The Top 10 Best Movie Wizards
5. Harry Potter- The Harry Potter Series
To be honest, there’s no way that we couldn’t include “The Boy Who Lived” on this list. There’s practically a cult built around this teenage sorcerer in training. The reason why Harry is so beloved is that he’s not one of those stuck up wizards you see, this guy was raised as a muggle so when he does make it to Hogwarts, he’s as lost as we all are at first. That doesn’t stop him from using his privilege to save the day more than a few times (Dumbledore definitely pads the points in favor of Gryffindor every year). So, if he’s not the most powerful or coolest of the movie wizards, why is he on this list? Because he helped make reading cool again and that’s pretty magical… Also, his movie franchise made over $7 billion so there’s no denying the kid doesn’t cast a spell over audiences.
4. Merlin- Excalibur
Let me start by saying that I have to give props to Merlin from The Sword and the Stone, but alas, we’re sticking to live action movie wizards for this list. Luckily, though Excalibur had a version of Merlin that was pretty boss. This interpretation of one of the most famed sorcerers in literary history was a true warrior. Not only was he wise, but he also managed to tame mythical beasts and cast devastating spells to defeat his enemies. To be honest, he’s almost a little too overpowered compared to some of the other entries on this list. Then again, this is Merlin we’re talking about, so maybe John Boorman got him just right. Either way, there’s little room to doubt the power of this great movie wizard.
3. Doctor Strange- The MCU
One of the last superheroes to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe before Thanos attacked, and he actually had one of the better origin films from the studio. Sure he might be new to the movie game, but the Sorcerer Supreme didn’t earn a spot on this list for nothing. The former neurosurgeon managed to apply all the skills that helped him get through medical school to his studies of the mystic arts, which threw him to the front of the class. It’s a good thing too because it turns out Dr. Strange got into the wizard game just in time to help save the world. Unfortunately, he kinda struck out against Thanos, but we’ll see how he goes in round two against the Mad Titan. As far as movie wizard’s go through, Marvel’s got one hell of a heavy hitter on their team.
2. Dumbledore- The Harry Potter Franchise
Unfortunately, Dumbledore doesn’t earn the top spot when it comes to movie wizards. That doesn’t mean that he’s not one of the most incredible spell slingers we’ve seen on the big screen. That being said, he’s an absolutely terrible Headmaster. I mean, we’re talking criminally negligent in a lot of instances. Still, we’re not here to talk about the best movie teachers ever, so we’ll let it slide. After all, he managed to throw down with “he who shall not be named” and proved to be more than a force to be reckoned with. In fact, we’re even going to get to see his origin story in the upcoming entries in the new Fantastic Beasts trilogy that’s still hitting theaters. Who knows, maybe he’ll snag the number one spot after another movie or two.
1. Gandalf- Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies
If you need a wizard by your side when you ride into battle, then you’re going to want Gandalf. Whether he’s gray or white, it doesn’t matter because this guy is the best of the best when it comes to movie wizards. First of all, he’s a few hundred years old, so this guy’s got some highway miles under his belt and it’s that experience that’s helped him save the day more than once. Not only that but he also pretty much knows everyone in Middle Earth from Elves to Hobbits to giant friggin eagles! Of course, he doesn’t just let his friend do all the heavy lifting for him. When the chips are down he can throw down with the best of them and has defeated Balrogs to Orc armies, Gandalf has tussled with the biggest and meanest Middle Earth could throw at him. That’s why he’s soundly earned himself the number one spot when it comes to movie wizards.
I’m sure there’s probably more than a little controversy when it comes to this movie list, which is why I encourage you to leave a comment below to let me know what you think of the entries. Who was your favorite wizard? Who didn’t make the list? Let me know and be sure to check back as more movies roll out. I’ll be sure to update it as bigger and better movie wizards make their debut!