Movies Similar to The Illusion - Masterpiece

David Blaine: Beyond Magic(2016)

In his most revealing performance yet, the one-hour special features an exploration into Blaine’s trademark style of street magic as he once again stuns his audience.

Legends(1991)

This brief documentary skillfully walks the line between making fun of and empathizing with 3 Las Vegas performers who impersonate, respectively, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland as part of a kitschy show called 'Legends in Concert".

Harold Pinter: A Celebration(2010)

In June 2009, a group Britain's leading actors gathered for one night only to perform a celebration of the work of Harold Pinter at the National Theatre, directed by Ian Rickson. The team who made the acclaimed Harold Pinter documentaries for BBC's Arena was there to record this unique performance.

The Incredible Lamont(2022)

Described as "Houdini with a sunnier disposition," illusionist Lamont Ream extends his magic beyond cards and coins to his work as a live-in caregiver.

Derren Brown: The Devil's Picturebook(1999)

Released in 1999, The Devil's Picturebook is a stunning collection of card material that was years ahead of its time. The card magic that Derren performs and teaches offers a rare glimpse into how he thinks about his magic, and how he constructs routines. Then, as now, the audience's emotions are always Derren's primary focus. Over the course of three hours, The Devil's Picturebook gives the audience a detailed insight into this rare Derren Brown material. The first half explains in detail some classic card routines from his early career as a conjurer, all of which rely on sleight of hand, misdirection, and audience management. The second half features his incredible, pioneering psychological card routines and shows a distinct move towards the mentalism for which he is now known.

Sweeney Todd: Scenes from the Making of a Musical(1980)

Opening with the first day of rehearsals of the London production of "Sweeney Todd", this ninety-minute documentary focuses on the rehearsal process with the musical's director, composer and actors.

Piff the Magic Dragon: Reptile Dysfunction(2022)

Filmed at the Piff the Magic Dragon Theatre at the Flamingo Casino and on location in and around Las Vegas, this is Piff's debut hour starring Mr Piffles, Jade Simone, Francis the Squire and Penn Jillette as Pop the Magic Dragon.

Rudy Coby: The Coolest Magician on Earth(1995)

High-tech magician Rudy Coby aka (Labman) and his sidekick Atom serve up a strange brand of Magical science, as they cut off their limbs with a chain saw, shrink themselves, and fix their robot girl.

Derren Brown: Inside Your Mind(2003)

If you haven't come across Derren Brown before then Inside your Mind is a great introduction to the considerable skills of the only living Jedi Master. His show, Mind Control debuted on Channel 4 in the wake of a resurgence of interest in magic spearheaded by David Blaine. But what Derren Brown does hardly falls into the category of sleight-of-hand--his "magic" is firmly grounded in the workings of the mind and psychology. The result is a fascinatingly mysterious, but definitely not psychic, phenomenon.

Jim Norton: Mouthful of Shame(2017)

Fedoras, mom's underpants, and puppy love all make Jim Norton's s**t list in 'Mouthful of Shame'.

Mandam(2025)

Dynamo Is Dead(2023)

The world-renowned magician Dynamo is back as you've never seen him before - embarking on a transformative and soul-searching journey to explore the depths of mental health and well-being. As he grapples with his own struggles, Dynamo seeks answers from inspirational figures around the world so that he can bury his past and find a new beginning. Through candid conversations with iconic actors, musicians, sports stars, journalists, and activists, each with their own powerful stories to tell, Dynamo learns of the struggles behind their success as they open up about their own journeys and share the wisdom and tools to navigate the complexities of life.

Aleister Crowley: The Wickedest Man in the World(2002)

Masters of Darkness: Aleister Crowley, the Wickedest Man in the World

Gambler's Ballad: The Legend of Johnny Thompson(2018)

Penn and Teller hired Johnny Thompson to consult on their magic show as soon as the duo began their career and Johnny has been with them ever since. "Gambler's Ballad" follows Penn and Johnny's progress as Thompson teaches Penn his signature card act. Numerous well known figures from the magic world reminisce and wax philosophic about the unparalleled knowledge and profound influence Johnny Thompson has had on their own careers as well as the history and current state of the art of magic.

Derek DelGaudio's In & of Itself(2020)

Storyteller and Conceptual Magician Derek DelGaudio attempts to understand the illusory nature of identity and answer the deceptively simple question 'Who am I?'

Alice Cooper: Prime Cuts(1991)

This video documentary follows Alice's career from his discovery by Frank Zappa at the Wiskey-a-GoGo in Los Angeles to his "Hey Stoopid" album in 1991. It looks at his personal life, like his long-time marriage to Cheryl and his battle with alchoholism, and professional relationships with his manager Shep Gordon and his producer Bob Ezrin. The Prime Cuts documentary was originally released in 1991 on VHS then reissued 16-Oct-2001 as part of a 2-disc DVD set with additional material.

David Blaine: Street Magic(1997)

On May 19, 1997, Blaine's first television special, David Blaine: Street Magic aired on the ABC network. According to the New York Daily News, “Blaine can lay claim to his own brand of wizardry. The magic he offers in tonight’s show operates on an uncommonly personal level.” When asked about his performance style, David explained, “I'd like to bring magic back to the place it used to be 100 years ago.”'

FTA(1972)

A documentary about a political troupe headed by actors Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland which traveled to towns near military bases in the US in the early 1970s. The group put on shows called "F.T.A.", which stood for "F**k the Army", and was aimed at convincing soldiers to voice their opposition to the Vietnam War, which was raging at the time. Various singers, actors and other entertainers performed antiwar songs and skits during the show.

A Man Named Magick(2011)

Step into the world of Magick Balay, a magician since age 14, and a man with a passion for bringing amazement into people's lives.

Penn & Teller: Try This at Home(2020)

A special for these unique times. Filmed entirely at the homes of Penn & Teller and their friends around the world, Penn & Teller: Try This at Home showcases new magic Penn & Teller and their magician friends have developed at home and teaches viewers how to do an array of tricks themselves while being joined by celebrity guests including Elle and Dakota Fanning, Michael Carbonaro and Shin Lim.