10 Essential Fantasy Movies Everyone Should See At Least Once (2025)

The fantasy genre is one of the most popular film genres in history. Spawning classics and masterpieces like films from The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter franchises. There's something about escaping to another world so unlike ours that audiences love. Escaping into a reality that has magic, monsters and characters that could never exist in the real world makes audiences yearn for more fantasy films.

Six of the twenty biggest and highest grossing film franchises on the planet are in the fantasy genre. If that doesn't say something, there's not much else that will prove how important and spectacular the fantasy category of film is. Some fantasy films are so good, that they're pretty much essential watches and need to be viewed at least once.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

PG

Adventure

Family

Fantasy

An orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.

Where to Watch

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Release Date

November 16, 2001

Director

Chris Columbus

Cast

Richard Harris , Maggie Smith , Robbie Coltrane , Saunders Triplets , Daniel Radcliffe , Fiona Shaw , Rupert Grint , Emma Watson

Runtime

152 minutes

Main Genre

Adventure

Writers

J.K. Rowling , Steve Kloves

Tagline

Let the magic begin

Website

http://www.wbmovies.com/harrypotter/index.html

10 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' (2005)

Directed by Andrew Adamson

This generation of kids who grew up in the early 2000s know The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe all too well. Taking place during the London bombings during World War II, the four Pevensie siblings seek refuge only to find a wardrobe that warps them to the magical realm of Narnia.The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobehas an extensive and wildly talented cast featuring the likes of Liam Neeson, Tilda Swinton & James McAvoy.

This franchise is known as one of the most popular children's fantasy franchises and is beloved all around the world. The films certainly aren't perfect, but they truly are a sight to behold and still rated highly on review sites like Rotten Tomatoes. Many of this generation consider it essential viewing for fantasy fans everywhere.

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

PG

Adventure

Fantasy

During the World War II bombings of London, four English siblings are sent to a country house where they will be safe. One day Lucy (Georgie Henley) finds a wardrobe that transports her to a magical world called Narnia. After coming back, she soon returns to Narnia with her brothers, Peter (WilliamMoseley) and Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and her sister, Susan (Anna Popplewell). There they join the magical lion, Aslan (Liam Neeson), in the fight against the evil White Witch, Jadis (Tilda Swinton).

Where to Watch

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Not available

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Release Date

December 9, 2005

Director

Andrew Adamson

Cast

William Moseley , Anna Popplewell , Skandar Keynes , Georgie Henley , Tilda Swinton , James McAvoy , Jim Broadbent , Liam Neeson

Runtime

143 Minutes

Main Genre

Fantasy

Writers

Ann Peacock , Andrew Adamson , Christopher Markus , Stephen McFeely

Tagline

Evil has reigned for 100 years...

Website

http://Narnia.com

Budget

$180 Million

Studio(s)

Walt Disney Pictures , Walden Media , Mark Johnson Productions

Distributor(s)

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Sequel(s)

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) , The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

9 'The Seventh Seal' (1957)

Directed by Ingmar Bergman

If a film as good as The Seventh Seal from the '50s isn't considered a classic, then the definition of the word is impossible to find. This Swedish film set during the reign of the Black Death discusses the finality and uncertainty surrounding the topic of death. If there's anything that humans fear, it's death and its precarious nature. Based on a single passage from the Book of Revelation from the New Testament about death and the end of the world, the film's emphasis on death is very engaging.

When a knight named Antonius Block (Max von Sydow) is approached by the physical manifestation of Death (Bengt Ekerot) at the end of his life, he challenges the entity to a game of chess in hopes of surviving so long as the game continues. It's a serious philosophical discussion about death that's deeply moving and worth a watch for anyone who's ever thought deeply about death.

The Seventh Seal

8 'Pan's Labyrinth' (2006)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

It's no secret that Guillermo del Toro is one of the most iconic and legendary directors of all time. If there's a film that's an example of this, it's Pan's Labyrinth. It's one of the highest rated films of all time and held to a regard that not many other films are. It's one of the defining projects of Guillermo del Toro's career.

The film is written in such a masterful manner that it can be seen in a multitude of ways, depending on how one looks at it. There's a reason del Toro is such a renowned director for this film. As a period piece set in 1944, the visuals are unique and unlike anything that can be found in other fantasy films. With how highly the film is rated (with a Rotten Tomatoes critics score of 95% and audience score of 91%), this film is a must-see.

