The Best Movies Made About Magic Ranked

Not many genres are as iconic as magic. Since the 1970’s, stories about magic have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s ring bearers, magical school teachers or wizards facing dangers, the genre has created many 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 magic that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a memorable musical that my grandmother always considered to be special. Several years ago, I formed powerful bonds with a grandmother that appreciated a musical taking place somewhere over the rainbow. My grandmother adored a classic film about dark wizards with magic experiencing tragic situations that she considered iconic. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that always appreciated the fantasy genre. She would always speak fondly about a classic musical about magical wizards that had shaped her identity. Nearly 90 years after its release, Victor Fleming’s iconic classic has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about magic. With the greatest film of his career, Fleming used innovative cinematic techniques to capture magical wizards evoking fear. Fleming has always had an aptitude for making movies about magic, and “The Wizard of Oz” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Fleming effectively uses colour transitions from black and white to colour to capture a woman embarking on a journey into a fantasy land. 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 by Judy Garland, who portrayed one of the most iconic heroines in the genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” a classic is its message. Unlike most movies about magic, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after the release of a fantasy film about women escaping a tornado to go somewhere over the rainbow, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has made phenomenal films 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 about magic that my teacher always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed bonds with a teacher that loved a series about rings causing damage. Drawn towards rings that were dangerous, he loved a famous series he considered precious. In 2001, Peter Jackson honoured the fantasy series about rings in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”.  Jackson has always excelled at making engaging movies about magic, and “The Fellowship of the Ring” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene in which Gandalf has a dilemma battling a dragon stating that it shall not pass is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by Ian McKellen, who created one of the most iconic characters in the genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” a magical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about obsession which would resonate with everyone. 70 years following the publication of a famous book about adventurous hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies audiences consider precious.

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 series about misunderstood wizards that shaped my childhood. I remember being in awe of a series about wizards casting spells against grave danger that made me an avid reader. I fell in love with a series about wizards casting a spell with stories to tell. I adore all the films, but my favourite adaptation has always been “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. Released in 2004, Alfonso Cauron’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of the third Harry Potter book. Cauron used stunning special effects to create a magical world that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Harry and his friends are attacked by 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 extraordinary performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied a magical wizard. Ultimately, what makes “The Prisoner of Azkaban” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most Harry Potter movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A marvellous adaptation of a book about wizards casting a spell, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which excel.

4. The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Pirates of the Caribbean is a fantastic franchise about pirates that earned my cousin’s appreciation. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a cousin that adored Jack Sparrow. As someone treasuring memories of a cousin that loved Caribbean seas, I adored “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”. Released in 2001, Gore Verbinski’s movie introduced an iconic franchise about pirates. Verbinski has always had an eye for adventure, and his strengths as a director are evident in “The Curse of the Black Pearl”. For instance, the scene in which Jack Sparrow is first introduced in a drunken state causing a dilemma remains one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Johnny Depp, who embodied an unforgettable pirate. Ultimately, what makes “The Curse of the Black Pearl” a great magic movie is universal appeal.  Unlike other movies in the genre, it has a strong sense of adventure that stands out.  A breathtaking beginning of a great franchise about pirates travelling Caribbean seas, it’s an inspiring reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies.

5. 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 precious 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 inspiring feelings of wonder 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 magical masterpiece 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 that has made movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

6. Wicked

Wicked is a beloved Broadway play that is loved today. Since its creation in 2003, Stephen Schwartz’s commemorated 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 magic 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 magical world of wizards. Assisted by Kristen Stewart who is extraordinary in the lead role, Sanders honoured a legendary magical character. A spectacular tribute towards Snow White, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a bright genre that has always manufactured larger-than-life blockbusters which have achieved the spotlight.

8. Mary Poppins Returns

Mary Poppins is a magical nanny that has built a lasting legacy. Since her creation in the 1960’s, Mary Poppins has become an inspiration for young children. In 2018, Rob Marshall honoured the iconic nanny with high returns in his movie “Mary Poppins Returns”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Mary Poppins Returns” stand out is its sense of wonder. Marshall stages captivating musical numbers capturing a nanny inspiring wonder in young children. Assisted by Emily Blunt who is extraordinary in the lead role, Marshall honoured a magical movie about nannies. A marvellous tribute towards a magical nanny with a joyous sense of wonder that’s practically perfect in every way, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

9. The Green Knight

When it comes to the greatest poems ever written magical 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 great wizards using magic that’s powerful are as beloved as “Oz: The Great and the Powerful”. Released in 2013, Sam Raimi’s movie offered a great remake to the Wizard of Oz. Raimi used stunning special effects to capture a magician entering into a world that’s compelling. Assisted by James Franco who is superb in the lead role, Raimi honoured a musical released years ago. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film can’t replicate the timeless magic of a classic musical that is superior in every way. Nevertheless, it’s still a commemorated addition to the genre. As strong as Oz’s desire to become a magician, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about magic causing tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.