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 like The Green Knight to old seminal masterworks like Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, it’s easy to see that the 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.
50 ‘Peter Pan’ (1953)
Directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, and Wilfred Jackson
Image via RKO Radio Pictures
One of the best Disney classics of the ’50s, Peter Pan is a loving adaptation of Scottish writer J.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.
Peter Pan
Release Date February 5, 1953
Director Clyde Geronimi , Wilfred Jackson , Hamilton Luske
Cast Bobby Driscoll , Kathryn Beaumont , Hans Conried , Bill Thompson , Heather Angel , Paul Collins
Runtime 77
49 ‘Conan the Barbarian’ (1982)
Directed by John Milius
Image via Universal Pictures
Back in the ’80s, Arnold Schwarzenegger was 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 is Conan 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 cemented Schwarzenegger’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)
Release Date May 14, 1982
Director John Milius
Runtime 129 minutes
48 ‘Barbie’ (2023)
Directed by Greta Gerwig
Image via Warner Bros.
Back when the live-action Barbie movie was first announced, no one expected it to be anything special. Even when the always-outstanding Greta Gerwig was announced to be attached to the project, people weren’t sure what to expect. As it turned out, Barbie proved 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, Barbie is one of the 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 with Barbie is genre filmmaking at its finest.
Barbie
Release Date July 21, 2023
Runtime 114 minutes
47 ‘The Green Knight’ (2021)
Directed by David Lowery
Image via A24
A visually stunning movie based on the 14th-century poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” director David Lowery’s 2021 masterpiece is an underrated story of courage, mortality, and what it means to be human. The Green Knight follows 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 overlook The 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
Release Date July 29, 2021
Director David Lowery
Runtime 125 minutes
46 ‘A Monster Calls’ (2016)
Directed by J. A. Bayona
Image via Focus Features
Directed by J. A. Bayona, A Monster Calls is 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 Calls seamlessly 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.
45 ‘Orlando’ (1992)
Directed by Sally Potter
Image via Electric Pictures
Orlando is one of the most underrated fantasy films of modern times, starring one of the most chameleonic actors of all time: The incomparable Tilda 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.
Orlando (1992)
Release Date March 12, 1993
Director Sally Potter
Runtime 93 minutes
44 ‘Marcel the Shell With Shoes On’ (2021)
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp
Image via A24
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 On is one of A24’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 Shell is, 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
Release Date September 1, 2021
Director Dean Fleischer-Camp
Runtime 90
43 ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
A groundbreaking movie that combined live action and animation, director Robert Zemeckis’ Who Framed Roger Rabbit takes 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 by Charles 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 Rabbit was a pioneer in the field of visual effects and animation that’s still astonishingly fun to watch today.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Release Date June 21, 1988
Director Robert Zemeckis
Runtime 103
42 ‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)
Directed by Robert Stevenson
Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Director Robert Stevenson’s Mary Poppins is 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 of Julie 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.
Mary Poppins
Release Date August 27, 1964
Director Robert Stevenson
Cast Julie Andrews , Dick Van Dyke , David Tomlinson , Glynis Johns , Hermione Baddeley , Reta Shaw
Runtime 140
41 ‘Groundhog Day’ (1993)
Directed by Harold Ramis
Image via Columbia Pictures
Bill Murray stars as the cynical and self-centered weatherman Phil Connors in director Harold Ramis’ Groundhog Day. The iconic film is centered on Phil’s seemingly ordinary task to cover the Groundhog Day events in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where he soon finds himself strangely trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again.
Seamlessly combining humor and philosophy, Groundhog Day explores Phil’s transformation as he learns to appreciate the small stuff that makes every loop bearable. Murray’s standout performance as the protagonist helps his character’s arc and the lessons he learns resonate with viewers, who probably won’t mind watching this more than once.
Groundhog Day
Release Date February 11, 1993
Director Harold Ramis
Runtime 101 minutes
40 ‘Excalibur’ (1981)
Directed by John Boorman
Image via Warner Bros.
Excalibur is an epic medieval fantasy film that retells the legendary tale of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and the titular sword. Directed by John Boorman, the classic movie draws mythic elements of Arthurian legend to tell its story, which is centered on the rise of King Arthur (Nigel Terry), his quest to unite Britain, and the hindrances he faces from the evil sorceress Morgana (Helen Mirren) and his own flawed knights.
