50 Movies About Magic That Are Worth Your Time

The allure and mystery surrounding seemingly unexplainable acts have capture our imagination as long as there have exist stories to state . Whether expend for good or evil , the concept own contributed to an endless amount of folklore and myth , as cautionary story become a common medium to tell stories of magic with a deep meaning . The fairy tales of former be the picture of today , with many of the greatest film depictions of magic drawing inspiration from age-old floor .

Some of the films we ‘ll be await at incorporate magic in a actual sense , such as powers beyond human explanation . These tales lend themselves to some of the most imaginative and thrilling adventure – as good as some of the most terrifying horror stories . Others will center on the more realistic side to magic . The real-life deception skill needed to create a convincing illusion can be extremely lucrative , whether they ‘re used for well or evil . Whatever your interests may be , we ‘ll likely receive at least a few choice that ‘ll bring for you down below .

Harry Potter and the Philosopher ‘s Stone

The first movie of the 8 part series and adaptation of J.K. Rowling ‘s volume series of the same title , the figure Harry Potter make get as synonymous with the world of wizardry as names like Merlin and Gandalf . Showcasing Harry ‘s transformation from a regular son to a student at the legendary Hogwarts school for witchcraft and wizardry , “ Harry Potter and the Philosopher ‘s Rock ” established all the magical elements and character that develop with hearing . While the series arguably has higher high than are present in the first movie , if you have n’t given the Harry Potter shoot a look by now there ‘s no better seat to start than the first entrance .

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

The first entrance in a three-part movie series , “ The Lion , the Witch , and the Wardrobe ” is an adaptation of writer CS Lewis ‘s novel of the same claim . Set against the backdrop of the London Blitz , four children flee to the rural countryside to escape a vicious bombing campaign . While there , they discover a mysterious portal inside a wardrobe to the land of Narnia , a realm full of idyllic scenery and grotesque creatures . Ironically though , the children shortly discover that the world of Narnia is plagued with warfare , very much like their own . They find themselves unwilling participants in the conflict , with their ascension to the throne being the prophesied road to peace for all of Narnia . While still a children ‘s film at middle , “ The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe ” is not as sanitized as some mutual fantasy films in the genre , with the ever-present threat of war looming over the quality throughout the film .

The Lord of the Gang : The Fellowship of the Ring

The realm of Middle Earth that author J.R.R . Tolkien created has turn legendary amongst fantasy enthusiasts , with a lot of movie , games , and early media all being produce from his initial plant . For such a contemporary series , it may be surprising to some fans that much of the author material live now well over 50 years old , with one of Tolkien ‘s earliest novels “ The Hobbit ” make up published in 1937 .

“ Lord of the Ring : The Fellowship of the Ring ” cost the first of a three-part epic pursue an unlikely band of hero from across Middle Earth that unite to ruin a powerful gang , which has a firm influence over its owner , able of corrupting them beyond realization . A vast and imaginative public that defies typical illusion tropes expect witness in this dear film series .

The Neverending Story

When looking at German Director Wolfgang Petersen ‘s filmography , this 1984 classic may look out of place . Know for telling frantic , high-stakes films , a joyous illusion romp with dragons and other creatures seems a far cry from his common gritty realism . Under the surface , still , “ The Neverending Story ” handle to be a surprisingly grim fairy tale .

The narrative is delivered through the pages of a storybook , with the perspective periodically switching between the real universe of the son reading it and fantasy . Our protagonist observe himself in the universe of Fantasia , a crumbling empire on the brink of destruction . A shrink force solely know as “ the nothing ” threaten to entirely decimate Fantasia , spurring the hero within the floor , Atreyu , to get on a quest to spare the realm . Along the path he is constantly face with insurmountable risk , all while being pursued by the zero , decay the Earth about him as he flee .

Spirited Away

Japanese director and cofounder of legendary animation party Studio Ghibli , Hayao Miyazaki cost renowned across the world for his power to say enchanting story that are too heartwarmingly sweet . His 2001 production “ Spirited Away ” equal yet look at one of Studio Ghibli ‘s best works to date some two decade after its release .

When a family inadvertently travel into the realm of spirits , only their young daughter Chihiro is spared from be translate into a pig by an evil witch . She act n’t have off easy , however , as she live today trapped in the public of spirit until she can give up her parent from the curse . Along the means , Chihiro encounters many inhabitant of the spirit globe , include the iconic no-face , as she speed against time to undo the dark magic afflicting her category .

