Movies Like The Illusionist (2006)

The Illusionist is a 2006 drama, fantasy, romance, thriller film from Neil Burger with a MovieMagicScore of 7.3/10. Here are 20 similar films, ranked by real viewer ratings — starting with Shrek and Fallen Angels.

Drama Fantasy Romance Thriller

Shrek

2001

It ain't easy bein' green -- especially if you're a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot -- a wisecracking donkey.

7.8

MagicScore

Fallen Angels

1995

An assassin goes through obstacles as he attempts to escape his violent lifestyle despite the opposition of his partner, who is secretly attracted to him.

7.7

MagicScore

Come, Sweet Death

2000

Former detective Brenner has become an ambulance driver and finds himself, much to his dismay, caught up in a war between two rival first aid organizations.

7.3

MagicScore

Aladdin

1992

In the boorish city of Agrabah, kind-hearted street urchin Aladdin and Princess Jasmine fall in love, although she can only marry a prince. He and power-hungry Grand Vizier Jafar vie for a magic lamp that can fulfill their wishes.

7.7

MagicScore

NiNoKuni

2019

Adapted from the video game series of the same name, NiNoKuni follows high school peers Yuu and Haru who must travel between two separate yet parallel worlds to help save their childhood friend, Kotona, whose life is in danger. In this magical quest complicated by love, the three teens will be tasked with making the ultimate choice.

6.5

MagicScore

The Favourite

2018

England, early 18th century. The close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill is threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite.

7.5

MagicScore

The Return of Jafar

1994

The evil Jafar escapes from the magic lamp as an all-powerful genie, ready to plot his revenge against Aladdin. From battling elusive villains atop winged horses, to dodging flames inside an exploding lava pit, it's up to Aladdin - with Princess Jasmine and the outrageously funny Genie by his side - to save the kingdom once and for all.

6.2

MagicScore

Awaara

1951

A petty thief is put on trial for the attempted murder of a lawyer. Through a series of flashbacks, the intertwining lives of the thief, the lawyer, and the thief's defense lawyer are illustrated.

7.2

MagicScore

Ben-Hur

1959

In ancient Judea, a Jewish aristocrat opposing Roman occupation of his homeland reunites with his childhood friend, now a Roman commander — setting in motion a saga of betrayal, adventure, tragedy, revenge, and faith.

7.9

MagicScore

#10

Here

2024

Stefan, a migrant construction worker living in Brussels, is planning a trip home to his mother in Romania. In preparing for his voyage, he reconnects with local family members over gifted bowls of homemade soup, interacts with strangers, and discovers a revivifying commune with nature. This leads him to an unexpected connection with Shuxiu, a Chinese-Belgian bryologist studying the local moss.

5.9

MagicScore

#11

Beauty and the Beast

1991

Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who's been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle's enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all -- that true beauty comes from within.

7.7

MagicScore

#12

The Hating Game

2021

Resolving to achieve professional success without compromising her ethics, Lucy embarks on a ruthless game of one-upmanship against cold and efficient nemesis Joshua, a rivalry that is complicated by her growing attraction to him.

7.3

MagicScore

#13

West Side Story

1961

In the slums of the upper West Side of Manhattan, tensions are high as a gang of Polish-Americans compete against a gang of recently immigrated Puerto Ricans, but this doesn't stop two romantics from each gang falling in love.

7.2

MagicScore

#14

How to Train Your Dragon 2

2014

Five years have passed since Hiccup and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons -- and a mysterious dragon rider. Now, Hiccup and Toothless find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior.

7.7

MagicScore

#15

The Wedding March

1928

A young impoverished aristocrat falls in love with an inn-keeper's daughter, but has to marry money.

7.0

MagicScore

#16

Bad Timing

1980

Alex Linden is a psychiatrist living in Vienna who meets Milena Flaherty though a mutual friend. Though Alex is quite a bit older than Milena, he's attracted to her young, carefree spirit. Despite the fact that Milena is already married, their friendship quickly turns into a deeply passionate love affair that threatens to overtake them both. When Milena ends up in the hospital from an overdose, Alex is taken into custody by Inspector Netusil.

6.5

MagicScore

#17

Barbie in the Nutcracker

2001

"Barbie" stars as Clara in this animated retelling of the classic Christmas ballet, complete with Tchaikovsky soundtrack and ballet choreography.

6.9

MagicScore

#18

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

2019

As Hiccup fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless’ discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup’s reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind.

7.8

MagicScore

#19

Fool's Gold

2008

Treasure hunter Ben "Finn" Finnegan has sunk his marriage to Tess and his trusty boat in his obsessive quest to find the legendary Queen's Dowry. When he finds a vital clue that may finally pinpoint the treasure's whereabouts, he drags Tess and her boss, billionaire Nigel Honeycutt, along on the hunt. But Finn is not the only one interested in the gold; his former mentor-turned-enemy Moe Fitch, hired by rapper-turned-gangster Bigg Bunny, will stop at nothing to beat him to it.

5.8

MagicScore

#20

The Thief of Bagdad

1924

A recalcitrant thief vies with a duplicitous Mongol ruler for the hand of a beautiful princess.

7.3

MagicScore

Frequently asked

What are the best movies like The Illusionist?

The top films similar to The Illusionist by MovieMagicScore are Shrek (7.8), Fallen Angels (7.7), Come, Sweet Death (7.3). Each shares drama/fantasy/romance/thriller themes and is ranked by real viewer ratings, not critics or studios.

Is The Illusionist worth watching?

The Illusionist holds a MovieMagicScore of 7.3/10 from 5,119 viewer ratings, putting it among the better-reviewed titles in its genre.

What kind of movie is The Illusionist?

The Illusionist (2006) is a drama, fantasy, romance, thriller film directed by Neil Burger, starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel.

Where can I find more recommendations like The Illusionist?

Browse the full ranked list above, or explore more drama recommendations on MovieMagicScore, where every list is ordered by genuine viewer ratings.

Keep exploring

Movies like Shrek Movies like Fallen Angels Movies like Come, Sweet Death Movies like Aladdin Movies like NiNoKuni Movies like The Favourite

About movies like The Illusionist

This ranked list pairs The Illusionist (2006), a drama and fantasy and romance and thriller film from Neil Burger, with similar titles by genre, theme and cast overlap (fans of Edward Norton take note). Unlike critic-driven sites, every position here is ordered by MovieMagicScore — a rating built only from real viewers, with no studio marketing or paid placement. Scores update as more people rate, so the list stays current.

← Back to The Illusionist