Fantasy filmshave always invited viewers to explore exciting mythical worlds, but some even changed cinema as we know it through groundbreaking achievements. Whether it istechnological innovationor pioneering new types of storytelling, anything is possible in the fantasy genre.
While some of the most ahead-of-their-timefantasy movies were immediate classics, othersbombed at the box office, and it took viewers decades to catch up with their trailblazing appeal. As a genre populated by dragons, wizards, and mythical beings,fantasy movies have had a truly magical impact and helped shape the landscape of modern cinema.
10The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
The Wizard of Ozis one of the best-known movies of all time, and for good reason, as its technical innovation was truly groundbreaking. While everyone knows the story of Dorothy and her journey down the yellow brick road to Emerald City, this pioneering film also represented a breakthrough moment in the transition from black-and-white to color.
Dorothy’s story began in a colorless Kansas, but by the time she entered Oz, her surroundings had transformed into beautiful Technicolor. This transition wasn’t achieved with simple editing, as it was outside of the camera’s capabilities, so the set was painted shades of sepia to match the black-and-white footage to achieve one of the most iconic shots in cinema history.
9Fantasia (1940)
Ever since the release of the iconic shortSteamboat Willieback in 1928, Walt Disney Studios has been at the forefront of children’s animation. However, it wasFantasiafrom 1940 that truly stood out as their most impressive showcase of the capabilities of animation as a serious art form.
Through the use of classical music and outstanding sequences,Fantasiatook viewers on a journey that pushed past the normal boundaries of storytellinginto the realm of pure visual and auditory expression. This was an experimental kids' movie that was as ambitious as it was awe-inspiring, and its unique power pointed toward the future of animation.
8Jason And The Argonauts (1963)
It’s truly hard to underestimate just how impressive the stop-motion skeleton army inJason and the Argonautswas back in 1963. As a massively impressive piece of filmmaking, this epic fantasy adventure based on the 3rd century Greek poemArgonautica, showcased how technical innovation and pure artistry could depict the previously unimaginable on screen.
WhileJason and the Argonautswas not a hit, it’s now regarded as a true fantasy classic. The visual artistRay Harryhausen was even awarded the Academy Award for Technical Achievementin 1992, where Tom Hanks remarked (viaNY Times): “Some people say Casablanca or Citizen Kane. I say Jason and the Argonauts is the greatest film ever made.”
7The Phantom Tollbooth (1970)
With the perfect balance between adventure and education,The Phantom Tollboothwas an underrated kids' fantasyabout a boy entering a magical parallel universe. With a mix of live-action and animation,The Phantom Tollboothfelt totally ahead of its time as Milo encountered the letter-based Dictionopolis Kingdom of Words and the number-centric Kingdom of Mathematics called Digitopolis.
While it clocked in at a swift 89 minutes,The Phantom Tollboothwas packed with memorable characters and had a psychedelic style that truly captured the era out of which it was produced. As a showcase of fantastic animation that wasn’t afraid to experiment with its style,The Phantom Tollboothserves as a forerunner to everything fromThe PagemastertoSpace Jam.
6Dragonslayer (1981)
The dark fantasyDragonslayerwas a Disney and Paramount co-production that explored much more mature themes than the average Disney film at the time. As the story of a young wizard’s quest to vanquish the dragon Vermithrax Pejorative, the outstanding special effects made the film a hit with critics, even if it unfortunately bombed at the box office.
WhileDragonslayerunderperformed at the time, it’s still a must-watch 1980s fantasy packed with great performances and showcases a unique cinematic world. As a film that often gets overlooked, those who check it out will see that Vermithrax Pejorative was one of the most impressively rendered dragons ever depicted on screen.
5The NeverEnding Story (1984)
The NeverEnding Storytackled complex themesand wasn’t afraid to break the fourth wall in the process. As the story of a boy reading a book that starts to acknowledge him, in many ways, this Wolfgang Petersen film could be seen as a forerunner to the type of self-referential media that only started to become popular in more recent years.
With emotionally complex themes, impressive special effects, and imaginative worldbuilding,The NeverEnding Storyused its fantastical tale to spread an anti-escapism message. By encouraging young viewers to face their problems head-on,The NeverEnding Storyhad a surprisingly nuanced take on imagination.
4Legend (1985)
Many will know director Ridley Scott for classics likeAlien,Blade Runner, andGladiator, but one fantastic underseen release in his filmography wasLegend. This impressive dark fantasy paired fairy-tale roots with a whimsical nature to make something unlike anything Scott has produced before or since.
Withan impressive cast including Tom Cruise and Tim Curry,Legendhas since earned a reputation as a cult classic, even if its failure at the box office hurt Hollywood blockbuster fantasies as a whole. With a mix of impressive visuals, nostalgic fantasy, and over-the-top characters,Legendnever got the credit it deserved for its unique nature.
3Labyrinth (1986)
Through the use of puppetry and animatronics by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the way thatLabyrinthblended human actors with fantasy creatures still holds up well today. Whether it was the early use of CGI in the film’s opening owl sequence orthe ingenious decision to cast glam rock icon David Bowie as the villain,Labyrinthfelt groundbreaking.
The surreal, dreamlike vision of this unique fantasy adventure merged fantasy, musical, and psychological coming-of-age genres. While the idiosyncratic nature ofLabyrinthmeant it wasn’t a major success at the time, it’s a big reason why it’s still so beloved today.
2The Princess Bride (1987)
Through a mix of comedy, fantasy, romance, and swashbuckling adventure,The Princess Bridewas a satirical triumph that remains a cult favorite to this day. Coming from director Rob Reiner, the way the narrative was framed as a grandfather reading a book to his grandson allowed the movie to toy with the storytelling itself and even directly address the audience.
From Inigo Montoya’s iconic utterance of “You killed my father! Prepare to die!” to a great performance from André the Giant,The Princess Bridehas earned its way into the public consciousnessas an all-time great fantasy. By being sweet without becoming sappy and clever without being cynical,The Princess Brideis enjoyable for all ages.
1Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
WithPan’s Labyrinth, director Guillermo del Toro shook up fantasy cinemaas a whole through the exploration of darker, more mature content. As a creative and complex fantasy aimed at adults,Pan’s Labyrinthpushed the boundaries of the genre on screen long before series likeGame of Throneshad achieved mainstream popularity.
With a mythical story that was paired with political underpinnings of post-Civil War fascist Spain,Pan’s Labyrinthhas a dual narrative that was packed with meaning. By showcasing thatfantasyworks equally well as high art as it does as kids’ entertainment,Pan’s Labyrinthwas an important achievement that earned Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Makeup.
