Best Fantasy Movies Ever: Worlds That Captivate You

Fantastic movies that present mesmerizing landscapes, unimaginable creatures, and more can leave us speechless. As a result, fantasy Movies are often regarded as high-production works. With thousands of movies in this genre, choosing the best ones can be challenging, so we’ve curated a list for you. Here are some fantastic movie recommendations:

Fantasy movies typically feature themes like magic, supernatural events, mythology, folklore, or exotic fantasy worlds. However, these enchanting universes and depictions were not always as polished. In the past, inadequate effects, exaggerated acting, and overall poor execution often marred the genre. Since the early 2000s, the genre has gained new respect with successful adaptations like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Notably, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King became the first fantasy movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

The history of fantasy movies is nearly as old as cinema itself and features countless examples. Therefore, viewers often ask, “Which fantasy movie should I watch?” We’ve prepared a list of the best fantasy movies for you, so here you go:

After giving some information, we can move on to our list of fantasy movies to watch. Here you will find the best fantasy movies ever made and brief information about them. If you are searching for “watch fantasy movies” in search engines, we can say that you should definitely take a look at these. Here are some magical fantasy movie recommendations 🔽

Movie List Index

1.The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Best Fantasy Movies Ever: Worlds That Captivate You The Lord of the Rings trilogy

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).

Yes, we’ve included all three Lord of the Rings movies in one place. Admittedly, it might seem greedy, but we couldn’t decide which installment to highlight, so we chose to enjoy the entire trilogy.

Peter Jackson’s epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy novels is one of the most ambitious, successful, and influential movie series ever made. Featuring an all-star cast, superb production, and an epic score, it feels as though magic has been harnessed to bring Middle-earth to life in a way previously thought impossible. You’re already familiar with the plot: Middle-earth must be safeguarded from Sauron, and the One Ring, central to a dark plot, must be destroyed in the heart of Mount Doom.

IMDb score : 9.0
Publication Date: 2001-2003
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, S. Astin, S. Bean O. Bloom
Best quote: “Love is rewarded with loyalty, bravery with reputation, betrayal with revenge.”

2.The Wizard of Oz

Just as there is no place like home, there are few movies as iconic as The Wizard of Oz. A masterpiece in the realm of fantasy movies, this movie is a pop culture phenomenon filled with unforgettable characters, excellent dialogue, a yellow brick road, and catchy songs. The Wizard of Oz outshines many modern productions with its flawless script that manages to be funny, scary, and wonderful all at once.

The movie follows the adventures of Dorothy Gale, who, along with her dog Toto, finds herself in a fantastical universe after a storm. They are pursued by the Wicked Witch of the West, seeking revenge for the death of the Wicked Witch of the East. However, Dorothy and Toto also receive protection from those who wish to help them. In short, The Wizard of Oz remains one of the best fantasy movies in the genre.

Information about The Wizard of Oz

Title: The Wizard of Oz
Director: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy
Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley
Release Year: 1939
Duration: 102 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV (availability may vary)
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
Language: English
Age Rating: G
Similar Movies: The Sound of Music (1965), Mary Poppins (1964), Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Wizard of Oz on IMDb

3.Pan’s Labyrinth

A dark fairy tale set during the Spanish Civil War, Pan’s Labyrinth is a hauntingly beautiful and captivating movie that skillfully combines the human horrors of war with the fantastical monsters of the underworld. Written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, the movie has won three Academy Awards. Receiving a standing ovation at Cannes for several minutes, Pan’s Labyrinth is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of recent times, depicting the harshness of war through the eyes of children.

Information about Pan’s Labyrinth

Title: Pan’s Labyrinth
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Doug Jones, Ariadna Gil
Release Year: 2006
Duration: 118 minutes
Country: Mexico, Spain
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, War
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV (availability may vary)
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
Language: Spanish
Age Rating: R
Similar Movies: The Devil’s Backbone (2001), The Shape of Water (2017), The Secret of the Grain (2007)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Pan’s Labyrinth on IMDb

4.Spirited Away

The story of Chihiro Ogino, a young girl who escapes into the fantastic world of Kami and ends up working in a bathhouse, is celebrated as one of the most beautiful movies ever made. Studio Ghibli’s Japanese animated movie Spirited Away, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature movie in 2003, presents an exquisite, enchanting, and captivating world crafted by Hayao Miyazaki. Remember, once you meet someone, you can never truly forget them. Spirited Away, one of the Oscar-winning fantasy movies, is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Information about Spirited Away

