Fancy a bit of magic mixed with the gritty world of organised crime? This curated list of films blends the fantastical with the criminal underworld, offering viewers an escape into realms where the laws of nature are bent, and the stakes are as high as the spells are powerful. Whether you're a fan of dark magic, mythical creatures, or just love a good heist, these films promise to deliver a unique viewing experience that's both thrilling and enchanting.

The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: Though primarily a fairy tale, it includes elements of crime and deception, with characters like Vizzini and his band of outlaws.
Fact: The film has a cult following and is often quoted for its memorable lines and characters.


The Witches (1990)
Description: This film features a coven of witches who plan to turn all children into mice, showcasing a form of organised crime within the magical community.
Fact: The film was directed by Nicolas Roeg, known for his surreal and often dark storytelling style.


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Description: While not explicitly about organised crime, the magical world of Harry Potter has its own version of the underworld with dark wizards and secret societies like the Death Eaters, who operate in a manner reminiscent of a criminal syndicate.
Fact: The film was the highest-grossing film of 2001, and the set for Hogwarts was so detailed that it was used for all eight films in the series.


The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Description: This film brings together iconic literary characters to form a team that tackles a criminal mastermind, blending elements of fantasy with a heist-like mission.
Fact: The film was based on a comic book series by Alan Moore, who famously disowned the movie adaptation.


The Brothers Grimm (2005)
Description: The Grimm brothers, known for their fairy tales, are depicted as con artists who inadvertently stumble upon real magic and a dark conspiracy.
Fact: The film was shot in the Czech Republic, with many scenes filmed in the historic town of Český Krumlov.


Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Description: While primarily a superhero film, it features elements of organised crime within the supernatural world, with the Golden Army as an ancient force of destruction.
Fact: The film's creature designs were done by the legendary artist Wayne Barlowe.


The Illusionist (2006)
Description: A magician uses his skills to pull off a heist, blending magic with a plot of deception and crime.
Fact: The film was inspired by a short story by Steven Millhauser, and its plot was influenced by real historical events.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: Two rival magicians engage in a battle of wits and magic, with elements of espionage and crime woven into their rivalry.
Fact: The film was directed by Christopher Nolan, who is known for his complex narratives and non-linear storytelling.


The Dark Crystal (1982)
Description: In this dark fantasy world, the Skeksis, a race of vulture-like creatures, rule with an iron fist, engaging in acts of tyranny and crime.
Fact: The film was a pioneering work in puppetry and animatronics, with Jim Henson and Frank Oz at the helm.


The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Description: A fantastical tale where a travelling theatre troupe encounters a mysterious figure who offers them a deal, leading to a journey through alternate realities, with undertones of crime and deception.
Fact: Following Heath Ledger's untimely death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character.
