15 Best Fantasy Movies: Legendary Stories and Enchanting Worlds

Fantasy movies take viewers into magical worlds where anything is possible. These films blend imagination, adventure, and mythical elements, creating unforgettable stories filled with wizards, dragons, enchanted lands, and heroic quests.

From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, fantasy films have captivated audiences for generations.

Whether it’s the epic journey in The Lord of the Rings, the charm of The Princess Bride, or the breathtaking animation of Spirited Away, these movies transport us to extraordinary realms.

This comprehensive guide highlights the best fantasy movies that influenced the genre and left an indelible mark on cinema.

List of Top Fantasy Movies

15: Labyrinth (1986)

Director: Jim Henson

Genre: Fantasy, Musical, Adventure

Cast: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud, Shelley Thompson, and Christopher Malcolm

Original Language: English

Running Time: 101 minutes

Release Date: June 27, 1986

Labyrinth is a fantasy musical film starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. The plot revolves around 16-year-old Sarah, who must negotiate a magical labyrinth to save her infant brother from the mysterious Goblin King, Jareth.

With whimsical creatures, intricate puzzles, and an otherworldly setting, the film blends adventure with music.

The movie gained a cult following through home video and television. Its surreal visuals, puppetry by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, and Bowie’s iconic performance have cemented it as a beloved classic.

Over the years, it has inspired adaptations, including comics, books, and a planned sequel.

14: Wings of Desire (1987)

Director: Wim Wenders

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Cast: Bruno Ganz, Solveig Dommartin, Otto Sander, Curt Bois, and Peter Falk

Original Language: German, English, French, Turkish, Hebrew, Spanish

Running Time: 127 minutes

Release Dates: 1987

Wings of Desire is one of the best fantasy movies about angels who watch over Berlin, listening to people’s thoughts.

Damiel, an angel longing for human experience, falls for a lonely trapeze artist and chooses to become mortal to embrace love and earthly pleasures.

Shot in black-and-white and color, the film beautifully contrasts the angels’ ethereal world with human reality. It received multiple awards, including Best Director at Cannes, and remains a timeless classic.

13: The Princess Bride (1987)

Director: Rob Reiner

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy

Cast: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant, Robin Wright, Peter Falk, and Billy Crystal

Original Language: English

Running Time: 98 minutes

Release Date: September 25, 1987

The Princess Bride is about true love, revenge, and heroic quests with a blend of fantasy, adventure, and comedy.

The story follows Westley, a farmhand-turned-swashbuckling hero, who must rescue his beloved Buttercup from the evil Prince Humperdinck. Along the way, he faces a vengeful swordsman, a kind-hearted giant, and a cunning mastermind.

The fantasy film maintains the novel’s metafictional narrative style by presenting it as a book read by a grandfather to his sick grandson.

The film became a cult classic, celebrated for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and timeless charm. It earned spots on several “Greatest Films” lists and was preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance, making it one of the beloved and greatest fantasy movies.

12: Being John Malkovich (1999)

Director: Spike Jonze

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Drama

Cast: John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, Orson Bean, Mary Kay Place, and John Malkovich

Original Language: English

Running Time: 113 minutes

Release Date: October 29, 1999 (United States)

Being John Malkovich is a surreal fantasy comedy-drama that follows Craig, an unemployed puppeteer who stumbles upon a portal into actor John Malkovich’s mind.

As Craig and his co-worker Maxine turn the discovery into a business, things spiral into bizarre chaos, entangling his wife, Lotte, and a secret group seeking immortality.

The film’s unique concept, witty screenplay by Charlie Kaufman, and strong performances made it a cult classic. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay and Best Director.

John Malkovich’s self-parodying role remains iconic, solidifying the film’s place as a landmark in unconventional storytelling.

11: Spirited Away (2001)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Animation

Cast: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takashi Naito, Yasuko Sawaguchi, Tsunehiko Kamijō, Takehiko Ono, and Bunta Sugawara

Original Language: Japanese

Running Time: 125 minutes

Release Date: July 20, 2001

Spirited Away is a famous Japanese animated fantasy film produced by Studio Ghibli.

