The Illusionist (2006)
Kernel Score: 84% · 5,234 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Thriller, Romance
Released: 2006-08-18
Runtime: 110 minutes
Is The Illusionist worth watching?
Worth watching. Edward Norton plays a stage magician in old Vienna whose tricks upset a prince and attract a suspicious inspector. It's elegant and well acted, and the romance and mystery mostly work together.
Watch it if you
- like period dramas with a touch of mystery
- enjoy stage magic and secrets
- want a strong cast carrying a clever story
Skip it if you
- want fast action
- dislike slow, stately pacing
Best for: Quiet night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Illusionist
- Stream: Philo, AMC+, Sundance Now, FlixFling
- Free with ads: The CW, Hoopla, Darkroom, Fawesome, The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
With his eye on a lovely aristocrat, a gifted illusionist named Eisenheim uses his powers to win her away from her betrothed, a crown prince. But Eisenheim's scheme creates tumult within the monarchy and ignites the suspicion of a dogged inspector.
The Illusionist parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Illusionist is a PG-13 romantic fantasy-thriller involving a magician's scheme to win a woman from a crown prince, stirring political intrigue.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Political intrigue and suspicion drive tension, with implied danger from an inspector's pursuit, PG-13 rated.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Illusionist
If you liked The Illusionist, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Stardust (2007) — 84%: Fairy-tale romance and magic with a wry sense of humour.
- The Favourite (2018) — 83%: Court intrigue and sharp performances in a period setting.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990) — 86%: Gothic romance with a gifted, outsider hero.
- Match Point (2005) — 85%: Elegant thriller about passion, class and consequence.
- Meet Joe Black (1998) — 85%: Romantic fantasy with a supernatural twist.
Director
Neil Burger
Cast
- Edward Norton as Eisenheim
- Paul Giamatti as Inspector Uhl
- Jessica Biel as Sophie
- Rufus Sewell as Crown Prince Leopold
- Eddie Marsan as Josef Fischer
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Young Eisenheim
- Eleanor Tomlinson as Young Sophie
- Jake Wood as Jurka
- Tom Fisher as Willigut
- Karl Johnson as Doctor / Old Man
The Illusionist FAQ
Is The Illusionist worth watching?
Worth watching. Edward Norton plays a stage magician in old Vienna whose tricks upset a prince and attract a suspicious inspector. It's elegant and well acted, and the romance and mystery mostly work together.
Where can I watch The Illusionist?
In the US you can stream The Illusionist on Philo, AMC+, Sundance Now and FlixFling, watch it free with ads on The CW, Hoopla, Darkroom, Fawesome and The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home and FlixFling.
Is The Illusionist OK for kids?
The Illusionist is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Illusionist is a PG-13 romantic fantasy-thriller involving a magician's scheme to win a woman from a crown prince, stirring political intrigue.
What movies are like The Illusionist?
If you liked The Illusionist, try Stardust, The Favourite, Edward Scissorhands and Match Point.