Fantasy cinema has long captivated audiences by offering a unique blend of escapist entertainment that both enthralls and excites. This genre utilizes its unnatural allure to draw viewers into dark narratives filled with despair and consequence, all while providing fresh perspectives on humanity. Over the last 75 years, the most notable highlights of fantasy films have included epic blockbusters that have transformed the cinematic landscape as well as international gems that have become timeless classics. These films not only showcase thrilling sword fights, spellbinding magic, and majestic beast-slaying, but also explore quieter, more meditative, and dramatic facets of the genre. With a mix of modern masterpieces, 1980s classics, and enduring treasures from the 1950s, here are the 10 best fantasy movies audiences have enjoyed since 1950.
10
‘Ugetsu’ (1953)
Released 72 years ago, Ugetsu stands as one of Japan’s most influential and formidable films across any genre. This cinematic masterpiece intertwines dark fantasy with war drama, following two peasants who, against the advice of a sage, attempt to profit from the ongoing war by selling their earthenware pots to nearby soldiers. Their self-serving ambitions and personal desires jeopardize not only their own lives but also the lives of their families, particularly as the boundary between reality and ghostly fantasy begins to blur.
The film is atmospherically striking, imbued with profound themes surrounding morality, lust, and greed. Ugetsu remains a cornerstone of world cinema, showcasing Kenji Mizoguchi’s spellbinding direction that captures the visual beauty inherent in this dismal narrative of lost humanity. The film presents a hauntingly beautiful depiction of 16th century Japan that delivers a timeless tale of betrayal and consequence. Even decades after its release, it remains a sobering fable of desire and greed realized with haunting dread and captivating majesty.
9
‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ (2003)
Directed by the talented Alfonso Cuaron, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is heralded as the finest installment in the Harry Potter franchise, showcasing its rich fantasy elements, engrossing narrative, and a notable shift towards a darker, more mature tone. The film depicts Harry’s (Daniel Radcliffe) third year at Hogwarts, which is overshadowed by the looming threat of the deranged killer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) and the haunting presence of the soul-sucking Dementors. Fortunately, with guidance from Professor Lupin (David Thewlis) and the unwavering support of his best friends, Harry not only survives the tumultuous school year but also uncovers hidden truths regarding the murder of his parents.
Cuaron achieves a perfect balance in The Prisoner of Azkaban, seamlessly merging the childlike wonder present in its predecessors with the grittier elements that follow. The film’s mesmerizing visual presentation, intricate production design, and its deeply engaging individual storyline have made it a modern highlight within the realm of fantasy entertainment. Its magnetic allure and inviting intrigue captivate audiences of all ages, making it a beloved classic.
8
‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)
Among the most outstanding examples of animated fantasy cinema in recent decades, Princess Mononoke from Studio Ghibli showcases the studio’s remarkable storytelling prowess and stunning artistry. The film chronicles the journey of a cursed warrior whose quest for a cure leads him into the heart of a fierce conflict between two opposing clans, revealing the intricate relationship between humanity and nature.
Defined by its vibrant animation and sharp, compelling storytelling, this film overcame its initial commercial struggles in the U.S., which stemmed from its departure from conventional animated features, such as musical interludes aimed at children. Recognized as a defining triumph in fantasy cinema, Princess Mononoke stands out as a boldly mature, thematically rich film that embraces the limitless potential of both the fantasy genre and animated storytelling.
7
‘Wings of Desire’ (1987)
In a stunning portrayal of fantasy intersecting with the beauty of the real world, Wings of Desire follows two angels who, invisible to humanity, wander the divided city of Berlin, listening to the thoughts and fears of its inhabitants, offering solace wherever they can. When one angel falls in love with a lonely trapeze artist, he yearns to become mortal—not only to pursue a romance with her but to savor the full spectrum of human experiences.
Wim Wenders’ direction showcases a profound exploration of love as the essence of humanity, with few films capturing this theme as marvelously, genuinely, and achingly as Wings of Desire. Anchored by Bruno Ganz’s tender and introspective lead performance, the film’s visual extravagance enhances the narrative without overshadowing its central focus on love and humanity. This film is cherished as one of the greatest fantasy movies ever made, and it remains a beloved masterpiece in German cinema.
6
‘The Seventh Seal’ (1957)
While fantasy often conjures images of adventure and supernatural intrigue, it also serves as a profound medium for reflecting on humanity from a unique and enlightening perspective. Ingmar Bergman masterfully employed this concept in his bleak historical classic The Seventh Seal, which follows a Swedish Templar as he traverses his plague-ravaged homeland, engaged in an ongoing chess match against Death (Bengt Ekerot) that will ultimately determine his fate.