The storyline of this fantasy movie follows ten-year-old Chihiro, who discovers a realm of spirits after her parents are converted into pigs. She works in a mysterious bathhouse run by the witch, Yubaba, to survive and save them. Along the way, she encounters Haku, a mysterious kid who helps her realize her full strength.

The film received great accolades for its stunning animation, complex plot, and cultural diversity.

It became Japan’s highest-grossing film and received the Best Animated Feature in the Academy Award, making it one of the top fantasy films ever.

10: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Director: Peter Jackson

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama

Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan

Original Language: English

Running Time: 178 minutes

Released on: December 10, 2001 (UK), December 19, 2001 (US), December 20, 2001 (NZ)

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the first installation of Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy trilogy, which is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel.

Set in Middle-earth, the film follows Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit tasked with destroying the One Ring to prevent the Dark Lord Sauron’s return. Joined by Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and others, the Fellowship embarks on a dangerous journey to Mount Doom.

Praised for its groundbreaking visual effects, storytelling, and performances, the film was a massive critical and commercial success, grossing over $887 million worldwide. It won four Academy Awards.

9: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Director: Gore Verbinski

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action

Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and Jonathan Pryce

Original Language: English

Running Time: 143 minutes

Release Date: July 9, 2003

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a fantasy adventure film that follows Captain Jack Sparrow, a clever pirate, and Will Turner, a skilled blacksmith, as they set sail to rescue Elizabeth Swann from the cursed crew of the Black Pearl. The ship is led by Captain Barbossa, played by Australian actor Geoffrey Rush. The undead pirates are on a quest to break their supernatural curse.

The film blends swashbuckling action, humor, and supernatural elements, with Johnny Depp’s performance as Jack Sparrow becoming iconic.

This fantasy movie was a massive box-office success, earning over $654 million and receiving critical acclaim. The film’s success led to four sequels, cementing its place as a defining adventure franchise.

8: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2003)

Director: Chris Columbus

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton, Ian Hart

Original Language: English

Running Time: 152 minutes

Release Date: November 16, 2001

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone introduces the magical world of Hogwarts through the story of Harry.

Harry is an orphan and discovers he is a wizard. As he begins school, he befriends Ron (played by Rupert Grint) and Hermione (played by Emma Watson). Together, they uncover secrets about the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary object that grants immortality. Along the way, they face dangerous challenges and, ultimately, Harry comes face-to-face with the dark presence of Voldemort.

The film was a global success, praised for its faithfulness to J.K. Rowling’s novel, stunning visuals, and engaging performances.

The movie launched the Harry Potter film franchise, grossing over $1.026 billion worldwide. Its impact on fantasy cinema remains significant, solidifying its place among the most beloved and highest-grossing films ever.

7: Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Genre: Dark Fantasy, War, Drama

Cast: Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Ariadna Gil, and Álex Angulo

Original Language: Spanish

Running Time: 120 minutes

Release Dates: 2006

Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark fantasy set in post-Civil War Spain. It follows Ofelia, a young girl who discovers a mysterious labyrinth and encounters a faun who sets her on a path of three trials. As her stepfather, the brutal Captain Vidal, hunts rebels, Ofelia navigates between a harsh reality and a magical yet dangerous world.

The film blends history and fantasy, using practical effects, CGI, and stunning cinematography to create an immersive experience.

With widespread critical acclaim, it won three Academy Awards and remains a landmark in fantasy cinema, often hailed as Guillermo del Toro’s magnum opus.

6: Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010)

Director: Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Genre: Drama, Fantasy

Cast: Thanapat Saisaymar, Natthakarn Aphaiwong, Jeerasak Kulhong, Jenjira Pongpas, Sakda Kaewbuadee, Kanokporn Thongaram, and Samud Kugasang

Original Language: Thai, Isan

Running Time: 114 minutes

Release Date: 2010

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives is a Thai drama exploring reincarnation and mortality with fantasy elements. Boonmee, suffering from kidney failure, spends his final days reflecting on past lives with the spirits of his deceased wife and long-lost son. As he journeys through memories and mythical encounters, the film blends reality with the supernatural.