The 1981 film is one of the best medieval fantasy movies thanks to the way it captures the grandeur of Arthurian legend thanks to its lush and visually striking cinematography and sweeping musical score. Aside from transporting viewers to a medieval world of magic and brave knights, the fantasy film is also credited with launching the careers of a number of A-list actors today, including Liam Neeson and Patrick Stewart.
Excalibur (1981)
Release Date April 10, 1981
Director John Boorman
Cast Nigel Terry , Helen Mirren , Nicholas Clay , Cherie Lunghi , Paul Geoffrey , Nicol Williamson
Runtime 140
39 ‘Millennium Actress’ (2001)
Directed by Satoshi Kon
The incredible Satoshi Kon only made four feature films over the course of his career, and all four of them are absolutely outstanding works of anime. Millennium Actress is easily one of his best, telling the story of a TV interviewer and his cameraman, who meet a former actress and travel through her memories and career. Through a time-bending journey of the kind of surreal fantasy that characterizes Kon’s work, Millennium Actress tells a deeply moving story about love and identity.
This is one of the best animated fantasy movies of all time, mixing a beautiful visual style with a surprisingly nuanced and profound script. As much of a celebration of the power of stories and the nature of cinema as it is an intimate exploration of a fascinating character’s psyche, Millennium Actress is an unforgettable masterpiece that’s executed wonderfully by its director’s endlessly creative hands.
Watch on Peacock
38 ‘Wings of Desire’ (1987)
Directed by Wim Wenders
Image via Orion Classics
Director Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire is a haunting romantic fantasy set in post-war Berlin, where two angels, Damiel (Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sander), silently observe and comfort the city’s inhabitants. One day, Damiel discovers newfound feelings for a lonely trapeze artist, who eventually inspires him to embrace mortality in order to experience human love.
Hailed as a philosophical masterpiece and an incredible existentialist movie, Wings of Desire takes the mundane aspects of the human experience and sheds a magical light on them. Damiel’s decision to leave behind his life as an angel to become a mere mortal for the sake of love highlights this moving perspective on the human condition.
Wings of Desire
Release Date May 6, 1988
Director Wim Wenders
Cast Bruno Ganz , Solveig Dommartin , Otto Sander , Curt Bois , Peter Falk , Hans Martin Stier
Runtime 128 minutes
37 ‘The Thief of Bagdad’ (1924)
Directed by Raoul Walsh
Often hailed as one of the greatest silent movies ever made, Raoul Walsh’s The Thief of Bagdad is a crucial masterpiece in the fantasy genre. It’s an adaptation of One Thousand and One Nights and revolves around the classic story of a poor thief who falls for the beautiful daughter of the wealthy and powerful Caliph of Baghdad.
The fantasy-adventure film is a triumph of visual effects and set new benchmarks not just within the genre, but for cinema as a whole. Its ornate sets, gorgeous costumes, and groundbreaking production design immediately set it apart and cemented its place as an influential masterpiece.
Watch on Tubi
36 ‘Life of Pi’ (2012)
Directed by Ang Lee
Image via 20th Century Studios
Director Ang Lee’s Life of Pi is a beloved classic that needs no introduction. Based on Yann Martel’s eponymous 2001 novel, the film depicts the unlikely bond and wacky misadventures that two shipwreck survivors experience as they drift on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean.
With a stellar performance from Suraj Sharma (who plays the sixteen-year-old survivor Pi Patel) anchoring the magical odyssey, Life of Pi takes audiences on an artful story of resilience and faith. As Pi and the surviving tiger become closer together, the boundless ocean throws life-threatening dangers their way. All in all, the film is a masterful blend of beautiful scenery, thrilling moments, and thought-provoking underpinnings that have made it an award-winning work that has stood the test of time.
Life Of Pi
Release Date November 20, 2012
Runtime 127
35 ‘The Seventh Seal’ (1957)
Directed by Ingmar Bergman
The film that helped the legendary director Ingmar Bergman become a renowned figure in world cinema, The Seventh Seal is a timeless masterpiece. It follows the story of a disillusioned Swedish knight Antonius Block (Max von Sydow), who comes home from the Crusades only to be greeted by the harrowing result of the Black Death in his community. When he meets Death (Bengt Ekerot), he challenges him to a chess match that could cost him his life.
