The Most Successful Magician of All Time, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the magician you think is the most successful!

Updated on May 11, 2024 06:59

Magicians have long captivated audiences with their mastery of illusion, sleight of hand, and spellbinding performances. Knowing the most successful magician of all time can offer insights into the evolution of magic as an art form and highlight the innovators who have pushed its boundaries. This list serves as a dynamic record of those whose tricks and performances have left the most significant impact on audiences around the world. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a broader appreciation of magical arts and help recognize the talents who have defined and redefined the wonders of magic. Each vote helps ensure that the rankings reflect current public opinion and appreciation, providing an updated perspective on the magic community’s most revered figures. Dive into this list to learn about and contribute to the legacy of magical excellence.

What Is the Most Successful Magician of All Time?

1

54
votes
LaPine Studios · Public domain

Harry Houdini

Known as the greatest magician of all time, Harry Houdini was a master of escape artistry and illusions. His death-defying stunts and feats made him a household name and cemented his legacy in the world of magic.
Harry Houdini in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous escape artist
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous daredevil
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Harry
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Freemason
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular stuntman
2

28
votes
David Copperfield

Charles Dickens

David Copperfield is a world-renowned magician who has performed countless shows and broken numerous records. He has won over 20 Emmy Awards and has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
David Copperfield is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Charles Dickens. It was first published as a serial between 1849 and 1850, and later released as a complete novel in 1850. The story follows the life of David Copperfield, a young boy who faces various challenges and adventures as he grows into adulthood in 19th-century England.

Publication Date: 1849-1850

Genre: Autobiographical Fiction

Settings: 19th-century England

Narrative Style: First person

Length: Approximately 865 pages in the first edition
David Copperfield in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Charles Dickens book
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person born in Nevada
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous person in Las Vegas
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33
votes
Thomas Rutan · CC0

Criss Angel

Criss Angel is a mind-boggling magician who has revolutionized the art of magic with his unique style and approach. He has won numerous awards for his performances, and his TV show "Mindfreak" was a huge success.
Criss Angel is an internationally renowned magician known for his mind-bending and visually stunning illusions. He has captivated audiences around the world with his unique blend of magic, daredevil stunts, and theatrical performances.

Television Shows: Created and starred in multiple successful television series including Mindfreak and Believe.

Las Vegas Shows: Performs regularly in Las Vegas with his iconic show, Mindfreak Live, which combines magic, illusions, and death-defying acts.

Illusions and Escapes: Known for his groundbreaking illusions and daring escape acts, often pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible.

Multiple Awards: Recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Magician of the Year and the World Magic Legacy Award.

Endurance Stunts: Performed incredibly dangerous endurance stunts, such as being suspended by hooks and buried alive.
Criss Angel in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous escape artist
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12
votes
Greg Dorais · CC BY-SA 3.0

Penn & Teller

Penn & Teller

Penn & Teller are a dynamic duo who have been entertaining audiences for over 40 years. They are known for their irreverent humor and innovative magic tricks. They have won numerous awards for their performances, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Penn & Teller is a live magic and comedy stage show performed in Las Vegas. It combines illusion, comedy, and skepticism to create a unique and mind-boggling experience for the audience. The show is known for its distinctive style, often revealing the secrets behind their tricks while still managing to leave the audience amazed.

Genre: Magic and Comedy

Location: Las Vegas

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Performances: Nightly

Venue: The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino
Penn & Teller in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous person in Las Vegas
5

14
votes
Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain

Lance Burton

Lance Burton

Lance Burton is a legendary magician who has performed in Las Vegas for over 30 years. He has won numerous awards for his performances and has been honored with a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars.
Lance Burton is a renowned American magician who is widely regarded as one of the most successful magicians of all time. Known for his exceptional sleight of hand skills and captivating performances, he has mesmerized audiences all over the world.

Birth Name: William Lance Burton

Date of Birth: March 10, 1960

Place of Birth: Columbia, Kentucky, USA

Field of Magic: Stage magic, illusion

Career Highlights: Headliner at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino from 1996 to 2010
6

14
votes
Usien · CC BY-SA 3.0

Siegfried & Roy

Siegfried & Roy are a dynamic duo who revolutionized the world of magic with their innovative approach to illusions. They performed in Las Vegas for over 30 years and won numerous awards for their performances.
Siegfried & Roy is a legendary duo known for their groundbreaking performances as illusionists and animal trainers. The duo consisted of Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn, who captivated audiences with their unique blend of magic and exotic animal acts. They are widely regarded as the most successful magicians of all time.

Stage Shows: Performed at the Mirage Resort and Casino in Las Vegas with multiple sold-out shows.

Animal Acts: Known for incorporating wild animals such as tigers, lions, and elephants into their performances.

