9, Kinopoisk 6.1

Is Anybody There?

United Kingdom, drama, 2008

Edward, an 11-year-old boy from a small British town, has a rather unusual circle of friends for his age. Most of his new friends and acquaintances are residents of a nursing home owned by the boy's parents. From childhood, the young hero has been accustomed to the idea that life is fleeting and old age is sad and unpleasant. A new acquaintance helps him dispel his pessimism: an elderly magician seems to be just as disgruntled with everything that is happening as Edward, so they quickly find common ground. Moreover, they find unexpected relief in communicating with each other.

The film was first shown to audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Rating: IMDb 6.7, Kinopoisk 6.9

If nothing caught your eye, we have many other options!