If You’re A Fantasy Lover, You Must Have Seen These 10 Movies, Right?

Over the years, the fantasy genre has only gotten larger and more exciting, as new movies are released and old stories are refreshed in unique ways, yet there are some classics that just about every fantasy lover should see at least once. Every genre has its fair share of lore and “best of” lists, but fantasy is a particularly dense example. This is because great fantasy movies do not just tell stories, but build up entire worlds, species, and magic systems. Because of this, fantasy lovers get to immerse themselves in countless different lands far away from reality.

As fantasy continues to grow in unexpected ways, one problem audiences might run into is which movies to invest time in. Today, fantasy varies vastly in terms of its tropes and storylines. There are dragon stories, medieval stories, magic stories, romance stories and more. With so many options, it can be hard to decide what is worth watching. However, the following 10 movies are fantasy stories that every fantasy fan should try out. These are not just classics, but movies that helped establish the genre into what it is today.

10

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

J.R.R Tolkien’s World Is Massive & Classic

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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

PG-13

Action

Fantasy

Adventure

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10/10

78

9.4/10

Release Date

December 19, 2001

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No one should be surprised that the first title on this list is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Initially published as a novel in 1954 by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring centers on a group of hobbits who are on a mission to destroy the One Ring, an artifact that allows the Dark Lord Sauron to control all of Middle Earth. Despite technically being a sequel to Tolkien’s The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring was the first successful movie adaptation of Tolkien’s Middle Earth works.

Fantasy comes in countless different shapes and colors, but The Fellowship of the Ring is a quintessential example of high fantasy. Set in a fictional land inhabited by creatures like hobbits, orcs, and dragons, Fellowship of the Ring plunges viewers into a beautiful and dangerous world, and is a classic story of good versus evil. While reading Tolkien’s books is highly recommended, watching Peter Jackson’s film adaptations is also good, starting with The Fellowship of the Ring. The acting is solid, the visuals are entrancing, and the story itself will easily get newcomers hooked.

9

Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone

The Ideal Coming Of Age Fantasy Story

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Movie Poster

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

PG

Adventure

Family

Fantasy

47

8.5/10

Release Date

November 16, 2001

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Another fantasy movie that most viewers will recognize is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Similar to the Lord of the Rings franchise, Harry Potter began as a series of books and was eventually adapted to the big screen in 2001. The first installment follows Harry Potter, an 11-year-old boy who discovers that he is a wizard and is brought to a magical school called Hogwarts, where nefarious forces may be afoot. The franchise continued for seven more movies and spawned countless spinoffs, but the first movie is probably the most easily accessible.

Harry Potter is far from a perfect series, both on the page and on-screen, yet it is a must-watch for fantasy lovers. The first movie in particular is a dazzling experience, filled with nostalgia, fun, and magic. It is an easy way to dip your toes into this franchise. Plus, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone holds up fairly well, despite its age, offering exciting moments such as flying broomsticks, violent ogres, and a three-headed dog. Overall, Harry Potter is a fantastic coming-of-age story for fantasy lovers.

8

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe

A Cozy Fantasy For All Ages

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) Movie Poster

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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

PG

Adventure

Fantasy

9.2/10

Release Date

December 9, 2005

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Another fantasy movie that audiences should not miss out on is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Written by C.S. Lewis throughout the 1950s, The Chronicles of Narnia is a franchise which takes place in a magical world called Narnia where young children appear and take part in the world’s unraveling story. In The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, viewers focus on the Pevensie siblings, who have close encounters with the lion Aslan, the faun Mr. Tumnus, and the evil White Witch. There are three movie adaptations in total.

A composite image of Greta Gerwig in front of a white background with the Pevensie children from The Chronicles of Narnia pointing a sword at something offscreen

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The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is another classic fantasy story that envelops viewers in its world. Watching the Pevensies discover Narnia by stepping through a wardrobe is a truly magical experience that will affect audiences of any age. Plus, the ever-changing seasons of Narnia and its lovable characters make the movie feel cozy, even in times of conflict. This movie is also worth watching now because it is getting a Netflix reboot, directed by Greta Gerwig. Therefore, it is the ideal time to explore Lewis’s fantasy realm.

