Defined by its ceaseless narrative possibilities, its enthralling sense of adventure, and its invitation to enter into a world of wonder,fantasy cinema is one of the most universally appealing and enrapturing genres the medium has to offer. Even dating back to the silent era of film, fantasy movies have had a uniquely powerful ability to enchant audiences of all ages and immerse them in their divine realities, often while revolutionizing the possibilities of filmmaking in the process.
Also dating back to the silent era of film is the genre’s dazzling ability to pluck stories from the page and transfer them to the screen with spellbinding results. From Oscar-winning sensations that forever changed the medium to adored cult classics that have stood the test of time, from family-friendly adventures capable of enthralling viewers of all ages to awe-inspiring epics with an uncanny ability to engulf the imagination of the audience, the fables of the fantasy films were first for the page rather than the screen.
10’The NeverEnding Story' (1984)
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
One of the defining fantasy films of the 1980s and an enduring masterpiece of wonder and adventure,The NeverEnding Storyruns as an adaptation ofMichael Ende’s novel of the same name. Using a bullied youth’s intrigue in a fantasy novel as a framing device, it casts viewers to Fantasia, a magical realm that is under threat from a destructive force known as The Nothing. When The Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach) falls ill, young Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) is tasked with finding a cure for her ailment so she can regain her strength and save Fantasia.
While the rudimentary presentation of some of the world may have aged poorly,the film’s captivating majesty remains firmly intact, largely due to such astonishing characters as Falkor, Gmork, Morla, and even the noble steed Artax. Interestingly, despite the film’s noteworthy box office success and the widespread adoration it received from fans and critics alike, Ende was disdainful of the finished picture, withThe Independent revealing that he describedit as “revolting” during a press conference and insisted on not being acknowledged in the credits.
The Neverending Story
9’Stardust' (2007)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
A criminally underrated fantasy extravaganza that marries dazzling action adventure with a heartfelt romance and laughs aplenty,Stardustisan enchanting spectacle featuring an all-star cast and an exciting story of love and power. When a star falls in the magical realm of Stormhold, Tristan (Charlie Cox), a lovestruck Englishman, vows to gather it. However, when he learns that the fallen star is a woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes), his intentions begin to change. With feuding princes and sinister witches all hunting Yvaine to use her power, Tristan is torn between being her captor and her guardian.
Able to harness the eccentricity, intrigue, andfun of Neil Gaiman’s novelin a manner that is, above all else, profoundly entertaining,Stardustis an ambitious effort that, even with its wild tonal swings, sticks the landing to provide a satisfying viewing experience. Presenting the fantasy genre at its most exuberant, it is a sublime and delightful swashbuckling adventure that should have fared far better than it actually did.
8’Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' (1971)
Directed by Mel Stuart
It may not venture to magical realms, nor does it entail mythical beasts or beings of immense power, butWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factoryremains a defining installment in the annals of fantasy cinema. Based onRoald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” it famously follows a boy from a poor family as he secures one of five golden tickets enabling him to go on a tour of the chocolate factory run by the enigmatic and eccentric confectioner, Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder).
While largely defined by Wilder’s wonderful performance, the film also finds a unique allurein its willingness to embrace the dark and occasionally disturbing disposition Dahl often incorporated into his stories. Interestingly, despite its standing as an all-time classic, Dahl resented the film. Not only did he reject the deviations it made from his book, buthe also loathed the idea of Wilder as Wonka.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
7’How to Train Your Dragon' Trilogy (2010–2019)
Directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders
Not only an awe-inspiring fantasy adventure, but one of the defining titles in animated entertainment this century as well,How to Train Your Dragonis synonymous with heartfelt fun and family-friendly fantasy brilliance. The trilogy follows the bond that develops between young Viking Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless, the dragon he is sent to kill but befriends instead. While their unlikely bond evokes strong tensions, it could be exactly what is needed to bring peace to the island of Berk.
Enchanting viewers of all ages with its dazzling visual display and its powerful story of friendship,the trilogy has amassed such a followingthat a live-action remake has been produced and will release in cinemas later in 2025. While that may be based on the animated films, the animated films themselves are loosely based onCressida Cowell’s series of children’s books of the same name.
How to Train Your Dragon
Directed by Raoul Walsh
A glorious highlight of epic cinema in the silent era,The Thief of Bagdadis an enduring classic even now that it is over 100 years old.Douglas Fairbanks stars as Ahmed, a notorious thief who falls in love with a beautiful princess and, as she becomes immediately enamored with him, decides to marry her. to appease her powerful father, however, Ahmed must first outwit three princes and save the city if he is to be with his one true love.
