Wizards
Directed by Ralph Bakshi
After the death of his mother, evil mutant wizard Blackwolf discovers long-lost military technologies. Full of ego and ambition, Blackwolf claims his mother's throne, assembles an army, and sets out to brainwash and conquer Earth. Meanwhile, Blackwolf's gentle twin brother, the bearded sage Avatar, calls upon his own magical abilities to foil Blackwolf's plans for world domination — even if it means eliminating his own flesh and blood.
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Wizards Ratings & Reviews
- TomVaderMay 28, 2025It's visually interesting, but to be honest - I've watched this movie at least dozens of times, and I couldn't tell you what it was about other than it's about two brother wizards at war, and there are like fairies, goblins, and that kind of stuff. The plot is pretty lame, and not memorable, but it also feels preachy - as if they're trying to make some overarching point instead of just telling you a good story. The animation is pretty good, but it's strange that they cut in actual footage of Nazis at times. If I didn't know it from my childhood, I don't think I'd ever watch it.
- TheDesertLadNovember 25, 2025For a story with the simple premise of "propaganda and war are bad," this movie takes you on a fever dream of an adventure that you enjoy being on. Watched this SOBER with friends and the banter while watching was amazing. I cannot and don't want to picture anyone watching this on something. Just get your friends together and have fun!
- Mike MartinsSeptember 29, 2025Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards is a fascinating mix of fantasy, science fiction, and counterculture commentary that stands out as one of the more daring animated films of the 1970s. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where magic and technology collide, it tells the story of twin brothers—Avatar, a kindly wizard, and Blackwolf, a dark sorcerer bent on domination—whose battle becomes a symbolic clash between peace and war. The movie is bold and imaginative, with its psychedelic landscapes, surreal character designs, and an unapologetically unique art style. Bakshi blends traditional hand-drawn animation with live-action footage in a way that feels experimental and ahead of its time. The story is simple but layered with allegory, touching on themes of fascism, propaganda, and the dangers of unchecked technology. What keeps it from a perfect score is its uneven pacing and occasional rough edges in the animation, but that’s also part of its charm. It’s scrappy, rebellious filmmaking that captures the spirit of 70s underground art. While not for everyone, Wizards has earned its cult status for good reason—it’s strange, memorable, and still sparks conversation nearly 50 years later. Verdict: A bold, visionary animated fantasy that deserves recognition as both a cult classic and a time capsule of 1970s counterculture. Four stars.
Wizards Trivia
Wizards was released on February 9, 1977.
Wizards was directed by Ralph Bakshi.
Wizards has a runtime of 81m.
Wizards was produced by Ralph Bakshi.
After the death of his mother, evil mutant wizard Blackwolf discovers long-lost military technologies. Full of ego and ambition, Blackwolf claims his mother's throne, assembles an army, and sets out to brainwash and conquer Earth. Meanwhile, Blackwolf's gentle twin brother, the bearded sage Avatar, calls upon his own magical abilities to foil Blackwolf's plans for world domination — even if it means eliminating his own flesh and blood.
The key characters in Wizards are Avatar (voice) (Bob Holt), Elinore (voice) (Jesse Welles), Weehawk (voice) (Richard Romanus).
Wizards is rated PG.
Wizards is an Animation, Fantasy, Science Fiction film.
Wizards has an audience rating of 6.9 out of 10.
Wizards had a budget of $2M.
Wizards has made $9M at the box office.