A profound and contemplative work of art, The Seventh Seal is a meticulously crafted film that uses symbolism and poetic imagery to discuss philosophical and universal themes like life, mortality, and faith. It’s one of the best existentialist movies of all time, and is a must-see for viewers looking to confront similar tough questions.
Watch on Criterion
34 ‘The Dark Crystal’ (1982)
Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz
Image via Universal Pictures
The opus known as The Dark Crystal is a fantastical tale chronicling the journey of Jen (Stephen Garlick), the one surviving member of a Gelfling tribe. His grueling quest is to acquire a sliver of the titular crystal, a powerful jewel that, upon breaking, plunged the world into darkness. Jen’s mission has one main goal – to reassemble the crystal – while also stopping the ruinous Skeksis, and restoring balance to the cosmos.
The influence of cult classic The Dark Crystal on the fantasy genre is remarkable. The Dark Crystal was a groundbreaking showcase of the latest in puppetry, animatronics, and practical effects, which all seamlessly combine to create a wondrous world of magical creatures and stunning landscapes. It marked an important point in the fantasy genre in the 80s and was a critically re-assessed hot topic of discussion well into the 90s. Its influence is still felt in the craftsmanship behind fantasy films today.
The Dark Crystal
Release Date December 17, 1982
Director Jim Henson , Frank Oz , Gary Kurtz Cast Jim Henson , Kathryn Mullen , Frank Oz , Dave Goelz , Steve Whitmire , Louise Gold
Runtime 93 minutes
33 ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ (1975)
Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones
Image via EMI Films
The British comedy troupe Monty Python is the source of some of the funniest and smartest comedy of the 20th century. For proof, look no further than their most popular film: Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a spoof of Arthurian legend where King Arthur and his knights embark on a surreal, low-budget quest for the Holy Grail where they encounter a variety of absurd obstacles on the way.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a masterpiece of shoestring-budget filmmaking. The austere filmmaking style adds to the hilarious silliness of the movie’s tone, letting the troupe’s unique sense of humor shine through even more than it would have otherwise. The way the film pokes fun at Arthurian legend and fantasy, in general, should be an absolute delight for any fan of the genre, leaving some of Monty Python’s best quotes playing in their heads for days.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Release Date May 25, 1975
Director Terry Gilliam , Terry Jones
Runtime 91 minutes
32 ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ (1963)
Directed by Don Chaffey
Image via Columbia Pictures
One of the most influential indie fantasy films of all time, Jason and the Argonauts is based on the well-known story of the titular hero from Greek mythology. The story finds Jason leading a team of intrepid adventurers on a quest for the legendary Golden Fleece. More than just a simple MacGuffin hunt, the movie is an incredibly fun, colorful, and passionately made masterwork of fantasy adventure.
The movie makes admirable use of its limited budget, embracing its B-picture qualities while very much feeling like an A-adventure epic. The movie’s groundbreaking visual effects have aged wonderfully, and the way it tells its classic story is full of fun subversions and exciting action sequences. There hasn’t been a recreation of mythical Greece quite as charming as this since 1963.
Jason And The Argonauts (1963)
Release Date June 13, 1963
Director Don Chaffey
Cast Todd Armstrong , Nancy Kovack , Honor Blackman , Gary Raymond
Runtime 104 Minutes
Watch on Tubi
31 ‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’ (2013)
Directed by Isao Takahata
Image via Toho
He may be the studio’s poster boy, but it’s not all Hayao Miyazaki in Studio Ghibli. Isao Takahata is perhaps their second most popular director, and his best work is perhaps the period fantasy drama The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, about a bamboo cutter, his wife, and the mystical young girl who they one day find growing inside a bamboo stalk. From then on, they raise her as their own, setting her on a path of fate that she may not agree with.
Kaguya is one of Ghibli’s best films, a beautiful, moving, and deeply thought-provoking tale of magic, destiny, love, and parenthood. The stunning watercolor animation and gorgeous musical score help build its enrapturing tone, allowing the narrative to absorb the audience and take them on a journey they won’t soon forget.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
Release Date November 23, 2013
Director Isao Takahata
Cast Aki Asakura , Yukiji Asaoka , Takeo Chii , Isao Hashizume , Hikaru Ijûin , Takaya Kamikawa
Runtime 137
Rent on Apple TV