While Fairbanks himself was credited with conjuring up the story, andAchmed AbdullahandLotta Woodsare billed as screenwriters, the movie was actually inspired by several stories from “One Thousand and One Nights,” a collection of Middle Eastern folktales also commonly known as “Arabian Nights.” Today, the film is regarded as one of the defining achievements of silent cinema, the greatest accomplishment of Fairbanks’ career, andone of the finest, most enchanting, and earliest masterpieces of fantasy cinema.
The Thief of Bagdad
5’Mary Poppins' (1964)
Directed by Robert Stevenson
Based onP. L. Travers’ famous children’s fantasy books, Disney’s release ofMary Poppinsmarks not only one of the defining moments in the studio’s extensive and decorated filmography, but one of the most iconic pictures the medium has ever seen. There is a semblance of irony, then, that despite all the fanfare and critical acclaim it received, not to mention the five Academy Awards from 13 nominations,Travers herself was not fond of the movie.
Everyone else was, with viewers of all ages being swept away by the enchanting tale, be it forthe landmark achievements in special effects, the infectiously joyous musical beats, or simply Julie Andrews’ entirely captivating performanceas the titular nanny to the Banks children. It remains a watershed moment for the industry at large while also standing as a triumphant touchstone of the allure of fantasy cinema at its most enthralling, imaginative, and profoundly magical.
Mary Poppins
4’The Wizard of Oz' (1939)
Directed by Victor Fleming
Based onL. Frank Baum’sThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz, 1939’sThe Wizard of Ozfollows Dorothy (Judy Garland) as she is swept from her home in Kansas and finds herself stranded in the magical land of Oz. She soon makes three new friends, and the group travel to see the Wizard (Frank Morgan), hoping he can fulfil their wishes.
One of the most famous films of all time, and heralded by many as one of the greatest as well,The Wizard of Ozis simplya quintessential movie that everyone must experience at least once in their life. Its fantasy elements are completely captivating, while its vibrant and adventurous nature and its infectious musical charm have ensured it has aged with tremendous grace for almost a century, and will continue to endure as a cinematic triumph for many years to come.
The Wizard of Oz
3’The Princess Bride' (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
One of the most defining andenduring cinematic triumphs of the 1980s,The Princess Brideis an adaptation ofWilliam Goldman’s novel, penned by Goldman himself. Love, romance, fantasy, swashbuckling adventure, revenge, and action combine in the spellbinding tale that focuses on Westley’s (Cary Elwes) efforts to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), when she is forcibly betrothed to Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Venturing across the mythical land of Florin to achieve his goal, Westley encounters many fierce enemies and even makes some unlikely allies in his conquest.
A rousing viewing experience that isable to charm, enchant, enthrall, and excite audiences with outstanding grace and ease,The Princess Brideis a true classic of the genre both in print and on the screen. In fact, it arguably stands as the single greatest fantasy movie of the 20th century, as well as one of the most powerful and sincere love stories in film, and one of the most intoxicating adventures moviegoers have ever been treated to.
The Princess Bride
2’Harry Potter' Franchise (2001–2011)
Directed by Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates
Pure, wondrous, and absolutely awe-inspiring, theHarry Pottersaga is one of the few instances where a story has be perfectly delivered both on screen and in book form. Both the film series and the novels follow Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), a boy who learns he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Throughout his education, he must stand against many perilous obstacles, including Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), an evil villain with an intrinsic link to Harry.
The earlier films in the franchise shine through their childlike sense of astonishment, their imaginative fervor that realizes Hogwarts as the idyllic school for anyone who loves adventure and magic. Growing darker as the series unfurls, however,theHarry Potterfilms strike a fantastic balance between the wonder of fantasy and its dark allureto be one of the ultimate examples of the genre the screen has ever seen, as well as one of the greatest film franchises of all time.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
1’The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy (2001–2003)
Directed by Peter Jackson
From adaptations of all manner of magical stories to some of the most astonishing original genre tales to have graced the screen, no film or television series has influenced and defined fantasy on the screen quite likeThe Lord of the Rings. Set in the realm of Middle-earth, the epic trilogy depicts the fellowship’s efforts as they set out to destroy the One Ring and defeat the evil wizard Saruman. While Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) make for Mordor, the rest of the fellowship rally the forces of Middle-earth to stand against the coming fight.
A divine and engrossing spectacle defined by its superb characters and its immersive story as much as it is by its astonishing battle sequences and visual grandiosity courtesy,The Lord of the Ringstrilogybrings J. R. R. Tolkien’s novel—and, indeed, his wider world of Middle Earth—to life in extraordinary fashion. From the stunning realization of all the different races of Middle-earth to the deft incorporation of magic into the films, there are many reasonsLotRcan only be regarded as the single greatest fantasy tale ever put to screen, and arguablythe best movie trilogy of all time.
