16 best magical fantasy movies to watch at home

Is that possible? There’s magic brimming in the air. It’s not surprising, considering that Fantastic Beasts in The Secrets of DumbledoreThe third film in the Fantastic Beast movie series, “The Third” is out in cinemas this weekend. It’s been over 20 years since Chris Columbus first brought J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World to the silver screen, and since then audiences worldwide have only become more infatuated with flights of fantasy and magic.

Besides the likes of The Boy Who Lived and Albus Dumbledore, there’s a plethora of iconic wizards, warlocks, and witches to choose from in cinema — from the sagely presence of Gandalf the Grey/White in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the MCU’s Scarlet Witch and Doctor Strange (he’s a sorcerer) to the eponymous spellcasters of 1939’s The Wizard of Oz and Nicolas Roeg’s The Witches. With that in mind, we’ve conjured a list of some of our favorite magical fantasy films and broke down just what exactly makes them so captivating, entertaining, and … well, magical!

Do you read carefully? You can watch 16 amazing wizard, witch and warlock movies from the comfort of your own home.

Bedknobs, Broomsticks

Walt Disney Pictures

Here’s what it looks like: 1971’s Bedknobs, BroomsticksThe first Disney movie that was made when Disney had trouble obtaining the rights. Mary Poppins. The film shares the same director, composers and structural elements as the Disney classic, so it almost got Julie Andrews to play the leading role. Andrews refused, so we cast Angela Lansbury in the role of Eglantine Price (a prickly spinster who is caring for three siblings she has unexpectedly lost).

It’s a magical connection Miss Price is currently taking witchcraft classes via correspondence. Her efforts to entertain children are largely based on a series fanciful adventures aboard an enchanted travelling bed frame.

You should pay attention:You would expect this from the younger sibling to a type A character such as Mary Poppins. Bedknobs, BroomsticksIt is even more bizarre. Its whimsy contrasts with its dire historical circumstances: Our child trio has been evacuated from London to escape the dangers of the Blitz, and Miss Price wants to learn magic to aid in Britain’s home defense against the Axis threat. In the movie’s comedic and dramatic climax, Miss Price brings the local museum’s stock of historical suits of armor to life and leads them into battle against a U-boat’s worth of Nazi marines as she rides sidesaddle on a broomstick decorated with the Union Jack. —Susana Polo

What to Watch: Bedknobs, BroomsticksDisney Plus is streaming

Constantine

Warner Bros. Pictures

Here’s what it looks like: This 2005 supernatural thriller noir is an adaptation from John Constantine’s DC Comics character. It stars Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz as well as Tilda Swainton, who plays Gabriel. There are many things to love about this movie. Constantine This classic detective thriller is hardboiled and filtered through the conflict between Heaven and Hell.

It’s a magical connection Reeves’ Constantine is an exorcist who can communicate with angels and demons. That puts him squarely in the “warlock” category.

You should pay attention: Reeves is his usual handsome, brooding self as the ultra-cynical John Constantine; it’s a perfect match of character and actor. It’s funny with its bizarre premise and hilarious visual gags, as well as impressive effects work that still stands nearly twenty years later. The movie is exactly what the title suggests: Viewers who are intrigued by the idea of a supernatural noir detective film will have fun. —Pete Volk

What to Watch: ConstantineYou can stream for free on Tubi with advertisements

Ella Enchanted

Image by Miramax Films

Here’s what it looks like: The 2005 Anne Hathaway-led adaptation of the children’s classic tells the story of Ella, who is cursed, at birth, to follow any order another has given her. To reverse this curse, she sets out to discover the fairy godmother.

It’s a magical connection The movie reinvents the fairy godmother trope as something funny and dark. The world is full of magic from talking books to witches and elves,

You should pay attention: The movie is filled with everything: Adventure, romance, action, dancing, villain stepsisters and even a Heidi Klum appearance. Most importantly, it’s a coming-of-age story about a young woman learning to live for herself. —Nicole Clark

What to Watch: Ella EnchantedIt is streaming on HBO Max

Fantasia

Image: Walt Disney Productions

Here’s what it looks like: Disney’s 1940 anthology masterpiece, made up of eight sequences from dancing hippos to a literal demon. Classical music is used to accompany the pieces, including some by Leopold Stokowski (respected conductor). The Nutcracker Suite (Works by Stravinsky, Beethoven, Bach)

It’s a magical connection It’s right there, in the picture. Mickey is sporting a wizard hat. You don’t need anything more.

