Fantasy movies are among the most popular genre of all time, offering a wide variety of ways to escape reality and have the adventures of a lifetime. From classic stories of people finding themselves on unimaginable journeys to otherworldly and magical tales, the best fantasy movies of all time have something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or goldeneye movie buff, here’s a list of some of the best fantasy movies of all time to watch.
Disney Fantasy Classics
If you’re looking for some of the best fantasy movies of all time to watch, then there’s no need to look any further than Disney. The classics, such as Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Cinderella (1950) just never goes out of style. Other classic favorites include Bedtime Stories (2008), Mary Poppins (1964), Sleeping Beauty (1959) and The Jungle Book (1967).
Blockbuster Fantasy Hits
If you’re looking for more blockbuster fantasy movies of all time to watch then look no further than Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). This movie features a clever take on the classic festive season and the relationship between Jack Skellington and Sally is endearing. Then there’s the classic The Princess Bride (1987) which combines the classic tale of true love, with the modern idea of a princess fighting against incredible odds and coming out on top.
Fantasy Adventure Movies
Fantasy adventure movies are synonymous with escapism and classic fantasy stories. Movies such as The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) follow the story of a brave band of adventurers who set out to save their land from the evil forces of Sauron. Then there’s the classic The Neverending Story (1984) which follows the story of a young boy from our world, who is gifted with the ability to create his own story.
J.R.R Tolkien Adaptations
The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) and The Hobbit (2012-2014) trilogies are some of the most iconic fantasy movies of all time based on J.R.R Tolkien’s works. Following the adventure of the characters of Middle Earth, these movies have captured the imaginations of millions of people all over the world, and are a must-watch for any fantasy fan.
Epic Sci-Fi Movie Faves
Classic sci-fi fantasy movies such as Total Recall (1990) and The Matrix (1999) rightfully deserve a place in any list of the best fantasy movies of all time. Both these movies are set in dystopian futures, with the protagonists armed with the ability to change both the present and the future of their world.
Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter series needs no introduction with its massive popularity, inventiveness and its blend of magic, suspense and friendship. The eight movies in the series, from The Philosopher’s Stone (2001) to The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011), are all fantastically entertaining fantasy movies that are appreciated by both young and old alike.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia series, based on the works of C.S. Lewis, was adapted into a movie series (2005-2010). These movies are full of astounding imagination, amazing special effects and a story of four siblings who come to terms with their unique skills and abilities.
The Harryhausen Fantasy Films
Stop-motion master Ray Harryhausen’s works have earned their place in the annals of time as some of the best fantasy movies of all time. His creations such as The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad (1958), Clash of the Titans (1981), and The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973) have inspired countless filmmakers and artists through the years.
Other Classic Fantasy Movies
Fan favorites such as Conan The Barbarian (1982) and The Dark Crystal (1982) are also must-watch classics for any fan of fantasy movies. Then there’s the adventure of a young farm boy and his mentor in The NeverEnding Story (1984) and the sci-fi classic Blade Runner (1982).
Animated Fantasy Films
Animated fantasy films can also offer a delightful alternative to the live-action genre and in recent years, they have provided us with some of the terrifically imaginative stories. Examples of these include How to Train Your Dragon (2010), The Lego Movie (2014) and Frozen (2013).
Modern Fantasy Spectacle
Modern fantasy movies such as Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) and The Shape of Water (2017) have been well-received by both fans and critics, boasting excellent special effects and a strong blend of classic fantasy with modern elements.
The fantasy genre has come a long way from its traditional roots, to include a wide range of fantasy stories that capture the imaginations of millions of fans all over the world. From the world of Disney classics to the technology-driven epics, there are plenty of the best fantasy movies of all time to watch.
