If you want to find the best magic on YouTube, just type “Penn & Teller Fool Us” and hit play. Mischief managed! But if you want to find the best mentalism on YouTube… that’s going to be much harder!
While magic has been on television for decades (think David Copperfield, David Blaine, Criss Angel, etc.), mentalism has garnered far less television exposure. In fact, there are many people who don’t know what a mentalist is.
But that’s beginning to change! Due to the popularity of mentalism on the “Got Talent” programs and others, TV producers are beginning to see the undeniable entertainment value that mentalists can provide.
Here are my favorite mentalism videos on YouTube, past and present. From TV series to talent competitions… there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Oz Pearlman
Oz Pearlman is the most publicized mentalist in the world today. In the last few years, he’s appeared on more TV programs, radio, and podcasts than any other mentalist. You can find clips of Oz on America’s Got Talent, Howard Stern, Joe Rogan, and multiple apearances on ESPN.
This clip perfectly illustrates Oz’s commanding presense. He’s focused, confident, and absolutely in control. Everyone else is along for the ride!
Colin Cloud
This is Colin Cloud’s first appearance on AGT, and it showcases his unique genius perfectly. Colin is baffling and entertaining, but I’m most impressed by his incredible stage presence. Watch how he instantly captivates the attention of the judges and the audience. He’s charming, funny, and mystifying!
Colin is well-known among mentalists for his creativity and showmanship. He’s currently headlining his own Las Vegas show at Harrah’s. In fact, Colin is the only mentalist on this list with a Las Vegas residency, so do yourself a favor and see him LIVE! Get tickets here.
Lior Suchard
Israel has produced some of the greatest mentalists in the world (most notably Uri Geller), and Lior Suchard is continuing the tradition. Lior is incredibly successful, regularly performing at high-end corporate and celebrity events all over the world.
This clip shows Lior’s engaging theatricality and his originality. Be prepared for lots of twists, turns, and fun surprises!
Fun fact: I was performing at a trade show in Chicago a few years ago when I got the opportunity to see Lior’s full stage show at a company-sponsored event. There must have been 2,500+ people in the audience, and Lior’s high-energy performance captivated everyone there. He’s a very nice guy!
Derren Brown
I’m just gonna say it…. Derren Brown is my all-time favorite mentalist. His influence in the art form cannot be overstated. What Dunninger was to the 20th century, Derren is to the 21st.
You may not know him, but Derren is a household name in the UK. His TV shows have broken ratings records, and his sold-out touring shows won Olivier Awards in 2006 and 2012. He even performed on Broadway in 2019 and 2020 to rave reviews.
This is an old clip from Derren’s early 2000’s TV Series “Trick of the Mind.” Unlike most mentalists, Derren is happy to explain some of what he’s doing. And unlike most magic… the secret is even MORE impressive as the trick!
Derren is a formidable storyteller, and an utterly brilliant showman. If you like this style of mentalism on YouTube, I strongly recommend checking out his YouTube channel. You’ll find many happy hours there.
Max Maven
Max Maven was one of the most influential magicians and mentalists to have ever lived, having published over 1,700 creations in the conjuring literature. Max worked as a magic consultant for Penn & Teller, David Copperfield, and appeared on over 30 magazine covers. His knowledge of magic history and methods was untouchable. Nobody knew more than Max.
Max passed away in 2022. Despite his deeply intellectual and prickly persona, he was surprisingly generous and kind. I recall sharing a drink with him at the Magic Castle one night, while he pontificated on similarities between mentalism and professional wrestling (yes… really)!
Max’s performing persona was entirely his own, as you can see in this clip. The widow’s peak, the eyeliner, the earring… all of this was VERY cutting edge at the time. Max was a legend, and I still can’t believe he knew my name.
Dunninger
This clip is a treasure. Joseph Dunninger was one of the most important mentalists of all time. In the 1930’s and 40’s, Dunninger’s radio appearances made him a household name throughout the USA.
While modern audiences may not remember him, Dunninger’s impact in the early 20th century cannot be overstated. He was the most popular mentalist in his day, and performed for many of the world’s elite. This incredibly rare footage is from his TV series “The Amazing Dunninger” from 1967. While Dunninger performed a very straightforward mind reading act, he was always careful to disclaim any actual “psychic” ability.
The Amazing Kreskin
Kreskin appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson a whopping 61 times. His touring show has entertained millions of people all over the world, and he has published 20 books for the general public. Penn & Teller hated him.
In this clip from his TV special in the 1970’s, you’ll see Kreskin’s unique blend of magic and mentalism. He continued to perform right up until he passed away in 2023.
Nothing Beats a LIVE Show
I believe these are the best mentalism videos on YouTube, but nothing beats seeing a mentalist LIVE and in-person. You can see my Las Vegas show recommendations here, but I suggest you check locally as well! For example, I’m a mentalist in Los Angeles, but I’m hired at events all across the country.
And remember… mentalism is perfect for corporate events! So if your organization is hosting an employee or client event, and you’d like some world-class magic and mind-reading, contact me today!
Bonus Video
What if you can’t see a mentalist in person?
Here’s a full performance from one of Derren Brown’s award-winning stage shows. It was filmed before a live, ticketed audience, and what you see is EXACTLY what you would experience if you were there. This is the full show, so grab some popcorn and get comfy. Stick around until the end. You’re in for a treat!