Illusion and Magic: Created awe-inspiring illusions using state-of-the-art stage effects and techniques.

Unique Costumes: Their performances featured elaborate and flamboyant costumes.

Television Specials: Produced numerous successful television specials, enchanting viewers around the world.
Siegfried & Roy in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person in Las Vegas
7

11
votes
NBC Television · Public domain

Doug Henning

Doug Henning

Doug Henning was a master of illusion who brought magic to the masses with his TV specials and tours. He won numerous awards for his performances and was a pioneer in the field of magic.
Doug Henning is a renowned Canadian magician who gained international fame in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his charismatic stage presence, brilliant illusions, and pioneering contributions to the field of magic.

Illusion Style: Henning's illusions often involved elaborate and imaginative set designs.

Sleight of Hand: He was skilled in various sleight of hand techniques, which he incorporated into his performances.

The Art of Levitation: Henning became particularly famous for his mesmerizing levitation acts.

Broadway Shows: He created successful magic-themed Broadway shows, including 'The Magic Show' (1974) and 'Merlin' (1983).

Television Specials: Henning produced and starred in numerous television specials, such as 'Doug Henning's World of Magic' (1975) and 'Doug Henning's Magic on Broadway' (1982).
8

7
votes
Garry Knight · CC BY 2.0

Derren Brown

Derren Brown

Derren Brown is a British magician who has gained worldwide recognition for his unique approach to magic and mentalism. He has won numerous awards for his performances and has been featured on numerous TV shows.
Derren Brown is a critically acclaimed English mentalist and illusionist who has achieved immense success in the field of magic. He is known for his unique blend of psychological manipulation, suggestion, and misdirection to create mind-boggling performances that defy explanation.

Television Shows: Derren Brown has produced and starred in numerous highly popular television shows, such as 'Mind Control,' 'Trick of the Mind,' and 'Derren Brown: The Experiments.'

Live Performances: He has performed in multiple sold-out live shows, captivating audiences with his extraordinary mind-reading abilities.

Psychological Techniques: Derren Brown combines psychological techniques, such as NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and hypnosis, to create astonishing effects on stage and television.

Illusion Design: He is a master at designing and executing intricate illusions, often leaving his audience questioning their own perception of reality.

Books and Publications: Derren Brown has written several books, including 'Tricks of the Mind' and 'Confessions of a Conjuror,' which delve into the art and psychology behind his performances.
Derren Brown in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous mentalist
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous magician on YouTube
9

7
votes
David Shankbone · CC BY-SA 3.0

David Blaine

David Blaine is a magician who has gained worldwide recognition for his death-defying stunts and feats. He has won numerous awards for his performances and has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
David Blaine in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous magician on YouTube
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous escape artist
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous mentalist
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous daredevil
10

6
votes
Dynamo

Dynamo is a British magician who has gained worldwide recognition for his innovative approach to magic and illusions. He has won numerous awards for his performances and has been featured on numerous TV shows.
Dynamo is a renowned magician known for his innovative and awe-inspiring performances. He gained international fame through his television series 'Dynamo: Magician Impossible'.

Magician Style: Close-up magic and illusionist

Illusion Techniques: Levitation, teleportation, object manipulation

Street Performances: Known for performing magic tricks on the streets, engaging with the public

Sleight of Hand: Mastery in intricate hand movements, making objects appear and disappear

Celebrity Engagements: Involved in magic performances for numerous celebrities and public figures

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Discussion

Ranking factors for successful magician

Historical impact and cultural significance

How much has the magician contributed to the art of magic as a whole? Did they pioneer new techniques, pioneer new genres, or create new methods of presentation?
Popular appeal and audience size

How many people have been entertained by the magician? Did they achieve widespread popularity and large-scale success, or did they only appeal to a niche audience?
Awards, accolades, and critical recognition

Has the magician received recognition from their peers, critics, and industry professionals for their work? Have they won significant awards or been honored for their accomplishments?
Longevity and endurance

How long has the magician been active in the industry? Have they maintained their appeal and relevance throughout their career, or were they a brief flash in the pan?
Influence and inspiration

How much have other magicians been influenced by their work, and how much have they inspired the next generation of magicians to follow in their footsteps?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful magician of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or magician is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1661 views
192 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each magician once every 24 hours. The rank of each magician is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful magician of all time

Magicians have been captivating audiences for centuries with their mind-boggling illusions and sleight of hand. From Harry Houdini to David Copperfield, the world has seen some of the most talented magicians in history. However, when it comes to determining the most successful magician of all time, the answer is not as clear cut. Success can be measured in various ways, from the number of shows performed to the amount of money earned. In this article, we'll explore some of the most iconic magicians in history and analyze what makes them stand out in the world of magic.