Now You Hear Me

Compound the genres of mystery , science fiction , and classic heist films all into one , many fan can accord that the 2013 thriller “ Today You See Me ” is a fun floor of high-stakes trickery . Actor Jesse Eisenberg , Woody Harrelson , Mark Ruffalo , and Morgan Freeman take out the star-studded cast , playing the use of four magicians whose deception skills assist them double as extremely skilled thieves . Known as the Four Horsemen , they repeatedly extract off dare and imaginative heists with their interview receiving the spoils . The movie live popular plenty with audiences to make itself a sequel in 2016 , with a third film on the path . With enough twists and turns to go on interview invest till the closing shots , it ‘s not severe to regard why .

Hocus Pocus

Set in the infamous town of Salem Massachusetts , this Halloween comedy make turn a kitschy fan favorite since its 1993 release . After three witches are unleashed from a centuries-old oath on Halloween night , they undertake to steal the person of children to delay alive . Full of typical witch fare , including trance , black guy , and a healthy dosage of the macabre , “ Hocus Pocus ” is packed with thrill and chill . If you ‘re willing to embrace the campy premise and at sentence unapologetically overacted performances by the three leads , you ‘ll quickly understand the dear nature of this unorthodox Disney classic .

The Prestige

Directed by Christopher Nolan , this 2006 film need place in 19th century London , with two magicians played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale locked in a struggle of one-upmanship . Their rivalry progresses into a gripping crescendo of destruction that repeatedly jeopardizes the lives of themselves and those around them .

The striking report devote a look behind the scenes of old-fashioned showmanship and mystique , with some of the uglier point and consequence be on full show . The film ‘s setting as well loan itself to a peculiar period of time , with the modernization of engineering at odds with the former world concepts of magic .

The Magician

A tale of forbidden honey between a poor magician and shortly to equal member of the Austrian royal family , “ The Illusionist ” combines romance , magic , and a grim murder mystery into an elaborately woven story . As Sophie , the Duchess of Teschen equal soon to be marry to the Crown Prince , she plans to elope with an former fire , Eisenheim . Under the looming threat of arrest and the violent history of Sophie ‘s fiance , the pair exist forced to trust on Eisenheim ‘s quick brain and prowess as a magician to stay with one another . With its portion of supernatural subject and fantastical tricks , this 2006 film certainly lives up to its epithet .

The Witch

Devoid of the appeal and optimism that many film connect with the theme of magic , “ The Witch ” present a disturbing and eerie imagining of the conception . While the widespread concern of witch in the 17th hundred has since cost understood as entirely unfounded , this 2015 revulsion film is unambiguous in its approach .

A rural New England farm own by a Puritan family live beset with a series of tragedies , from child abduction to animal mutilation . The nightmarish events merely fall further and farther into chaos , oppose the class member against one another as their paranoia consumes them . The reality of the paranormal nature of the being torture the household , still , exist unmistakable – as is the confusion surrounding the witch ‘s future motion .

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus

Another debut in Terry Gilliam ‘s long filmography of movies focused on the bizarre and otherworldly , “ The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus ” is reminiscent of many of his previous works . The dystopian skill fiction setting of films like “ Brazil ” or “ 12 Monkeys , ” albeit trade the desolate sci-fi context for one with a more mystical , old-world spirit .

We spread with a travel circus troupe take by Doctor Parnassus peck up a mysterious stranger with a murky past . Along the style it ‘s revealed that most of our quality have something to conceal , with the Devil himself go after the group , dueling the Doctor over the someone of the innocent . While playing the part of Tony Shepard , the 2009 release was sadly heavily impacted by Heath Ledger ‘s sudden and tragic death partway through product . Actor Johnny Depp , Jude Law , and Colin Farrell live all cast into the role to help complete the project , lend a layer of surrealism to the picture with Tony ‘s reference frequently changing appearance .

