Fancy a bit of magic with your money troubles? Here's a collection of films where the realms of fantasy and finance collide in the most intriguing ways. From wizards pulling off elaborate cons to mythical creatures involved in high-stakes financial games, these films offer a unique blend of escapism and economic intrigue. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or just curious about how magic can be used to manipulate markets, this list has something for everyone.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: Though not directly about financial schemes, the film features a battle of wits involving a poison chalice, which can be seen as a metaphor for financial risk-taking.
Fact: The film was adapted from William Goldman's novel of the same name, which was originally intended as a gift for his daughters.
Watch Now
The Illusionist (2006)
Description: A master illusionist uses his skills to pull off a grand deception, which includes elements of financial manipulation to outwit the aristocracy.
Fact: The film was shot in Prague, and many of the magic tricks were performed live on set by professional magicians.
Watch Now
The Prestige (2006)
Description: While not strictly about financial schemes, this film features two rival magicians in a battle of one-upmanship that involves elaborate deceptions, which could be seen as a metaphor for financial manipulation.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life magicians and their rivalries. Christopher Nolan's brother, Jonathan, co-wrote the screenplay.
Watch Now
The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
Description: While not a traditional fantasy, the film involves a plot where Belgian King Leopold II uses Tarzan to exploit the Congo's resources, blending adventure with financial exploitation.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations including Gabon, England, and Canada to capture the diverse landscapes of Africa.
Watch Now
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Description: While primarily a fantasy adventure, the film includes elements of financial manipulation through magic, as the apprentice uses his powers to gain wealth.
Fact: The film is loosely based on Goethe's poem "Der Zauberlehrling," which inspired the famous segment in Disney's "Fantasia."
Watch Now
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Description: The quest to reclaim the treasure of the Lonely Mountain involves financial intrigue and the manipulation of wealth by various parties, including the dragon Smaug.
Fact: The film features Benedict Cumberbatch voicing Smaug, who also provided motion capture for the dragon's facial expressions.
Watch Now
Now You See Me (2013)
Description: A group of illusionists known as The Four Horsemen perform heists during their shows, redistributing wealth in a Robin Hood fashion, blending magic with financial trickery.
Fact: The film was originally titled "The Eye," referring to the secret society of magicians.
Watch Now
The Dark Crystal (1982)
Description: In this fantasy world, the quest for the shard of the Dark Crystal involves power struggles that can be interpreted as a form of financial control over the world's resources.
Fact: Jim Henson and Frank Oz created the film using a combination of animatronics and puppetry.
30 Days Free
The Secret of Kells (2009)
Description: This animated film tells the story of a young boy in a monastery who becomes involved in the creation of a magical book, which has implications for the financial and spiritual wealth of the community.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
30 Days Free
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Description: A fantastical tale where a magician makes a deal with the devil, involving a wager that has financial implications for the fate of his daughter.
Fact: Heath Ledger's role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell after his untimely death.
30 Days Free
