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For centuries, magic has mesmerized audiences, and ever since icons like Houdini, countless magicians have revolutionized the craft. Here’s a list of the 10 most remarkable magic tricks ever broadcast on TV. This ranking reflects the writer's personal viewpoint, considering the creativity of the trick, its execution, entertainment value, professionalism, and the element of surprise involved.
10. Richard Ross Linking Rings
Richard Ross, a renowned Dutch magician, was celebrated for his extraordinary sleight of hand and his ability to appear almost as amazed as his audience by his own tricks. This performance aired in 1983. Watch closely as the rings seamlessly link and unlink; a deceptively simple act that remains flawless by any standard. If this one fascinates you, check out his Multiplying Clocks as well.
9. David Blaine Teeth
David Blaine is widely recognized as an illusionist and endurance artist, known for his daring feats and high-profile performances, including various street magic specials and TV appearances. Often compared to the legendary Houdini, Blaine has become a modern-day icon. In one of his astonishing tricks, he pulls a girl's teeth out, only for them to reappear in her mouth when he blows on her—a moment designed to leave you in awe.
8. Paul Daniels Chop Cup
Paul Daniels is a celebrated English magician who rose to fame through numerous TV appearances, live shows, and his various performances. The 'Chop Cup' act is an incredibly fast-paced and interactive display of magic, showcasing his masterful sleight of hand. Daniels himself notes that it took nearly 300 performances to perfect, and the results are evident in the flawless execution of the trick.
7. Harry Blackstone Jr Floating Lightbulb
Harry Blackstone Jr, the son of the renowned magician Harry Blackstone Sr (known as 'The Great Blackstone'), tragically passed away in 1997. Together, the father and son duo had a long history of magical performances. This particular performance, 'The Floating Lightbulb,' features a lightbulb that floats on stage, illuminated and free from any visible power source, leaving the audience both mesmerized and mystified as it hovers and moves around for closer inspection.
6. Lance Burton Doves
William Lance Burton, a magician renowned for his mastery of the craft, has dazzled audiences worldwide, now performing regularly in Las Vegas. His career includes numerous TV appearances showcasing his extraordinary magic. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he began his magical journey at the age of 5. Known for his highly skilled dove act, Lance Burton’s illusions are celebrated for their precision and professionalism.
5. Criss Angel Walking on water
Criss Angel, known for his edgy, dark approach to magic, has gained fame through his hit television shows such as 'Mindfreak', 'Believe', and 'Phenomenon'. His performances are notorious for pushing the boundaries of magic, including stunts like being run over by a steamroller and slicing a woman in half. One of his iconic illusions is walking across water, a daring feat witnessed by a captivated audience swimming beneath and around him.
4. David Copperfield Vanishing Statue of Liberty
In the world of magic, making something vanish often involves techniques like sleight of hand, deception, or misdirection. While that might work for smaller items such as cards or jewelry, what about something grander? Siegfried and Roy made a name for themselves in Las Vegas with their famous vanishing elephant trick. However, David Copperfield took things further by making the Statue of Liberty disappear in New York City. It's a spectacle you have to see to truly believe.
3. David Copperfield Death Saw
David Copperfield holds the title of the most successful magician in history, with over 40 million tickets sold and a staggering $1 billion in revenue. He has won 10 Guinness World Records, 20 Emmy Awards, a Living Legend award, and numerous other honors, including being the first living magician to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, it’s not just his fame that secures his place at the top. Copperfield’s performances are grander, more impactful, and more dramatic than those of any other magician, paired with a stage presence and charisma that have set the standard for magicians around the globe.
2. Penn and Teller Bullet Catch
Penn and Teller’s bullet catch illusion is not just extraordinarily dangerous, but also brilliantly executed. The duo perfectly combines Penn’s vibrant energy with Teller’s silence, infusing their act with subtle humor that adds a unique charm to their already incredible performance.
1. The Pendragons - Metamorphosis
The Pendragons are an American magician duo, a husband and wife team, widely celebrated for their daring and swift illusions. In 2006, during the practice of a perilous bow and arrow trick, Jonathan Pendragon tragically impaled himself with an arrow, which struck his liver, stomach, and heart. Remarkably, he made a full recovery. Their 'Metamorphosis' illusion is considered the fastest magic trick in history.
