10 Forgotten Fantasy Movies of the 2000s That Are Better Than You Remember

The 2000s saw a huge wave of fantasy films. The success of series like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings inspired many adaptations of fantasy novels and magical stories. While a lot of these movies weren’t hits and have been forgotten, a few are still enjoyable to watch today.

While they weren’t always critically acclaimed, many fantasy movies from the 2000s have become beloved by fans and bring back fond memories for those who watched them as kids. These films might not be the most famous in the genre, but they often hold up surprisingly well, even when viewed without rose-tinted glasses. Here are ten, from Inkheart to Peter Pan, that are worth revisiting.

Inkheart Is a Book Lover’s Dream

The movie Inkheart is based on Cornelia Funke’s novel of the same name. It follows Mortimer, a bookbinder who has a remarkable ability: when he reads aloud, characters and objects from books come to life in the real world. Trouble begins when he accidentally releases the villain Capricorn from the book Inkheart, and he must then protect his daughter, Meggie. While some critics felt the story borrowed too much from other works and the acting wasn’t always strong, Inkheart still offers plenty of enjoyable fantasy adventure.

While the movie Inkheart doesn’t quite reach the heights of the book, it’s still a fun watch, particularly for those who love classic stories. The actors are delightful, and Brendan Fraser is perfectly cast as Mortimer – the author Cornelia Funke has even said he was the inspiration for the character! Though it only covers the first book in the series, many believe the film is unfairly overlooked and deserves recognition for how closely it follows the original story.

Aquamarine Is a Quintessential Girlhood Movie

The movie Aquamarine is inspired by Alice Hoffman’s novel of the same name. It tells the story of two best friends, Hailey and Claire, who are facing a big change when Hailey’s family decides to move to Australia. Before they’re separated, they meet a mermaid named Aquamarine who makes them an offer: if they help her convince her father that true love exists, she’ll grant them one wish. While many critics didn’t love the acting or found the movie overly sweet, it quickly became a favorite among young girls in the 2000s.

While it can be a bit cheesy, Aquamarine really gets what it’s like to be a young teenage girl during that time period. The movie is self-aware and fully embraces its own vibe, and it surprisingly includes some really positive messages. Aquamarine isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s still charming and enjoyable to watch again.

Ella Enchanted Is a Refreshing Twist on Cinderella

Inspired by Gail Carson Levine’s novel, Ella Enchanted offers a fresh take on the classic Cinderella story. The movie centers on Ella, who was given the unwanted “gift” of having to obey every command. Alongside her romance with Prince Charming (nicknamed Char), Ella embarks on a journey to break the curse placed on her as a baby, hoping to regain control of her life. While its use of modern music and references wasn’t universally loved, this musical version of Cinderella remains surprisingly enjoyable today.

While many films have adapted the classic Cinderella story, Ella Enchanted stands out thanks to its creative twists on the original tale. Even though it’s different, it’s still an enjoyable movie. The connection between Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy is charming, and Ella’s fight for fairness is inspiring. It may not be the definitive Cinderella musical, but the songs are lively and helped introduce the music of Queen and Elton John to a new audience.

Penelope Brings Fairy Tale Magic to the Modern Age

The film Penelope centers around a young woman born with a pig’s snout, a result of an old family curse. The curse can only be broken if she finds someone to love her for life. This sets her off on a journey to find true love. While some critics found the plot predictable and felt the first half of the movie was better than the second, it remains a beloved film of its time.

The talented cast makes it hard not to fall in love with the characters in Penelope, particularly the leads, who are brilliantly played by Christina Ricci and James McAvoy. While you might guess some of the plot twists, they still work well because they’re done so skillfully. Penelope has some serious moments, but overall it’s a wonderfully heartwarming movie with a classic message about finding love.

City of Ember Is the Unsung Post-Apocalyptic Story

The movie, based on Jeanne DuPrau’s book, takes place over two centuries after a mysterious disaster. When the city’s power source begins to break down, two young people, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, discover a secret that could save their home and reveal what exists outside its walls. While some reviewers wanted more excitement and found certain plot points weak, the film is praised for its imaginative and detailed world.

