Movies

10 Fantasy Movies That Are Actually Terrifying

BBG News

In my opinion, you don’t often see fantasy and horror combined as much as sci-fi and horror, but there’s a unique crossover when it comes to fantasy adventure movies. Yet, the imaginative creatures, landscapes, and societies in these distinctive fantasy worlds can be downright chilling, adding an eerie element to a fantasy production. Some films masterfully fuse the horror and fantasy genres by incorporating frightening in-world rules and storylines that echo classic horror movie tropes within a fantasy film context.

As a fanatic of the macabre, I’ve found that the most chilling fantasy flicks masterfully blend the genre’s eeriest tropes with the line separating terror and magic, frequently veering into the realm of bone-chilling horror. Conversely, many horror films skate close to the edge of being fantastical epics due to their reliance on supernatural elements for crafting spine-tingling ambiances and conjuring fearsome beings. This rare fusion of fantasy and fear in cinema results in movies that are truly petrifying, even though fantasy films usually intertwine with adventure and action, this unusual meld is what makes the experience hauntingly unforgettable.

10. Coraline (2009)

Directed by Henry Selick

As a firm believer in the power of storytelling, I often find myself defending animation against the misconception that it’s solely for children. It’s crucial to understand that animation is not a genre but a medium, capable of telling stories as complex and thought-provoking as any live-action film. While animated films might be fewer in number, they can still pack a powerful punch, delving into themes that are downright terrifying.

This is because animation doesn’t inherently dilute tension or fear; instead, it offers an unparalleled freedom to depict life and movement in fluid, sometimes nightmarish ways. A striking example of this can be found in Henry Selick’s masterpiece, Coraline. This film demonstrates the immense potential animation holds for creating haunting, memorable stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my awe for Laika Studios’ groundbreaking stop-motion animation debut, “Coraline.” In this captivating tale, Dakota Fanning lends her voice to our protagonist, Coraline, who embarks on an otherworldly adventure that mirrors her life in a dreamlike fashion. The film’s vivid visuals and imaginative creature designs can be downright chilling at times. For those seeking a family-friendly horror experience, “Coraline” fearlessly delves into the depths of trauma, neglect, and emotionally intense themes, all while leaving an indelible impression through its dreamlike imagery.

9. The Green Knight (2021)

Directed by David Lowery

In four years since his role in “The Green Knight” (2021), Dev Patel’s upcoming movie, titled “The Peasant“, will mark his second collaboration with A24. Unlike its predecessor that was set in medieval England during the Arthurian era, “The Peasant” is based in feudal India and unfolds events from that time period, offering a contrast to the fantasy setting of “The Green Knight“.

In a new twist of words, Patel portrays Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, embarking on an adventure to encounter the enigmatic Green Knight across treacherous landscapes. Along his path, he encounters a myriad of creatures and supernatural entities, some kind-hearted, others malicious, and others indifferent. The vast settings, the epic narrative, the captivating camera work, and stunning computer-generated imagery all play a role in making the film a chilling spectacle. Not just the Green Knight’s intimidating appearance, but also the clever use of darkness and the imaginative portrayal of fearsome creatures from Arthurian lore give The Green Knight an eerie feel.

8. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Directed by Tim Burton

In a distinctive fashion, it’s highly predictable that a reinterpretation of Ichabod Crane’s tale will lean towards horror, especially under Tim Burton’s guidance. By skillfully crafting an eerie ambiance that resonates with the original narrative, Sleepy Hollow transforms one of our most iconic Gothic American folklore stories into a living reality. With Johnny Depp delivering an exceptional portrayal as Ichabod Crane, this fish-out-of-water character struggles visibly amidst the peculiarities of Sleepy Hollow, growing increasingly uneasy as the legends and dark mysteries gradually encroach upon him.

The movie may get confusing at times due to an unengaging mystery plot and heavy expository dialogue during key moments. Yet, it boasts some captivating characters, making it a timeless piece that’s worth rewatching mainly for its eerie ambiance. Sleepy Hollow town’s most striking feature is this enigmatic atmosphere, which creates the illusion of a supernatural presence lurking perpetually in the darkness. Distinguishing fantasy from fear in Sleepy Hollow can be challenging.

7. Army Of Darkness (1992)

Directed by Sam Raimi

Sam Raimi’s “The Evil Dead” stands as a timeless horror classic, yet its sequels add an intriguing twist. Instead of maintaining the somber and grim atmosphere, Raimi opted for a more humorous approach in his zombie apocalypse tale. This shift is particularly noticeable in “Evil Dead II,” but it’s the third installment, “Army of Darkness,” that fully embraces the outrageous humor of the situation.

In the movie “Army of Darkness,” the main character, who’s a modern-day department store clerk, is transported to medieval England during the Dark Ages. Despite being part of a horror franchise, the film has a fantasy-like quality with its period costumes and setting, making it seem more like a fantasy movie with scary elements. The movie “Army of Darkness” is filled with gruesome humor, as it travels through a fantastical 1300s while intensifying the horror aspects, leading to an exciting finale.

6. Draug (2018)

Directed by Karin Engman and Klas Persson

Folk tales make excellent material for creating chilling horror fantasies because they allow you to breathe life into myths by unleashing monsters, ghosts, portents, and witches upon the human population in an imaginative environment. One noteworthy example of a contemporary folk horror film is the Swedish fantasy production titled “Draug.” This captivating movie is set against the backdrop of 11th-century Sweden and follows a young woman who journeys back to her hometown for a mission to rescue a missing missionary.

