Top 20 Movies That Make You Believe in Magic

Some films do more than entertain. They whisk you into worlds where spells feel real, wishes carry weight, and the impossible looks just a step away. From classic adventures to modern animated wonders, these movies use folklore, fairy tales, and a touch of the supernatural to spark genuine awe. Here are twenty that open the door to wonder and let you walk right through.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)

Judy Garland stars as Dorothy, a Kansas girl who is swept to the Land of Oz by a cyclone. The story follows her journey along the Yellow Brick Road with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion as they seek the Wizard’s help. The film is known for its Technicolor transition and songs like Over the Rainbow. It became a cultural touchstone and is preserved in the National Film Registry for its historical significance.

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

This adventure follows Westley and Buttercup through a kingdom of sword fights, miracles, and true love. The story is framed as a grandfather reading a book to his grandson, which allows witty asides and a playful tone. Notable characters include Inigo Montoya and Fezzik, who aid Westley on his quest. The film blends fantasy with humor and has become a widely quoted favorite.

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (2001)

The film introduces Harry as he discovers he is a wizard and begins school at Hogwarts. Audiences meet key figures like Hermione, Ron, and Professor Dumbledore, along with the rules of Quidditch and the houses. The plot centers on a mysterious stone that grants immortality and the dark wizard who seeks it. It launched a major franchise and established the visual language of its magical world.

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

Chihiro stumbles into a spirit realm where her parents are transformed and she must work at a bathhouse for gods. Guided by Haku and watched by characters like Yubaba and No Face, she learns the value of names and courage. The animation showcases hand drawn detail and lush world building. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and is often cited as a landmark in animation.

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

Set in postwar Spain, the story follows Ofelia as she meets a faun who gives her three dangerous tasks. The film weaves a dark fairy tale with historical drama, contrasting mythical creatures with harsh real world violence. Practical effects and detailed makeup bring beings like the Pale Man to life. It earned multiple Academy Awards for cinematography, art direction, and makeup.

‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)

Julie Andrews plays a magical nanny who arrives at the Banks home to mend a family through music and wonder. Scenes blend live action and animation, including a chalk drawing outing and a rooftop dance with chimney sweeps. The soundtrack features songs by the Sherman Brothers that became standards. The film won multiple Oscars including Best Actress for Julie Andrews.

‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ (2005)

Four siblings step through a wardrobe into Narnia and join a struggle against the White Witch. The lion Aslan represents hope and sacrifice in a world of fauns, centaurs, and talking animals. Large scale battles and wintry landscapes showcase extensive visual effects. The movie adapts the first published book of the series and reached a wide family audience worldwide.

‘Stardust’ (2007)

A young man crosses a wall into a magical kingdom to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved and finds the star is a person. He encounters sky pirates, witches seeking eternal youth, and royal heirs in a contest for a throne. The cast includes Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro. It adapts Neil Gaiman’s novel and mixes romance with swashbuckling adventure.

‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ (1989)

Kiki is a young witch who moves to a seaside city to train and starts a courier service using her broom. The film explores independence, burnout, and creative confidence through gentle everyday magic. Cityscapes and food details add warmth and texture to the world. It remains a beloved coming of age story from Studio Ghibli.

‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004)

Sophie is cursed by a witch and seeks help from the wizard Howl, whose home is a walking castle powered by a fire demon named Calcifer. The film examines identity and the toll of war while presenting whimsical transformations. Handcrafted animation creates intricate machinery and sweeping landscapes. It is adapted from Diana Wynne Jones’s novel and features a celebrated musical score by Joe Hisaishi.

‘Coco’ (2017)

Miguel dreams of music and crosses into the Land of the Dead during Día de Muertos. With the help of Hector, he searches for his family’s past and the truth behind a famous musician. The film highlights Mexican traditions through marigold bridges, alebrijes, and ofrendas. It won Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

‘The NeverEnding Story’ (1984)

A boy discovers a book that draws him into the realm of Fantasia, which is being consumed by the Nothing. He meets Atreyu and the luckdragon Falkor in a quest to save the Childlike Empress. Practical creature effects and large sets create a tactile fantasy world. The narrative blurs the line between reader and story in a memorable way.

‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Two rival magicians push their craft to dangerous extremes as they try to outdo each other. The plot unfolds through journals and shifting perspectives, revealing secrets behind elaborate illusions. Cast members include Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, and Michael Caine. The film examines obsession and the boundary between stagecraft and the inexplicable.

‘The Illusionist’ (2006)

Eisenheim is a magician in Vienna who uses his skills to challenge authority and reunite with a lost love. The narrative features detailed stage acts, including apparent spirit manifestations. Paul Giamatti plays the inspector who pursues the truth behind the performances. The film uses warm period cinematography to evoke a bygone era of magic.

‘Enchanted’ (2007)

A fairy tale princess is sent from an animated kingdom to modern New York City. She navigates real world problems while retaining songs, animal helpers, and a hopeful outlook. Amy Adams leads the cast with Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, and Idina Menzel. The story plays with classic tropes and blends animation with live action sequences.

‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)

A writer on vacation finds himself traveling back each night to meet artists of a past era. He encounters figures like Hemingway and Picasso in a romanticized version of the city. The film uses time slips to explore nostalgia and creative fulfillment. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

‘The Green Mile’ (1999)

Set on a prison death row, the story centers on a guard who witnesses unexplained healing powers in an inmate. Performances by Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan anchor the emotional core. The narrative raises questions about justice, mercy, and the miraculous. It adapts a Stephen King serial novel and received multiple Oscar nominations.

‘Big’ (1988)

After making a wish at a fortune teller machine, a boy wakes up in an adult body. He lands a job at a toy company where his childlike insight becomes an asset. Tom Hanks delivers a breakout performance, including the famous piano scene. The movie explores identity and the costs of growing up too fast.

‘The Secret of Kells’ (2009)

In a remote abbey, a boy named Brendan helps illuminate a legendary book while facing threats from raiders and the forest. The film’s visual style draws on Celtic art with bold shapes and intricate patterns. Mythic figures like Aisling and Crom Cruach appear as part of Brendan’s trials. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

‘Practical Magic’ (1998)

Sisters Sally and Gillian Owens come from a long line of witches and deal with a family curse that affects their love lives. The story mixes small town life with spellwork, potions, and a tight knit circle of women. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman lead a cast that includes Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest. The film explores family bonds and the responsibility that comes with inherited gifts.

Share your favorite magical movies in the comments and tell us which moments made you believe the most.