You should pay attention: It’s been more than 80 years since then. Fantasia still stands as a high mark in the history of Disney’s productions, and has come to influence countless movies (both animated and live action) in the decades since its release. It is both a joy for the eyes and an example of what cinema can be when it doesn’t have to follow conventional plotting. —PV

What to Watch: FantasiaDisney Plus is streaming

Halloweentown

Image: Walt Disney Television

Here’s what it looks like: The family of a young girl learns they descend from a line of witches. A group of siblings is transported to Halloweentown. This alternate dimension allows supernatural creatures from every plane of existence to coexist harmoniously.

It’s a magical connection Was ist das? isn’t Amazing about Halloweentown? There’s ghosts and ghouls, witches and warlocks, goblins and werewolves all running around and getting up to all sorts of mischief. There’s a wisecracking skeleton that drives a taxi cab, a giant jack-o’-lantern in the town’s square, flying broomsticks, a Willy Wonka-looking Mayor pulling a lollipop out of his ear — need I go on?

You should pay attention: Since everything thereafter is just a continuation of the same story, Halloweentown’s first movie really stands out. Sure, one wouldn’t necessarily expect that a 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie ages well, but HalloweentownIt has stood the test of time. Debbie Reynolds is wonderful as the kids’ estranged grandmother Aggie, as is Kimberly J. Brown plays Marnie, the precocious apprentice witch. If you’re looking for a fun holiday-themed children’s movie with eccentric characters, colorful sets, and some spooky-but-not-too-spooky thrills, HalloweentownYou are sure to have a great time. —TE

What to Watch: HalloweentownDisney Plus is streaming

Howl’s Moving Castle

Image: Studio Ghibli

Here’s what it looks like: Howl’s Moving Castle comes from Studio Ghibli and is a (very) loose adaptation of Diane Wynne Jones’ novel of the same name.

It’s a magical connection He is a wizard who controls his own castle. His role is to cast spells and train an apprentice, who also studies the arcane art.

You should pay attention: There’s a hot wizard. That’s enough. OK — to elaborate, Howl’s Moving CastleThis is the story of two people learning and growing from each other. It’s about a young girl who gains confidence, and about a wizard who takes action. It’s full of gorgeous landscapes, whirring steampunk contraptions, and a wistful feeling of yearning for something you’re not quite sure you want. Calcifer is also a cute wisecracker to mention. —Petrana Radulovic

What to Watch: Howl’s Moving CastleMax is available for streaming

Hocus Pocus

Buena Vista Pictures

Here’s what it looks like: Three child-eating witches are summoned by a teenage boy on Halloween night. He must stop them from becoming immortal.

It’s a magical connection There are also child-eating witches. If that’s not enough, there’s a 17th century boy imprisoned in the body of a cat and spell books that conjure all sorts of nonsense into existence.

You should pay attention: Hocus PocusThis is an excellent horror-lite masterpiece that’s kid-friendly and comparable to GremlinsThis book is endlessly quoteable, packed with imagery and performances that are still memorable nearly thirty years later. Bette Midler (Kathy Najimy) and Sarah Jessica Parker make up the famous comedy trio, playing the Sanderson siblings, who are both as menacingly ridiculous as they are hilarious. Hocus Pocus should be seen before its long-awaited sequel. —TE

What to Watch: Hocus PocusDisney Plus streaming available

The Illusionist

Image by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Here’s what it looks like: This magical romance mystery is about a magician. It is both about magic and illusions.

It’s a magical connection It is the core of the movie’s story that the question about whether the film can be included on a magic-doer checklist will arise. Each character is trying to understand how Eisenheim, the Illusionist (played by an elegant but authoritative Edward Norton), performs so many amazing feats of magic. His performances even threaten to destabilize the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, so they’ve got to be real… Right?

