My Favourite Films About Wizards of All-Time

Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like wizards. Since the 1940’s, wizards have appeared in memorable movies. Whether it’s magical ring bearers, supreme sorcerers or spellbinding school teachers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about wizards that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Wizard of Oz

“The Wizard of Oz” is a legendary fantasy film that my grandmother always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed powerful bonds with a grandmother that loved a classic musical taking place somewhere over the rainbow. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a great grandma that was a huge fan of the fantasy genre. She would always speak fondly about a classic musical about magical wizards that shaped her identity. Through her big love of the legendary fantasy film, my grandmother inspired me to make my dreams of film criticism come true. Nearly 90 years after its release, Victor Fleming’s iconic film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about wizards. It was the first ever film in history to introduce the concept of dark wizards in the fantasy genre during a past era. With the greatest film of his career, Fleming did an extraordinary job of adapting a legendary book about wizards that evoke fear. Fleming has always had an aptitude for making movies about magical wizards, and “The Wizard of Oz” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene in which Dorothy is transported from dark tornado-struck Kansas to the colourful land of Oz causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role for Judy Garland, who portrayed a woman embarking on a journey in a land of wizards. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies about magical wizards, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after the release of a classic fantasy film about women escaping a tornado to go somewhere over the rainbow, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has made great movies giving audiences dreams to follow.

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that my teacher always loved dearly. I remember an English teacher that loved literature about rings causing disaster. Drawn towards rings which were dangerous, he praised a series that he considered precious. As someone treasuring a teacher that loved a franchise about precious rings, I adored “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Ever since its release in 2001, Peter Jackson’s movie has stood the test of time as one of the greatest films ever made about wizards. Jackson effectively used point-of-view shots to capture the larger-than-life presence of a towering wizard. For instance, the scene in which Gandalf defends the fellowship from a dragon causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ian McKellen, who created one of the most iconic wizards in the fantasy genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Fellowship of the Ring” a fantasy classic is universal appeal. Unlike most LOTR movies targeted towards fans of the books, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. As precious as the ring, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which are worth celebrating.

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter is a magical series of books that shaped my identity. I grew up reading J.K. Rowling’s beloved series about misunderstood wizards that shaped my childhood. I fell in love with a book series about wizards casting a spell with timeless stories to tell. I adore all the films that translated the books, but my favourite adaptation has always been “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. Released in 2003, Alfonso Cauron’s movie honoured the third Harry Potter book. Cauron used stunning special effects capturing wizards facing creatures that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Harry first encounters the Dementors on the train to Hogwarts causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied a wizard searching for his identity. Ultimately, what makes “The Prisoner of Azkaban” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most Harry Potter movies, it tackles themes everyone can relate to. A marvellous adaptation of a book about wizards casting a spell, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which always excel.

4. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantastic fantasy series that shaped my friend’s persona. At an early age, I bonded with a girl that adored a series about lions with courage. I recall with nostalgia memories of a girl that loved Narnia. She grew up to treasure a fantasy book that she considered a precious piece of literature. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the fantasy book about a wardrobe in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Adamson used special effects to recreate the magical world of Narnia that’s transporting. For instance, the scene in which Lucy first enters the wardrobe discovering the magical world of Narnia is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tilda Swinton, who created a frightening witch causing destruction. Ultimately, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” a wonderful wizard classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about war which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the world of Narnia, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre making movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

5. Avengers: Infinity War

Doctor Strange is a legendary comic-book character that always inspired by brother. I remember my brother was a huge fan of a strange sorcerer. He would always speak fondly about a hero casting a magical spell with timeless stories to tell. In 2018, the Russo Brothers honoured the strange wizard facing a war in their movie “Avengers: Infinity War”. The Russo Brothers have always had an aptitude for making movies about magical characters, and “Avengers: Infinity War” showcased their strengths as filmmakers. For instance, the scene in which Doctor Strange has a tense confrontation with the Avengers opening up portals causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrayed an iconic wizard character. Ultimately, what makes “Avengers: Infinity War” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies which are typically targeted towards comic-book fans only, it tackles commemorated themes that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Doctor Strange’s desire to become a successful sorcerer, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences treasure.

6. Wicked

Few Broadway musicals about wicked wizards are as beloved as “Wicked”. Since its creation in 2003, Stephen Schwartz’s musical has earned a huge following. In 2024, John M. Chu honoured the stage musical about wicked witches in his movie “Wicked”. The Oscar-nomination movie offered a fantastic interpretation of a classic Broadway play about witches. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Wicked” stand out is its strong depiction of powerful women. Chu uses captivating musical montages to create compelling witches audiences can easily relate to. Assisted by Cynthia Erivo who is amazing in the lead role, Chu honoured a stage musical created years ago. As precious as the land of Oz, it’s a wonderful reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies without flaws that deserve a loud round of applause.

7. Snow White and the Huntsman

Snow White is a wonderful character that has built a legacy which is bright. Since the 1930’s, the character has appeared in many memorable movies. Wizards have always been common in the world of Snow White. In 2012, Rupert Sanders honoured the legendary character in his movie “Snow White and the Huntsman”. Unlike most movies in the wizard genre, what makes “Snow White and the Huntsman” stand out is its world-building. Sanders used captivating world-building to capture Snow White’s journey into a fantastical world of wizards. Assisted by Kristen Stewart who is extraordinary in the lead role, Sanders honoured a legendary character. A spectacular tribute towards Snow White, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a bright genre that has always manufactured unforgettable movies which have achieved the spotlight.

8. The Prestige

A common criticism often levelled against movies about wizards is their predictability. The wizard genre has often followed a safe formula to attract audiences to the Cinema. In a genre that has lost its sense of prestige, it’s worth praising “The Prestige”. Released in 2006, Christopher Nolan’s movie depicted the tense rivalry between two magicians in the 18th Century. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Prestige” stand out is its plot twists. Nolan uses clever plot twists to capture the tense rivalry between two wizards that are fighting. Assisted by Christian Bale who is amazing in the lead role, Nolan created a wizard movie with great detail. A powerful portrait of prestigious magicians performing tricks that are dangerous, it’s a rousing reminder of a genre making timeless movies audiences consider precious.

9. The Green Knight

When it comes to the greatest poems ever written bright wizards, it’s worth discussing Sir Gawain and The Green Knight. Since its publication in the 14th Century, the poem has become a legendary piece of literature. In 2021, David Lowery honoured the legendary poem about bright wizards in his movie “The Green Knight”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Green Knight” stand out is its ambiguity. Lowery uses thought-provoking symbolism to capture a medieval wizard experiencing tensions. Assisted by Dev Patel who is phenomenal in the lead role, Lowery honoured a classic poem about wizards. As strong as Gawain’s desire to become a knight that’s medieval, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences consider special.

10. Oz: The Great and the Powerful

Few movies ever made about powerful wizards are as beloved as “Oz: The Great and the Powerful”. Released in 2013, Sam Raimi’s movie offered a great Wizard of Oz prequel. Raimi used captivating special effects to recreate the magical world of Oz ruled by great wizards. Assisted by James Franco who is superb in the lead role, Raimi honoured a classic film released years ago. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film simply can’t recreate the magic of a classic film that is far superior in every way. Nevertheless, it remains a commemorated addition to the genre. As strong as Oz’s desire to become a successful magician, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies about wizards that experience tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.