Fantasy, despite being an unusual genre, has produced some of the greatest cinematic classics of all time. These movies evoke strong emotions of excitement, joy, and even sadness, making them a favorite among audiences. In this article, we present a list of the top 10 most beloved fantasy films that have captured the hearts of moviegoers. If you haven't seen these films yet, now is your chance to experience the magical and captivating stories that emerge when humans, elves, monsters, and dragons come together. If you have, it's time to introduce these classic and beautiful movies to a new generation!
We open with a film adaptation of a German fantasy novel of the same name, and we are sure that if you ask many people about this film - it will make them smile longingly for their childhood. This fantasy film unfolds the exciting story of an unhappy and lonely boy who sets sail for an immersive adventure on the wings of imagination. Bastian, a boy who has just lost his mother, finds an old and mysterious book in a bookstore, and through it, he embarks on exciting adventures throughout the kingdom of "fantasy", where he discovers that a mysterious force called "The Nothing" is slowly taking over the kingdom. Her fictional creatures embark on a journey to save their home and eventually Bastian is called to come to their aid. Released in 1984, the film has become a beloved fantasy classic, especially because it not only arouses the curiosity and imagination of its viewers but also gives the feeling that the plot in the background, the story of Bastian, is really their own story.
"Where the Wild Things Are" is another example of a children's book turned fantasy film, based on Morris Sendak's writing and directed by Spike Jonze. The film follows the story of Max, a mischievous 9-year-old boy who travels to a land of wild creatures in his imagination after being punished for his rudeness towards his mother. The monsters he encounters become his friends and crown him king, but he soon realizes his longing for his mother and must confront his feelings and anger. The film stays true to the book's essence and delves into a child's world of coping with emotions and isolation.
The first chapter of the fantasy movie series "The Hobbit" directed by Peter Jackson and based on the 1937 book authored by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is our next topic of discussion. This movie narrates the story of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who embarks on a journey to the lost dwarven kingdom of Arbor, which was captured by Smaug, a cruel and mighty dragon. He accompanies a group of dwarves, who were assigned by the wizard Gandalf - who also played a part in the successful "Lord of the Rings" books and films - and performed by the British actor Ian McKellen in "The Hobbit" in one of his most remarkable roles. As the narrative unfolds, viewers will be transported into a magical fantasy world in every detail.
Two innocent children are playing a board game. What could possibly end up wrong? Quite a lot, it turns out. In this fantasy film, it all begins when 12-year-old Alan Parrish discovers a magical box on a construction site, opens it, and discovers a strange board game called "Jumanji" inside. He takes the game home and offers his friend who came to visit him to join and play it with him. During the game, Alan is suddenly drawn into the gaming universe. He finds that he will be forced to stay there until the game's dice fall on a sum of 5 or 8. More than twenty years later, the game is found by two children who have moved into the abandoned Parrish House. Together they make it come to life and transcend beyond the limits of imagination to reality. The film stars the well-known comedian Robin Williams, in an impressive acting display full of his characteristic charm, and the result is an entertaining, immersive, and fun fantasy film that has received several sequels in recent years.
A magical film that has become an all-time classic is "The Princess Bride", directed by Rob Reiner, based on William Goldman's book of the same name. The film tells the stories of two lovers who were separated from each other, of a particularly ambitious prince, of a Spanish swordsman seeking to avenge his father's death, and of a host of other legendary characters. The plot begins when a mysterious pirate, known as Roberts the Terrible, threatens and kidnaps Buttercup - a young girl living on a farm - and she is held against her will and is supposed to marry the evil prince. Later, Buttercup discovers that the one she thought was the menacing Roberts is actually her long-lost lover, and together they fight the prince and his men. Will Buttercup and Westley's love prevail? Watch a film that continues to fascinate and charm its viewers even 33 years after it was first released, and find out for yourself!
Rob Marshall's magnificent musical film, which features renowned actors such as Meryl Streep, James Corden, and Johnny Depp, is based on a musical with the same title. The film draws inspiration from the Brothers Grimm's stories and interweaves them into its plot, providing the audience with a fresh perspective on the fairy tales we grew up with. The movie narrates the story of a couple, a baker (Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt), who long to have a child but face difficulties. One day, a witch (Streep) visits their house and puts a curse on them, which can only be broken if the couple procures her four essential items and the witch prepares a magic potion. Will the couple be able to complete their mission? Watch this fantastic movie to find out.
This article would not be complete without the magical and dark film of American director Tim Burton. This film was the first collaboration between him and Johnny Depp. At the beginning of the film, an old scientist who lives in an isolated castle dies before he could fully complete his last ambition - to create a living person. The semi-human creature that the old scientist managed to produce was called Edward (Depp), and he remained almost finished in the attic, with sharp scissor blades attached to him instead of palms. Edward is picked up by a kind woman named Peggy. He moves into her house in a quiet suburb. However, the rest of the neighbors have trouble adjusting to the strange creature that has arrived next door. He falls in love with Kim (Winona Ryder), a beautiful girl from Peggy's home, and tries to find his place in her heart as well as in his new environment, in front of a friend who rejects him and recoils from him. The film deals with the issue of accepting the different and the exceptional in a touching way. It has become a beloved classic by generations of viewers.
The movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) is renowned for featuring the most famous chocolate factory in film history. The story is about a boy named Charlie who comes from a poor family and has the opportunity to visit the magical chocolate factory of Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder. Charlie and four other children are taken on an extraordinary adventure, experiencing the crazy, colorful, and sweet world of Wonka. This film is an adaptation of a famous children's book of the same name by Roald Dahl, published in 1964. In 2005, a colorful remake of the film starring Johnny Depp was released.
Shawn Levy's film, which is based on a children's book of the same name, is quite captivating and is likely to evoke an emotional response from its viewers. The movie revolves around Larry Daley, played by Ben Stiller, who is abandoned and penniless after his wife leaves him. In search of work, he takes on the role of a night watchman at a museum, only to discover why his predecessors quit after just one night. The exhibits in the museum, including dinosaur skeletons and historical figures, come to life and wreak havoc throughout the building. Larry is responsible for restoring order to the museum, with the help of Teddy Roosevelt, played by Robin Williams, the former US President. The two work together to rectify the situation, but the question remains: will they be successful? If you enjoyed the movie, consider watching its sequels.
If there's one thing you can count on when Steven Spielberg is involved, it's that you'll be treated to a unique and exceptional movie. And that's exactly what you get with this delightful adaptation of a children's book, which is right in line with the director's acclaimed style. The story follows Sophie, an orphaned girl, who forms a bond with a giant she calls "the giant" (or big friendly giant). Together, they embark on an exciting and immersive journey to save the world's children from evil giants who eat kids. The question is, can they succeed in their mission? Find out by watching Spielberg's wonderful film.