Pan's Labyrinth

R

Drama

Fantasy

War

In the Falangist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.

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Not available

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Release Date

August 25, 2006

Director

Guillermo del Toro

Cast

Ivana Baquero , Sergi López , Maribel Verdú , Doug Jones , Ariadna Gil , Álex Angulo

Runtime

112 minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Writers

Guillermo del Toro

Tagline

Innocence has a power that evil cannot imagine

Website

http://www.panslabyrinth.com/

7 It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Directed by Frank Capra

It's one of the most iconic films of all time. If someone hasn't heard the name at least a handful of times, they've probably been living under a rock somehow. It's a Wonderful Life is not just a film but a moment in time that cannot be forgotten. While it may have been made in 1946, it holds up to every other film incredibly well to this day. It's parodied and replicated all over the cinema space and remembered fondly by pretty much everyone.

Being one of the most unique concepts in cinema history, It's a Wonderful Life has everything a film needs to be good. Its premise is phenomenal in every way. Featuring an Angel (Henry Travers) coming to Earth to grant George Bailey's (James Stewart) wish of having never been born. After doing so, he's shown how the world would be different if his wish came true and realizes how much of an impact he's truly made on those around him.

It's a Wonderful Life

PG

Christmas

Supernatural

Drama

An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

Where to Watch

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Release Date

January 7, 1947

Director

Frank Capra

Cast

James Stewart , Donna Reed , Lionel Barrymore , Thomas Mitchell

Runtime

131

6 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' (2003)

Directed by Gore Verbinski

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has grossed a total worldwide $4,522,015,850 across its 5 films. This makes it the #16 highest grossing film franchise of all time, and for very good reason. Whether it be the star Johnny Depp, the stunning visual effects or the exciting story, people have fallen and still are in love with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The film that started it all, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, is to credit for getting millions of people invested in this series.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl took audiences by storm in 2003 with a rip-roaring ride that blew everyone away. It was noted for its high-stakes action and ability to balance comedy with said stakes to create an engaging ride the whole way through. Two more Pirates of the Caribbean films are reportedly in the works but they've seemingly been stuck in production purgatory for quite some time, leaving fans grasping for more.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) arrives at Port Royal in the Caribbean without a ship or crew. His timing is inopportune, however, because later that evening the town is besieged by a pirate ship. The pirates kidnap the governor's daughter, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), who's in possession of a valuable coin that is linked to a curse that has transformed the pirates into the undead. A gallant blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) in love with Elizabeth allies with Sparrow in pursuit of the pirates.

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See Also

Best Max von Sydow Movies, Ranked

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Release Date

July 9, 2003

Director

Gore Verbinski

Cast

Johnny Depp , Geoffrey Rush , Orlando Bloom , Keira Knightley , Jack Davenport , Jonathan Pryce

Runtime

143 Minutes

Main Genre

Adventure

Writers

Ted Elliott , Terry Rossio , Stuart Beattie , Jay Wolpert

Budget

$140 Million

Studio(s)

Jerry Bruckheimer Films , Disney

Distributor(s)

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Sequel(s)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest , Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End , Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides , Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

Franchise(s)

Pirates of the Caribbean

5 'The Princess Bride' (1987)

Directed by Rob Reiner

Parody films often sacrifice emotional satisfaction for comedy, but not when it comes to the one and only, ever-iconic, The Princess Bride. Known simply as one of the greatest films of all time, The Princess Bride was even selected to be preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress because of its quality and cultural status.

It's an incredibly significant film in cinema history. It somehow manages to be a perfect parody of classic adventure and romance films, while still bringing forth a narrative that is emotionally satisfying and compelling. It gets viewers engrossed in the plot and keeps them actually caring about how it will move forward rather than just simply waiting for the next joke.

The Princess Bride

PG

Adventure

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Romance

A bedridden boy's grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.

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Release Date

October 9, 1987

Director

Rob Reiner

Cast

Cary Elwes , Robin Wright , Mandy Patinkin , Chris Sarandon , Christopher Guest , Wallace Shawn

Runtime

98 minutes

Main Genre

Adventure

Writers

William Goldman

Studio

Act III Communications

Tagline

Scaling the Cliffs of Insanity, Battling Rodents of Unusual Size, Facing torture in the Pit of Despair. - True love has never been a snap.

