Fantasy movies provide a true escape from reality, bringing viewers to faraway lands with magical powers, creatures, and beings. The farthest depths of imagination are brought to the surface in the different stories that fall under the category of fantasy. The extraordinary becomes the ordinary!
The best fantasy movies ever made are those that often inspire massive franchises, introduce novel aspects to the oversaturated genre, or are impactful and memorable enough to stay with audiences for years. These are also the ideal movies for viewers looking for must-see fantasy films, as they defined and continue to change the enduring genre. From recent adaptations of timeless classics likeThe Green Knightto old seminal masterworks like Disney’sSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs, it’s easy to see thatthe best fantasy movies ever made tend to have an enduring influence on cinema. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of the very best films from the fantasy genre that fans should consider essential viewing.
55’Peter Pan' (1953)
Directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, and Wilfred Jackson
One ofthe best Disney classicsof the ’50s,Peter Panis a loving adaptation of Scottish writerJ.M. Barrie’s book. It’s the magical story of a girl and her brothers who are whisked away to the magical world of Neverland by its hero, Peter Pan, a dashing young boy who can never grow up.Though the story has been adapted for the screen on numerous occasions, this remains one of the best.
This beautifully animated movie is as timeless as classics come, enchanting for audiences of all ages. It’s one of the best fantasy adventure movies of its time, thanks to charming direction and a screenplay whose imagination and innocence soar far above whatever flaws the film may have. It may not have the complex themes or groundbreaking innovations that make other Disney classics far superior fantasy films, but it definitely comes close.
54’Conan the Barbarian' (1982)
Directed by John Milius
Back in the ’80s,Arnold Schwarzeneggerwas at the peak of his career as an action star, starring in increasingly wild and explosive films that allowed him to show off his strength (both literal and figurative). One of his best movies from this period isConan the Barbarian, about a powerful warrior who sets out to avenge the genocide of his people at the hands of a cult.
This fantasy epic is one of the most entertaining sword & sandal films ever, with brutal yet delightful action and a fun B-picture tone.It was the movie that cementedSchwarzenegger’s place in the contemporary action movie canon, and nowadays, it’s still remembered as one of his most bewitching roles. While some directors could have chosen to make this a campy adventure, John Milius goes for a darker and more serious tone — which somehow works magnificently.
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
53’Barbie' (2023)
Directed by Greta Gerwig
Back when the live-actionBarbiemovie was first announced, no one expected it to be anything special. Even when the always-outstandingGreta Gerwigwas announced to be attached to the project, people weren’t sure what to expect. As it turned out,Barbieproved to be worthy of the title of the most successful film of 2023. Colorful, quirky, and shockingly smart, it’s an emotionally complex story about Barbie and Ken having to travel from Barbie Land to the real world, where they discover both the joys and perils of being human.
Philosophically profound but also fully able to have tons of silly fun with itself,Barbieis one ofthe best comedies of the 2020s thus far. Its fantasy elements are kept relatively low-key throughout, but they do add a sweet air of imagination and innocence to the story. All in all, what Gerwig was able to achieve withBarbieis genre filmmaking at its finest.
52’The Green Knight' (2021)
Directed by David Lowery
A visually stunning moviebased on the 14th-century poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” directorDavid Lowery’s 2021 masterpiece is an underrated story of courage, mortality, and what it means to be human.The Green Knightfollows Gawain (Dev Patel), as he embarks on a perilous journey to keep his word to the titular character. Along the way, he meets otherworldly creatures and people with bad intentions.
With an enchanting atmosphere that holds viewers’ attention throughout Gawain’s magical odyssey,it’s easy to overlookThe Green Knight’s philosophical themes and pressing questions about life and death. The protagonist’s journey is as much a quest to prove himself as it is to discover who he really is, pointing the mirror at audiences and their own paths forward.
The Green Knight
51’A Monster Calls' (2016)
Directed by J. A. Bayona
Directed byJ. A. Bayona,A Monster Callsis a modern classic that tells the heartfelt story of Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall), a young boy who struggles with his mother’s terminal illness. When the titular Monster (Liam Neeson) shows up on his bedroom window one night, the biggest adventure of his life begins.
