The 10 Most Respected Fantasy Movies of All Time, Ranked
From kings and queens, to ghosts and ghouls, fantasy is a fan-favorite genre that will undoubtedly live the test of time. But while it’s often seen as the vessel for the most imaginative storytelling, not all have earned critical acclaim and cultural reverence. Indeed, that honor is typically reserved for fantasy films that shine in their detailed world building, ambitious artistry, and emotional resonance.
These are the ones that have broken boundaries, inspired generations, and proven that sometimes the best fantasy is one that speaks to the mundanity of the human condition. However, it does help when this is all accompanied by striking visuals and sweeping scores. Regardless, in a cinematic world that’s becoming increasingly filled with spectacle and illusion, it only seems right to honor the greats that have left their indelible mark on pop-culture history.
10
‘The Red Shoes’ (1948)
Directed by Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell
Aspiring ballerina, Victoria Page (Moira Shearer), receives the opportunity to dance for Boris Lermontov’s (Anton Walbrook) world-renowned ballet company. But soon enough, her journey to stardom is struck with immense complications as she’s forced to face the burden of choice: to continue with her dancing dreams, or leave it all for a passionate romance.
Blurring the lines between reality and performance, The Red Shoes turns Hans Christensen‘s famous dark tale into a rich symbolic story of sacrifice, control, and the all-consuming power of an artist’s obsession with their craft. Regarded as one of the most influential British films of all time, it not only earned respect for its haunting resonance with artists and audiences alike, but it also stunned viewers with its technicolor magic. The ballet sequences aren’t just a visual feast—they thrust us into a world of surrealist escapism, showcasing the dangerous seduction of ambition.
- Release Date
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September 6, 1948
- Runtime
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133 minutes
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Anton Walbrook
Boris Lermontov
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Moira Shearer
Victoria Page
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Marius Goring
Julian Craster
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Léonide Massine
Grischa Ljubov
9
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
It doesn’t take long for young Buttercup (Robin Wright) and farm-boy Westley (Cary Elwes) to fall in love. Unfortunately, their union is abruptly cut short after he’s presumably killed by pirates. Years go by, and Buttercup is now betrothed to the odious King Humperdink (Chris Sarandon)—much to her dismay. Unbeknownst to her, her young farm boy is alive and well, and on a mission to save his true love.
Few fantasy films have achieved the rare balance of wit, whimsy, and genuine heart as The Princess Bride. So it’s not surprising to note that no matter how many decades pass, this Reiner classic still feels as fresh as ever. Between its swashbuckling action, romantic charm, iconic characters, and endlessly quotable lines, this is a film that has rightfully deserved its legendary status. Plus, it even pokes fun at the ridiculousness of the fantasy genre. It’s a true comfort film with an endless amount of emotional sincerity and fun.
8
‘The Seventh Seal’ (1957)
Directed by Ingmar Bergman
Returning home after fighting in the Crusades, Swedish knight Antonius Block (Max von Sydow) is met by Death (Bengt Ekerot) who has come to take his life. But not yet satisfied with the life he has lived, Antonius challenges Death to a game of chess where the outcome will decide his ultimate fate. Together, a haunting allegorical setting is formed where questions of mortality and faith are explored.
Considered to be one of the greatest arthouse films of all time, The Seventh Seal forever changed the cinematic treatment of fantasy with its philosophical depth and starkly poetic imagery. Stripped from spectacle, but rich with existential wonder, no film has captured such an elevated scope of human introspection like this, with viewers being placed in the position of Antonius, and forced to confront the brutal finality of death.
- Release Date
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February 16, 1957
- Runtime
-
96 minutes
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-
Max von Sydow
Antonius Block
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Gunnar Björnstrand
Jöns
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7
‘La Belle et la Bete’ (1946)
Directed by Jean Cocteau
In a tale as old as time, a lone traveler is sentenced to death after plucking a rose from the Beast’s garden. But his selfless daughter, Belle (Josette Day), won’t let that happen. Instead, she agrees to take her father’s place as the prisoner of the mysterious Beast (Jean Marais). It’s at his castle, where the two eventually strike an unexpected connection as Belle begins to see the true person hidden behind the beast.
Long before audiences sought comfort in the magic of Disney’s classic animation, Cocteau produced one of the great black-and-white romantic masterpieces with a dreamlike retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Capturing the tale’s haunting mood and mysterious wonders, this is a film that thrives with its visual elements. Indeed, between the cinematography, the production design, and the stellar special effects that still hold up even to this day, La Belle et la Bete crafts an otherwordly story that proves fantasy can be a genre that’s both eerie and heartbreakingly beautiful.
La Belle et La Bête (1946)
- Release Date
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December 23, 1947
- Runtime
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93 minutes
6
‘Ugetsu’ (1953)
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi
Set during the civil wars of 16th century Japan, a potter, Genjuro (Masayuki Mori), and aspiring samurai, Tobei (Eitaro Ozawa), defy all warnings and risk a dangerous trip to the bustling city in an effort to secure a profit from warfare. But soon enough, the two embark on a journey that sees their growing ambitions threatening both themselves and the well-being of their families at home.
