Harry Potter, one of the most beloved franchises of all time, has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its magical world and characters have captured the hearts of millions, so it’s no surprise that fans crave similar films. While nothing can quite match the cultural impact of Harry Potter, there are movies out there that do a great job of world-building and offer a healthy dose of magic. Here are some must-watch films for those who want more magic in their lives.
One film that is worth watching is ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’, which might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a fun movie for those who enjoy light adventure films. The story follows Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage), one of the three apprentices of the famous wizard Merlin, on his quest to find Merlin’s true successor. Along the way, he encounters some interesting characters and gets into some exciting situations. Despite the lack of world-building, the story is engaging enough to keep viewers entertained.
Another film on this list is ‘Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief’, which is a children’s movie that has been adapted from a popular young adult book series. The story follows Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman), who discovers that he is the descendant of a Greek god and embarks on a journey of self-discovery against some classic mythical adversaries. Although the film is aimed at a younger audience, the plot is surprisingly smart, modernizes Greek mythology, and offers plenty of laughs.
For those who love animated movies, ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ is a must-watch. It’s an original and magical story from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki, who creates a whole new universe of lovable and complex characters and creatures. The story follows Sophie, who is cursed by a witch to become an old woman and finds herself taken in by an eccentric wizard named Howl. Although the themes and imagery can be a bit dark at times, the subplots and established canon are enough to draw viewers into the story.
Another movie worth watching is ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’, based on the book of the same name. Directed by Tim Burton, the story follows Jacob as he discovers a home for peculiar children where time has stood still and deadly creatures lurk. Like Harry Potter, it’s a story about an outsider finding acceptance in a magical world, but with a darker, creepier twist.
In conclusion, while nothing can quite match the cultural impact and world-building of the Harry Potter franchise, there are plenty of films out there that offer magical wonder and engaging storytelling. These movies are a testament to the enduring appeal of magic in our culture and remind us of the importance of dreams, wonder, and imagination.