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 developed relationships with a grandmother appreciating a classic musical showcasing somewhere over the rainbow. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a grandma that was a fan of the fantasy genre. She would always speak fondly about a musical demonstrating magical wizards which shaped her identity. Nearly 90 years after its release, Victor Fleming’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about wizardry. 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 manufacturing movies about commemorated 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 an extraordinary performance by Judy Garland, who embodied a magical woman discovering wizardry. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” my favourite film about wizardry of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about larger-than-life wizards, it tackles commemorated themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 90 years following the release of a groundbreaking commemorated film about women escaping frightening tornadoes to go somewhere over the rainbow, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
2. The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride is a legendary fantasy film that always gave my teacher pride. I remember a high school teacher that adored a classic film about princesses whose lives are in danger. Fond of the classic fairytale, he would love discussing a classic book about princesses with great detail. Wizardry has always played a pivotal role in the classic movie about a bride. Rob Reiner’s movie tackles concepts of wizardry that were groundbreaking for the film’s release during the 1980’s. Reiner used captivating voice-over narration capturing a princess seeking to discover a magical world causing tension. For instance, the scene in which Buttercup becomes aware that Westley’s life is in grave danger causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robin Wright, who portrayed a princes that’s bright. Ultimately, what makes “The Princess Bride” a classic is timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that are relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about importance of following one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. A portrait of a princess seeking to become a bride, it’s a powerful reminder of a great genre that has made movies about wizardry which have commonly left audiences satisfied.
3. 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. Wizards have often played a pivotal role in a series about rings that are frightening, and they are most evident in the first film “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Released in 2001, Peter Jackson’s movie introduced the iconic franchise about wizards on the big-screen. 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. It delivers a meaningful message about dangers of addiction which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the ring, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making memorable movies which are worth tremendously celebrating.
4. 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 fell in love with a book series about wizards casting a spell with 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. It delivers a meaningful message about time which would resonate with everyone. A marvellous adaptation of a book about wizards casting a spell, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies about larger-than-life magicians which excel.
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 adore a legendary fantasy book about lions that had a deafening roar. 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. 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 commemorated genre making unforgettable movies attracting audiences towards Cinema.
6. Wicked
“Wicked” is a beloved Broadway musical about wicked wizards that audiences have appreciated. 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 making 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 an immense spotlight.
8. 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 depiction of medieval knights. 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 genre that has always manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences consider special.
9. Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange is an iconic wizard that in popular culture that people treasure. Since his creation in 1963, the supreme sorcerer has gained a huge following. In 2016, Scott Derrickson honoured the legendary comic-book character in his movie “Doctor Strange”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Doctor Strange” stand out is its depiction of neurosurgeons. Derrickson uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a commemorated neurosurgeon affected by a devastating accident is facing. Assisted by Benedict Cumberbatch who is extraordinary in the lead role, Derrickson created a compelling comic-book movie. As strong as Doctor Strange’s desire to become a supreme sorcerer, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies about larger-than-life wizards that audiences treasure.
10. Cinderella
Few movies ever made about wizards that face a dilemma are as beloved as “Cinderella”. Since its release in 1950, Clyde Geronimi’s movie has become an animated classic. In 2015, Kenneth Branagh honoured the iconic animated movie in his movie “Cinderella”. Branagh used symbolism capturing the hardships that wizards are facing. Assisted by Lily James who is amazing in the lead role, Branagh created a fantasy film that’s captivating. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of wizards that cause women to face adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as Cinderella’s glass slipper shoes, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre making memorable films that have changed views of wizards which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion of writing movie reviews.
The Film Buff 