Certain fantasy movies have breathed new life into the genre by re-imagining the rules, themes, and applications of magic. Many of these titles are defined by their unique spin on magic. By redefining how magic works, they impose limitations on the limitless and play on the audience’s expectations of what’s possible.
When done well, a new magic system can become the driving force in a story It encourages its characters to examine and reflect on the ramifications of its continued use. While a common theme in any magic system is the potential consequences when the system is abused, a unique twist on magic can often enable authors to convey even deeper meanings of truth within the story’s narrative.
10 Stardust (2007)
The magic in Stardust is both the centerpiece of the movie and the backdrop of the entire experience. The narrative features several common elements from the fantasy genre, such as unicorns, spells, potions, and evil witches bent on stealing life to restore their own youth. However, the real magic in this story is the world itself. Segregated from the world of the mundane, the magical realm of Stormhold is in a constant state of flux, drastically changing from one moment to another. The magic in Stormhold is the stuff of dreams, seeking to capture and crystallize the sensation of falling in love.
9 Eragon (2006)
Magic is an innate gift that only a few in Eragon are fortunate enough to possess. Also called Gramarye, magic wielders use Ancient Language to manipulate energy. In the movie’s lore, the greater command a person has over the Ancient Language, the more capable they are with magic. What makes the magic in Eragon special is its relationship with dragons. Eragon, the titular main character of the film, embarks on a quest to discover his heritage after learning he is a Dragon Rider. In addition to having the ability to use Gramarye, Eragon can further augment his magical prowess by working in tandem with his dragon mount, Saphira.
8 The Golden Compass (2007)
In The Golden Compass, most humans are terrified of a substance known as Dust. They are so afraid of it that powerful organizations are willing to commit horrible acts upon people in an effort to stamp Dust out of existence. In actuality, Dust is a supernatural residue that manifests around all living things and communicates the will of the divine. Additionally, creatures known as daemons can form pacts with humans in service to Dust. The existence and meaning of Dust play a key role in the central plot, forcing the main characters to question their connection with the divine and the difference between good and evil.
7 The Dark Crystal (1982)
Known as Vliyaya, magic in The Dark Crystal is a largely forgotten art by the time the story begins. For Gelflings, one of the dominant races on the planet of Thra, Vliyaya is a part of their heritage. It can be used for a number of effects, but the most common is called Dreamfasting, which enables Gelflings to share their memories with one another. Vliyaya can also be used to see into the future, and on rare occasions, it can even be used to heal. Despite some creative differences with The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Netflix series, most of the magic in The Dark Crystal serves only to connect Gelflings to one another and unite them.
6 Fullmetal Alchemist (2017)
Fullmetal Alchemist injects a breath of fresh air into the genre with a take on magic that it is as dark as it is whimsical. In this live-action adaption of the anime of the same name, the maxim that all alchemists must follow is that of equivalent exchange: anything new must be paid for with something of equal value. So long as they obey that law, they can modify their environment to suit their needs. Unfortunately, many practitioners attempt to find loopholes and the consequences are horrific and heartbreaking. Fullmetal Alchemist drives home the idea that nothing is free, and the best things in life can’t be obtained with magic.
5 The Last Airbender (2010)
In The Last Airbender, people have the ability to bend the elements to their will. Each of the four factions can manipulate a single element, with the one exception being the Avatar, who can bend all elements. The Avatar is responsible for maintaining the balance between the four nations, which becomes the central plot when one of those factions decides it prefers global domination. What makes this take on magic interesting is that each Last Airbender bending style is inspired by martial arts. Tai Chi forms the basis for waterbending; Baguazhang is the inspiration for airbending; earthbending is styled after Hung Gar, and firebending is based on Northern Shaolin.
4 Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005)
In Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, crystals known as materia define the limitations of magic. These crystals house the wisdom of the planet and allow anyone to use magic so long as they possess the necessary type. While materia is used sparingly in the film, there are actually dozens of types of materia in the video game, all capable of bestowing their knowledge to anyone who wields them. Materia’s use, its history, and its connection to the planet all play a critical role in the video game’s main storyline. Sadly, its gravitas is downplayed somewhat in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
3 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves draws upon decades of tabletop DND lore to inform its intricate magic system. As a system developed for a gameplay setting, it’s designed to fulfill a variety of different gameplay styles that neatly fit together so that participants can play effectively as a group. While Honor Among Thieves misses certain Dungeons & Dragons abilities from the games, it still makes use of several iconic, magic-using classes, such as bard, druid, sorcerer, and paladin. Each class must follow its own set of spell-casting rules, and the magic system in Honor Among Thieves captures the adaptability and depth that are essential for a cohesive tabletop experience.
2 Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
In The Lord of the Rings, magic plays a significant role in the story’s foundation, but much of it goes unnoticed as the story unfolds. The wonder of magic is explored at much greater length in the books, where the more common forms of magic tend to be mostly unseen. Despite that, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings universe overflows with magical wizards, creatures, divine entities, and of course, magic rings. The magic in The Lord of the Rings is intentionally written as a soft system of magic, meant to come alive only as much as it’s needed but not so much that it robs the audience of wonder.
1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The magic in Harry Potter is something that only a special few have access to. While wizards and witches can be born to ordinary parents, the fact remains that only wizards and witches can use magic. For those fortunate enough to possess the right talents, magic is taught at great length and for many years. There’s a course or class to take for every type of spell or incantation. With Muggles being the only exception, magic is infused into every corner of the Harry Potter universe. This is why Harry Potter remains one of the best movies about magic ever made. Magic is so tangible that it’s practically contagious–and that’s the point.