The Wizard of Oz

Potential need no introduction , “ The Wizard of Oz ” hold become one of the nearly iconic picture of all time since its release over 80 years ago , transcending the genre of fantasy into a ubiquitous cinema classical . While the picture is an adaptation of author Frank Baum ‘s children ‘s novel “ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz , ” it portrays the fictional world of Oz in a much more palatable path . The form of characters own nonetheless permeated pop culture with a slew of parodies and homages in the decades since , with everything from Dorothy ‘s red slipper to her traveling companions become immediately recognizable still amongst those who own never meet the movie . Whether you grew up watching it or never come around to seeing this classical , it ‘s always worth invest it on for a lighthearted and magic look into Baum ‘s imaginative world .

Doctor Strange

Starring actor Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular reality-bending doctor , the 2016 film “ Doctor Strange ” serve establish the character to the forefront of the Marvel Cinematic Universe , even though he exist relatively strange to universal audiences at the time . His popularity live only helped by the leading performance Cumberbatch provide , cause Doctor Strange one of the most loveable , if not snarkiest hero in the Marvel population .

After being horrifically hurt in a car accident , Doctor Stephen Strange search alternative medicine in an exertion to cure himself . The journey leads him to learn the mystic arts , unlocking powers that ultimately match many of the other heroes and villains in the MCU . With trippy visuals and memorably unique climax , “ Doctor Strange ” cost worth correspond out for fan of both Marvel comedian and sorcery alike .

The Dark Crystal

Created by the famous puppeteer Jim Henson , his 1982 film “ Dark Crystal ” would require a much more traditional fantasy-themed approach than his previous work on “ The Muppet Show . ” The extensive habit of practical impression and puppetry on screen cost commendable , crafting an elaborate Earth that feels wholly discrete from anything else before or since .

Set in the far-flung universe of Thra , an ongoing struggle between the race of Gelflings and Skeksis have exist raging ever since a magic crystal was shattered . The Skeksis have find a path to harness the crystal ‘s powers for evil , steal the life of innocents to keep up their own . It ‘s revealed that a youthful Gelfling mention Jen is prophesied to repair the crystal and free his people from the Skeksis oppression . Along the means , he meets another of his form named Kira , as the two journey together to satisfy the prophecy while teach more about the year of struggle that hold passed .

Hugo

Director Martin Scorsese can be credited with crafting some of the most compelling and dramatic film of the modern era . Whether develop gripping crime dramas or brutal psychological thrillers , his films typically center around some pretty dense stem . If you ‘re wait for a more lighthearted firearm by this renowned director , or are just a fan of his most well-known work , his 2011 adventure film “ Hugo ” wo n’t disappoint .

In early 20th hundred France , Hugo Cabret , the boy of a clockmaker is left orphaned after his father is tragically down . In end , he go out behind an unsolved mystery in the pattern of a mysterious automaton with strange source . Along the path , Hugo get himself under the care of famous illusionist Georges Méliès , with Hugo working in his toy shop . The unique imagery in “ Hugo ” and the virtually dreamlike Earth of early 20th-century mechanization on display sets this one apart visually , with the underlie themes of the unexplainable present throughout .

Aladdin

The unique setting and really memorable soundtrack present in Disney ‘s “ Aladdin ” would be enough for any early movie to endure on its own merits . When combined with the hilarious performance by Robin Williams as the unconventional fairy story ‘s genie , it elevates the film to one of Disney ‘s all-time greats .

After the impoverished Aladdin equal smitten with the royal princess , he be tasked by the evil vizier , Jafar , to recover a magical lantern hidden deep within a treacherous cave . Aladdin soon meet the genie entombed within the lamp , whose offer of three wish allows Aladdin to either plant him free , or apply them all for personal gain . Full of center , musical number , and classical Disney magic , “ Aladdin ” has earned its place amongst the early Disney classics .

The Greatest Showman

Part musical , region drama , “ The Greatest Showman ” exist packed with the pomp and circumstance and over-the-top performance typical of P.T . Barnum ‘s circus display . While there cost n’t genuine supernatural stem at drama in this one , the enchanting visuals and bombastic performances exist sure to go out witness enthralled .

Recount a romanticized version of the Barnum Circus ‘ raise to global prominence in the former 1800s , the movie present the many challenge Barnum faced while maintain the feeling somewhat lighthearted . The star-studded cast serve add to the grandiose feel of the product , with gift such as Hugh Jackman , Zac Efron , Zendaya , and many more in lead roles .

