The Magick Lantern Cycle
Though later released as a singular DVD, this collection of nine short films are considered seminal works by renown filmmaker Kenneth Anger were made from 1947 to 1972. Together they are commonly identified as "The Magick Lantern Cycle", and "form the basis of Anger's reputation as one of the most influential independent filmmakers in cinema history."
The Magick Lantern Cycle Movies: Timeline & Franchise Overview
The The Magick Lantern Cycle franchise spans roughly 27 years, featuring 9 interconnected films that build a shared narrative universe.
From its earliest installment to the most recent release, the series has expanded its world-building while introducing new characters and story arcs. Notable entries such as Lucifer Rising demonstrate the franchise’s ability to maintain audience interest over time.
Franchise Quality Benchmark
Across all entries, the series holds an average audience rating of 6.2. While many long-running franchises experience declining reception, this series continues to deliver memorable cinematic moments.
Viewing Order Strategy
Most viewers prefer watching the films in release order, which reflects how audiences originally experienced the evolving story.
However, a chronological viewing order can provide deeper insight into the timeline of events within the The Magick Lantern Cycle universe.
Timeline & Watch Order
We recommend watching the The Magick Lantern Cycle franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.
Fireworks
A dissatisfied dreamer awakes, goes out in the night seeking a 'light' and is drawn through the needle's eye. A dream of a dream, he returns to bed less empty t...
Puce Moment
This film resulted from the unfinished short film Puce Women. The film opens with a camera watching 1920s style flapper gowns being taken off a dress rack. The ...
Eaux d'Artifice
A woman dressed elegantly walks purposely through the water gardens at the Villa d'Este in Tivoli, as the music of Vivaldi's Winter movement of The Four Seasons...
The Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome
Lord Shiva wakes. A convocation of magicians in the guise of figures from mythology; a masquerade party at which Pan is the prize. The wine of Hecate is poured:...
Scorpio Rising
A gang of bikers prepares for a race as sexual, sadistic, and occult images are cut together....
Kustom Kar Kommandos
A man in tight jeans buffs his car to the strains of The Paris Sisters' "Dream Lover"....
Invocation of My Demon Brother
The shadowing forth of Our Lord Lucifer, as the Power of Darkness gather at a midnight mass. The dance of the Magus widdershins around the Swirling Spiral Force...
Rabbit's Moon
A Japanese fairy tale meets commedia dell'Arte. All in white, the naïf Pierrot lies in a wood. Doo-wop music plays as he rises, stares about, and reaches for th...
Lucifer Rising
Egyptian gods summon the angel Lucifer, in order to usher in a new occult age....
Common Questions about The Magick Lantern Cycle
How many movies are in the The Magick Lantern Cycle?
There are currently 9 movies in the The Magick Lantern Cycle, starting from Fireworks to the latest release, Eaux d'Artifice.
What is the best order to watch the The Magick Lantern Cycle?
The best way to watch the The Magick Lantern Cycle is usually in release order: starting with Fireworks and ending with Eaux d'Artifice. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.
Which is the highest-rated movie in the The Magick Lantern Cycle?
According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for Lucifer Rising in this franchise.