Are you a movie buff and looking for some iconic fantasy films to refresh your palette? We have got you all covered with the list of the top fantasy movies of all eras.
There is something about fantasy movies that fuels our imagination and makes us feel like we are living in a dream world that is much different from reality, yet imitates real human emotions with unreal elements. Whether it is a sci-fi or a magical journey, or dark dungeons, fantasy movies often captivate audiences by taking them into a different dimension. The magic of fantasy movies can tantalize the hearts of audiences of all ages, and if you are also one of them, here are some exceptional fantasy movies that you should definitely watch.
- “Conan the Barbarian” (1982)
This is one of those fantasy movies where Arnold Schwarzenegger and his unique accent worked pretty well for his character of a rebel Barbarian. The movie seems like a male fantasy with historical and mythological essence, where a hero’s aura forms while fighting against the necromantic cult leader Thulsa Doom. The movie is a classic cult, and you will enjoy the goofy action along with the flat storyline. It is an enjoyable watch and is filled with a narrative with a hook. You might want to grab a bucket of popcorn with this one.
- “Barbie” (2023)
Any movie that Greta Gerwig makes is supposed to be a movie that can inspire generations of people. This director is best known for making female-oriented movies that embrace women’s empowerment in a different and more relatable way. Barbie is one of the finest examples of her work, where she blended the fantasy world of Barbie with conventions and then broke those conventions in a way that won the hearts of the audience. This movie is no doubt one of the best movies in the 21st century that won the hearts of children as well as adults.
- “Enter the Void” ( 2009)
Gaspar Noé’s movies are pretty difficult to watch because of the uneasy feeling that they offer a pungent taste of reality. Enter the Void is one of those movies that might take you multiple attempts, as it is very trippy and mind-bending. The story showcases the astral projection of a soul, but it is the soul of a dead man. This mind-frazzling fantasy involves drug dealing, abortion, crime, and many other dark aspects of life, shown in a neon-drenched, bright night. The POV for the gliding soul is too vivid, and you will feel like a part of it.
- “A Ghost Story” (2017)
Not every Ghost story has to become a horror story, and director David Lowery has proved that with his movie. This movie is a simple haunting into a powerful meditation on love, time, and the inevitable dissolution of all things. This is a different kind of fantasy movie that can make you feel emotional as well. The movie involves a lot of flat colors and mainly white and toned-down bluish tones, which makes the theme appear clearer. This is a sublime, provoking movie that can captivate all kinds of audiences.
- “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” ( 2004)
J K Rowling’s Harry Potter has a huge fanbase all over the world, and that goes for the books as well as the movie series with a total of 8 parts. However, nothing can beat Alfonso Cuarón’s direction on Prisoner of Azkaban, which unveils the darkest chapters of the story. The main characters have also grown up by the time, and it feels quite great to see their evolution. The visual palette for this movie is just awesome, and you will be immersed in the magical elements as well as the narrative that comes with a great hook.
- “The Purple Rose of Cairo” (1985)
This is a classic cult movie by director Woody Allen, who is notorious for his personal life, but has done a great job in making movies that connect with the audience. ‘“The Purple Rose of Cairo” can be a great example of his works, a surreal love triangle between Cecilia and the character in the movie. It is considered a depression era drama fantasy that comes with lots of twists and turns. The ending does not fit the so-called Hollywood climax, but the movie still managed to win the Best Original Screenplay nomination.
- “Coraline” (2009)
So, you are willing to watch fantasy films but haven’t explored the animation genre yet? Well, then you definitely have to, as Henry Selick’s Coraline can make your jaw drop. It is an amazing movie that showcases dazzling results with the life of the protagonist, Coraline Jones. She finds a portal in her new home that connects to an inverse reality populated by button-eyed doppelgängers. This alternative reality was quite fascinating for the little girl until she found the difference between the two worlds. It is an endlessly evolving movie that is not just for kids but for adults as well.
- “Jumanji” (1995)
If you have not watched the classic Jumanji by director Joe Johnston yet, it is time for you to watch the original movie that everyone geeks about. The new version of Jumanji can never match the adventure and thrill that was provided by Robin Williams’ remarkable acting and the kids, along with him. A classic board game turning into a life-altering event is something we all crave, and this ’90s classic has fulfilled that well without the need for heavy VFX. It is the most entertaining and emotional fantasy movie that you will ever watch.
- “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010)
Scott Pilgrim is quite famous in modern pop culture, and for that, you have to give credit to Edgar Wright, the director who has done an incredible job in portraying young fantasy. “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” will be one of the movies people cite to define North American pop cinema of the early 21st century, which is also a clever graphic novel adaptation. Although it is a fantasy movie, it addresses the right problems that humans are facing right now, and the underlying message in the movie can make everyone feel valued and powerful.
