The Prestige (2006)

2006 • TMDB 8.2 • 2h 11m • Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction

Overview

Set in Victorian London, Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige follows rival stage magicians Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, whose friendship collapses after a trick goes fatally wrong. What begins as professional jealousy soon curdles into a consuming obsession, as each man sabotages the other’s act and chases the secret of the perfect illusion — the Transported Man. Their feud draws in the brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla, a devoted engineer named Cutter, and the women caught between them, while costing both men everything they love. Told through interwoven diaries and a non-linear structure that mirrors a magic trick itself — the pledge, the turn, and the prestige — the film keeps its greatest secret hidden until the final act. With rich period detail, a haunting score, and two career-best performances from Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, The Prestige is a mystery that rewards a second viewing, when every clue suddenly falls into place.

Director & Cast

• Director: Christopher Nolan
• Hugh Jackman (Robert Angier)
• Christian Bale (Alfred Borden)
• Michael Caine (Cutter)
• Piper Perabo (Julia McCullough)
• Rebecca Hall (Sarah)
• Scarlett Johansson (Olivia Wenscombe)
• Samantha Mahurin (Jess)
• David Bowie (Tesla)
• Andy Serkis (Alley)

Why Watch The Prestige?

The Prestige is the rare thriller that gets better once you know the ending, because Nolan plants every clue in plain sight. The rivalry between Jackman and Bale crackles with genuine menace, Michael Caine anchors the film as the weary engineer Cutter, and David Bowie’s turn as Nikola Tesla adds an eerie jolt of real history. Its final twist reframes everything that came before, making a second watch feel like a different film entirely.

Official Trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube: The Prestige (2006) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

Where to Watch

In the US, The Prestige streams on Netflix (including Netflix Standard with Ads). It is also available to rent for $3.99 in 4K on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home, or to buy from $4.99 in 4K. Check current availability on JustWatch US.

More Like This

• The Departed (2006)
• The Dark Knight (2008)
• Gladiator (2000)

Poster: TMDB. Rating and runtime verified on TMDB. Streaming status checked on JustWatch US, October 29, 2026.