Fantasy is a genre that takes our minds into the realms of creativity and imagination. It transports everyone into worlds that are alien, beautiful, and mesmerizing. Here are some of the best fantasy films to watch:
1. Groundhog Day
This film is a beautiful mix of fantasy and deep philosophical thought. The story follows a sour, cynical weatherman doomed to repeat the same day over and over again after getting into a time loop. This is a lovely film that extends beyond fantasy and tries to bring many elements into the narrative. Watch this film for an unforgettable experience.
2. My Neighbour Totoro
Hayao Miyazaki’s family fantasy is one of the most charming films ever made. It’s the story of two sisters who move with their dad to be close to their sick mother, and there they meet a snuggly monster with a goofy grin and a twelve-legged cat bus. The world-building in the film is amazing, and it is a very intense, moving film.
3. A Matter of Life and Death
This is the story of a plane crash after which the protagonist finds himself at the pearly gates of a mysterious place. There are two locations in the film, earth, and heaven. In the latter, a celestial court must decide if the pilot will be spared or not, and the film then moves into an inquiry of the best and worst in how we live our lives.
4. The Dark Crystal
This is a quest story where a Gelfling, must fulfill a prophecy and defeat the aging, decaying race of Skeksis in favor of the gentler, wiser Mystics. The film’s character design is remarkable and it shows immense conviction in the power of imagination. The world and the characters in the film are built on very solid grounds. It is a mesmerizing experience and is a must-watch.
5. La Belle et la Bête
Nearly 70 years after its release, the magic of the story of Beauty and the Beast still casts a spell. An adaptation of a fairy tale, the film has many magical elements like disembodied arms appearing through the walls of the Beast’s castle to hoist the candelabras lighting Belle’s path. It is a delightful watch with amazing effects and truly mysterious, yet captivating sequences.
6. Spirited Away
A benchmark of animation films as a whole, this magical adventure film turns the wanderings of a lonely ten-year-old girl into an experience, complete with ancient folklore and modern storytelling techniques. Magical, groundbreaking, and undeniable, this film is still the highest-grossing movie in Japanese history.
7. Ugetsu Monogatari
The greatest ghost story ever told on screen; this is a tale of two greedy peasants who try to profit from the civil war raging through their country. Soon, one of the men becomes enchanted with a mysterious noblewoman, taking leave of both his senses and his family in one swoop. The film’s fantasy world is eerie, mysterious, and very intriguing. It is a well-crafted film and quite a milestone in the fantasy genre.
8. Onward
This is yet another amazing fantasy film that is all heart. It follows a pair of grieving elf brothers who turn to magic to reanimate their father they never really knew, for 24 hours. But the spell is broken halfway through, leaving them with half a dad. With only the legs operational and the missing top half flopping around under layers of clothes, the three bluff their way through a quest to find a magical gem and finish the job.
9. King Kong
King Kong is a character that does not need much introduction. The film is a beautiful and haunting one that explores the fantasy genre in all its glory. It is one of those films that offer a lot of thought while entertaining and making you go wow. The film is a favorite among adults and kids alike, making it an all-time hit.
10. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
This adaptation of JRR Tolkein’s genre-defining trilogy is fantasy’s most inimitable benchmark. The film and its sequels continue to thrill moviegoers for generations to come. It gets you invested with its brilliant world that is full of magic, thrill, and depth. The franchise is unlike any other, making it an evergreen fantasy favorite.