- “Excalibur” (1982)
This movie by director John Boorman speaks of the famous lore, which is based on the powerful sword called ‘Excalibur’, which can only be picked up by a true warrior. This classic movie comes with a powerful hook and many immersive moments that can keep you glued to your seats. The Arthurian epic “Excalibur” is one of the top and most inspiring stories that showcases extreme valor and bravery. The visual representation of the story in this movie has been done carefully and creatively, along with plenty of outdoor scenes. As a result, you can be a part of seamless exploration.
- “Aladdin” ( 1992)
Disney does not always do the greatest job, but it was way better in the 90s than it is now. Ron Clements and John Musker have intricately worked in this movie to make this animation inspiring even for adults. The storyline involves poor Aladdin and his beloved princess Jasmine, along with the magical genie, Abu, and the flying carpet Kali. This fantasy movie is a perfect treat to watch for audiences of all ages. Other than its amazing storyline, the movie also shows how greed can be the reason for fall, even for the most powerful and evil person. At the end, love wins it all.
- “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (2002)
This movie does not require a special introduction, as most people are already aware of it. Director Peter Jackson has done a remarkable job in making this epic saga. The second installment of the story is deeply cinematic. It is one of the most visceral and dazzlingly staged battle scenes in film history; the Helm’s Deep set piece succeeds in maintaining a sense of pulse-pounding clarity through all the Uruks-on-human fighting. The Lord of the Rings will provide you with an unforgettable journey of fantasy that you will hold onto for the rest of your life.
- “Princess Mononoke” ( 1997)
As mentioned before, the fantasy world shown in the animation movies can take over the minds of all, whether a child or an adult, and Hayao Miyazaki is a master of his craft. This talented and old director worked rigorously throughout his life and refused to use AI. ‘Princess Mononoke’ is one of his best movies under the Studio Ghibli production that showcases the dark side of humans and the revolting nature of nature against the humans who are destroying it. It is an amazing movie that can make you question yourself and your consciousness.
- “Mary Poppins” ( 1964)
Robert Stevenson’s Mary Poppins is a classic cult that inspired a lot of people to lead a better life with more happiness and kindness. The movie feels like a whimsical dream where magic is powerful enough to enact real change. Watching this film feels like your childhood dream has become true through a handful of heartfelt emotions. Audiences most vividly remember its song-and-dance numbers and the charm of the actors that made the story more lively and intriguing for all.
- “The City of Lost Children” ( 1995)
This movie by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro was released in the 90s, and it took over audiences by offering the perfect Christmas story. The detailed fantastical universe in “The City of Lost Children” showcases an amazing world with groundbreaking visual tours de force, like “Brazil” and “Time Bandits.” The movie is filled with grand scale, eye-popping sets, unique costumes, ingenious special effects, and many other intriguing elements that can even give tough competition to the fairy tales. Sometimes wild and scary, and sometimes fun, this movie can play with your emotions with multiple immersive moments.
- “Kwaidan” (1964)
This classic movie from the 60s is one of the first attempts at fantasy films, where Japanese director Masaki Kobayashi did a remarkable job. This movie is a compilation of four different ghost stories that come with a wonderfully stylized composition. The movie is adapted from the collection of Japanese folklore written by scribe Lafcadio Hearn. The colorful and dazzling sets, along with the surreal effects, help to create haunting tales of demonic retribution, which is quite gripping to watch. It is also surprising to witness how advanced these people were back then.
- “The Thief of Bagdad” (1940)
Think of a fantasy movie that was made in the 40s and still managed to provide a better story than most other fantasy stories in modern days. It is the contribution of Ludwig Berger, Tim Whelan, and Michael Powell, who have done a great job in making this movie, that offers a modern flavor. You can find ground-breaking pre-CGI special effects in 1940, and it is quite amazing to witness. The story for the movie has a human core, even though it is fantasy, and that is what makes it more relatable and engaging.
- “Fantasia” (1940)
Fantasia is another remarkable fantasy movie from 1940, which astonished audiences with its storyline and approach to making fantasy successfully. This movie is a tribute to the power of music to unlock the human imagination, and it was made by various directors of the time. The animators behind the film create a heady rush of fantastical images, which helps to make the story alive. Starting from dancing elephants to ostriches doing ballet to Beethoven, you will find many iconic moments in the movie that you have never witnessed before.
- “The Princess Bride” ( 1987)
It feels amazing when romance and fantasy get intertwined together, and that is what Rob Reiner’s movie is all about. This romantic fantasy drama feels like a page out of a book and can offer a warm, fuzzy feeling inside your heart. The charming duo of Peter Falk and Fred Savage helped to offer the real essence of the romance with their fine chemistry that appeared awesome online. The movie cleverly puts the importance of fantastical entertainment in the modern world with creativity and subtlety. This fantasy film did not stick its genre restrictions and as a result, it became more unique to the audience.
