The 20 Greatest Fantasy Movies of All Time, Ranked

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The entertainment world has seen some exciting releases lately, like the film adaptation of Wicked, which will have a follow-up, Wicked: For Good, coming out on November 21, 2025. Season 4 of Netflix’s The Witcher has also generated a lot of buzz, particularly because Liam Hemsworth is taking over the lead role from Henry Cavill. However, despite these popular titles, franchises such as The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter still remain incredibly popular in the fantasy film genre.

The most beloved fantasy films explore classic themes like the fight between good and evil, exciting adventures, and captivating magic. But the truly unforgettable ones offer more than just escape – they also provide deep insights into what it means to be human. From timeless favorites like The Wizard of Oz to recent successes like The Green Knight, these represent the best fantasy movies ever created.

Imagination Comes to Life in Pete’s Dragon

The movie Pete’s Dragon tells the story of a young boy who loses his parents and is then raised by a kind dragon named Elliott in the forest. When a park ranger discovers Pete, she brings him home, wanting to provide him with a good life. But trouble arises when a local man tries to capture Elliott, hoping to prove dragons are real.

This movie is a new version of the 1977 film Pete’s Dragon. While the original had some sweet moments, it didn’t quite make the dragon character very interesting. The 2016 remake fixes that, offering a heartwarming and entertaining story that’s great for families. It’s a wonderful choice if you love seeing the magic of a child’s imagination on screen.

A Monster Calls Is a Beautiful, Mature Fantasy

In the book A Monster Calls, Conor is dealing with his mother’s serious illness and finds it hard to express his feelings. Then, one night, a monster appears from a tree outside his window and offers to tell him three stories if Conor will be honest about the bad dream he keeps having. These stories help Conor understand and share his most difficult emotions and fears.

I first learned that the incredible story of A Monster Calls actually started with Siobhan Dowd, which just blew me away. Sadly, she passed away from breast cancer before she could finish it, but Patrick Ness stepped in to complete the book as a tribute to her. Knowing that makes the story even more powerful, because it really feels like it’s about dealing with grief and all the messy emotions that come with losing someone you love. It’s also so insightful about understanding yourself and what you’re truly feeling – it’s a really moving book on so many levels.

Matilda Is a Beloved Roald Dahl Adaptation

The story of Matilda centers around a bright young girl who faces mistreatment and is ignored by the adults around her – her parents don’t pay attention to her, and her school principal, Miss Trunchbull, is cruel. Everything changes when Matilda discovers she can move things with her mind. She then uses this power to protect herself and her friends.

As a huge film fan, I was really pleased with the recent adaptation – they took some liberties with the source material, but thankfully kept all the magic and excitement of Matilda’s story intact. The original Matilda is such a defining movie from the ’90s, and I love how it didn’t shy away from showing a young girl facing tough situations. DeVito’s direction was just brilliant – smart, funny, and genuinely heartwarming. It’s still one of the best films that blends fantasy with a realistic world, in my opinion.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Is an Unforgettable Experience

The movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory tells the story of Charlie, a poor boy who finds a golden ticket to visit the eccentric Willy Wonka’s amazing candy factory. Along with his grandfather and four other children, Charlie takes a tour of the factory, discovering a whimsical world full of incredible sweets and surprising inventions.

Despite a couple of recent remakes, the story of Willy Wonka has faced criticism for how it depicts the Oompa Loompas, a problematic portrayal that existed even in Roald Dahl’s original book. While it’s now often seen as more appealing to adults, the story is increasingly recognized for its complex themes of colonialism, bias, and avarice. Though it’s lost some of its appeal as a children’s fantasy, it remains a strong example of magical realism.

The Thief of Bagdad Is Better Than Aladdin

The 1940 film The Thief of Bagdad tells the story of Jaffar, a sorcerer who seizes the throne of Bagdad. This forces the rightful king, Ahmad, to embark on a quest to win back his kingdom. He teams up with Abu, a clever thief, and together they travel to Basra, where Ahmad falls in love with a princess. After Ahmad and the princess are captured by Jaffar, Abu uses a genie’s magic, a flying carpet, and other enchanted items to rescue them.

