Magic & Myth
Much of what draws people to movies is the prospect of escaping their world in exchange for a new one. Of all the genres, fantasy may be the best at doing this, as it brings audiences to far-off magical lands, on wild, heart-pounding adventures. Of course, it is a broad genre, which is why it has so many amazing films under its umbrella.
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)
The third Harry Potter film expertly adapted its source material, and while the first two have a unique charm, this set the bar for the rest. Its darker tone and introduction of some of the series’ best characters have made it a fan favorite. Of course, most of the biggest fantasy movies have literary roots, if they aren’t direct adaptations.
Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, (2004)
The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003)
The Lord of the Rings chronicles the struggle of the people of Middle-Earth as they try to destroy the Ring of Power. It’s a masterclass in adapting fantasy, easily immersing its audience in a world of magic that stays true to what JRR Tolkien built. However, Tolkien’s best friend also wrote an all-time fantasy classic.
New Line Cinema, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005)
While the trilogy adapting CS Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia may have petered out, it did have a strong beginning. This first film introduces four siblings who are transported to the world of Narnia and must face their destiny to save it. Out of the few adaptations of this novel, it’s clearly the best.
Walt Disney, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride follows Buttercup who, after she loses her true love and is set to marry the Prince, finds herself kidnapped. It’s hilarious but maintains its epic, swashbuckling, and fantastically meta nature. Fortunately, this wouldn’t be Cary Elwes’ last great fantasy role.
Buttercup Films Ltd., The Princess Bride (1987)
Ella Enchanted (2004)
Ella Enchanted is about a girl who is put under a spell that makes her unable to lie. It’s a clever spoof of fairy tales with countless hilarious quotes, but never becomes too much of a parody. Of course, like this film, many fantasy movies choose to take place in a vaguely medieval setting.
Miramax, Ella Enchanted (2004)
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
This isn’t the first film adaptation of Dungeons and Dragons, but it’s arguably the best. It’s a heist movie about a group of adventurers attempting to retrieve an artifact when they realize something more sinister is going on. There’s so much charm and fun in this film, however, it isn’t the only fantasy movie centering on a thief.
Paramount, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Ladyhawke (1985)
Ladyhawke follows a thief on the run when he meets a Lady and her Captain, who are revealed to be under unfortunate curses. It’s everything that audiences could want in an 80s fantasy movie, with a unique story and unexpectedly brilliant performances that people have compared to the later classic, The Princess Bride.
Twentieth Century, Ladyhawke (1985)
Conan The Barbarian (1982)
There have been several adaptations of the Conan the Barbarian character, but this first Arnold Schwarzenegger film is considered the best. It follows the titular character on a quest for revenge after the slaying of his people. However, the fantasy genre is full of grand, sweeping epics.
Dino De Laurentiis, Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Willow (1988)
Another underrated movie from a famous director, Ron Howard’s Willow has a heartfelt and epic story that’s as delightful and timeless as ever. It centers on a farmer who discovers an abandoned baby, leading him on a quest beyond his imagination. Of course, while some of these films have a vaguely medieval setting, others take a step further into historical fantasy.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
This film tells the story of the many people involved after a sword is stolen from a legendary swordsman. It’s one of the best 2000s fantasy films, serving up some of the most thrilling action while delivering an in-depth narrative.
Columbia, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003)
This first Pirates of the Caribbean film revolutionized the action/adventure genre and contributed to the list of fantasy films that aren’t medieval-based. It follows a host of characters after the Governor of Port Royal’s daughter is kidnapped by undead pirates. However, it isn’t the only fantasy film with a twinge of spookiness.
Walt Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean, (2003)
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
While Guillermo del Toro is a master of horror, it’s important to recognize that he works just as much in dark fantasy. Pan’s Labyrinth is a prime example, following a girl in 1940s Spain who finds a fairy realm while escaping her grim reality. The complex allegories and emotional themes make it one of the best films, if not the best by del Toro.
Esperanto Filmoj, Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Although this 80s film has gone under the radar in the genre’s pantheon, it shouldn’t be slept on. It largely follows the titular character’s adventures but features a story of true imagination and belief. Coincidentally, this isn’t the only fantasy film to primarily feature someone reflecting on their life.
