There are a few staple films within the fantasy genre that everyone must watch at least once, as they perfectly embody all that’s made the genre popular with audiences over the years. Compared to other genres, it’s incredibly easy for audiences to get lost within the imaginative worlds established in fantasy movies.
Whether the fictional worlds are only slightly inconsistent with reality or are wholly out of the ordinary, fantasy movies often incorporate otherworldly creatures and locations that are brought to life in remarkable ways. These fantastical narratives are also often infused with a lot of heart and relatable human stories.
From classics like The Lord of the Rings to newer releases like The Green Knight, many great fantasy movies deserve to be watched by everyone at least once.
10
Time Bandits (1981)
Followed by the release of Brazil and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Time Bandits is a strong start to Terry Gilliam’s series of imaginative tales. Time Bandits may be the most underrated entry in Gilliam’s “Trilogy of Imagination,” but it’s still necessary viewing. The film follows a young boy as he accompanies a group of thieves on their quest for treasure throughout history.
Time Bandits is a visually stunning, wholly original fantasy film, and with Monty Python’s Gilliam leading the film behind the scenes, it’s quite a fun watch as well. Time Bandits’ greatest strength is its imaginative storytelling, as the film cleverly combines fantasy elements with nods to historical figures and events. It’s the kind of fantasy adventure movie audiences of all ages can enjoy.
9
The Green Knight (2021)
Though it came and went without making much noise, The Green Knight remains a must-watch fantasy movie. The film is centered around Dev Patel as Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, as he sets out on a journey to confront the Green Knight. David Lowery deftly combines the familiar Arthurian mythos and classic fantasy tropes with grim, modern stylings.
The Green Knight’s set design and technical achievements are only part of what makes it a movie every fantasy enthusiast should watch. Lowery’s film also touches upon relatable themes of honor and self-discovery through Gawain’s journey. Patel delivers one of his best performances, proving to be a solid anchor for The Green Knight’s epic tale.
8
The Princess Bride (1987)
Following its late ’80s release, The Princess Bride earned a modest amount of praise from critics and audiences, but it’s now regarded as one of the best of its kind. Combining romance, action, fantasy, and comedy, The Princess Bride depicts the love story between Westley (Cary Elwes) and Buttercup (Robin Wright), and all the obstacles that stand in their way.
A film that deftly balances romance and action, The Princess Bride is just as attentive to its central love story as it is to its fantasy components. For as magical and adventurous a film as The Princess Bride can be, it never steers too far away from its endearing human story at its center.
7
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
Written by and starring the Monty Python comedy troupe, Monty Python and the Holy Grail parodies the legends of King Arthur in the fan-favorite comedy. The critical reception to the film wasn’t overwhelmingly positive upon its initial release, but Monty Python and the Holy Grail is seen today as a seminal film within the comedy and fantasy genres.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail is packed full of humor, including a handful of winks to the camera that acknowledge the movie-making process and the film’s tight budget. The film’s comedic tone is clever, and when combined with the skilled performances of the Monty Python comedy troupe, it is just as entertaining and refreshing 50 years later.
6
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)
The tone of the Harry Potter film series’ earlier installments is generally warm and nostalgic, easing audiences into the franchise’s magical world. However, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third installment, is where the fantasy film series makes a noticeably darker shift that would influence the subsequent movies’ tone and the remainder of Harry Potter’s (Daniel Radcliffe) arc.
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban sees Harry and his friends grow up and face far greater threats as they return to Hogwarts for another year. The film still contains moments of levity, but it also greatly increases the stakes and sense of danger, effectively captured in the film’s darkened color palette, courtesy of cinematographer Michael Seresin.
5
Spirited Away (2001)
Many of Hayao Miyazaki’s films take place in immersive and stunningly animated fantasy worlds, but if only one had to be recommended as a must-watch movie, it would be Spirited Away. Drawing inspiration from the life of a friend’s young daughter, and tying in themes regarding the environment and consumerism, Miyazaki constructed a timeless, emotionally resonant tale.
Spirited Away follows the adventures of Chihiro, a girl who embarks on a journey of self-discovery to save her parents’ lives and return with them to the human world. Chihiro’s personal transformation and loss of innocence are incredibly moving and beautifully captured in Spirited Away’s simplest scenes. Spirited Away is not only Studio Ghibli’s best film, but it’s among the best animated films ever.
4
Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins, based on P. L. Travers’ eponymous book series, is a delightful fantasy film that features catchy musical numbers and an impressive fusion of live-action and animation. Julie Andrews stars as the titular nanny who takes on the task of bettering the lives of the Banks family. Andrews’ performance is stellar, and it’s her loving portrayal of Mary Poppins that audiences remember most.
Andrews’ cheerful chemistry with Dick Van Dyke as Bert is beyond infectious, and it contributes to much of the film’s playful spirit. Mary Poppins continues to resonate with audiences of all ages and is equal parts comedic and heartfelt. Despite its numerous fantastical elements, Mary Poppins remains grounded by its evergreen feel-good messaging.
3
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)
Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is best viewed in its entirety, but The Fellowship of the Ring is a great film to watch on its own. Though the stakes of Jackson’s trilogy would only grow with every film, The Fellowship of the Ring lays a crucial foundation that can’t be overlooked.
The Fellowship of the Ring has a greater need for exposition compared to Jackson’s other films, but it does an admirable job of keeping hold of the audience’s attention in spite of its limited action. While it might’ve appeared impossible at the time, Jackson’s film does an excellent job of bringing to life the world within J. R. R. Tolkien’s novel.
2
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
A great 2000s fantasy film, Pan’s Labyrinth is Guillermo del Toro at his best. The film continues to explore the themes addressed in del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone from a few years earlier. Blending fantasy with the horrific reality of Francoist Spain, Pan’s Labyrinth sees its young protagonist use an abandoned labyrinth as a means of escape from her harsh reality.
However, the layered, historical narrative of Pan’s Labyrinth is only part of why everyone must watch it at least once. In addition to the masterful storytelling in Pan’s Labyrinth, the practical effects and impressive set design within the film are truly extraordinary. These elements effectively bring the film’s fantastical world to life.
1
The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
Victor Fleming’s adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, is seen as a highly influential film from a technical standpoint alone and has become widely regarded as one of the best films of all time. The Wizard of Oz sees a young Judy Garland as Dorothy setting out on a journey to meet the supposedly powerful Wizard of Oz.
The Wizard of Oz invites audiences to join Dorothy and her friends on their fantastical adventure as they gradually learn they’re capable of a lot more than they initially thought. Lauded for its use of Technicolor, Garland’s inspiring performance, and its memorable characters, like the haunting, but minimally seen Wicked Witch, The Wizard of Oz is always a great watch.