Why it is important to watch: It’s easy to recommend The IllusionistIt is worth it for its satisfying mystery tale. Paul Giamatti’s Detective Inspector Uhl does an excellent job guiding the audience through the story, and the love triangle between Eisenheim, Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), and Sophie (Jessia Biel) provides ample drama. But the magic is in The IllusionistIt is the way it interweaves its captivating story with cinema’s concept. The film’s grainy, sepia-tinted colors and blurry edges hint at the early days of motion pictures, when the technology was so new that unaccustomed viewers ran frightened at the image of an oncoming train. These aesthetic references aside, the film asks cinematic questions deeper into how art can transform from a work of craft and what it means that we are able to suspend our belief. It is truly movie magic. —Clayton Ashley

What to Watch:Streaming available on Peacock. Tubi. Vudu. Pluto. Crackle.

Kiki’s Delivery Service

Image: Studio Ghibli

Here’s what it looks like: Studio Ghibli’s fourth feature film follows the plucky protagonist, Kiki, on a rite-of-passage trip for young witches. Kiki arrives in town to find a place by setting up a flying service that will transport her from one bakery to another.

It’s a magical connection Film weaves magic into urban life. It takes fantastical themes and makes them seem like a slice of everyday life.

You should pay attention: The film’s lovable cast of characters and wholesome story make it a great watch for any age. It also captures the lonely place between growing up and independence. —NC

What to Watch: Kiki’s Delivery ServiceMax is available for streaming

Mary Poppins

Image: Walt Disney Pictures

Here’s what it looks like: It’s Mary Poppins! Julie Andrews, in her feature film debut as a musical fantasy star, stars in this classic movie! The magical nanny that takes care of the London families is Julie Andrews.

It’s a magical connection She’s Mary Poppins! Although she is not a wizard, witch or warlock, it’s clear that her identity fits the description. Poppins has the ability to fly, communicate with animals and teleport. The case closed.

You should pay attention: She’s practically perfect in every way! Her legacy is Mary Poppins It lives on in misguided sequels. With charming performances by Andrews Dick Van Dyke and an air of wonder that pervades the whole movie, it’s a spoonful of sugar and The medicine that can be used to treat any condition in the world. —PV

What to Watch: Mary PoppinsDisney Plus is streaming

Practical Magic

Warner Home Video

Here’s what it looks like: The enchanting fantasy romance rom-com features Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters who are trying to reverse the past. Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest can help you overcome a family curseAmerican Werewolf in London alum Griffin Dunne directs.

It’s a magical connection Gillian Owens and Sally Bullock (Kidman) belong to a group of witches. Their aunts are played by Channing (and Wiest), who took care of them after their mother’s death. This sounds perfect, even if it’s not the real thing. But Sally and Gillian are still struggling to accept their talents and to live with the curse of the Owens family: Any Owens woman who loves a man dies prematurely. (If that’s not enough, a witch actually put a curse on the production.)

You should pay attention: Practical MagicThis is something that looks a lot like a 30something. The CraftYou will love the dark humor and turns, as well as its love spells and budding covens. But there’s also a compelling family drama at its core: Bullock and Kidman are a real fire-and-water combination, yet are still believable as sisters. And Wiest and Channing are the fairy—er, witchy—godmothers of our dreams. —Danette Chavez

What to Watch: Practical MagicHulu streams live streaming

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Image: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

Here’s what it looks like: Jay Baruchel, Nicolas Cage and the evil forces battle in this action-fantasy concoction. It was directed by Jon Turteltaub from the National Treasure franchise.

It’s a magical connection It’s kind of laid out in the title — there’s a sorcerer named Balthazar (Cage) and his reluctant apprentice Dave (Baruchel), who’d rather be playing with his Tesla coils and romancing his childhood crush Becky (Teresa Palmer) than waging war against a bunch of other occult beings. But when things get grim (this is a pun you’ll appreciate more if you take our recommendation), Dave steps up and into the “old man shoes” that are part of his new magical uniform.