As a devotee, I can’t help but be captivated by the gritty portrayal of Draug, a cinematic masterpiece deeply rooted in the tumultuous past of Scandinavia during the early second millennium AD. The movie immerses you in an authentic sensory experience, from the raw feeling of unhealed wounds and the biting cold of the Arctic waters, to the irritating hum of mosquitoes and the clamminess of the skin. It skillfully draws you into its world, gradually building a palpable sense of dread before launching an unrelenting assault on your senses with a wave of horror that persists until the end credits play.

5. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

For individuals who have watched the movie, the phrase “terrifying fantasy film” instantly evokes an image of the Pale Man from Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth. This visually stunning film is rich in lore and chronicles the journey of 10-year-old Ofelia as she ventures into a frightening fantasy realm to uncover her fate. The scenes set in this imagined world stand in stark contrast to those depicting the devastation of war ravaging her homeland, driving her to find refuge in the fantastical world where her family’s callousness cannot touch her.

In a nutshell, Ofelia’s world isn’t just petrifying; it’s awe-inspiring, cozy, vivid, fearsome, mysterious, magical, and always expanding. Ostracized by the adults who should have been her protectors due to their lack of empathy, Ofelia is frequently drawn back into the enchanting realm that others can only reach with their imagination. In this world, she confronts symbolic manifestations of her deepest fears, not just about herself but also about adulthood. With creatures reminiscent of horror flicks, Pan’s Labyrinth is the quintessential chilling fantasy film.

4. Crimson Peak (2015)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Guillermo del Toro’s explanation for the poor box-office performance of Crimson Peak demonstrates why it should be categorized as a fantasy movie with horror elements rather than vice versa. He expressed that he anticipated the film would underperform when he noticed the marketing strategy emphasizing its horror aspects. To him, the romance and fantasy elements in Crimson Peak were its true standouts.

In my perspective, Crimson Peak primarily unfolds like a gothic melodrama set in another time, where a palpable sense of doom permeates every eerie scene, teasing the revelation of a hidden specter that sends shivers down one’s spine. Yet, the chilling aspects are present from the very first frame, leaving an indelible mark on the audience as Guillermo del Toro skillfully incorporates his signature digital horror motifs – a nod to the age of analog horror.

3. Bulbbul (2020)

Directed by Anvita Dutt

Among the most successful horror films in recent times, “Companion”, excels within the “Empowering Women” subgenre of cinema. This cinematic style is recognized for its portrayal of a woman’s victory over oppressive societal norms that aim to keep her suppressed. Unlike typical movies of this genre, where the protagonist often employs morally ambiguous methods to achieve her objectives, Anvita Dutt’s “Bulbbul” seems to have avoided such depictions, much like “Companion”.

Bulbbul” is set during the zamindari era of West Bengal in feudal India, where it unfolds the tale of its protagonist, Bulbbul. As a child, she’s married into a wealthy household. As she matures into a woman and a wife, rumors of a witch haunting the land circulate. The cinematography gives each witch encounter an eerie, horror-film quality. However, as the narrative portrays her as a guardian for defenseless children instead, “Bulbbul” can be considered a fantasy film that delivers a chilling ambiance.

2. The Company Of Wolves (1984)

Directed by Neil Jordan

Neil Jordan’s “Interview with the Vampire,” a chilling horror movie graced by an exceptional cast, is his most well-known fantasy film infused with horror aspects. However, the more creatively crafted film he made within this specific subgenre was the 1984 release, “The Company of Wolves.” This film can be described as a loosely structured collection of Angela Carter’s children’s fairy tales, and it breathes life into various mythical beings in a whimsical world that will entice you to dwell within it.

In “The Company of Wolves,” the striking combination of a vibrant color scheme, punctuated by shadows, intense moments, and scenes depicting transformation, contrasts beautifully with the growing somberness of the narrative. The profound metaphor of adolescence is thought-provoking and skillfully crafted, but what truly shines is the blend of awe and fear throughout the film. The special effects are not only expertly done, but they also tastefully honor the original works penned by Angela Carter, known for their raw and gritty style.

1. The Dark Crystal (1982)

Directed by Frank Oz and Jim Henson

Frank Oz and Jim Henson’s groundbreaking film, “The Dark Crystal“, embodies a chilling portrayal of fantasy cinema. Despite its use of puppets in a visually stunning fantasy realm, the film’s examination of genocide is far from comforting. Graphic scenes of violence, including torture and mutilation, could leave viewers with lasting emotional scars, particularly children.

The Dark Crystal stands as a masterpiece of storytelling in the fantasy genre, seamlessly combining elements of adventure, terror, and magic to narrate its grand tale. The filmmakers and their team leave no stone unturned in realizing their creative vision, ensuring that every intricate detail enhances the vivid world they’ve crafted through innovative storytelling. The hero’s journey is mirrored in the protagonist’s arc as he traverses treacherous landscapes on a quest to find the shard capable of restoring balance to the realm; however, his trials manifest as eerie and suspenseful events reminiscent of a horror movie plot.

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2025-06-07 19:20

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