You might recognize the plot of The Thief of Bagdad from Disney’s Aladdin – both films are based on a classic Middle Eastern story found in The Arabian Nights (also known as One Thousand and One Nights). Even after 85 years, The Thief of Bagdad remains one of the most delightful fantasy films ever created. Many believe its stunning visuals and enchanting story haven’t been matched, making it a timeless movie for everyone to enjoy.

Life of Pi Is Magical Realism at Its Finest

The novel Life of Pi begins with a family – two zookeepers, their son Pi, and a few animals – traveling by ship to start a new life. After a devastating storm, Pi finds himself alone in the ocean, unexpectedly sharing a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Despite the odds, they form a remarkable connection and embark on a thrilling, yet dangerous, adventure together.

Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi has been adapted into a visually stunning film often praised for its magical realism. The story features unbelievable elements, like an island filled with meat-eating plants, and the unlikely friendship between a boy and a tiger. While fantastical, the film ultimately offers a powerful look at the strength of the human spirit and our natural drive to survive.

The Ordinary Becomes Magical in Mary Poppins

In the movie Mary Poppins, Michael and Jane are sad because their parents are rich and work a lot, leaving them feeling neglected. Everything changes when the magical nanny, Mary Poppins, arrives. Along with her friend, Bert, she brings fun and excitement into the children’s lives through incredible adventures.

Even after more than sixty years, Mary Poppins remains one of the most beloved films ever created. The playful and silly adventures of Mary Poppins and the Banks children have become iconic for generations of viewers. Beyond its amazing special effects and memorable songs, the movie offers a heartwarming message about finding balance in life – between work and family.

The Witches Is an Over-the-Top Spooky ’90s Classic

In Roald Dahl’s The Witches, a secret meeting of witches at an English hotel reveals their terrifying plan: to turn all children into mice with a powerful new potion. When a young boy named Luke accidentally discovers their scheme while on vacation with his grandmother, he becomes their first test subject. Now a mouse himself, Luke must figure out how to stop the witches from turning other children into mice.

Even though it was updated in 2020 with a well-received performance by Anne Hathaway, the remake didn’t capture the magic of the original. This clever and atmospheric film is considered one of the greatest witch stories ever made, and some even think it’s better than classics like Hocus Pocus. It’s a perfect watch any time of year.

A Fairytale Princess Lands in New York City in Enchanted

The movie Enchanted starts with Giselle, a princess from a fairytale world, suddenly finding herself in present-day Manhattan. She’s completely unprepared for real life and quickly realizes that the happily-ever-after she expected doesn’t exist in New York City. A lawyer named Richard, who’s also a single dad, takes her in, but he initially thinks she’s making up her fantastical story due to a mental health issue.

The movie Enchanted was innovative for its time, successfully combining the classic Disney princess story with the familiar feel of a romantic comedy. Despite the fantastical premise of a princess in the real world, the story felt genuine thanks to well-developed characters and a touch of magic. Even after a less successful follow-up, Amy Adams’ portrayal of Giselle remains a standout and often overlooked performance.

Beauty and the Beast Reimagines a Disney Classic

This movie retells the story of the classic 1991 animated film. Emma Watson plays Belle, a smart and capable woman who bravely offers herself as a prisoner to save her father. Though frightened at first, Belle is encouraged by the castle’s enchanted staff to look beyond the Beast’s appearance and see the kindness within.

Beauty and the Beast was a huge hit, becoming one of the most successful musicals and live-action Disney films ever made. Despite some viewers being unsure about remakes of classic animated movies, this version beautifully captured the spirit of the original. It’s a clever, charming, and lovable film, and stands out as one of the best Disney Princess movies.

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2025-11-07 03:39