Top 10 Greatest Illusions Performed by Famous Magicians

These illusions were not necessarily created by these magicians, but they performed the tricks best or are best known for them.

The Top Ten

Flying - David Copperfield

David Copperfield is known for his elaborate illusions, and his flying trick is no exception. During the trick, Copperfield appears to fly over his audience, soaring through the air like a superhero. The audience can see him from all angles, and he appears to be unsupported by any wires or harnesses. Copperfield's flying trick is a visual spectacle that continues to amaze audiences worldwide.
Metamorphosis - The Pendragons

The Pendragons performed Metamorphosis as a rapid substitution illusion involving a locked trunk and restrictive bindings. One performer was secured inside the trunk while the other stood outside in full view of the audience. After a brief cover, the performers appeared to exchange places, with the switch occurring in a notably short interval. The illusion relied on controlled staging, precise timing, and a method allowing the concealed performer to exit the trunk quickly.
Levitation - David Blaine

David Blaine presented levitation as a street-style illusion performed at close range for spectators. In many public demonstrations, he appeared to rise a short distance off the ground while maintaining an upright position. The effect was framed as an unassisted physical lift achieved without visible support structures. Blaine also filmed staged versions that used controlled camera angles to enhance the impression of sustained height.
Death Saw - David Copperfield

David Copperfield's Death Saw illusion is a terrifying and suspenseful trick that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. In the trick, Copperfield is strapped into a large device that has a massive buzzsaw blade running through it. The blade is then activated, and Copperfield appears to be sawed in half, with his legs and upper body moving independently of each other.
Vanishing Statue of Liberty - David Copperfield

One of David Copperfield's most famous tricks, the Vanishing Statue of Liberty illusion is a visual spectacle that continues to amaze audiences to this day. During the trick, Copperfield appears to make the entire Statue of Liberty disappear from its pedestal, leaving only an empty pedestal behind.
Bullet Catch - Penn & Teller

Penn and Teller's Bullet Catch trick is one of the most dangerous illusions in the world of magic. In the trick, Penn stands on stage and catches a bullet fired from a gun by his partner Teller. Despite the danger involved, Penn and Teller have been performing this trick for decades to the amazement of their audiences.
Vanishing Elephant - Siegfried & Roy

Siegfried and Roy included a vanishing elephant routine in their stage productions featuring large-scale props and controlled lighting. During the performance, the elephant was positioned within a stage structure that obscured parts of the viewing area. After the enclosure was briefly closed, the elephant appeared to no longer be present when it was reopened. The illusion depended on staging techniques suitable for managing large animals in a theatrical environment.
Zig-Zag Lady - Robert Harbin

The Zig-Zag Lady illusion is a classic magic trick that has been performed by many illusionists over the years. In the trick, a woman is placed inside a large cabinet and appears to be divided into three parts as the cabinet's middle section is pushed to the side. The trick remains a staple of many magic shows to this day.
Doves - Lance Burton

Lance Burton's dove illusion is a stunning and magical trick that he is known for. During the trick, Burton produces doves seemingly out of thin air, with the birds flying in and out of his hands and pockets. Burton's dove trick is a favorite of many audiences and has become one of his signature illusions.
Walking on Water - Criss Angel

Criss Angel's Walking on Water illusion is a daring and dangerous trick that has stunned audiences around the world. During the trick, Angel appears to walk on the surface of a swimming pool, with his feet clearly visible above the water.