Movie Magic Comes in Many Forms

By Chris Kavan - 11/20/10 at 12:24 PM CT

In honor of Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1 being releases, here's a rundown of the many (other) types of magic that has found its way into movies - good or bad.

1) Best "Classic" Witch - The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz - Nothing like a green-skinned, broom-riding, cackling hag to ruin your day. She even has a point hat and everything! Plus, flying monkeys - can't go wrong with those minions.

2) Best "Classic" Wizard - Gandalf - While there are some strong contenders, I'm going to have to go with Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings series. It doesn't matter what color he's sporting, the staff, the robes, the gravitas - this is a wizard with power

2) Best "Nice" Witch - Kiki - Kiki's Delivery Service proves that not all witches are out to turn you into a newt or boil you in a pot. This young witch is all about customer service - even if she might have a slight misstep every now and then but that's what growing up is all about, now, isn't it?

3) Best "Black Magic" - The Serpent and the Rainbow - Mainly because it seems to treat it with some respect and it's Wes Craven. Unconventional but worthy to watch.

4) Best "Stage Magic" - The Prestige - A little bit of science, a little big of magic - this movie has it all and with Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale on board, it's a winner as well.

5) Best Comeuppance - Although The Witches is a pretty generic title, the cast (including Anjelica Huston and Rowan Atkinson) gives it some bite. Sure, it's aimed at kids, but anytime a boy-turned-mouse can turn the tables on an entire convention of witches? Good times. Take that, you dirty rats.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate magic - practical or otherwise - in movies. Who else holds the power for you?