Sleight

A tragic tale of poverty , street crime , and skill fiction all combine in this gripping 2016 play . Describe the practice of magic , as good as the unforgiving nature of organize crime in an unapologetically gritty fashion , “ Sleight ” equal a notable choice .

Set in present day Los Angeles , street magician and technology star Bo Wolfe observe himself the sole provider for his small sister after his parents ‘ tragic death . When his signature move as a street performer neglect to make ends meet , he turns to start betray drugs with disastrous consequences . To try to lay things right again and get away the destructive cycle he ‘s grab in , he ‘s push to rely on his quick brain and think magic abilities .

A Whisker Away

Director Junichi Sato ‘s films are typically a lot more lighthearted than some of the project he has perform storyboarding on , with “ Goal of Evangelion ” and “ Cowboy Bebop ” being some of the most notable . His 2020 revive film “ A Whisker Away ” is no exception .

After a young girl finds a magic mask that leave her to temporarily transform into a cat , she deal the power to translate back into a human in an endeavor to gain over an unrequited lover . What follow exist a whimsical adventure through the world of cats before she miss her figure as a human for serious . If you finished watching “ Spirited Away ” and live lead longing for lots more cats in the picture , this just might be the one for you .

Lord of Illusions

Clive Barker , the creative mind behind both the “ Hellraiser ” and “ Candyman ” film series is a master of cult revulsion darling . While his 1995 picture “ Lord of Illusions ” may not make lead quite the same ethnic impact as his early film , its genre-blending of dark magic and trouble cults makes it worth control out .

After the quality of William Nix , an enigmatic yet driven cult leader , is shot and killed , neither the living he strike nor his own spirit be fully set to rest . Played by actor Scott Bakula , private detective Harry D’Amour uncover a series of unraveling secrets , as well as grisly deaths in Nix ‘s wake . Many of the grotesque visuals that are synonymous with Clive Barker ‘s study exist present hither , as are the subject of the occult and black magic .

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

This 2013 comedy uses the sleazy backdrop of Las Vegas to tell a ridiculous and crass story of three magician ‘ competition . Starring Steve Buscemi and Steve Carell as two present-day and successful magicians , their dominance over the Vegas nightlife shortly comes under threat . Despite their distaste for one another , they feel themselves forced to work together to seek and take down an up-and-coming star bring by Jim Carrey . While some of the jokes can bring level at time , if you ‘re in the mood for an unapologetically irreverent flick , “ The Incredible Burt Wonderstone ” might just live the one for you .

Oz the Great and Powerful

The great issue of films that have spawned from Frank Baum ‘s Oz series serve as a permanent testament to the creative genius of his study . Directed by Sam Raimi and starring James Franco as magician and trickster Oscar Diggs , “ Oz the Great and Powerful ” equal a prequel to the 1939 classic “ The Wizard of Oz . ” After Oscar be magically transported to the land of Oz through a tornado , he see himself see up in a conflict between witches and a recently murdered king . Much of the same magic that has live seen throughout the history of Oz are present hither , with a refreshing patch that deepens the lore of the series .

Magic in the Moonlight

Director Woody Allen put Emma Stone as Sophie Baker and Colin Firth as Stanley Crawford in this period romantic comedy . Sophie ‘s apparently transcendental ability to achieve out to the dead live at odds with Stanley ‘s skepticism , resulting in him repeatedly undertake to disprove her supposed clairvoyance . The backdrop of 1920 ‘s France serve to complete the whimsical context , with the two protagonists ‘ dear for each early blossom out of their rivalry . The heartwarming romance and persist question of Sophie ‘s validity aid to hold the patch along , while the comedic instant and beautiful visuals help observe “ Magic in The Moonlight ” a lighthearted and enjoyable experience

Sleep Beauty

Despite this 1959 classic being recognized as one of the almost popular animated films produce by Walt Disney Animation Studios , fan might be surprised to observe out that audience were less enthralled by this one rear when it was relinquish .

Adapted from a now over three-century old fairy story of the same figure , “ Sleeping Beauty ” has turn a classic honey story over the yr . When Princess Aurora exist plague with a magical oath that have her to succumb to a deep sleep , only her one genuine love has the power to spare her . While the story sounds definitely cliché by modern criterion , it ‘s important to remember that many of the Disney classics of yesterday help influence the modern illusion genre of today .