Laura Film, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
The Seventh Seal (1957)
The Seventh Seal tells the story of a knight who is approached by the Grim Reaper, before challenging him to a game of chess for his life. It’s subtly intense and impactful but surprisingly didn’t receive any Oscar nominations. Of course, this next knight-centric fantasy movie is much less serious.
PSvensk Filmindustri, The Seventh Seal (1957)
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
Created by the legendary comedy troupe Monty Python, this farce parodies the story of King Arthur. It’s always a favorite among fantasy fans, telling the story with a clever ridiculousness that never gets old. However, this isn’t the only fantasy film based on the Arthurian legend.
Python (Monty) Pictures, Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Excalibur (1981)
Another exploration of King Arthur’s story, Excalibur is more gritty and mature than many other fantasy films, without becoming egregious. It’s a faithful and sincere adaptation with many praiseworthy ingredients, from theatrical performances to stunning cinematography.
Orion Pictures, Excalibur (1981)
The Green Knight (2021)
The Green Knight follows Sir Gawain and his quest after he challenges a mysterious and otherworldly Green Knight. It’s a film that many have called a masterpiece and, while it’s a bit slower, it takes its time to immerse the audience in its world. Still, English mythology isn’t the only one present in fantasy films.
BRON Studios, The Green Knight (2021)
Jason And The Argonauts (1963)
A much older fantasy classic, this film adapts the famous Greek myth of Jason and his voyage to find the Golden Fleece. Despite its age, the practical effects give the film a special charm. Of course, there’s certainly a more famous Greek hero.
Charles H. Schneer Productions, Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Hercules (1997)
A later Disney Renaissance entry, Hercules is one of the strongest. While it takes some liberties with the Greek myth, it does so in a unique, groovy way that clearly makes this adaptation the best. Naturally, Disney had a major hand in shaping what is known as fantasy today.
Tangled (2010)
Tangled was one of the first truly successful 3D-animated Disney films. It’s a fresh take on the classic Rapunzel story, with an amazing soundtrack, and it paved the way for later staples like Frozen and Moana. Of course, the Pixar side of things isn’t a stranger to the fantasy genre.
Brave (2012)
Brave is a somewhat underrated film within Pixar’s legendary roster, but still holds its own. It’s a story of a princess and her mother, as a careless wish transforms the Queen into a beast. Taking place in Scotland, the beautiful, fairytale-like ambiance makes it feel magical even before the spell takes place.
Coco (2017)
Coco follows a boy taken to the land of the deceased, where he tries to find his great-great-grandfather, a famous singer. While it has Pixar’s uplifting tropes, it also tackles more complex themes like generational trauma, grief, and memory. Of course, this isn’t the only animated film where someone travels to another world.
Spirited Away (2001)
Following a girl taken to the world of spirits after her parents are turned into pigs, Spirited Away was the first Studio Ghibli film to win an Oscar. It’s a wonderfully wholesome adventure that introduced many aspects of Japanese culture and beliefs to Western audiences. However, many Ghibli films have a unique fantasy quality to them.
Tokuma Shoten, Spirited Away (2001)
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Howl’s Moving Castle follows a young woman who is cursed to look old and seeks the help of a temperamental wizard. With a beautiful score and a world full of whimsical characters, it’s no mystery why many consider this the best Studio Ghibli film.
DENTSU, Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Coraline (2009)
Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s eponymous book, Coraline is about a girl who moves to a new house, where she finds a portal to a strange, parallel world. This dark fantasy story is considered by many to be the best stop-motion film, if not the best animated film in general. While Laika Entertainment created it, it’s not their only fantasy film.
Focus Features, Coraline (2009)
Kubo And The Two Strings (2016)
Following a boy on a quest for his father’s magic armor to survive the evil chasing him, this film is an inventive journey, focusing on the complexities of family. Like other Laika Entertainment films, it features moving performances and breathtaking imagery.
Focus Features, Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Song Of The Sea (2014)
Song of the Sea follows a brother and sister who must travel to the sea and save the world of the fairies. It’s a beautifully animated film that deals with the dangers of running from emotions in the face of loss. However, there are many fantasy films about the sea.
Mélusine, Song of the Sea (2014)
Sinbad: Legend Of The Seven Seas (2003)
While this film didn’t reach the heights of other Dreamworks projects, it’s still a wildly fun ride, bringing the titular sailor to life in all his swashbuckling glory. Unfortunately, issues of studio interference and a poor release time caused it to be forgotten by most. Of course, Dreamworks has more famous examples of fantasy movies.