Visually striking and emotionally powerful,A Monster Callsseamlessly blends reality and fantasy, highlighting the transformative power of magic and imagination(especially in the darkest times). Its unflinching depiction of grief and the healing effect that stories can have is unmatched, and will likely capture fans’ hearts for years to come.
A Monster Calls
50’Orlando' (1992)
Directed by Sally Potter
Queen Elizabeth I (Quentin Crisp ) speaks privately with Orlando (Tilda Swinton)
Orlandois one of the most underrated fantasy films of modern times, starring one ofthe most chameleonic actors of all time: The incomparableTilda Swinton. Mixing elements of the biopic, period drama, and fantasy genres, it tells the tale of a young nobleman (played by Swinton) who’s commanded by Queen Elizabeth I to not grow old. He obeys, moving through centuries of British history as he experiences crises of identity and love, and even changes sex.
Swinton is as phenomenal as she always is, aided by the script’s smart sense of humor and the lavish costumes and sets.It’s a dazzling film that overcomes the flimsiness of its story with its gorgeous visuals, delightful concept, and deeply complex themes, proving that fantasy cinema is at its best when it’s not afraid to have fun and be wild.
49’Marcel the Shell With Shoes On' (2021)
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp
Since shortly after its inception, the movie studio A24 has been praised for spearheading the contemporary indie filmmaking movement. Their library has explored all sorts of genres, including family fantasy.Marcel the Shell With Shoes Onis one ofA24’s best movies to date, following a small sentient shell living in his Airbnb with his friends, who becomes the subject of a documentarian’s newest outing.
Cute, charming, and funny, but also surprisingly profound in its exploration of themes of mortality and family,Marcel the Shellis, much like its protagonist,a seemingly small and simple thing with a heart that’s multiple times its size. Its fantasy elements are subtle and creatively used, losing no time in trying to give them any more depth than they need.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
48’Who Framed Roger Rabbit' (1988)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
A groundbreakingmovie that combined live action and animation, directorRobert Zemeckis’Who Framed Roger Rabbittakes place in a reality where Toons (cartoon characters) live alongside humans. It follows the story of Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), an unlucky private detective, as he investigates a murder involving the famous cartoon character Roger Rabbit (voiced byCharles Fleischer).
With its unique mix of film noir and vibrant animation, the 1988 film became an instant hit and introduced fan-favorite characters like the iconic Jessica Rabbit (Kathleen Turner) and the unforgettable Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd).Who Framed Roger Rabbitwas a pioneer in the field of visual effects and animationthat’s still astonishingly fun to watch today.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
47’Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' (2022)
Directed by Joel Crawford
With a filmography as large as they have, DreamWorks Animation have certainly had their fair share of ups and downs over the years —but very rarely have they had an up as high asPuss in Boots: The Last Wish. A sequel to the not-particularly-extraordinaryShrekspin-offPuss in Boots, it finds its titular hero finding that his thirst for adventure has taken its toll, as he’s now burned through eight of his nine lives. So, he launches on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore the lives he’s lost.
One of themost visually striking animated moviesof all time,The Last Wishis much more than just a great-looking film. An exhilarating existentialist journey that feels like a delightful mutation betweenAndrei Tarkovsky’sStalkerandRed Dead Redemption 2, it’s a film as rich in its storytelling, theme-building, and character work as it is in its exciting action sequences. It shows that DreamWorks still have plenty of fresh ideas in store.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
46’Mary Poppins' (1964)
Directed by Robert Stevenson
DirectorRobert Stevenson’sMary Poppinsis a beloved fantasy musical movie that transcends generations of fans. Set in London, the film revolves around the Banks family, who hire the titular whimsical nanny (one ofJulie Andrews' most iconic characters) who has a unique way of caring for the two mischievous children.
Alongside Bert (Dick Van Dyke), a charming chimney sweep, Mary Poppins takes the kids on extraordinary and magical adventures that open up a new world full of excitement and wonder. The influential film is fondly remembered by most as an integral part of their childhood, as it captures the innocent perspective and the imaginative world of young kids. Legendary catchy songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” have also helped it maintain its status as a timeless classic.