Inspired by a Buddhist abbot’s book, the film is the final part of Weerasethakul’s Primitive project. It won the prestigious Palme d’Or Award at Cannes, marking a historic first for Thai cinema. With its dreamlike storytelling, the film is now streaming on Netflix.

5: Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

Director: Benh Zeitlin

Genre: Fantasy, Drama

Cast: Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry, Levy Easterly, Lowell Landes, Pamela Harper, Gina Montana, Amber Henry, Jonshel Alexander, and Nicholas Clark

Original Language: English

Running Time: 93 minutes

Release Date: June 27, 2012

Beasts of the Southern Wild is one of the visually stunning greatest fantasy movies following six-year-old Hushpuppy, who lives in the Louisiana bayou with her ailing father, Wink. As a storm threatens their isolated community, she embarks on a journey of survival, facing mythical aurochs and the harsh realities of nature.

A blend of magic and reality, the film explores resilience, love, and the connection between humans and nature.

The film is known for its raw storytelling, poetic visuals, and Quvenzhané Wallis’s powerful performance.

The movie received critical acclaim and earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Achievement in Directing, Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress for Wallis and Best Picture, making her the youngest nominee in history.

4: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

Director: David Yates

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, Carmen Ejogo, and Colin Farrell

Original Language: English

Running Time: 133 minutes

Release Date: November 18, 2016

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a fantasy adventure set in the Wizarding World that serves as the prequel to the Harry Potter movie series.

The film follows Newt Scamander, a British magizoologist who arrives in 1926 New York with a suitcase full of magical creatures. When some escape, he teams up with No-Maj Jacob Kowalski and sisters Tina and Queenie Goldstein to recover them, but dark forces are at work.

The film received positive reviews and grossed $814 million worldwide. It received the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, marking the Wizarding World’s first Oscar win.

The success led to two sequels, The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) and The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022).

3: The Shape of Water (2017)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Genre: Romance, Dark Fantasy

Cast: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Octavia Spencer

Original Language: English, American Sign Language

Running Time: 123 minutes

Release Date: December 1, 2017

The Shape of Water is a romantic dark fantasy set in 1962 in Baltimore. It follows Elisa Esposito, a janitor at a secret government lab, who falls in love with a captured amphibian creature. As she plans a daring escape to save him from government experiments, their love story unfolds against a backdrop of Cold War tensions.

Critics praised the film’s directing, storyline, visuals, and music. It received four Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture, becoming the second fantasy film to win, following The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).

With stunning cinematography and a unique love story, it remains one of Guillermo del Toro’s most celebrated cinematography movies. Its fairy-tale-like narrative and emotional depth captivated audiences worldwide.

2: The Green Knight (2021)

Director: David Lowery

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama

Cast: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris, and Ralph Ineson

Original Language: English

Running Time: 130 minutes

Released Date: July 30, 2021

The Green Knight is a popular fantasy film inspired by the 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Starring Dev Patel as Gawain, the film follows his perilous journey to face the mysterious Green Knight, a test of courage, honor, and destiny.

Praised for its cinematography, haunting score, and Patel’s performance, the film offers a visually rich and deeply symbolic narrative. David Lowery’s unique interpretation of the Arthurian legend adds depth and ambiguity, making The Green Knight one of the best fantasy movies.

The movie won the National Board of Review Awards for the Top Independent Films category in 2021.

1: How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

Director: Dean DeBlois

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action

Cast: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur

Original Language: English

Release Date: June 13, 2025

Running Time: To be announced

How to Train Your Dragon is a live-action remake of the 2010 animated film, bringing the world of Berk to life like never before. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the film follows Hiccup, an inventive Viking who befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury who defies his tribe’s beliefs. Their bond challenges everything the Viking society knows about dragons.

Starring Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick, the film boasts a stellar cast.

With John Powell returning to compose the score, the remake promises epic visuals and an emotional story, making it one of the best fantasy movies.

Shot in Belfast, this marks DreamWorks Animation’s first live-action adaptation. Fans eagerly await its CinemaCon premiere on April 2, 2025.