7

The Princess Bride

A Quirky & Heartwarming Tale

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The Princess Bride

PG

Fantasy

Family

Adventure

ScreenRant logo

10/10

12

9.3/10

Release Date

October 9, 1987

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As much as franchises are important to the fantasy genre, there are a number of standalone movies that are also necessary viewing. One of these is The Princess Bride. Based on a novel by William Goldman, this film is about a young couple who fall in love but are torn apart by time and unexpected circumstances. Years later, their reunion is imminent, but they must find allies and fight against various evils before getting there. Released in 1987, The Princess Bride is a certified classic, and perfect for fantasy viewers.

What makes The Princess Bride so great is its sense of whimsy.

What makes The Princess Bride so great is its sense of whimsy. Many fantasy movies, especially franchises, can feel bogged down with an overwhelming sense of seriousness. However, The Princess Bride keeps audiences feeling light-hearted throughout with its endless jokes, gags, and moments of levity. That being said, the movie still tells a story that viewers can become invested in. Westley’s journey to reunite with Buttercup is heart-warming, and filled with moments of friendship and bravery. Ultimately, this is the kind of fantasy film that audiences can recite line for line.

6

Pan’s Labyrinth

A Dark & Visually Stunning Epic

Pans Labyrinth Movie Poster

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Pan’s Labyrinth

R

War

Drama

Fantasy

ScreenRant logo

10/10

9/10

Release Date

January 19, 2007

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While some fantasy stories benefit from showing off their beautiful worlds, movies like Pan’s Labyrinth are stronger because of the grimness of their settings. Released in 2006, this movie is set during World War II, and follows a sadistic Spanish captain who is tasked with flushing out rebels in a remote forest. With him are his new wife and her daughter, Ofelia. In the midst of the violence and cruelty, Ofelia finds herself being sucked into a world of magic hidden under the surface.

Unlike some of the other fantasy titles on this list, Pan’s Labyrinth is a story geared more toward adults than children. Mainly, this is because the movie is filled with horrifying creatures and the brutal realities of war. It’s a story that is as much fantasy as it is horror. Age restrictions aside though, Pan’s Labyrinth is a gorgeous film that brings viewers face to face with the nightmares of their childhood and the unfortunate truths of our reality. Director Guillermo Del Toro offers up a brilliant story that every fantasy lover needs to experience.

5

The Wizard Of Oz

A Fantasy Story That Remains Relevant

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The Wizard of Oz

PG

Musical

Fantasy

Family

Adventure

ScreenRant logo

10/10

29

8.7/10

Release Date

August 25, 1939

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Another absolute masterpiece in the world of fantasy is The Wizard of Oz. Based on the book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, this 1939 film centers on Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas who is swept up in a tornado and transported to the world of Oz, where munchkins, witches, and talking animals abound. With the help of a kind witch, Dorothy teams up with a group of whimsical characters and sets out to find her way back home.

It’s no wonder The Wizard of Oz has garnered so many spinoffs since its initial release. The story is pivotal, not only in the fantasy genre, but in cinema too. Dorothy’s story of finding herself and her home continues to be relatable, even all these years later. Like the Scarecrow, the Lion, and the Tin Man, audiences learn that what they believe they lack is something they’ve had all along. Plus, Oz is overwhelmingly magical, especially in Technicolor. For the most part, any version of The Wizard of Oz is worth watching for those who enjoy fantasy mixed with reality.

4

Jumanji

A Distinctly Different Fantasy Story

Jumanji Movie Poster 1995

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Jumanji

PG

Action

Adventure

Comedy

9.3/10

Release Date

December 15, 1995

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One particularly special fantasy movie on this list is 1995’s Jumanji. Adapted from a picture book by Chris Van Allsburg, this movie is about Alan, a young boy who stumbles upon a strange board game called Jumanji and gets sucked into it. Years later, a pair of siblings find the game and accidentally pull Alan out, along with a number of other creatures both magical and dangerous. With the help of Allan and their babysitter, the siblings must finish the game or risk losing their lives.

