Top 10 Movie Wizards

By far the most scatter-brained wizard on our list, this version of Merlin is one of the best. Not one to use overly complex or powerful spells, Merlin often turns himself and his apprentice into different animals to teach life lessons. He’s old and cranky and he nearly gets Arthur eaten a handful of times, but his love for the boy is apparent. Plus, he proves himself when he battles against the evil Madame Mim in a wizard-off.

Even though this movie was considered one of Disney’s first critical and commercial flops, we won’t forget Mickey as the sorcerer’s apprentice any time soon. He’s just one part of the larger story, but Mickey’s segment stands out. He tries to get out of doing chores by enchanting a broom. But the magic is too strong and he ends up making a mess of the castle. However, this is one mess we’d watch over and over again!

Standing at a little less than four-feet-tall, it’s easy to overlook the wizard Aldwin. But as Willow’s mentor, this Nelwyn wizard proves that sage advice and a little confidence can go a long way. He’s the one that convinces Willow to embark on his quest and teaches him to trust his instincts. Aldwin said it best when he stated that “magic is the bloodstream of the universe,” a lesson Willow, and viewers, won’t forget.

Where would Harry Potter be without his nemesis? He-who-shall-not-be-named is the embodiment of evil. He’s absolutely terrifying given his willingness to practice the dark arts. Plus, his appearance as an earthworm with a kind-of face doesn’t help either. But you gotta admit, there’s something charismatic about the guy. And it is kind of cool that he brought himself back from the dead. Learning his backstory as Tom Riddle throughout the series only makes him that much more complex.

So he may not be a “real” wizard in terms of having any magical powers, but this guy has the showmanship and grandiose attitude of all the magicians in Vegas combined! In a world where name is everything, this wizard has made sure everyone knows who he is and what he can supposedly do. But like the other wizards on our list, he’s infinitely wise. It’s his advice that helps Dorothy and company, and that’s pretty magical.

He’s “the boy who lived” and we’re glad he did! Harry is everyone’s favorite orphan and the only one who could stand against Voldemort and win. While Harry’s skills as a wizard aren’t anything to write No. 4 Privet Drive about, his abilities as a leader and a good friend make him a memorable movie magician. Plus, he’s the most athletic wizard on our list given his Quidditch talent. No matter what obstacles he faces, Harry always pulls through.

On a list of magical men, he’s definitely the most eccentric. With his thick Scottish accent and gruff demeanor, it’s easy to forget Tim’s as powerful as he is. But he’s got no problem reminding us! One of Tim’s best magical powers is his ability to blow anything up and produce fireballs, which is very useful as King Arthur and his men venture through the Cave of Caerbannog. His stylish ram’s horn hat is pretty unforgettable too.

Though he’s already appeared earlier in the countdown, this characterization of Merlin is completely different from the other film’s version. This time he’s more complex as a leader of all things otherworldly. Merlin is fearless as he tames dragons and beasts alike. This depiction is more cunning than the children’s version and his duels with nemesis Morgana prove he’s not one to be messed with. This version of Merlin is slightly terrifying, but we mean that in the best way.

As a wizard, he’s pretty powerful – in fact, he’s the only wizard Lord Voldemort has ever feared. But the beauty of Albus Dumbledore is that he rarely uses his powers, especially not to benefit himself. He’s a great wizard but he’s an even better teacher. He gives the best advice and often uses random anecdotes to lead students to the right answers. As Harry’s mentor, Dumbledore makes the boy consider both good and evil. And let’s not forget his beard; it may be the best on our list.

Before our top pick casts his spell on us, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Miracle Max “The Princess Bride” (1987)
- David Lo Pan “Big Trouble in Little China” (1986)
- Ulrich of Craggenmoor “Dragonslayer” (1981)

We lied – Gandalf definitely has the best beard! Not only is he a great literary character, but Gandalf’s on-screen depiction is one of the most iconic as well. Originally known as “Gandalf the Grey,” kind of an average wizard, he returns after his tangle with the Balrog as “Gandalf the White, a more powerful version of himself. Gandalf is everything a wizard should be – wise, fair, and compassionate. He’s the best of allies, and a formidable fighter as well!

Do you agree with our list? Which spell-casters top your list? For more spellbinding Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.