As some of the well-liked and influential franchises of all time, the Harry Potter films are one thing that viewers of all ages have come to like. For some, nevertheless, it is greater than only a book-to-movie sequence; it is a character. Figuring out one’s Hogwarts home has develop into virtually synonymous with horoscopes, Meyers-Briggs, and enneagrams with regards to figuring out oneself. Discovering a saga with the same cultural affect is troublesome to unattainable to seek out. The curious, magical marvel of the entire story is one thing that has drawn audiences far and huge to its attraction, inspiring dreamers to want they might exist within the Wizarding world simply to expertise it.
Elements comparable to these are what makes it so difficult to seek out films which can be even near being like Harry Potter, however they’re on the market. Whereas the Potter sequence reigns supreme, a few of the films on this record do an incredible job of worldbuilding, making them worthy additions to the magically synonymous universe. With out additional ado, listed here are the films like Harry Potter price watching in the event you want extra magic in your life.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
Whereas it wouldn’t essentially be thought of a great movie in all regards, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a enjoyable film for younger folks searching for a foolish journey story. Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) is one in all three apprentices to the well-known wizard, Merlin however is compelled to seek for Merlin’s true successor over lots of of years. Contemplating there was a lot much less time to construct the story world for this film, the lore remains to be fascinating sufficient to maintain a viewer concerned particularly if one enjoys watching Nicolas Cage do what he does (on this case: corny but entertaining performing).
Learn our evaluation of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice or dive into our record of the greatest Nicolas Cage films.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
One of many extra satisfying situations on this record, that might be thought of a children film, is Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. The movie was additionally tailored from a preferred younger grownup guide sequence, although not as universally liked as Harry Potter. The story follows a younger boy named Percy (Logan Lerman) discovers that he’s a descendant of a Greek God when he’s accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt, sending him on a journey of self-discovery in opposition to some traditional legendary adversaries. Whereas the film is unquestionably made for teenagers to younger adults, the lore is utilized in a surprisingly intelligent and satisfying method that modernizes Greek mythology in a enjoyable means. There’s additionally a second movie known as Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, however the film diversifications finish there.
Learn our evaluation of The Lightning Thief or dive into updates on the upcoming Percy Jackson sequence.
Howl’s Shifting Citadel (2004)
The most effective and most entertaining films on this record is Howl’s Shifting Citadel: a splendidly magical and authentic animated story from the thoughts of Hayao Miyazaki that establishes an entire new universe of lovable, advanced characters and creatures. When younger, timid Sophie is cursed by a witch to be an outdated lady, she stumbles upon a cussed, reckless younger wizard named Howl who indifferently takes her in as a housekeeper in his strolling, enchanted citadel. Whereas the themes and imagery could be a bit extra disturbing and grownup at occasions, the a number of subplots and established canon are sufficient to entice virtually any viewer to this wondrous story.
See our record of the greatest Studio Ghibli films for extra like this.
Seventh Son (2014)
In what some may deem as a completely pointless and convoluted story of random, magical happenings, Seventh Son nonetheless retains some satisfying particulars that make it price discovering. When the evil witch queen Mom Malkin (Julianne Moore) escapes from the jail that Grasp Gregory (Jeff Bridges) put her in, he should recruit one other apprentice–a seventh son of a seventh son–to satisfy a prophecy and destroy her as soon as and for all. Although the story is a bit unorganized and the plot perforated with gaps, the characters and creatures are authentic sufficient to maintain one’s consideration.
Learn our evaluation of Seventh Son.
Physician Unusual (2016)
A movie that’s in all probability the furthest from Harry Potter thematically on this record, Physician Unusual treads into Marvel territory that turns a magical universe right into a superhero’s story. When an ingenious neurosurgeon named Physician Stephen Unusual (Benedict Cumberbatch) will get in a life-altering automobile accident, he seeks out the mystic arts to heal himself however discovers way more about himself and the universe as an entire. The basics of the magic on this film are pretty completely different, but additionally broaden the imagined prospects of what magic may do in such a universe.
Learn our evaluation of Physician Unusual.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Based mostly on the kids’s guide sequence of the identical identify, The Spiderwick Chronicles fulfills its aim to entertain its audience: youngsters. When the Grace household strikes into the Spiderwick Property beforehand owned by Professor Arthur Spiderwick, they uncover that their nice relative might not have been as loopy as he appeared after they encounter fantastical creatures within the forest close by. Whereas the characters within the film don’t precisely wield magic like Hogwarts college students, the idea of an interconnected, magical world is ever-present albeit a bit much less entertaining.
Learn our evaluation of The Spiderwick Chronicles.
Matilda (1996)
If the character Harry Potter was essentially the most relatable and fascinating a part of the film sequence to a viewer, then Matilda is more likely to be a captivating and satisfying film to look at. An especially clever and gifted younger lady, Matilda (Mara Wilson) should navigate her horrible, impolite household and her ruthlessly merciless headmistress. Although the magic doesn’t match the sheer scale of the Harry Potter sequence, Matilda makes use of her powers in mischievous but useful ways in which border vengeful, as does Harry all through the film sequence.
Unbelievable Beasts Sequence (2016-2022)
The closest factor in relation to the true factor is the Unbelievable Beasts film sequence: a prequel sequence that focuses on Harry Potter characters deep within the present canon. Although the primary film focuses virtually fully on the well-known Hufflepuff wizard, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his obsession with the magical creatures of the wizarding world, there may be nonetheless loads of Hogwarts magic and historical past available. With youthful renditions of wizards like Dumbledore, the infamous Grindelwald, and different household names certain to be acknowledged.
Learn our evaluation of Unbelievable Beasts and The place to Discover Them.
Miss Peregrine’s Residence for Peculiar Kids (2016)
One other film based mostly on a guide of the identical identify, Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Residence for Peculiar Kids arguably comes second by way of story world solely to the Harry Potter sequence. A misguided sould named Jacob (Asa Butterfield) follows his fathers’ mysterious path to find Miss Peregrine’s residence for peculiar youngsters; a spot the place time has stopped, youngsters are a bit greater than peculiar, and lethal creatures are at all times lurking. Most definitely some of the (if not essentially the most) eerie and disturbing films on this record, one may think about this story merely as if Tim Burton had been accountable for the Harry Potter sequence.
Learn our evaluation of Miss Peregrine’s Residence for Peculiar Kids.
Stardust (2007)
Although magic isn’t the principle focus of this enjoyable and charming film, Stardust is riddled with nice characters, imaginative tribulations, and infinite journey. Coming from a small village on the border of a magical land, Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox) embarks on an journey to retrieve a falling star for the girl he loves, however encounters way more than he bargained for. The endearing and numerous characters of this film are most of what make it nice, with the added bonus of an thrilling and romantic fantasy story that can maintain viewers coming again for an additional go.
Learn our evaluation of Stardust.
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