If you want to see knights, magic, and dragons or just an imaginative plot, the movies on this article are going to give you that. One of the greatest aspects of fantasy movies is the fact that they whisk you away to wonderful locations and get you lost in a story that you will never forget. Here are the best fantasy movies of all time.
Fantasy movies are adaptations of novels and TechTrends put together a list of the best fantasy movies of all time. Not many movie genres have the escapism fantasy films have. You can put reality on hold for an hour or so to get lost in imaginative films and have a wonderful time. according to a recent study, using one’s imagination to visualize a threat can be a way to face a fear. Diving into the best fantasy movies of all time can also be a way you can escape from the fears. You may even practice to get over them. So do not miss this article.
Best Fantasy Movies of All Time
The genre fantasy does a great job of describing the state of contemporary cinema, with many successful blockbuster movies being in this genre. Without further ado, let’s get to the list of the best must-see fantasy movies of all time.
9. Oz: The Great and Powerful 2013 56%, 6.3
- Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
- Director: Sam Raimi
- Stars: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 56%, IMDb 6.3
Critics did not appreciate the movie as much as it was expected, but people loved the movie; the 6.3 IMDb rate is nothing to be sad about. The movie is pretty incredible to watch, with the story revolving around a circus magician who goes to Oz, the magical land. He is obligated to fulfill the prophecy of the king using his not-so-real powers. James Franco plays the reading character, while Mila Kunis portrays the role of the Wicked Witch of the West. If you are looking for a fun, light-hearted, and family fantasy movie, this is strongly recommended. Oz the Great and Powerful is indeed among the best fantasy movies of all time.
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8. Big Fish 2003
- Genre: Fantasy/Drama
- Director: Tim Burton
- Stars: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Helena Bonham Carter, Billy Crudup, Matthew McGrory
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 75%, IMDb 8
The eighth one on the list of the best fantasy movies of all time is Big Fish. It tells the story of Edward Blood, played by Albert Finney, who becomes sick, and his son William goes to be with him. The two had a strained relationship since his father has always told stories about his life that is exaggerated. Therefore, William doesn’t think he has ever told the truth. When he is on his deathbed, Edward remembers fantastical anecdotes. When William the journalist begins to investigate the tale of his father, he starts to understand the man’s way of telling stories.
7. The Chronicles of Narnia Trilogy 2005 – 2010
- Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
- Director: Andrew Adamson
- Stars: Georgie Henley, Anna Popplewell, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes, Tilda Swinton
This American film series is based on the novels of the same name written by C. S. Lewis. The series is about some siblings having adventures in the Narnia world, which is ruled by Aslan. Aslan is a powerful lion and the king of Narnia. It is one of the best fantasy movies of all time. It shows a mystical world with animals talking and unusual creatures that make it a lot more interesting. The series gained a lot of critical acclaim and it is a joy to watch.
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6. Edward Scissorhands 1990 89%, 7.9
- Genre: Fantasy/Romance
- Director: Tim Burton
- Stars: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 90%, IMDb 7.9
Directed by Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands was a movie starred by Johnny Depp, who played the role of modern-day Frankenstein’s monster that has scissors for hands. This is one of the best fantasy movies of all time and is considered one of the greatest gothic fantasy films that is heartfelt and compassionate. Notwithstanding having elements such as horror that are added to the plot, the movie is a touching examination of loneliness and being socially excluded.
Johnny Depp performs incredibly in the titular role, portraying Edward as a relatable and sympathetic protagonist that helps the story thrive. Winona Ryder also pulls off an incredible performance as Edward’s love interest, with the two developing a bond throughout the movie. The movie depicts Edward as an outcast for his hands that are scissors. He lived in the darkness before a kind woman takes her home. The main character is portrayed as a hero as he is extremely misunderstood and tries to change people’s lives for that matter. The setting of the movie appears to take place in the 1960s but it has elaborate security systems and CD players, referencing modern-day technology.
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5. The Shape of Water 2017
- Genre: Fantasy/Romance
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Star: Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, Michael Shannon, Michael Stuhlbarg
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 92%, IMDb 7.3
The Shape of Water is yet another one of the best fantasy movies of all time. The story revolves around Elisa, who is a mute, isolated woman. She works as a cleaning lady in a laboratory that is highly secure by the government in the 1962. When she finds out about a classified secret, her life turns around. The secret is a mysterious creature from South America that is in a water tank. The new friend and Elisa bond with one another and she soon realizes that its survival is in the hands of an agent and a marine biologist.