DreamWorks, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
The entire How to Train Your Dragon trilogy is an amazing story, and fans tend to flip-flop on whether the first or second is the best. However, going with the one that began the franchise, it tells the story of a Viking island constantly fending off attacks from dragons and a boy who instead befriends one.
DreamWorks, How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Shrek 2 (2004)
Although the first Shrek is iconic, the second expands the story, infuses more substance, and introduces a few of the series’ most beloved characters. It follows Shrek and Fiona as they meet Fiona’s parents—but it’s not a happy reunion. Of course, the Shrek franchise isn’t the only one to parody classic fairytales.
Hoodwinked! (2005)
People forget about Hoodwinked!, which is unfortunate as it’s the best fairytale whodunnit out there—and not just because there aren’t that many. It frames the Little Red Riding Hood story from the perspective of an investigation after the fact. While it doesn’t have the best animation, it’s still hilariously meta and a unique take on a timeless story.
Kanbar Entertainment, Hoodwinked! (2005)
The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
One of the earliest fantasy films that inspired many aspects of pop culture, The Wizard of Oz is truly evergreen and never loses its charm. It follows Dorothy, a farm girl picked up by a twister that takes her to a magical land. However, this wouldn’t be the last movie where a normal person is thrown into a fantasy world.
Jumanji (1995)
One of Robin Williams’ best roles, Jumanji is about two siblings and a mysterious board game that becomes more real as they play. The film is surprisingly frightening, but that doesn’t detract from how moving it is. Coincidentally, while this movie had people taken inside a board game, this next film uses a book instead.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
The NeverEnding Story follows a boy brought to a fantastical world by a strange book. It covers grief and childhood in a way few other films do and is shockingly tragic at times. Even though some aspects may not hold up, the overall charm and intent are evident as to why it’s still a classic.
Constantin Film, The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Labyrinth (1986)
Labyrinth is an all-time classic, following a girl who accidentally wishes her brother away and must save him from the evil Goblin King. It has a wonderful storybook atmosphere despite being a fantasy film that isn’t based on any novel. Of course, while many stories send normal people to magical worlds, many others have magical people visiting our world.
Mary Poppins (1964)
This iconic musical tells the story of a family who hires a new nanny who is much more magical than they thought. It’s a delightfully timeless romp, with an outstanding soundtrack and brilliant performances—despite a certain character’s accent.
Walt Disney, Mary Poppins (1964)
Stardust (2007)
Stardust is another film that flew under the radar, even though it had everything fantasy fans could want. It follows a man searching for a fallen star to win the heart of the woman he loves, only to find that the fallen star is actually a woman too. It’s an endlessly fun adventure with a stellar cast and a wholeheartedly imaginative story.
The Dark Crystal (1982)
The Dark Crystal follows an orphan on a mystical planet, who journeys to restore order to the world by finding the missing shard of the Dark Crystal. Coming from the brilliant mind of Jim Henson, this has been called his best film. Although it takes place on another planet, giving it a slight sci-fi twist, this next controversial pick takes that to another level.
Henson Organisation, The Dark Crystal (1982)
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
Yes, Star Wars is a sci-fi film, but looking at it closely reveals that it’s just as much a fantasy story. It follows a farm boy mentored by a hermit who teaches him to use mystical powers to defeat a dark lord. The most important aspect of the universe—the Force—is more or less a form of magic, and even George Lucas saw the movie as a fantasy film above all.
Lucasfilm, Star Wars: - A New Hope (1977)
Legend (1985)
A black sheep in Ridley Scott’s filmography, Legend was released to extremely mixed reviews. It follows Tom Cruise’s character, Jack, and his quest to save the world and his love by defeating Darkness. This film remains an underrated gem to many, but it suffered from a lackluster box office reception and few people have even heard of it.
Its lack of notoriety can probably be traced back to all the issues that went on during production. First, the set completely burned down. Then, Ridley Scott was forced to cut footage from the film—three times. The recuts changed many important details in the original story, and Scott even lamented that the 89-minute theatrical version had lost some of the film’s initial magic. Tom Cruise hated the final cut so much that for many years, he refused to talk about the movie. The rest of the cast was equally disappointed and they, along with Scott, have urged viewers to seek out the 114-minute director's cut.
