20 Of The World's Greatest Magic Tricks

The world of magic continues to evolve with the times. More and more magicians are showcasing highly complex routines utilizing the latest technology and effects to enhance their routines.

Many of these look truly breathtaking and worthy of a place on this list. However, it is important to take in the most creative and audience pleasing acts of all time.

Any amount of technology cannot substitute for an inventive and entertaining routine, brought to life by both the professionalism and personality of a pro magician and his team.

The following list is not the definitive one and your mileage and opinion may vary, as people's idea of good entertainment may differ with the individual. We hope you enjoy re watching the following class acts.

 

20) The Miser's Dream

This is the ultimate dream of being able to produce seemingly limitless coin after coin out of nowhere has been a magician's staple for many, many years. The act has been performed by many of the best artistes, many of whom put their own additional flair and personality into the act. This is a version by Teller, who performed a showcase during an episode of Fool Penn and Teller and is a very good rendition of the trick.

 

 

19) Smoking Trick - Tom Mullica

Tom Mullica was a very talented performer in many aspects of magic but he gained notoriety for this act which involved swallowing and regurgitating lots of cigarettes as well as playing cards and other objects. The trick is enough to put anyone of smoking for life. However, it is highly entertaining and is one, that's best left to the professionals.

 

18) Metamorphosis - Pendragons

The metamorphosis is another classic stage effect used by may performers from acts on cruise ships to the las Vegas strip. Also widely known as the substitution trunk.. This version is brought to life by the Pendragons who always seemed to add an extra vibe and energy to their acts which truly brought everything to life for their appreciative audiences. A real classic.

 

 

17) Cups And Balls - Tom Matriq

This age old routine, at first thought, may not seem to fit in the greatest tricks of all time, but is very much worthy of a place. Despite its deceptively simple premise, it requires a great deal of skill and dexterity to pull it off smoothly. Also it gives each magician a blank canvas to incorporate their own spin and humor intro the act. This video, shows a text book example of the trick being performed, smooth as butter, by Tom Matriq.

 

16) Vanishing The Statue Of Liberty

Few could argue that David Copperfield has performed some of the most spectacular feats and illusions in recent history. The gargantuan task of appearing to vanish the statue of liberty may have been out of the scope of many, except those artistes with the biggest production budget. However the achieved result of this performance was well worth it as you can see.

 

 

15) Sponge Balls - Wayne Dobson

The basic routine with sponge balls is something thas familiar to most people even with a faint interest in magic. The reason that this trick is here is not the basic trick, but the blank canvas that it presents you to dress it up with a fun performance. This is done here to great effect by master magician and entertainer, Wayne Dobson.

 

 

14) Things That Go Bump In The Night

Doug Henning contributed a great deal to the magic community. He seemed to cover a lot of styles in his acts and this one provides a good example of humor, combined with a skilful sprinkling of tight choreography and timing. Doug was one of the truly great magicians of our time.

 

13) Light And Heavy Box  

This trick is one that is usually prop driven, but deserves a place on the list as it acts as a good vehicle for the performer to add as much or as little of their own personality to the act as they like.

Rather than just go through the motions, Penn and Teller show a big, bold version of the routine with their own unique twist at the end.

 

12) Three Card Monte  

Near enough everyone is aware of the age old street scam known as the three card monte. However there always seems to be some sucka willing to fall for it. This version is prop based as well as sleight of hand as opposed to the original street scam. It is in this list as testament to its longevity and notoriety, showcased here on the Ellen Degneres show.

 

 

11) David Blaine Levitation

The concept of being able to levitate of the ground has fascinated people for centuries. However it was David Blaine who popularized it, a few years back on one of his television specials. No matter how straight forward it may look, we are concentrating purely on its contribution to entertainment and heightening the publics awareness of the wonderful world of magic.

 

 

10) Objects Over Head

This ones a great example of how the most entertaining routines do not need to be big budget spectaculars or require years of practice and precision. Here, Pat Hazell performs a well proven classic with the use of a cheeky stooge, where part of the fun is that the audience are all in on the trick.

 

 

9) Vanishing And Reappearing Elephant

Siegfried and Roy were two of the best showmen in the magic entertainment industry. There over the top glitzy performances. really were a delight to behold. They had many outstanding stage act, one of them being the vanishing and re appearing elephant. While many of their peers have also performed the act, Siegfried and Roy's version stands up there with the best of them.

 

 

8) Multiplying Bottles - Tommy Cooper

Tommy Cooper was a very talented British comedian who specialized in comedy magic. He wore a Fez when performing his act which came to be a signature prop of his. Tommy was actually a very accomplished magician and very passionate about performing well. His comedy charm was making the tricks look like he messed them up when in fact each move was exact and deliberate and showcased precision comic timing. The multiplying bottle trick is a perfect example of Tommy's talent.

 

7) Glass Bottle Through Table - Fay Presto

The glass through table trick has been around for years. Here is an interesting interpretation by Fay Presto, using a bottle, instead of a glass in a close up table magician environment. Fay makes the trick look practically effortless but is actually very professional in blending in comedy and particularly in pacing the routine absolutely perfectly. I remember she did a very informative lecture at Blackpool magic convention a few years ago where she shared some useful hints and tips for close up magic .

 

 

6) Chicken And Duck Trick - Ali Cook

Another fun trick being presented to the masters of illusion on the Fool Penn and Teller shiow. What is great about this routine is the inventiveness and fun way that it was put together and presented. David Blaine also did a chicken trick on his Vertigo television special but this version is more upbeat and light hearted.

 

 

5) Death Saw - David Copperfield

This is another big budget theatrical number which David appears to excel at. He is more than capable of more intimate card tricks such as his version of MacDonald's Aces, with his own story woven into it. However it takes a lot to better the impact of a performance such as the Death Saw where David appears to be messing with danger. Well worth another watch

 

 

4) Dove And Candle Trick - Lance Burton

Lance Burton is one of the worlds most respected magicians and has more than 15000 Las Vegas shows under his belt. He is particularly known for his flawless dove routines and we have here, another stand out routine with Lance at his best .

 

3) Magic Kettle - Paul Daniels

Another timeless classic sees Paul Daniels pour out a myriad of different drinks from a seemingly ordinary kettle, as his his audience shout their drinks orders. The routine has been performed in various guises and themes over the years but this is a good example. Paul puts a lot of energy and patter into the show to give it a good pace and keep the excitement level, up.

 

2) Floating Light Bulb - Harry Blackstone Jr

Another classic example of how much, the magic in an act comes from the presentation and charm of the entertainer. Here we see that demonstrated by one of the finest magicians that ever graced a stage, Harry Blackstone Junior.

 

 

1) Flying Trick - David Copperfield

This visually stunning performance takes the prize for pure theatrical pizzazz, David seems to have the knack of choreographing top drawer routines and this one does not disappoint. This one has stiff competition for the throne but is certainly up there with the best of them.

 

 

 

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