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4. Pan’s Labyrinth 2006
- Genre: Fantasy/War
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Star: Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 95%, IMDb 8.2
Another one of the best fantasy movies of all time is Pan’s Labyrinth, directed by one of the greatest filmmakers, Guillermo del Toro. The tale revolves around an 11-year-old who is one a journey to a magical world of mythical creatures. It has a slight historical backdrop of the 40s and the World War second. One of the most significant aspects of the movies are the costumes and effects. Entertainment Weekly says, “Like any great myth, Pan’s Labyrinth encodes its messages through displays of magic. And like any good fairy tale, it is also embroidered with threads of death and loss.”
3. Spirited Away 2001
- Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Star: Rumi Hiiragi, Daveigh Chase, Susan Egan, Jason Marsden, Miyu Irino
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 97%, IMDb 8.6
Spirited Away is by far one of the best fantasy movies of all time. It is the story of a girl crossing over to the spirit world. Moreover, Spirited Away is an achingly bittersweet epic about growing up and adjusting to change. The only anime to have won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature is this masterpiece. This tale of untrammeled imagination urges children to embrace wonder and weirdness and adults to remember how they used to do the same. It depicts anxieties of getting separated from one’s parents, and being afraid of disappearing forever. In addition, it also shows the ancient folklores of being punished for committing sins against nature.
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2. Harry Potter 2002 – 2012
- Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
- Director: Alfonso Cuarón, David Yates, Mike Newell, Chris Columbus
- Star: Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
One of the best fantasy movies of all time is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The film gave Daniel Radcliffe international fame and it is based on J.K. Rowling’s books. Harry finds out about his magical powers and discovers a new world where he is celebrated for surviving the attack of Voldemort. Radcliffe’s performance was quite compelling and he formed a great friendship with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson behind the scenes.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
This movie was the sequel to the 2001 film and follows the story of Harry’s second year at Hogwarts. He goes against a basilisk, becomes friends with a House-elf, and find the diary of Tom Riddle. Harry is obligated to save the day when the students find a bloody message on the school walls by finding Slytherin’s heir.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Another one of the best fantasy films of all time is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The story happens when Harry is having his third year at Hogwarts and there is also time travel in the film, as well as dementors and werewolves. Harry finds out that there is a connection between his parents and Sirius Black. Therefore, he seeks help from his friends and Professor Remus Lupin. Sirius and Remus, who are fan favorites, become crucial characters in Harry’s life. Moreover, the film got a lot of critical acclaims.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
The next one on the list of the franchise is yet another one of the best fantasy films ever and it revolves around Harry getting involved in the Triwizard Tournament. Harry has to go against Cedric Diggory, Viktor Krum, and Fleur Delacour when his name comes out of the Goblet of Fire. While competing in the tournament, Harry has to deal with nightmares that warn Voldemort’s return. In this film, Robert Pattinson and David Tennant also make appearance, with the former sharing a great on-screen chemistry with Radcliffe.
Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix (2007)
The 2007 Harry Potter film continues to show Dumbledore’s Army creation and how Harry and his godfather’s relationship begin to blossom. After this movie, the tone of the series becomes darker and Harry starts to teach his classmates to fight against the dark arts.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Harry comes across a mysterious potions textbook, falls for Ginny Weasley and finds out about Horcruxes in this film of the franchise. Then, Harry discovers that Voldemort has been dangerous ever since he was a kid. Much of the films focus is devoted to Draco Malfoy, the antagonist. Despite the efforts Harry make in the deadly mission he has in hand; he watches his mentor die.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
The final chapter’s first installment was released in 2010 and the story revolves around Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger as they start to hunt the remaining Horcruxes of Voldemort. They depart the school and go into the wilderness with the purpose of destroying Voldemort’s immortality. In addition, they all experience intense circumstances on their journey, with Ron becoming jealous, which upsets Hermione. However, she remains put to help them finish what they started. This is also one of the best fantasy movies ever.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Harry Potter film series ends with the 2011 Part 2 film and features the deadly battle of Hogwarts. In order to put an end to Voldemort once and for all, the main character sacrifices himself and it inspires others to go against the Death Eaters. The film also shows audience the future of the Golden Trio and other classmates such as Draco. Harry gets married with Ginny and has three kids, while Ron and Hermione take care of their two children.
1. The Lord of the Rings: Trilogy
- Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
- Director: Peter Jackson
- Star: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
Peter Jackson’s incredible trilogy is the greatest fantasy film of all time. The sets and costumes are intricate, battle scenes are vast, the score is brilliant, and the acting is phenomenal. This beloved series from J. R. R. Tolkein is a once in a lifetime film series. Moreover, this fantasy movie rules them all, and it is an adaptation of one of the best fantasy novel series ever. The writers at IndieWire believe: “Jackson’s approach to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is so unforgettable: He takes fantasy and grounds it on such a human level and from such a human perspective that, suddenly, magical creatures and beasts feel tangible to the viewer.”
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