SALT LAKE CITY — "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" opens this weekend, and the film highlights the rise and fall of a Vegas magician named Burt Wonderstone.

The release got us thinking, what other magician movies are out there? Truth be told, it wasn't easy. While there aren't a lot of them, there are even fewer magician movies that are actually good. But, we buckled down and we managed to compile this list of five of the greatest magician movies around.

The films on the list aren't necessarily just movies about magicians, but we've also included movies that contain a great character who happens to be a magician.

The Wizard of Oz (G)

It almost seems like we're obligated to mention the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz."

The movie has enchanted kids and adults for the past 64 years, and for good reason. It's fun, exciting and magical. While the movie may be centered on Dorothy and her friends, they all want to meet one man: the Wizard of Oz.

When the curtain is finally pulled back we find out the Wizard is just a magician from Kansas — but he's a magician who was capable of using his slight of hand and tricks to fool an entire world into thinking he was actually a wizard.

The Great Buck Howard (PG)

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Here's a little film not too many people have seen. The 2008 comedy "The Great Buck Howard" has an incredible cast, a sweet story and a heartwarming message.

The movie follows the young assistant to an illusionist/mentalist in decline. The illusionist, John Malkovich, is arrogant, narcissistic and downright mean to his assistant, Colin Hanks.

It's funny to see Hanks try and put up with Malkovich's character, but Malkovich is the star. He steals scenes and completely takes on the persona of The Great Buck Howard.

The film also stars Emily Blunt, Steve Zahn and Tom Hanks.

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Scoop (PG-13)

The 2006 Woody Allen comedy "Scoop" isn't one of his best-known films, but it is a whole lot of fun.

Allen plays an American magician in London who joins up with an American journalist, Scarlett Johansson, to investigate whether a popular aristocrat, Hugh Jackman, is actually a serial killer.

The film is quirky and hilarious. Watching Allen try to pull off his tricks is a blast, and the chemistry between he and Johansson is surprisingly deep. Jackman plays against type, and the dialogue is sharp and witty.

While "Scoop" isn't just a "magician" movie it has one of the best magicians you'll ever see on screen — not because his tricks are super impressive, but rather that you can't help but fall in love with his quirkiness.

The Illusionist (PG-13)

The 2006 film "The Illusionist" was largely overshadowed by another magic-based film that came out that year, "The Prestige." It's really too bad that both films were released so close to one another, because "The Illusionist" is a very good movie that didn't get a fair shake.

The film takes place in turn-of-the-century Vienna where a magician, Edward Norton, uses his abilities to capture the heart of a woman far above his social standing, Jessica Biel.

While the film is a romance at its core, it's also a thriller and a mystery. The movie is beautifully shot and has a tight, well-paced script that will keep you guessing and entertained from start to finish.

The Prestige (PG-13)

The film that pushed "The Illusionist" to the back of the room was Christopher Nolan's follow-up to "Batman Begins": "The Prestige."

The period film tells the story of rival magicians, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, as they go to unheard-of lengths to outdo the other.

The film is dark and beautiful as the story unravels and the hero becomes the villain and villain becomes the martyr. The moment the film ends you will be scratching your head while you hit the play button to watch it again.

"The Prestige" is one of the best, if not the best, magician films to ever hit the silver screen, and it's likely it will keep that crown for years to come.

Honorable Mention - GOB

GOB Bluth is a character on the television show "Arrested Development," which has yet to become a movie, so he can't really be on the list. But he is a magician who is truly ahead of his time, so even though he's never been on the big screen, he still gets an honorable mention.

What are your favorite magician movies? Let us know on the comment boards, Facebook or send an email.

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