Gifting viewers with a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, Ugetsu is yet another fantasy film that thrives in its balance of introspection and visual allegories. Like others on this list, this film’s supernatural elements aren’t just there for effect, but instead serve as poetic motifs of the characters’ grief, longing, and the eroding consequences of their spiraling ambition. Better still, what makes Ugetsu even more significant is its post-war release and the weight this era adds to its anti-war morality tale. In this sense, it’s not surprising that it’s treated as one of the most revered entries in Japanese cinema, let alone the fantasy genre itself.
5
‘Paddington 2’ (2017)
Directed by Paul King
Happily settled with the Brown family, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) takes up a few jobs so he can buy the perfect gift for Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. Unfortunately, his dream gift—a unique pop-up book—is suddenly stolen. And to make matters worse, Paddington is framed for the crime. Now, it’s up to the Browns to solve the mystery: unmask the thief and exonerate their beloved bear.
As one of the rare films that held a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (at least until some rogue critics got to it), Paddington 2 has cemented itself as one of the best cinematic sequels of all time. Gorgeously crafted with stellar visuals and phenomenal writing, this film is a shining example of how a whimsical fantasy can deliver immense emotional depth with cleverly fun humor. Couple that with some powerful messages about kindness and community, alongside a career-defying performance from Hugh Grant (we’re not joking), and you’ve got yourself a timeless fantasy that will forever leave a mark on generations to come.
4
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
While on the way to a new home in a new town, 10-year-old Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents find themselves in an amusement park, unaware that it’s being inhabited by supernatural beings. But that all quickly changes when Chihiro’s parents are suddenly turned into pigs, leaving the young girl to fight hard for her and her loved one’s freedom.
It goes without saying that one of the greatest contributors to the fantasy genre has been the magic of Japanese anime, and particularly the stellar works of Studio Ghibli. Frankly, any of Miyazaki’s masterpieces could’ve landed themselves on this list; however, Spirited Away holds resonance as one of the first to officially permeate “mainstream” cinema by winning a litany of prestigious awards, including the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Of course, this can only be attributed to its profound themes, emotional resonance, and stunning animation that immersed viewers right into the story’s surrealist imagination. Plus, it isn’t afraid to delve into the darker aspects of life, making this one of the best coming of age (and fantasy) films of all time.
3
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)
Directed by Victor Fleming
After a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) and her dog, Toto, discover that their house has been swept into the magical and colorful land of Oz. Determined to find their way home, they embark on a quest that has them follow the yellow brick road to meet the all-powerful Wizard. But while the two make three new friends, they also make a terrifying enemy: the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), who’s desperate to stop them from getting home.
Long before Wicked blew the roof off cinema screenings, The Wizard of Oz was paving its own lasting legacy as a fantasy masterpiece. Celebrated for its Technicolor achievements, this film continues to captivate generations with its iconic imagery, memorable music, and timeless themes. What makes it even better is how it’s fueled by the talents of brilliant women. Between Garland’s wistful innocence and Hamilton’s powerhouse performance, it’s easy to see why this poignant exploration of home and identity has become such a cornerstone of cinematic history.
2
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Set in Spain during World War II, young Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is sent to live with her ruthless step-father, alongside her ailing, heavily pregnant mother. However, during the night, while exploring an ancient maze, Ofelia encounters a magical faun who tells her that she is a legendary lost princess who must prove her royalty by surviving three gruesome tasks.
Twisting the conventions of fairy-tales with an inherent darkness, Pan’s Labyrinth manipulates the world of fantasy so much so that it almost resembles the brutality of the real world. Unlike most films in this genre, escapism doesn’t come that easily, mostly because del Toro masterfully blurs the lines between fantasy and horror. It’s intense, but oh so gratifying. No other film balances its richly dark themes with equally disturbing visuals. But don’t misunderstand—this is exactly what makes this film so great. Its visual prowess is laced with such emotional depth and political resonance, it’s no wonder why this is a fantasy film that lingers long after the credits roll.
1
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Directed by Peter Jackson
Set in the realm of Middle Earth, a young Hobbit named Frodo (Elijah Wood) is burdened with the task of destroying the One Ring in order to defeat its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron. Luckily, he does not face the task alone as he is assisted by the Fellowship, who embark on quests of their own. Together, this band of Hobbits, wizards, elves, and humans, rally together to defy evil.
Peter Jackson‘s treatment of J.R.R. Tolkein‘s Lord of the Rings has undoubtedly set the gold standard of cinematic fantasy—a feat that’s significantly more impressive given that he did so two more times. Indeed, such an epic achievement stems from its ability to blend sweeping mythology with grounded human emotion. Unlike other blockbusters of this scale, these films had both spectacle and soul, a trait largely resulting from the creatives’ unwavering commitment to the novel’s characters and themes. Between its stellar ensemble cast, iconic world-building, and a timeless musical score that left tears brimming in your eyes, this trilogy deserves all its flowers for becoming a true cultural landmark of fantasy and cinema itself.
