Magic
Magic Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Magic
| Movie | Magic |
| Release Year | 1978 |
| Director | Richard Attenborough |
| Genre | Drama / Horror |
| Runtime | 107 minutes (1h 47m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Magic (1978) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Magic are led by Anthony Hopkins . The supporting cast, including Ann-Margret and Burgess Meredith , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Magic stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Magic has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Magic
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1978, Magic is a Drama, Horror film directed by Richard Attenborough, written by William Goldman. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Anthony Hopkins as Corky Withers/Fats (voice).
Ending Explained: Magic
Magic Ending Explained: Directed by Richard Attenborough, Magic wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Anthony Hopkins. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Magic reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Magic?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Anthony Hopkins or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Magic
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $7.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $23.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Magic Budget
The estimated production budget for Magic is $7.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Magic Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
AMC+ Amazon Channel
YouTube TV
Philo
Shudder
Night Flight Plus
Shudder Amazon Channel
Screambox Amazon Channel
Shudder Apple TV Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeMagic Parents Guide & Age Rating
1978 AdvisoryWondering about Magic age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Magic (1978) is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Directed by Richard Attenborough, the film runs for 107 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Magic is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1978 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magic worth watching?
Magic is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Magic parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Magic identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Magic (1978)?
The runtime of Magic (1978) is 107 minutes (approximately 1h 47m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
