- The Princess Bride (1987)
- The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
- Bedazzled (2000)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
- The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
- The Illusionist (2006)
- The Prestige (2006)
- The Secret of Kells (2009)
- The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
- The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Welcome to a world where magic and money intertwine in the most unexpected ways. This curated list of fantasy films delves into the realm of finance, showcasing how magical elements can influence the stock market, investments, and wealth. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or have a keen interest in the financial world, these films offer a unique blend of enchantment and economic intrigue, providing both entertainment and a whimsical take on the often mundane world of finance.

The Princess Bride (1987)
Description: This fairy tale adventure includes a subplot where the hero, Westley, must navigate through various challenges to rescue his love, which involves a battle of wits with a financial twist, involving the value of life and love.
Fact: The film has become a cult classic, known for its memorable lines and characters. The battle of wits scene with Vizzini and the poison goblets can be seen as a metaphor for financial risk-taking.


The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Description: Three women with latent magical powers summon a devilish man who brings chaos to their town. The film includes a subplot where the witches use their powers to influence local business and finance, creating a magical economic boom.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by John Updike. The character of Daryl Van Horne, played by Jack Nicholson, was inspired by real-life figures like Howard Hughes, known for their financial prowess.


Bedazzled (2000)
Description: A modern retelling of the Faust legend, where a man makes a deal with the devil for seven wishes. One of his wishes involves becoming rich, which leads to a comedic exploration of wealth and its consequences through a magical lens.
Fact: The film features a scene where the protagonist wishes for wealth, leading to a humorous take on the stock market. Elizabeth Hurley, who plays the devil, was also a producer on the film.


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Description: While primarily a fantasy adventure, the Harry Potter series includes elements of magical finance, such as Gringotts Wizarding Bank, where wizards store their gold and valuables, showcasing a magical economy.
Fact: The film introduced the magical world of Harry Potter to a global audience. Gringotts Bank was inspired by real-world financial institutions, but with a magical twist.


The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Description: While not strictly a fantasy, this film includes elements of royal magic and financial intrigue. Princess Mia must navigate the complexities of royal succession and finance, including a plot involving a valuable gemstone that could secure her throne.
Fact: The film features a scene where Mia learns about the financial responsibilities of a monarch, including managing the kingdom's wealth. The movie also includes a cameo by the late Queen of England.


The Illusionist (2006)
Description: Set in early 20th century Vienna, this film follows a magician whose illusions challenge the status quo, including the financial and social structures of the time. His magic tricks often involve manipulating perceptions of wealth and power.
Fact: The film was inspired by a short story by Steven Millhauser. The magic tricks depicted were designed to be plausible, adding to the film's realism.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: This film intertwines magic with themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the cost of ambition. While not directly about finance, the magicians' rivalry involves the manipulation of resources and the creation of value through illusion, akin to financial wizardry.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Christopher Priest. The plot includes a twist involving the duplication of objects, which can be seen as a metaphor for financial multiplication.


The Secret of Kells (2009)
Description: This animated film tells the story of a young boy in a medieval abbey who discovers a magical book. While not directly about finance, the film explores themes of value and the pursuit of knowledge, paralleling the quest for wealth in a fantastical setting.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It uses Celtic art and mythology to create a visually stunning world where knowledge is as valuable as gold.


The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Description: In this modern take on the classic tale, a young apprentice must use his newfound magical powers to thwart an evil sorcerer's plan to take over the world. The film cleverly integrates financial elements when the apprentice uses magic to manipulate the stock market, showcasing the power of magic in the financial sector.
Fact: The film features a scene where the apprentice uses magic to make money appear, which is a playful nod to the idea of financial magic. Additionally, the film was inspired by a segment in Disney's Fantasia.


The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Description: A fantastical tale where a magician makes a deal with the devil, involving the fate of his daughter. The film explores themes of value, choice, and the cost of dreams, with a subplot involving a financial wager.
Fact: The film was Heath Ledger's last project, and after his death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell. The story includes a magical shop where customers can choose their fate, paralleling financial decisions.