While the movie City of Ember doesn’t capture all the depth of the original story, it brilliantly portrays the unique underground city. Saoirse Ronan and Harry Treadaway are likable leads, and Bill Murray is fun to watch as the slightly untrustworthy Mayor Cole. Despite not being the most complex film in its genre, City of Ember is a well-made adaptation and enjoyable to watch again.

MirrorMask Is an Evocative Fever Dream

The film MirrorMask centers around Helena, a young woman eager to escape the circus and find a more ‘normal’ life. She’s unexpectedly taken to the City of Light, a fantastical place in danger after its queen slips into a coma. Helena promises to save the city before finding her way back home. While some critics felt the story and characters could have been more developed, audiences appreciated the movie’s unique and quirky visual style.

Okay, so MirrorMask isn’t perfect – the story could’ve used a little more work, honestly. But wow, the visuals! It’s like stepping into a completely bizarre and beautiful dream, totally reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. The CGI hasn’t aged amazingly, and sometimes it’s a little unsettling, but I think that actually adds to the feeling of being in this strange, otherworldy place. It’s flawed, sure, but it’s so wonderfully imaginative – something you don’t see a lot of in movies these days.

Tuck Everlasting Is an Endearing Period Romance

Inspired by Natalie Babbitt’s novel, the story follows Winnie Foster, a young girl eager to break free from the constraints of her wealthy family. She finds an unlikely path to freedom when she encounters the Tuck family, who live secretly in the woods near her home. While some critics found the movie to be slow-paced and flawed, many viewers were charmed by its gentle romance and lovely music.

The movie Tuck Everlasting takes some liberties with the original story, most notably by making Winnie older and adding a romantic relationship with Jesse Tuck. While some book fans might not have liked this change, Alexis Bledel and Jonathan Jackson had great chemistry, and the film largely stays true to the source material. Its relaxed pace makes Tuck Everlasting a perfect choice for a quiet day in.

Nanny McPhee Is a Whimsical Romp That Packs a Punch

The movie Nanny McPhee is based on Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda books. It tells the story of the Brown family – a father named Cedric and his seven mischievous children. After going through seventeen nannies, they meet Nanny McPhee, who comes to help teach the kids important life lessons. Although some viewers thought the movie was too busy and the colors too bright, it was popular enough to be a success.

While it’s natural to compare Nanny McPhee to Mary Poppins, it’s a delightful film in its own right, offering positive lessons for kids. The movie features a fantastic cast and plenty of magical moments. Nanny McPhee is a wonderful, lighthearted choice for families and anyone looking for a charming and honest story.

Stardust Is a Brilliant Fantasy Adventure

The movie, inspired by Neil Gaiman’s novel, follows Tristan, a young man living near a mysterious wall said to connect to another world. He promises to fetch a fallen star for the girl he loves, but is surprised to find the ‘star’ is actually a woman named Yvaine, who is in serious trouble. While some viewers didn’t connect with the movie’s humor or felt the plot was predictable, many enjoyed it as a lighthearted and entertaining adventure.

While Stardust takes some liberties with the original story, these changes mostly improve the film. It skillfully finds humor even in serious moments, and the actors are all fantastic, each bringing depth to their characters. Plus, the beautiful scenery and special effects really capture the scope and wonder of a classic fantasy adventure.

Peter Pan Is a Fairy Tale Classic

The movie Peter Pan is based on the well-known play and book by J.M. Barrie. It tells the story of the Darling children, who are flown away to the fantastical Neverland by the boy who refuses to grow up, Peter Pan. Although some reviewers had issues with the amount of computer-generated imagery and certain performances, most felt it was a very accurate retelling of the original story.

Despite many adaptations, the 2003 film version of Peter Pan is particularly strong because it fully explores the book’s complex themes and more serious moments. It also features better and more genuine representation of Indigenous characters than most other films. Add to that a fantastic musical score by James Newton Howard, and you have a movie that remains captivating and magical, making it a timeless classic worth watching again and again.

2026-04-11 22:41