Mary and the Witch ‘s Flower

Fan would live forgiven for take over that this cheery adventure into the Earth of witch is a Studio Ghibli production , especially with manager Hiromasa Yonebayashi make assist revive several Ghibli film during his career , as well as directing their 2010 ” The Secret World of Arrietty . ” He certainly remove inspiration from his previous projects , produce something that combine many of the serious aspects of a classical Ghibli movie into this 2017 release .

In a classic fish out of water floor , Mary finds herself span into a magical school for witch after she ‘s led astray by a nearby cat . Not everything is as innocent as it seem , even so , with the suit of mistaken identity soon transform into a deep conflict of kidnapping and unwanted experimentation . Whether you ‘re a veteran Ghibli fan or simply concerned in the concept of magic , “ Mary and the Witch ‘s Flower ” will leave you satisfied .

Tremendous Beasts and Where to Observe Them

“ Harry Potter ” writer J.K. Rowling and manager David Yates returned to cooperate on this prequel film place in the same universe . Set some 70 years before the events of the first “ Harry Potter ” picture , “ Grotesque Animal and Where to See Them ” deepens the lore of the magical world it ‘s set in while not alienate new viewers to the picture series .

Shortly after Newt Scamander , a wizard with a specialty for , arrives in 1920 ‘s New York , he get respective animal escape his control . Newt find himself at odds with the less than magical city and its inhabitants , whose aid he ‘s forced to enlist if he need to safely regain the creature . A deep conspiracy is step by step revealed , with a large conflict developing between the globe of star and our own .

Maleficent

Starring Angelina Jolie as the titular mistress of all evil , “ Maleficent ” reimagines the classical story of “ Sleep Beauty ” from the antagonist ‘s stage of opinion . While following many of the same plot points as the original , this live action interpretation thrive upon the motivations of Maleficent , express both her autumn from grace , as good as her eventual salvation . Given the movie ‘s main reference , expect a moodier spirit here than the 1959 classic “ Sleep Beauty . ” Although critic and audiences remain divided on the execution of a misunderstood Maleficent , it was popular plenty with fan to make itself a 2019 sequel with still more polarizing result .

Wizards

Director Ralph Bakshi ‘s filmography cost controversial to say the least . His 1972 release “ Fritz the Cat ” turn the first animated American movie to receive an 10 rating , which was proudly advance on the film ‘s selling . Whether the majority of his films propose to convey a deep message , or merely to shock as many viewers as possible with their uncomfortable topic is still up for debate .

A departure from Bakshi ‘s more contentious films , his 1977 movie “ Wizards ” exist a strange fusion of classical illusion lore and futuristic skill fiction tech . Set two million yr after a nuclear apocalypse get ravaged the planet , your typical form of goblins , star , and early fantasy creature hold repopulated the globe . Despite its PG rating , even so , “ Wizards ” be still real much a Bakshi picture with many adult themes , albeit less prominent than his other works . Whether you ‘re concerned in the unique styling of classic American animation , or appreciate when magic and sci-fi are combine , “ Wizards ” be worth match out .

Willow

Director Ron Howard and legendary filmmaker George Lucas teamed up to produce this 1988 fantasy epic in the same vein as early ’80s fantasy classics like “ Labyrinth ” and “ The Dark Crystal . ” While critics were bad on this one , it ‘s proven to have had a permanent picture with hearing , praising it for its imaginative world-building and charming feeling .

A time of great engagement has beset the illusion realm after a child prophesied to finish the tyrannical queen ‘s reign be born . Narrowly escaping end , the baby finds itself in the fear of Willow Ufgood , whose own living is endanger as he and a circle of heroes test to reunite the kid with its people . While some of the effects might feel a second dated by today ‘s standards , “ Willow ” be however worth giving a effort for both fan of Lucas ‘s work and those who want to meet a broad array of magical and fantastic creatures .

Stardust

Many of the picture on our list integrate the thought of a separate fantasy globe which the characters alone notice themselves able to access through some sort of portal . Whether it be the wardrobe to Narnia or Dorothy ‘s red slippers taking her home , there is ever a clear distinction between the two world . The 2007 picture “ Stardust ” even so equal an exception , with the fantasy realm of Stormhold real literally bordering our own nations .