Every On-Screen Jumanji Project

Release Year

Jumanji

1995

Jumaji (TV)

1996-1999

Zathura: A Space Adventure

2005

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

2016

Jumanji: The Next Level

2019

Untitled Jumaji sequel

2026

Since its initial premiere, Jumanji has expanded into a much larger franchise, but the original movie will always be the best. Robin Williams aces the heartfelt strangeness of Alan, offering the perfect mix of drama and comedy. More than that, Jumanji is great because its story feels so unique. Despite being set in the modern world, the movie shows how fantasy can invade our lives for better or for worse. Though somewhat terrifying for children, Jumanji is an awesomely nostalgic and entertaining movie for adults.

3

Labyrinth

A 1980s Fantasy Must Watch

Labyrinth Movie Poster

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Labyrinth

PG

Fantasy

Family

Adventure

Musical

ScreenRant logo

8/10

8.8/10

Release Date

June 27, 1986

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The fantasy genre has gone through countless phases over the years, and one of the most interesting is 1980s fantasy. A movie that encapsulates this time period perfectly is 1986’s Labyrinth. This movie follows Sarah, a 16-year-old girl who wishes that her little brother would disappear. Against all odds, her wish comes true, and he is kidnapped by a Demon King. From there, Sarah must make her way through a complicated labyrinth filled with magical creatures to get her brother back.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Howl's Moving Castle, and Peter Pan (2003)

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Labyrinth is another fantasy movie that is heavy on the whimsy. Though the story itself isn’t anything new or special, the visual elements of the film are what really set it apart. Filled with Jim Henson’s puppets and led by David Bowie’s Demon King, Labyrinth is a feast for the eyes and a wonderful experience for viewers of all ages. It is the ideal pick for those who don’t want to make a huge commitment to a franchise, but want to be awed and delighted.

2

The NeverEnding Story

A Sweet Childhood Adventure

The Neverending Story Movie Poster

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The Neverending Story

PG

Fantasy

Family

Adventure

Drama

ScreenRant logo

8/10

6.5/10

Release Date

July 20, 1984

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A fantasy movie that may not be as popular anymore, but is a pillar of the genre is The NeverEnding Story. Originally published as a novel by Michael Ende, the story revolves around Bastian, a young boy who runs into a bookstore to avoid a gang of bullies. While there, he stumbles upon a book called The NeverEnding Story and begins reading it. Soon enough, he learns about a fantasy world called Fantasia that needs a human child to help fight back against The Nothing. Bastian begins to suspect that he is part of this magical story.

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Admittedly, The NeverEnding Story may feel a bit aged in 2025, and it is definitely geared more towards children than adults, but it is still worth watching for those who have never seen it. This movie is the perfect example of an effective fantasy story that inspires children to use their imaginations for the betterment of the world. Its visuals are ahead of their time, and the plot itself is important and sweet. This is the ideal movie for fantasy lovers to pass onto their children.

1

The Seventh Seal

An International Favorite

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The Seventh Seal

NR

Fantasy

Drama

9/10

Release Date

February 16, 1957

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Finally, a fantasy movie that every fantasy lover should see, that they might not have already, is The Seventh Seal. It is a 1957 Swedish film which follows Antonious Block, a knight who returns home from war only to find the Black Plague ravaging his land. Sick of violence and death, Block challenges Death himself to a chess match and goes on a mission to do some good in the world before his life is taken for good.

Despite its age and language barrier, The Seventh Seal is a fantastic fantasy entry. It earned some divided reviews when it first premiered, but it is now considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time, telling a deeply important story with incredible visuals. Even many decades later, The Seventh Seal remains relevant because of its themes of defying death and getting justice after misfortune. Ultimately, this is a timeless fantasy movie that audiences should not miss.

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