- “The Holy Mountain” ( 1973)
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a critically acclaimed director who is best known for making bizarre yet interesting movies that come with a theatrical touch. ‘The Holy Mountain’ is perhaps the most bizarre fantasy film that you have ever seen, where the director has unveiled an unholy vision of a messiah and his acolytes en route to the palace of wisdom on a path of excess and debauchery, which remains the ultimate trip, and a midnight movie as substantive in content as it is in form. The symbolic mise-en-scene and metaphors are well utilized to depict something even bigger, and you will realize it when watching.
- “The Green Knight” (2021)
If you are willing to witness the magic of director David Lowery, then The Green Knight is a must-watch. This movie is capable of offering a different view of the familiar novels. It is adapted from the iconic tale of Sir Gawain and his quest to find the Green Knight, which can captivate everyone with Dev Patel’s amazing performance. The director has offered a more cynical look at the Arthurian mythos and its themes of honor and nobility that also clearly reveres its source material. The story is crafted so brilliantly that it can change the perspective of how heroes are addressed and what defines bravery.
- “A Little Princess” (1995)
This movie by director Alfonso Cuarón is a watch for everyone, which is based on Francis Hodgson Burnett’s stirring 1905 novel of the same name. The movie depicts the harsh elements of the story and utilizes it as a breakthrough for the protagonist, the survival of the fittest. Although there are plenty of childhood fantasies, there are also references to society and classism that reflect through each layer. There is a duality in the movie, perspective, and characters, which makes the story even more intriguing for the audience. It is satisfying and offers a lot of courage to imagine in this harsh reality.
- “Big” (1988)
Penny Marshall set an example for female directors in Hollywood long before the gender discrimination diminished, and BIG is the first ever movie directed by a woman to gross over $100 million at the U.S. box office. However, each million is absolutely worth it as this movie has captivated the imaginations of all ages. Built on a whimsical premise, the story is mainly based on a 13-year-old boy waking up in the body of a grown man, and thanks to Tom Hanks’ amazing performance, this film is an absolute delight to watch. There are ample comedic elements to make you happy as well.
- “Orpheus” (1950)
This masterpiece is a creation of director Jean Cocteau, who did a flawless job in making this creative project. While we all think fantasy does not exist in our daily life, watch this movie to prove you wrong with its spectacular shots and scenes. The monochrome camera work back in the 50s was not so refined, but it did not create an obstacle for making this masterpiece. Cocteau placed this in post-war Paris and its vicinity, with multiple non-studio scenes, which is a perfect tribute and modernization of Greek mythology. It is the original story of a poet encountering death and going on a journey to the underworld. There is a trilogy for this movie as well.
- “Edward Scissorhands” (1990)
Those who have enjoyed Tim Burton’s works would already know how the director handles his projects with a bit of surreal elements and magic realism. This movie offers the perfect taste of his signature work and imagination, which is also an intriguing romantic fantasy. Inspired by the auteur’s own childhood in Burbank, the film vividly lays out seemingly dueling sides of the California dream. You can witness an outstanding performance by Johnny Depp, who played the character of Edward. Although it feels like a fairytale, the movie provides a clever spin on reality by showing the true nature of people and their issues that they impose on others.
- “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988)
This movie was way ahead of its time as director Robert Zemeckis merged animation and reality together with outrageous fun. This mind-bending, genre-crushing gumshoe story comes with almost every popular cartoon character, but definitely does not rely on hackneyed, cartoon comedy devices. The organic elements and deeply felt emotions of the characters make this fantasy flick very close to the heart. It is a landmark movie as many modern directors take inspiration from this fine work. After it was released, big names like Walt Disney were ready to spend all their budget on making more creative animated movies.
- “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)
Ang Lee is one of those directors who can make you rethink your life through his movie creations. ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ is one of his most creative projects that helped to reignite the traditional Chinese wuxia. This swooning masterpiece is every bit as glorious as it was on the day it came out. Starting from the story, set, and cinematography, this movie is a masterpiece in all aspects. It is a testament to traditional martial art techniques with multiple smooth action sequences. On the contrary, every punch, kick, and swing of a sword is an urgent act of self-expression.
“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988)
Hayao Miyazaki knows how to bend your reality, and he does that gracefully with each movie he makes. “My Neighbor Totoro” is the director’s most passionate love letter to the power of childhood imagination that can melt your heart. The story centers around Satsuki and Mei, sisters who cope with their mother’s illness by befriending the title creature and going on a series of adventures that help strengthen the girls’ bond with their parents. However, it also showcases how we are guided and surrounded by the nature spirits and how we should respect them to keep ourselves alive in nature. Miyazaki’s boundless animation style is truly a guide to your soul.