Website

http://www.princessbrideforever.com/

4 'Beauty and the Beast' (1991)

Directed by Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise

Tale as old as time... Beauty and the Beast is commonly regarded as one of the best Disney animated films ever made. It's one of the most memorable animated films out there, and it presents a story that is heartwarming, engaging and exciting all at once. The animation is beautiful and flawlessly holds up to this very day.

Beauty and the Beast is a certified Disney classic and that's nothing to just sneeze at. The messaging behind it and the lesson it puts forth is touching and says a lot about judging a book by its cover, with everyone's true beauty lying on the inside. This film isn't just a film for kids, it's enjoyable for all ages and deals with themes and topics that adults can relate to, as well. If someone hasn't seen this movie, they've missed out on what is widely considered a peak of Disney storytelling and animation.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

G

Animation

Family

Fantasy

Musical

An arrogant young prince (Robby Benson) and his castle's servants fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return. The spirited, headstrong village girl Belle (Paige O'Hara) enters the Beast's castle after he imprisonsher father Maurice (Rex Everhart). With the help of his enchanted servants, including the matronly Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury), Belle begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation.

Where to Watch

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Release Date

November 21, 1991

Director

Gary Trousdale , Kirk Wise

Cast

Paige O'Hara , Robby Benson , Angela Lansbury , Jerry Orbach , David Ogden Stiers , Bradley Pierce , Jesse Corti , Richard White

Runtime

84 Minutes

3 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' (2001)

Directed by Chris Columbus

The Harry Potter franchise is one of, if not the most, popular fantasy film franchises there are. There aren't many films that capture the magic of magic better than the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It conveys a sense of childlike wonder that can't be copied while still keeping stakes high and engaging enough for older audiences. The Wizarding World is a vast and entertaining one and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a huge reason so many people got into the series.

The introduction film for Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends is one that is almost perfectly executed. It does everything an origin film should do, and it only makes sense that this would be the film to get millions of people of all ages to fall in love with the Wizarding World. The film is a classic and one that cannot be skipped if one is trying to get into the fantasy genre.

2 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)

Directed by Victor Fleming

The Wizard of Ozis one of the most famous and beloved films of all time. It'd be pretty near impossible to find numerous things about The Wizard of Oz that aren't iconic or incredibly well executed. Judy Garland's perfect performance as Dorothy Gale is one that is remembered fondly and considered one of the best performances in cinema history.

The film is highly regarded and well reviewed even 85 years after its release. It's gotten countless re-releases, remasters and is still commonly referenced and parodied. The film spawned a franchise that is still active to this day, with a film adaption of the prequel stage musical, Wicked, coming this November. The Wizard of Oz isn't just a film, it's a moment in history that cannot be forgotten.

The Wizard of Oz

PG

Musical

Fantasy

Family

Adventure

Where to Watch

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Release Date

August 25, 1939

Director

Victor Fleming

Cast

Margaret Hamilton , Jack Haley , Judy Garland , Bert Lahr , Ray Bolger

Runtime

102 minutes

Writers

Florence Ryerson , Noel Langley , Edgar Allan Woolf

Budget

$2.8 million

Studio(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Distributor(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

1 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001)

Directed by Peter Jackson

While it may not be the highest grossing fantasy film franchise, The Lord of the Rings franchise may very well be the most influential fantasy franchise on the planet. Starting as a series of hit books and then being made into some of the greatest fantasy films of all time beginning in 2001, The Lord of the Rings is well known and loved by pretty much everyone who has seen it. The first film, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, helped most people not only get into the franchise but into the fantasy genre as a whole.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a film that broke boundaries. It was one of the longest films of its release era, had some of the most groundbreaking visual effects of the time and performances that made "silly little hobbits" into some of cinema's greatest heroes. There's pretty much nothing but good things to say about the first film in this astonishing franchise and necessary viewing for anyone wanting to get into the fantasy genre or those who consider themselves fans of it.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

PG-13

Adventure

Action

Fantasy

Drama

A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.

Where to Watch

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Release Date

December 19, 2001

Director

Peter Jackson

Cast

Elijah Wood , Ian McKellen , Orlando Bloom , Sean Bean , Alan Howard , Sean Astin , Andy Serkis , Viggo Mortensen

Runtime

178 minutes

Main Genre

Adventure

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