Fantasy movies take their audience on an amazing adventure, through excellent storytelling, graphics and acting. If you want to experience the best this genre has to offer, this list guides you towards the best fantasy movies ever made. So grab your popcorn, sit back, relax, and read more about both your cherished old films as well as new hits!
What Makes Fantasy Movies So Magical?
Fantasy does not mean the existence of fiction creatures alone. It also covers wonderful worlds and heroic quests that are combined into a single tale. It is the graphics along with the warming emotions intertwined together that fuel our imagination and allow us to escape reality and enter realms that only exist in our dreams.
1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
One of the most notable pieces of work to come from Peter Jackson is The Lord of the Rings Trilogy which revolutionized the world of cinema as we know it today. These motion pictures are based on a series of books written by J.R.R Tolkien that follow the life of Frodo Baggins and his companions as they seek to obliterate the One Ring. The stunning visuals and award winning stars of this trilogy leave it unspecified the best of all fantasy films.
2. Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
This is a beautifully crafted series spanning 8 films that has had many people glued to their seats around the world and immersing themselves into the enchanted realm of Hogwarts. In a spectacular way, this series showcases the journey of Harry Potter where he faces fierce battles, establishes friendships, and succumbs to dark magical beasts. It is a wonderful collection for fans of fantasy and magic.
3. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
My all time favorite movie, Pan’s Labyrinth is directed by world famous Guillermo del Torro. She discovers a fascinating magical Labrynth whilst living in Spain after the civil war. That beautiful underworld is every fantasy lover’s dream. This story includes elements of historical drama paired with dark fantasy.
4. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
This captivating adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s classic grabs the attention of every fan. The charming tale revolves around 4 siblings who step into the magical land of Narnia. As the siblings join forces with Aslan who happens to be a talking lion, they set out to vanquish the evil white witch which makes this film so good the whole family will enjoy watching it.
5. Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away is an incredible animated film loved by children around the world, thanks to the famous director Hayao Miyazaki. Chihiro, a curious young girl, finds herself lost in a mystical magical world and embarks on an enchanting adventure that she will never forget. It is one of the Studio Ghibli films and is astonishingly beautiful, with the profound message of courage and transformation.
6. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The film details Dorothy’s adventure to the captivating Land of Oz. The songs and characters in the films such as “Over the Rainbow” or the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion are unforgettable to the industry.
7. The Princess Bride (1987)
The film really tells a brilliant story combining action, romance, and comedy. The Princess Bride is truly timeless with Princess Buttercup and Westley’s interesting dialogues. It is a gratitude that all children of this world have towards this remarkable film.
8. Avatar (2009)
James Cameron’s masterwork Avatar is one of the absolute best in the world of fantasy. It grabs the audience’s eyes and brings them to the stunning land of Pandora. The story of the colonial engagements of humans and the Pandoran natives called the Na’vi is very captivating and in conjunction with the 3D movie experience it changed the viewer’s reality.
9. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Disney animation beauty and the Beast always casted the adventures love and friendships of its characters perfectly. The animation of the movie along with its soundtrack makes it one of the all time favorites and best Disney movies ever made.
10. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Hiccup, a young Viking, and his dragon, Toothless, showcase friendship, self discovery, and courage. The movie excels in portrayal of its themes which is one of the reasons why kids and adults love it. The story contains is superb, and the animation to go along with it is astonishing.
11. The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
While The Hobbit trilogy is lighter than The Lord Of the Rings, it is definitely just as spectacular. It’s an adaptation of Tolkien’s book which follows the figure of Bilbo Baggins’ adventure with the dwarves and all of the fascinating events that occur in the book.
Why Fantasy Movies Continue to Inspire Us
Fantasy films are aimed not only to entertain the audience but to evoke imagination in portraying important issues such as good and evil, love and hope. And all films on this list are among the finest that the fantasy genre can offer.
So, allow yourself to go beyond reality and explore the fantasy world if this is your first time, or if have been a fan for a long time and want something new. In both scenarios, these films are bound to take the viewer on a magical journey.