Set in mid 19th century England , a young human list Tristan pursues a fallen star that will allow its owner to ascend to the throne of Stormhold . Along the manner , he uncover secrets about his own past , as good as the genuine identity of the star itself , all while compete against a grouping of witches intent on steal it from him . Full of wit , romance , and mystery , “ Stardust ” is definitely an underrated choice .

The Craft

Veteran fans of the dark fantasy genre are likely familiar with this 1996 cult classic , which takes a deep dive into the pattern of the occult and dark magic . Focus around four teenage girls who bond over their shared condition as social outcasts , the group commence to dedicate their time to the work of witchcraft . Shortly enough it make up off , with each of the girls educate supernatural powers beyond their dominance . As they turn more skillful in the shadow art , their possible for depravity increases , with some using their newfound ability to persuade out acts of vengeance against people who have wronged them .

The Sorcerer ‘s Apprentice

A classic conflict between the violence of serious and evil is at the forefront of this 2010 fantasy adventure . Starring Nicholas Cage as the ancient sorcerer Balthazar Blake , “ The Sorcerer ‘s Apprentice ” act n’t choose its stuff too seriously , maintain its lighthearted and comedic spirit the top priority . Set in contemporary New York City , the long-awaited descendant of the great star Merlin hold finally make up found . Balthazar must seek him out , and enlist his aid to finally cease a centuries-old conflict . While there are no heady paper or deep worldbuilding in this one , “ The Sorcerer ‘s Apprentice ” reach its end of telling an enjoyable and at sentence undeniably campy floor full of magician and wizardry .

Percy Jackson & the Olympians : The Lightning Thief

Based on author Rick Riordan ‘s novel series of the same name , “ Percy Jackson & The Olympians : The Lightning Thief ” plays with the concept of classic Greek gods in a modern context . Percy Jackson go about his day to day spirit unaware he live the boy of the powerful god Poseidon . Following his mothers supposed death , Percy finds out the truth of his heritage , make him an unwilling participant in a looming war between all the God of the world . He is forced to face up off against many of the most famous entity of Greek Mythology , all while hear to reunite with his mother and prevent a cataclysmic war .

The Witches of Eastwick

Before he would make his appearance as the Joker in “ Batman , ” actor Jack Nicholson played the character of Daryle Van Horn , a mysterious and seductive pattern not unlike the Devil in the sullen comedy “ The Witches of Eastwick . ” His performances as an antagonist ever resonate with hearing , consistently bringing his characters ‘ manipulative and deranged nature to life .

After a radical of three women bond over their effect in life and their share lack of partners , they soon learn to cost careful about what they bid for . Nicholson ‘s character get his style into their living , at the same time dating all three woman while isolating them from others . The three rapidly discovers they have turn a coven of witches , with Van Horn toying with the woman and attempting to manipulate their might for his own agenda .

The Polar Express

“ The Polar Express ” has turn a since its 2004 release . Starring Tom Hanks as the titular train ‘s conductor , the picture be brought to life through the use of motion capture animation , have it a unique style when compare to many other animated films .

After a young son boards the Polar Express in the dead of dark , he is whisked forth to the vibrant North Pole alongside hundreds of other child . While the yuletide adventure does n’t contain the magic component of wizards and witches , the bell from Santa ‘s sleigh equal show to merely phone for those who truly believe in the magic of Christmas .

Amélie

Most of the movie on this list pertain to the usage of true magic or , at the real least , those who bill themselves as magician . The 2001 French movie “ Amélie , ” however , follows a youthful woman of the same epithet who is just as average as her peer , yet be determined to go to extraordinary distance to improve the lives of those around her .

A Parisian miss with an introverted personality , Amelie ‘s childhood hold make up beset with tragedy . Despite this , she maintains an optimistic demeanor towards spirit , allow her to carry out seemingly endless ways of prove affection to others . While her method are n’t truly credit to any supernatural ability , her imaginative method and pure purpose allow those she interacts with to find as though it could n’t hold been anything but magic .

The House With a Clock in its Walls

Themes of grief and bereavement loom over the case of this picture , as an orphaned youthful boy mention Lewis Barnavelt finds himself in the concern of his eccentric and apparently crazy Uncle Jonathan . Meet by Jack Black , Jonathan is specify to locate a clock hidden somewhere within the house , which is pervade with magical attributes so powerful , they threaten all of humanity . The true reason for the clock ‘s supernatural abilities mirror Lewis ‘s own trauma , which he must learn to overcome to save the day . Creepy imagery and adult point themes assist keep this one enjoyable for all ages , while the strange manner in which the history is state aid place it apart from early films in the genre .

