Magic on screen has always held a special kind of power. Even though we know it's all tricks, camera angles, and clever illusions, watching characters bend reality using stagecraft, sorcery, or psychological misdirection is very entertaining. That's part of the reason audiences continue gravitating toward these stories. But magic-themed don't always fit into a one neat little genre box.
Some of them explore obsession and sacrifice, while others favor fantasy, complete with ancient spellbooks and apprentices. And a few take a comedic route, showing how spectacularly wrong things can go when egos, rivalry, or real supernatural forces get involved. That's what makes the movies on this list, which can be found on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, so much fun. Here are the six best movies about magic to watch now.
Practical Magic (1998)
Practical Magic follows sisters Sally and Gillian Owens (played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, respectively) as they navigate love, loss, and a generations-old curse while trying to live ordinary lives. Their bond is tested when they are forced to confront a dark force that threatens the safety of their entire family. It's best described as a quintessential "magic with heart" film.
While it doesn't have the mind-bending intrigue of other magic-themed films, Practical Magic excels at highlighting the personal cost that comes with inheriting supernatural abilities. It's a breezy, emotional story that will especially appeal to fans of witchy dramas like The Craft (1996), and anyone who loves stories shaped by family bonds, with a touch of bittersweet humor.
The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige is arguably the purest exploration of magic as obsession. The story follows two rival magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), who spiral into obsession as they compete to engineer the perfect illusion. Each twist pushes them deeper into sacrifice, secrecy, and the personal cost of greatness.
Prestige is less about the magic and more about interrogating the psychology behind illusionists. That makes it ideal for viewers who prefer darker storytelling found in films like The Illusionist (2006) and people who enjoy dissecting character flaws as much as plot mechanics. Some viewers may find its bleakness a bit tedious. But it makes for a thoughtful counterpoint to lighter entries in the magic genre.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice follows the heir of Merlin, Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), who is pulled into a centuries-old magical battle by an eccentric sorcerer known as Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage). With guidance and chaos in equal measure, Dave slowly learns to wield his newfound powers before darkness takes over.
The film follows a classic mentor-apprentice setup, and its modern New York City setting grounds the magical elements in a way that feels inviting rather than overwhelming. The Sorcerer's Apprentice embraces a joyful, almost retro energy that makes it easy to watch. It's ideal for younger viewers or anyone who loved the 2019 adventure film, The Kid Who Would Be King.
Now You See Me (2013)
Now You See Me is one of the rare magic-centric films that feels both modern and unapologetically showy. The story follows J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), a team of charismatic illusionists known as The Four Horsemen, who use their magic shows to carry out high-profile heists.
As the FBI closes in, the group manages to stay one step ahead, turning every trick into a spectacle with purpose. Instead of only focusing on traditional stage performances, Now You See Me reimagines magic as a tool to venture into heist thriller territory. The best way to describe it would be Ocean's Eleven (2001), but with illusionists. It's perfect for viewers who love ensemble mysteries with moving parts.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)
Magic movies tend to lean either dramatic or fantastical, but The Incredible Burt Wonderstone brings satire to the genre. The story follows Las Vegas magician Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) as he struggles to reclaim his spotlight, with the help of his former partner Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi), when a super outrageous street performer, Steve Gray (Jim Carrey), steals his fame.
This comedy affectionately pokes fun at the Las Vegas magic scene, highlighting the absurdity of rival entertainers who take themselves far too seriously. Carell's washed-up magician and Carrey's extreme street-magic rival capture two sides of entertainment culture that still resonate. It's the perfect choice for viewers who enjoy character-driven humor and showbiz commentary like 2014's Birdman.
Sleight (2016)
Sleight follows street magician Bashir "Bo" Wolfe (Jacob Latimore), who turns to criminal work to support his younger sister, only to get trapped in dangerous territory. His ingenuity becomes his lifeline as he uses magical illusions mixed with do-it-yourself sci-fi tech to survive. Essentially a coming-of-age crime story, the movie offers a fresh, low-budget take on what magic can mean on screen.
Viewers who appreciate indie filmmaking and character-driven stories will find a lot to love in Sleight. The film's emphasis on resourcefulness, responsibility, and survival makes it an easy watch for anyone curious about grounded superhero-adjacent storytelling. It's a very niche concept like 2022's Emily the Criminal. But that uniqueness also makes it a standout.
