For me, the best fantasy films have great characters that you really care about. As a kid, one of my favorites was The Neverending Story. I was even attached to the animal characters in that movie, like Falcor and Artax, and I can still remember crying when Atreyu’s horse died.
Fantasy movies are popular for two big reasons: escapism and morality. They let us escape our everyday routines and dive into epic adventures. They paint a world where good and evil clash. Plus, who doesn’t love magic, dragons, and heroic quests every now and then?
What’s amazing is that there are way more fantasy movies out there than most people realize. Sure, we all know about huge movies like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to add some quality fantasy, check out these ten favorites voted on in a recent message board thread.
Fantastic Planet (1973)
Marvelous, poetic—the imagination runs wild! Fantastic Planet is a surreal animated French film about a world where humans, or Oms, are pets to giant blue aliens called Draags.
The surreal animation and wild colors pull you in, but the story makes you think: Have we really learned from our past? The animation is mesmerizing, the plot is thought-provoking, and it’s easily one of the weirdest movies out there.
Heavy Metal (1981)
If you loved the magazine, the 1981 Heavy Metal movie was like a dream come true (definitely worth the wait despite minor disputes). It’s about a green evil force threatening the world and a bunch of characters trying to stop it in a wildly ahead-of-its-time flick. It’s violent, gory, and packed with some serious gratuitousness. And let’s be clear: just because it’s animated doesn’t mean it’s for kids!
The characters are colorful and fun—even the villains. The tension keeps you guessing, and the soundtrack includes classics like Black Sabbath, Journey, and Stevie Nicks—it doesn’t get cooler than that!
The City of Lost Children (1995)
Imagine a mad scientist in a strange world stealing children’s dreams because he’s lost his own. The City of Lost Children has an original, mind-gripping plot that keeps you hooked. The dark city, eerie water, and perfect soundtrack set the mood, while the acting—especially from the kids—is top-notch. It’s a unique, imaginative experience.
The film feels small, with no big explosions or Hollywood fluff, but it’s full of heart, humor, and adventure. Make sure to watch the French version with subtitles over the dubbed one!
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Beasts of the Southern Wild is unlike anything you’ve seen. It’ll make you reflect on the love between a father and daughter and appreciate whatever you have in life. The main character is Hushpuppy, a little girl who sees herself as a little beast in a big, big universe. The line between reality and her imagination is not exactly clear, but it’s all presented with a stunning sense of wonder.
Set in a tough bayou called “The Bathtub,” you won’t forget the visuals and the performances. It’s a fairy tale that hits hard, showing a side of life that feels both magical and deeply real.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
One reviewer called Pan’s Labyrinth the “Citizen Kane of modern fantasy,” so you know it’s a must-see. The story centers around Ofelia, who escapes her harsh reality by discovering a strange, magical world while dealing with her sick mother and cruel stepfather.
This film blurs fantasy and reality like no other. The shift between the two worlds is seamless, and it’s hauntingly beautiful. But be warned—this is not a kids’ movie. While the fantasy scenes are magical, the real world is filled with intense violence and dark themes that make this film get into your head even after the credits roll.
Moon (2009)
The moon has always sparked curiosity, and even though astronauts have landed there, it’s still full of mystery. That’s where the 2009 film Moon comes in. Sam Rockwell stars as Sam, a lunar astronaut stationed alone with only an AI, GERTY, for company. He is nearing the end of his three-year mission, only to face a mental breakdown and the unsettling realization that he may not make it home.
No flashy aliens or space battles here. It’s impressive how it not only expresses isolation and courage but also gives a warning about the dangers of unchecked technological progress. Highly recommended!
The Fall (2006)
The Fall was filmed across 28 countries over four years, using only real locations—no sets or stages. The cinematography is jaw-dropping. The story follows a bedridden patient in a 1920s Los Angeles hospital who befriends a young girl and spins a wild tale of heroes and villains on a desert island.
The movie blends reality with fiction, offering a layered experience for all ages. With a stunning black-and-white opening, slow-motion shots, and Beethoven’s “Allegretto,” it’s a visual masterpiece. The ending gives perfect closure, making it truly deserving of being called a fairy tale for adults.
MirrorMask (2005)
In a magical world of rival kingdoms, a fifteen-year-old girl must find the legendary MirrorMask to save the kingdom and return home. Huge props to Dave McKean for creating this visual masterpiece! MirrorMask blends live action, puppetry, and both classical and CGI animation into an eye-popping experience.
The film is a visual feast with so much detail that you’ll notice something new with every viewing. If you’re a fan of art-driven films, this one will take you to a world of magic, strange creatures, and incredible illusions.
Mad God (2021)
Phil Tippett is a legend, from Star Wars to RoboCop, and now we get to experience his 30 years-in-the-making stop-motion masterpiece. This film is a true work of art, combining his signature style with a dark, dystopian vision.
The visuals and concept are captivating. It follows an assassin through a nightmare world filled with tortured souls, ruined cities, and grotesque monsters. Mad God is weird and unsettling, and it is a wild mix of biomechanical and steampunk elements that are a delight to explore.
Fire and Ice (1983)
Fire and Ice is a classic animated adventure that’s made for action-loving fans. Written by Marvel Comics legends Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, it’s a battle between Fire and Ice, with a princess kidnapped by Ice’s subhuman creatures. A lone survivor from a destroyed village steps in to save her.
Ralph Bakshi’s animation shines with high-quality visuals from start to finish. Inspired by Frazetta’s character designs and using rotoscoping for realistic movement, this film delivers the classic hero and damsel story with unforgettable style.
Source: Reddit
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