Fantasy is a genre of fiction that, put simply, involves the usage of magic and/or monsters, though there are multiple subgenres, and the usage of the classic tropes can vary significantly, meaning nearly any fictitious story can be fantasy if it includes some supernatural element. It’s a genre that has been around for ages, but that is currently seeing a massive surge in consumption due to current pop culture trends.
It’s also a popular genre in cinema, as film is often better at providing the massive budgets needed to tell the wide-reaching, complex narratives that fantasy commonly includes. The current state of fantasy in cinema has evolved over a number of years, beginning almost as early as Hollywood itself. As such, many films have contributed to the shaping of the genre, with some making a larger mark than others. These are the most important fantasy films that pioneered and defined the genre.
1
‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (2001)
<em>Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone </em>(known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone<em> </em>in the United States) was the first film in the massive Harry Potter franchise. The books follow an orphaned boy named Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), who discovers he is a wizard and that he miraculously survived an unblockable Killing Curse when he was just a baby. From there, he is sent to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn how to use his newfound abilities.
These movies proved to be a massive breakthrough for many of their young cast members, on top of increasing the influence of the behemoth that the books already were. These films are still a massive cultural phenomenon that many of the younger generations grew up with. Their grand sense of adventure, combined with the high stakes at the end of the story, provides a playground for the imagination that few movies have ever been able to match. It’s been 25 years since the first film came out, and excitement about it has hardly died down.
2
‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)
Image via Paramount Pictures
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is based on a similarly titled novel by Roald Dahl, of which there have been numerous adaptations. The one from 1971 is widely regarded as being the best, though, in no small part thanks to Gene Wilder in the titular role. Dahl himself might have hated this adaptation with every fiber of his being, but audiences were absolutely delighted with it. The story is about a boy who wins a golden ticket to tour Wonka’s famous chocolate factory, along with four others.
The fantastical element comes from magic being subtly present, and from the made-up humanoids called Oompa-Loompas, which work inside the factory. One of the main reasons it has established such a name for itself is that it’s a timeless tale of morality. Those who break the rules are punished; those who play by the rules and live virtuously are rewarded. Beyond that, the practical effects and awe-inspiring sets create a whimsical world that CGI can only dream of replicating. They certainly don’t make movies like this anymore, which is why it stands as a testament to the power of movie magic and the impact a good story can have.
3
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
Image via 20th Century Studios
There are a lot of things that make <em>The Princess Bride </em>so memorable and vital to the genre. For one, it’s basically a spoof of classic fairy tales and feel-good princess stories, much like the original book by William Goldman. The story is pretty simple, following a princess who is reunited with her lost love after being kidnapped by a group of thieves. This rekindled romance helps the princess escape her betrothal to a man she does not love and does not want to marry.
Though it is a pretty meta movie, it also works well due to its heartfelt message. On a base level, this film is about following one’s heart and living one’s own life rather than somebody else’s. With it being a parody at heart, much of the movie is comedic in nature and perfectly blends adventure, hilarity, and romance all into one glorious package. It really is the ultimate princess movie, one that appeals to all ages and feels like a breath of fresh air in a world of similar stories. This is probably why it left such a profound legacy in its wake.
4
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
5
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
6
‘Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs’ (1937)
7
‘The Seventh Seal’ (1957)
8
‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)
9
‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring’ (2001)
10
‘The Wizard Of Oz’ (1939)
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