Thought-provoking and deeply compelling, the film dares to explore existential themes such as death, the meaning of life, faith, doubt, and the intersection of the human spirit with religious beliefs. It juxtaposes its somber reflections on life’s transient nature with moments of tender humanity and bursts of dark humor, making The Seventh Seal a monumental thematic achievement that expands the possibilities of fantasy storytelling. Its tone, setting, and insights have cemented its status as a timeless classic, an iconic piece of international cinema, and one of the most essential fantasy films ever created.
5
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
In the realm of 20th-century fantasy cinema, The Princess Bride shines as a delightful tale of heroism and humor that ingeniously weaves meta-commentary on storytelling itself. Blending romance, adventure, action, and comedy, the narrative primarily follows Westley (Cary Elwes), a highly skilled masked fighter on a quest to rescue his true love from the clutches of a nefarious prince. Along his journey, he teams up with a friendly giant and a vengeful Spaniard, as they work together to combat the mythical evils that plague the land of Florin.
This refreshing take on the damsel-in-distress fairy tale transforms the narrative into a rollicking adventure filled with themes of true love and the spirited excitement of questing. Directed with adept skill by Rob Reiner, the film captures the infectious chemistry between Elwes and Robin Wright, encapsulating the essence of young love. The Princess Bride exemplifies fantasy film at its most enthusiastic, imaginative, and heartfelt.
4
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Widely acclaimed as Hayao Miyazaki’s magnum opus and regarded as the ultimate animated film of all time, Spirited Away brilliantly intertwines the visual splendor of anime with the imaginative depth of fantasy, creating an enchanting cinematic experience. The story follows a young girl who finds herself working in a magical realm inhabited by supernatural beings as she endeavors to save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs. Throughout her journey, she encounters a cast of unusual, powerful, and occasionally dangerous creatures, including a boy with a mysterious past and a threatening demon with uncertain motives.
The film’s imaginative world-building and the array of fantastical beings that populate it are simply breathtaking, as is the journey young Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) must undertake to return to her ordinary life. The film masterfully balances its fantastical elements with Chihiro’s emotional coming-of-age narrative, achieving a rare elegance in storytelling. Rich in symbolism and complex themes, and adept in portraying its child characters authentically, Spirited Away has become a defining piece of early 21st-century cinema, leaving an indelible mark on the fantasy genre.
3
‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003)
Filled with romantic passion, swashbuckling adventure, thrilling action, and boundless fantasy fun, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl stands as the quintessential example of pure escapist entertainment. In this thrilling adventure, blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) seeks to rescue his beloved from a group of undead pirates, enlisting the help of the cunning Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). As the plot unfolds, Will’s noble intentions may conflict with Jack’s own ambitions regarding the cursed crew.
Showcasing the magnetic charm of Depp’s captivating performance, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl embodies the spirit of adventurous exuberance with its creative storytelling and exceptionally crafted action sequences. Enhanced by Gore Verbinski’s immersive direction and Hans Zimmer’s exhilarating score, this film is a seamless blend of multiple genres, thriving as a consistently entertaining fantasy adventure filled with breathtaking thrills, unforgettable characters, and a generous dose of humor.
2
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
Directed by genre virtuoso Guillermo del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth is a mesmerizing dark fairy tale that skillfully merges real-world brutality with fantastical horror, centering around young Ofelia (Ivana Baquero). Torn from her home and brought to the Spanish mountains to accompany her heavily pregnant mother, who seeks refuge with her stepfather leading Francoist military forces against the Spanish Maquis, Ofelia encounters a faun who reveals that she can reclaim her throne as princess of the Underworld if she successfully completes three tasks to prove her worthiness.
By weaving an enchanting sense of adventure with elements of fantasy horror and graphic violence, Pan’s Labyrinth retains an air of childlike innocence while delving into the moral complexities and corruption inherent in war. This delicate balance elevates the film to one of the genre’s greatest, enhanced by unforgettable character designs—such as the unsettling Pale Man and the warm-hearted faun—breathtaking cinematography, and strong performances. Pan’s Labyrinth stands as a masterpiece of fantasy cinema that has significantly influenced the perception of foreign films within mainstream audiences.
1
‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy (2001-2003)
Though it may seem unconventional to place three films in the top spot, each entry in The Lord of the Rings trilogy is deserving of this honor, as the series as a whole is indelibly etched in the history of fantasy cinema. Based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s cherished novels, the trilogy chronicles Frodo Baggins’ (Elijah Wood) perilous journey to destroy a powerful ring in the treacherous land of Mordor. Accompanied by Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin), he draws together a fellowship of diverse allies to rally against the impending threat posed by Mordor’s forces on Middle Earth.
The trilogy is characterized by its breathtaking epic scope, intricate production design, and the profound humanity of its central characters. The enchanting fantasy elements, combined with integral themes of friendship, courage, and the triumph of good over evil, position The Lord of the Rings as perhaps the defining masterpiece of 21st-century cinema. Even two decades after the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, this trilogy remains an ageless triumph, shaping the landscape of fantasy entertainment for generations to come.