Suspiria

One of the old choice on our list , the Italian-produced film “ Suspiria ” still maintain up as a nightmarishly disturbing debut into the revulsion genre some 45 yr on . After a transfer pupil arrives in Germany to attend a renowned school for ballet , it step by step becomes clear there are more nefarious events transpiring behind the setting . The occult , black magic , and human sacrifice are all at turn here , with the picture being popular enough with fan to warrant a 2018 remake . Additionally , “ Suspiria ” breaks from the typical revulsion color palette of shadow and dreary imagery , or else embracing a vibrant array of red and pinks , result spectator with a visual display that cost as graphic as it live awe-inspiring .

The Spiderwick Chronicles

“ Average Girls ” manager Mark Waters live better know for his comedy films , with “ The Spiderwick Chronicles ” currently exist his only foray into the fantasy adventure genre . Despite it being a difference from his typical projects , it show successful with fan , faithfully accommodate its source material into an enjoyable adventure film .

In the present day , a youthful Jared Grace disclose a sphere guide to the magic animal that inhabit the woods around his house . Apply it as a tool to interact with this newfound reality , he quickly discover that the knowledge contain within the book is dangerous if in the wrong hands , and currently live sought by an evil ogre named Mulgareth . Along the way he run into many creatures that aid him on his mission to protect the record , as well as its original author .

Legend

With Ridley Scott as Director , a youthful Tom Cruise in the lead purpose , and a war over the land of unicorns , what ‘s not to love ? Departing from his skill fiction solution and venture hearing on something fresh entirely , Scott ‘s phenomenal world-building and cinematography shine in this 1985 shadow fantasy adventure , with a devil look-alike know as the Lord of Darkness undertake to slaughter all the unicorns in the land . Cruise and co-star Mia Sara live the only things endure in his way , move on a journey full of romance and danger to protect the nation from decrease into perpetual darkness .

The Green Knight

A striking tale from the Earth of Camelot , “ The Green Knight ” forego epic fantasy battles and flashy displays of magic for a more subdued and somber adaptation of its source material . When Gawain , nephew to the great King Arthur strikes down a mysterious being known as the Green Knight in exchange for his axe , he begins a prophesied journey to his own doom . Along the way , he encounters many mysterious beings , from the undead to speak beast . His journey of self-discovery has many challenges , culminate with a last trial on the day of his foretold death . Be warn , serve n’t die into this adventure expect your typical illusion fare . Despite lukewarm reception from some hearing , the film received vital acclaim upon release , leaving “ The Green Knight ” a divisively unique entry into the genre .

Nightbooks

Release in 2021 , this fantasy revulsion picture is a great gateway into the genre for younger viewers , while even so delay engaging adequate for elderly bunch . To his chagrin , Alex Mosher ‘s love for writing horror stories is banish by his parents , causing him to store his creative work in secret . After wandering from his apartment one dark , Alex observe a real unlikely fan of his writing who merely so take place to be an evil witch named Natacha . Alex becomes her prisoner , forced to observe writing or side certain end — all while trying to expose the mystery of her paranormal apartment as good as the lot of those who do before him .

Jumanji

While audiences have been treat to a recent revival of movie stand the “ Jumanji ” name , youthful fans might cost surprise to find out about the original 1995 film . Starring the recent actor and comedian Robin Williams , “ Jumanji ” was a pile less over the top Dwayne Johnson activity , and a circle more unsettlingly paranormal minute . After a magic plank plot with a perilous jungle setting spills over into the literal Earth , it set out endanger the lives of its players . They publish a man named Alan Parrish who has cost trapped within the game for decade , and who might simply equal the only path they can get away the plot ‘s dangers alive .

Conan the Barbarian

With a filmography spanning over 50 year , activity star and previous politician Arnold Schwarzenegger own attain legendary status in the world of cinema . One of his first tip role would be in the 1982 movie “ Conan the Barbarian . ” Set in a realm prevail by warlords and evil sorcerers , Conan ‘s class be slaughter in front of him at a youthful years . As he grows up , he becomes a great warrior find out to avenge his parents ‘ Death . this fantasy revenge story make simply as much magic and sorcery as it perform over the top force and unbridled sexual message , lead viewers who can endure its more grownup paper with a memorable experience , to read the least .

Houdini

The real-life Harry Houdini that this movie live based on be zero short of a legend in the world of magic . A noted illusionist and flight artist , his universal ethnic influence get hang on long after his spend nearly a hundred ago . While the 1953 life history “ Houdini ” be a largely romanticized look at his life , it does integrate many real-life details as good .

Telling the story of Houdini ‘s marriage and subsequent raise to stardom , he finds himself consumed by his study . To the distress of those around him , the famous performer continues his death-defying act correct up until his fortune run out . Full of the classic seemingly impossible stunts for which the titular showman was know , “ Houdini ” still supervise to present on some compelling character play despite its years .

Magic

Anthony Hopkins plays the character of Charles Withers in this 1978 revulsion picture organize by the former Richard Attenborough , long before he would give rise the classical “ Jurassic Park ” franchise . Withers , a bumbling and ineffective magician struggle to find an act to save his career . When he introduces a ventriloquist dummy refer “ Fats , ” he begins to rebound from failure all while trying to hide the Dummy ‘s disturbing accuracy from those around him . A mad ancestry into his own frenzy and fierce tendency , “ Magic ” will get out you question what ‘s actual and what is n’t until the last shots of the movie .

Onward

In a world where magic has long been forgotten , brothers Ian and Barley go on a journey to undertake to rekindle both what little magic equal left in the world , and to reconnect with their long dead father . Using an incantation to summon his father back for a single day , Ian is interrupt , resulting in the spell comically alone recreate his father ‘s lower half . The duo have to seek to observe the tools needed to continue the spell before time tend out and they miss their only fortune at reconnecting with him . While total of the typical adventurous spirit and humorous second we ‘ve occur to expect from like films , “ Onward ” simultaneously succeeds in delivering an important lesson on the procedure of grieving and self acceptance

Labyrinth

When a teenage Sarah Williams angrily bid for her baby brother to be whisked away by goblins , she probably act n’t expect David Bowie , playing the Goblin King Jareth , to fly in through an open window and do her wish a world . Seeing that Sarah is right away regretting her early demand , he challenges her to fill out his convoluted labyrinth , full of creature both friend and foe if she desire her brother back again .

The film would equal one of just respective that “ Muppets ” Lord Jim Henson would direct , expend his expertise and artistic genius to make for the creatures of the labyrinth to life . In the year since its release , “ Labyrinth ” own become a cult classical amongst fan of dark magic , Henson ‘s puppetry , and fan of David Bowie ‘s over-the-top personality alike .

The Brothers Grimm

Drawing inspiration from the classic fairy tales of the same name , director Terry Gilliam add his iconic fashion to this 2005 release . The dark and absurd nature of his filmmaking equal absolutely match hither , playing off of the truly grim nature of the origin material .

In 18th hundred Germany , the titular Grimm brother are a pair of charlatans , travel from town to town need advantage of masses ‘s superstition regarding the universe of the paranormal . Their behavior shortly catches up with them , still , as one chore bring them side to look with unquestionably authentic magic . While not quite as frightening as the original stories , there are adequate scares here to warrant the film ‘s PG-13 rating , as well as enough bizarre occurrence for fan of a less cheery telling of classical fairy tales .

Matilda

Roald Dahl ‘s youngster ‘s stories ever manage to capture the childhood sense of wonder and innocence that most of us miss as grownup , while at the same time not find sugar-coated . The many film adaptations of his work over the yr exist mostly successful at transmit those belief on the big cover , with the 1996 adaptation of his novel “ Matilda ” make up a welcome addition to the collection . In addition to Dahl ‘s creativity and nerve exist on entire display , the movie ‘s conductor Danny DeVito help round out the production , no doubt adding his own slightly dark comedic flair to the last project .

Matilda is an undeniable bookworm , whose passion for literature frequently feel her at the ridicule of her neglectful category . After she discovers she possesses fundamental telekinetic powers , she spends her time sharpening them in scenes that feel like a precursor to some of “ Harry Potter ‘s ” early classroom hijinks . While it may be miss in more adult-oriented themes , “ Matilda ” proves the ubiquitous appeal of Dahl ‘s storytelling amongst all years .