Title: Spirited Away
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Cast: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takashi Naitō, Tsunehiko Watase
Release Year: 2001
Duration: 125 minutes
Country: Japan
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure
Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (availability may vary)
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
Language: Japanese
Age Rating: PG
Similar Movies: My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Princess Mononoke (1997)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Spirited Away on IMDb

5.The Princess Bride

It would be unthinkable not to include The Princess Bride! A post-modern classic, The Princess Bride is one of the most quoted movies ever made. Adapted from William Goldman’s 1973 novel of the same name, the movie centers on the story of the fairytale heroine Buttercup. Though not as widely known, if you’re searching for lesser-known fantasy movies, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Information about The Princess Bride

Title: The Princess Bride
Director: Rob Reiner
Cast: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, André the Giant
Release Year: 1987
Duration: 98 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV (availability may vary)
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Similar Movies: The Princess Diaries (2001), Stardust (2007), Labyrinth (1986)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Princess Bride on IMDb

6.Labyrinth

Jim Henson is renowned for bringing fantasy creatures to life, such as Kermit the Frog and the Skeksis. However, the low point of his career might be considered Labyrinth. Officially a box office bomb (earning only $34 million), Labyrinth has since gained a cult following and is now regarded as one of the best fantasy movies ever made.

In the movie, a young girl named Sarah makes a wish for her baby brother to disappear, and this wish unexpectedly comes true. Sarah must now embark on a quest to find her brother, with all clues leading her to a goblin castle in the middle of a labyrinth. In this fantastical universe, Sarah faces numerous riddles and escapes countless dangers.

Information about Labyrinth

Title: Labyrinth
Director: Jim Henson
Cast: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud, Shelley Thompson, David Goelz
Release Year: 1986
Duration: 101 minutes
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV (availability may vary)
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Similar Movies: The Dark Crystal (1982), The Princess Bride (1987), The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Labyrinth on IMDb

7.Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands, wrapped in black leather but centered around a sweet suburban tale, is Tim Burton’s finest fantasy movie. Essentially a romantic retelling of Frankenstein, Scissorhands tells the poignant and eerie story of a man with scissors for hands, which prevents him from touching others. This unique condition arises from the untimely death of the inventor who created him.

Feeling incomplete and having lived in isolation, Edward’s life changes when an Avon lady brings him into her home. Though he finds companionship with her family, not everything goes smoothly. Scissorhands holds a distinguished place among the best fantasy movies due to its captivating narrative.

Information about Edward Scissorhands

Title: Edward Scissorhands
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Vincent Price
Release Year: 1990
Duration: 105 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+ (availability may vary)
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Beetlejuice (1988), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Big Fish (2003)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Edward Scissorhands on IMDb

8.Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Of course, Harry Potter had to be included on this list. Among all the Harry Potter movies, Prisoner of Azkaban holds a particularly special place. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this installment continues the magic established in the first two movies while introducing a darker, emotionally complex narrative. It takes the series in a more mature direction, enhancing its status as an extraordinary fantasy movie. Additionally, the movie won hearts by introducing the character of Sirius Black.

Information about Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman
Release Year: 2004
Duration: 142 minutes
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (availability may vary)
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Similar Movies: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on IMDb

9.Groundhog Day

One of the best examples of fantasy movies supported by deep philosophical foundations is Harold Ramis’ comic masterpiece, Groundhog Day. The movie follows Phil Connors, a sullen and sarcastic weatherman who is doomed to repeat the same day over and over again. Ironically, the day that keeps repeating is the one Phil despises the most.

Information about Groundhog Day

Title: Groundhog Day
Director: Harold Ramis
Cast: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray
Release Year: 1993
Duration: 101 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV (availability may vary)
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Similar Movies: The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009), Edge of Tomorrow (2014), About Time (2013)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Groundhog Day on IMDb

10.King Kong

Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, and starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, the movie King Kong tells the story of a giant ape named Kong who becomes infatuated with a beautiful young woman. Although the 2005 King Kong may not appeal to modern audiences in the same way, it remains one of the most successful early examples of the fantasy genre. If it hadn’t been so influential, Kong might not be the most iconic ape in cinema history today, right?

Information about King Kong

Title: King Kong
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Andy Serkis
Release Year: 2005
Duration: 187 minutes
Country: United States, New Zealand
Genre: Adventure, Action, Drama
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV (availability may vary)
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Jurassic Park (1993), The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), Avatar (2009)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: King Kong on IMDb

10 best fantasy movies to watch only on Netflix

Netflix is also a prominent platform for the fantasy movie genre, offering a range of original productions for its viewers. While there are many other fantasy movies available on the platform that are not produced by Netflix, we have focused on highlighting the fantasy movies that are exclusively available on Netflix. Here are some top Netflix fantasy movie recommendations: