Fantasy films have a way of transporting us to magical realms and introducing us to wondrous creatures, and that’s why they are so beloved by audiences. From mystical worlds to epic adventures, here’s a roundup of the 17 best fantasy films that have enchanted viewers of all ages:
The Lord of the Rings
All three films in The Lord of the Rings trilogy enjoyed positive critical and popular acclaim, racking up 17 Oscar awards. The Lord of the Rings remains a most beloved fantasy franchise, captivating audiences with its detailed world-building and great storytelling.
Star Wars
Few film projects have impacted pop culture as much as this iconic soap opera. Created by George Lucas, the first Star Wars movie was released in 1977, and since then, millions of fans worldwide have been enthralled by its incredible tales and memorable characters.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Despite having premiered in 1939, The Wizard of Oz is still widely regarded today as one of the best movies ever made. It seems the world will always be charmed by the story of Dorothy’s adventure in the land of Oz with her dog, Toto.
Harry Potter
An adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s popular novels, the Harry Potter film series took the world by storm with the release of Philosopher’s Stone in 1997. This franchise, centered around a young wizard’s journey, has since been followed up with six similarly successful sequels.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Featuring an ensemble cast including Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, and Anne Hathaway, Alice in Wonderland is another classic fantasy film. The movie follows the titular character who finds herself in Wonderland, where she is up against the Red Queen and her Jabberwocky.
The Shape of Water (2017)
In this 2017 romantic fantasy film, a Deaf Elisa works in a secret government facility where she encounters a man-like sea creature that the government has captured. An unlikely bond develops between the two, leading Elisa to hatch a plan for the creature’s escape.
Pinocchio (1940)
Disney’s second animated film was an adaptation of the iconic children’s novel The Adventures of Pinocchio. Its classic tale of Pinnochio, the innocent wooden puppet whose sole desire is to become a real boy, charmed adults and children in the 1940s and continues to do so today.
Spirited Away (2001)
In this 2001 Japanese fantasy film, we explore the world of kami, which refers to a realm of spirits in Japanese Shinto folklore. After a 10-year-old girl, Chihiro Ogino, stumbles into kami, she must find a way to return to the human world and free her parents from the spell that has transformed them into pigs.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney’s first animated feature film, and it was an instant classic. The film tells the tale of Snow White, who is exiled into the forest by an envious stepmother, “the Queen.”
Jumanji (1995)
Jumanji follows a pair of siblings who discover a mysterious board game that can trap players in its world while releasing things into the real world. The siblings must finish the game to restore everything to their ordinary state. Jumanji is an urban fantasy classic, with its legacy further boosted by the 2017 remake starring The Rock.
A Monster Calls (2016)
A Monster Calls is a dark fantasy drama about a young boy who encounters a giant yew tree monster as he struggles with his mother’s terminal illness. What’s great about A Monster Calls is that while it captivates with its fantastical elements, it still manages to hold on to its dark and serious themes convincingly.
Life of Pi (2012)
Based on Yann Martel’s 2001 novel of the same name, Life of Pi revolves around the adventures of two shipwreck survivors, a 16-year-old boy and an adult Bengal tiger. Against all odds, the boy and the tiger are able to work together to survive.
The Dark Crystal (1982)
Jim Henson’s visionary fantasy epic, set in the mystical world of Thra, showcases a tale of heroism against malevolent Skeksis. Utilizing groundbreaking puppetry, this film transports viewers to a land where a young Gelfling embarks on a quest to restore balance by healing a powerful crystal.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Guillermo del Toro masterfully blends historical drama with dark fantasy in post-Civil War Spain. The movie revolves around Ofelia, a young girl who encounters an enigmatic faun in a mysterious labyrinth, leading her through three harrowing tasks.
Willow (1988)
Directed by Ron Howard and penned by George Lucas, Willow is an enchanting tale of a young farmer and aspiring sorcerer named Willow Ufgood. Tasked with protecting a special infant from an evil queen, Willow embarks on a quest, forging unlikely alliances and discovering his true potential.
Labyrinth (1986)
Famously starring David Bowie as the Goblin King, Labyrinth has garnered a large cult following since its release. In the musical fantasy, Sarah navigates a maze filled with eccentric creatures and puzzles to save her baby brother, who’s been taken away to a magical realm.
READ MORE – 20 MOVIES THAT PREDICTED THE FUTURE AND ACTUALLY GOT IT RIGHT
Movie makers often leave certain plot points ambiguous to spark discussions and theories among the audience. While some mysteries are later resolved in sequels or by the filmmakers themselves, others remain unexplained. Here are 18 movie mysteries that still leave us scratching our heads
20 MOVIES THAT PREDICTED THE FUTURE AND ACTUALLY GOT IT RIGHT
20 MOVIES WE WISH WE COULD ERASE FROM OUR MINDS AND WATCH AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME
Do you ever wish you could travel back in time to relive a favorite movie experience all over again? Reddit recently compiled a list of such amazing movies, and here are 20 of our favorites.
20 MOVIES WE WISH WE COULD ERASE FROM OUR MINDS AND WATCH AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME
18 MOVIE MYSTERIES THAT STILL HAVE NO EXPLANATION
Movie makers often leave certain plot points ambiguous to spark discussions and theories among the audience. While some mysteries are later resolved in sequels or by the filmmakers themselves, others remain unexplained. Here are 18 movie mysteries that still leave us scratching our heads
18 MOVIE MYSTERIES THAT STILL HAVE NO EXPLANATION
20 MOVIES THAT WERE SO GOOD WE WISH WE COULD WATCH THEM AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME
Some movies are so great that we wish we could watch them again for the very first time. Someone recently asked the users of Reddit which movies they would choose, and we’ve listed the top 20 answers below.
20 MOVIES THAT WERE SO GOOD WE WISH WE COULD WATCH THEM AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME
THE 38 MOST AWESOME ‘BAD GUYS’ IN MOVIE HISTORY
They’re the ones we love to hate, the characters that make our blood boil, and keep us on the edge of our seats. These are the 38 best movie villains of all time.
