Fantasy Con Artists: A Cinematic Journey into Deception and Magic

Description: While not explicitly about con artists, the film features a series of cons and deceptions, including a master swordsman, a giant, and a scheming prince, all wrapped in a fairy tale narrative.

Fact: The film has become a cult classic, beloved for its humor, romance, and the way it plays with traditional fantasy tropes.

Description: A team of Victorian-era literary heroes, including a master of disguise and a vampire, engage in a series of cons and heists to save the world, blending historical fiction with fantasy elements.

Fact: The film was based on the comic book series by Alan Moore, which itself is a homage to classic literature and adventure stories.

Description: A family moves into an old estate and discovers a magical world, where they must outwit goblins and other creatures in a series of cons to protect a magical guidebook.

Fact: The film uses practical effects for many of its creatures, giving it a unique, tactile feel in the fantasy genre.

Description: Set in early 20th-century Vienna, a master illusionist uses his skills to win back his childhood love, all while performing seemingly impossible feats that blur the lines between magic and reality.

Fact: The film's magic tricks were designed by renowned magician Ricky Jay, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of the illusions.

Description: Two rival magicians in Victorian London engage in a battle of wits and magic, each trying to outdo the other with increasingly elaborate tricks, culminating in a mind-bending con that blurs the line between reality and illusion.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life magicians and their rivalries. The Tesla machine in the film was actually built for the movie, showcasing the lengths to which the filmmakers went to create a believable fantasy.

Description: This animated film tells the story of a young boy in medieval Ireland who becomes involved in a magical quest to complete a legendary book, involving cons and tricks to outsmart the Vikings.

Fact: The film's art style is inspired by ancient Celtic art, providing a visually stunning backdrop to its tale of magic and deception.

Description: A young man from a small English village sets out to retrieve a fallen star to win the heart of his beloved, only to find the star is a woman, and his journey involves magical cons, witches, and a quest for a throne.

Fact: The film was adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel, known for its rich world-building and magical elements, making it a perfect fit for this list.

Description: Two con artist brothers, one a master of deception and the other a dreamer, embark on what they believe to be their final con, involving a wealthy heiress and a globe-trotting adventure filled with magic and trickery.

Fact: The film's director, Rian Johnson, is known for his love of intricate plots and cons, which is evident in this whimsical, fantasy-infused caper.

Description: An immortal magician, Doctor Parnassus, makes a deal with the Devil, leading to a fantastical journey where reality and imagination intertwine, and a con is pulled off to save his daughter's soul.

Fact: Following Heath Ledger's untimely death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character in the Imaginarium.

Description: A group of illusionists known as "The Four Horsemen" pull off bank heists during their performances, redistributing the wealth to their audience. Their magic tricks are not just for show; they're part of a larger, more magical con.

Fact: The film features real magic tricks performed by the actors, who were trained by professional magicians. The plot was inspired by the idea of Robin Hood, but with a modern, magical twist.