You should pay attention: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is as sweet as it is strange, thanks to Cage’s surprisingly restrained performance—he was the driving force for the movie, so could easily have gone off the rails—and Baruchel’s hangdog earnestness. Alfred Molina is able to play his main antagonist in a movie that balances wonder & reason better than the initial critics suggested. —DC

What to Watch: The Sorceror’s ApprenticeDisney Plus is streaming

Suspiria (2018)

Image: Amazon Studios

Here’s what it looks like: Luca Guadagnino’s “homage” to Dario Argento’s 1977 film of the same name follows Susie, an American dancer who transfers to a prestigious dance company in Cold War-era Berlin. Susie does not know that this company is a facade for a witches’ coven, which is enmeshed in an uneasy power struggle.

It’s a magical connection There’s a witch election, I don’t really think I need to say more. But in case I do; there’s also dance magic and arguably the most haunting Black Sabbath (the witch-gathering kind, not the Ozzy Osborne kind) ever put to film.

You should pay attention: Suspiria It is committed to its themes more than any other movie. The movie examines how art can be used to heal from tragedy. It also explores cultural differences between Europe and the United States in trauma responses. Tilda Swinton is accused of murder by modern dancing. So there’s really something for everyone. —Austen Goslin

What to Watch: SuspiriaAmazon Prime Video allows streaming

Macbeth’s Tragedy

Image from Apple TV Plus/A24

Here’s what it looks like: Joel Coen directed the Oscar-nominated black and white adaptation of The Scottish Play. Denzel Washington stars alongside Frances McDormand.

It’s a magical connection Of course, the witches are three. Three witches confront Macbeth, Banquo and prophesize the future titles of both men.

You should pay attention: Coen, Bruno Delbonnel the cinematographer and Stefan Dechant the production designer bring life to stark black-and white locations. Washington and Kathryn Hunter, playing the witches, deliver memorable performances. —PV

What to Watch: Macbeth’s TragedyIs streaming available on Apple TV Plus

The Witch

Image: A24

Here’s what it looks like: Anya Taylor-Joy stars in this supernatural horror story about a girl who’s family, a Puritan family, is destroyed by the evil plans of an unknown villain lurking nearby.

It’s a magical connection While the film leaves open the question of whether witchcraft or a society that vilifies witchcraft is responsible for persecuting women like its protagonist, the answer to the question of whether witchcraft exists in the film’s world is an emphatic yes. Child abductions, malevolent visions, a boy coughing up crabapples, levitation, the Devil disguised as a black goat with an attitude problem — you name it. It’s literally called The Witch!

You should pay attention: Contrary to the present opinion of its director, 2015’s The WitchIt has not lost any of its horror and visual power. The direction is confident, the cinematography is beautiful, the lighting is exquisite, and the performances — particularly Taylor-Joy’s — are remarkable. This film is full of supernatural danger, puritanical malice, eerie catharsis. The WitchIt is well worth the effort to watch and return. —TE

What to Watch: The WitchWith a library card, streaming is possible on Showtime or Kanopy

Eastwick Witches

Warner Home Video

Here’s what it looks like: A mysterious rich man (Jack Nicholson) moves to a small Rhode Island town and seduces a trio of unhappy, single Women of a Certain Age (Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon, and Cher) into the liberating, polyamorous, sexual freedom they’ve always wanted — with a catch. Eastwick Witches The First time George Miller made a low-brow, sexy, popcorn-scarfing, special-effects-laden blockbuster where women seize their own strength to overthrow the malignant white man who has roped them into bondage.

It’s a magical connection Oh, Jack Nicholson’s character turns out to literally be Satan. He awakens our heroines’ natural magical powers, which they use to take revenge on the conservative townspeople who’ve wronged them and eventually take all the Devil’s money and imprison him forever.

You should pay attention: Miller transforms the film’s magic into a terrifying, sometimes stomach-turning nightmare (a memorable scene in which the local harridan vomits the pits of the cherries that the witches are eating far away is a particularly notable example) but without losing any character or humor. Nicholson plays his paradoxical role to the nth — oozing sleazy shitbag energy even as undeniable chemistry erupts between him and all three heroines. It could be easy to mistake the plot summary for a story about how witchcraft is bad and women are fools for falling for the Devil’s wiles, but the true skill demonstrated here is that it becomes exactly the opposite. —SP

What to Watch: Eastwick WitchesMax is available for streaming