Fantasymovies are a dime a dozen, but there have been some created over the years that can be called entirely perfect. This is a genre of magic and imagination, and this hasn’t always been an easy thing to bring to the screen. For decades, the creative minds of the global film industry have searched for new, innovative ways to bring the magic to life, and some have done better than others. However, the best fantasy directors and screenwriters understand that, to make an audience believe the fantasy, every component must fit together seamlessly.
For a movie to be considered fantasy, it must have a magical element of some kind. The possibilities here are endless, which is why the genre continues to grow year after year. However, to be considered perfect,afantasy moviemust effortlessly transport audiences away from reality. This can be achieved through good writing, expertly executed visual effects, a transporting musical score, quality actor performances, and more. This is a tall order, but over the years, some fantasy movies have stood the test of time and remain practically perfect in every way.
Guillermo del Toro’sPan’s Labyrinthrepresents everything a fantasy movie should be. The 2006 film features that classic balance of real-world darkness and fantastical escapism, flooding its protagonist into a new world of unbelievable sights.Pan’s Labyrinthis notoriously dark and gritty, but an unmistakable beauty makes it consistently clear, from start to finish, thatDel Toro approached this film as a true piece of art.
Though special and practical effects have come a long way since 2006,Pan’s Labyrinthhas aged spectacularly. Del Toro utilized the very best of prosthetic makeup, ensuring that even years later, the fantasy of this movie would remain eerily believable. Pair this with the timeless lessons to be gleaned from humanity’s darkest points in history, and it’s unlikely thatPan’s Labyrinthwill ever stop being relevant.
The 1939 classic,The Wizard of Oz, will forever be remembered as a significant step in the world of filmmaking. Not only is it a shining example of Technicolor, butThe Wizard of Ozcleverly took advantage of its use of this technique by fitting it in with the story of Dorothy’s transition from our world to that of Oz. Of course, even this would have fallen flat without the captivating musical score by Harold Arlen, Herbert Stothart, and Yip Harburg.
The Wizard of Ozisn’t only a fantasy masterpiece because of the technical filmmaking. The story features all the staples of the genre. It’s lighthearted, fun, and aimed toward children, but there is an unmistakable darkness thathas thrilled young audiences for nearly 100 years. The fact thatThe Wizard of Ozis still loved after all this time proves that it will never fade from our hearts.
Hayao Miyazaki proved himself a master of fantasy long beforeSpirited Away, but this 2002 animated film is among his more perfect creations.It’s a wonderfully weird masterpiecethat spends almost no time explaining the magical features of the spirit world Chahiro finds herself in. Audiences are expected to simply roll with the punches, and with such breathtaking visuals, this is no chore at all.
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As is key in fantasy movies,Spirited Awayperfected the balance between whimsy and uncomfortable darkness. What’s more, the Ghibli film is layered with impactful messaging. Fantasy is at its best when used to present impactful and complex themes, and this is really whereSpirited Awayshines. Inspiring messages of friendship, family, and always giving others—and yourself—a fighting chance leave us all feeling perfectly magical in the end.
Mary Poppinsis another fantasy movie that brought magic to the screen through energetic innovation. The 1964 Disney musical captivated us all as children withcatchy songs and the clever combination of animation and live-action, and it’s precisely this that has held our attention after all these years. Sure, modern movies can make even more spectacular things look real on screen, but the simplicity ofMary Poppinswill often win out.
No one gets fantasy quite like children, and movies in this genre that approach magic specifically through childlike wonder tend to become timeless classics.
No one gets fantasy quite like children, and movies in this genre that approach magic specifically through childlike wonder tend to become timeless classics.Mary Poppinsknew it didn’t have to explain how Julie Andrews' character did the things she did—children just understood that the nanny could guide anyone through anything. This magical trust and security comes rushing back with every rewatch, proving just how perfectlyMary Poppinsimmerses its audience.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory(1971) is another example of a movie perfectly capturing the essence of childlike wonder. The titular factory is a sort of playground any child would love free access to, even with the risk of being turned into a blueberry or washed away in a chocolate river. Add in the memorable and outrageously quirky songs, and it’s clear thatthis classic is meant to be a real treat for all the senses.
ThoughWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factoryis bright and whimsical, the movie has frightening qualities that make it even more appealing. The terrifying trip on the ferry andGene Wilder’s light but surprisingly stern portrayal of Wonkafeed that secret inner desire to be scared and charmed all at the same time—and that’s precisely what fantasy is all about.
Many of the best fantasy movies arrived before Hollywood made its big transition to CGI since the necessity for imagination is all part of the fun. However,How to Train Your Dragon(2010) is the exception. The animated DreamWorks movie checks all the boxes for a traditional fantasy, especially in the way of dragons. It’s clever, fun, and unique, but what really elevatedHow to Train Your Dragonto the next level is the way it makes us feel.
The key to a great fantasy movie is a powerful musical score.
Hiccup and Toothless' story is steeped in emotion. The connection between dragon and rider effortlessly creates a sense of magical longing within its audience, and this becomes all the more powerful when paired with the breathtaking visuals (especially as they take a fight). Of course, the key to a great fantasy movie is a powerful musical score. John Powell didn’t have to go so hard in this regard, but I’m certainly glad he did.
Princess Mononokeis another of Miyazaki’s masterpieces, and though the animation is clearly similar toSpirited Away, it is a prime example of fantasy for an entirely different reason. The 1999 movie is astoundingly dark, focusing on a vengeful sort of magic that is lovely to behold but dangerous if you get too close. It’s precisely this thatallowsPrincess Mononoketo feel fresh despite the classic humans-versus-nature trope.
For this reason,Princess Mononokehas remained a shining example of fantasy for two decades. Lovely movies likeFernGullyandAvatarhave used whimsy to drive home similar themes, butPrincess Mononokeheld nothing back. The captivating art allows us to fall in love with the magic and beauty of nature while leaving us disgusted with the truths of humanity.
The NeverEnding Storyperfectly captures the essence of the fantasy genre and what it means to escape into the world of fiction. Released in 1984, this movie has all the charms of ’80s Hollywood, from the music to the crude special effects. Of course, this takes nothing away fromThe NeverEnding Story,even today. It takes minimal imagination to feel entirely immersed in this strange, fantastical world within Bastian’s storybook.
Like any good fantasy movie,The NeverEndingStorycarries impactful themes. Audiences follow Bastian through his story as he follows Atreyu through his, and this “neverending story” inspires us to think of our own world and adventures as a tale that someone from another world is reading about.It’s all about the limitlessness of our imaginations.
The Princess Brideisn’t just one of the best fantasy movies of all time—it easily ranks among the greatest within any genre. Like any good fantasy, the 1987 movie is full of imagination and heart. However, what makesit truly perfect is the way that it simply refuses to take itself too seriously.The Princess Bridepokes fun at every fantasy romance trope in the book. However, it doesn’t do this in a mocking way. It’s as if the movie is a comedic love letter to the fantasy genre as a whole.
It’s as if the movie is a comedic love letter to the fantasy genre as a whole.
In addition to comedy,The Princess Bridefeatures action, romance, campy special effects, and some of the most quotable writing in movie history. Additionally,The Princess Bride’scastis far more packed with big-time stars than many other fantasy movies of the genre. Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Wallace Shawn, and many, many more contribute to the masterpiece.
Though childlike wonder is often a key ingredient in the best fantasy movies,The Seventh Sealproves that existentialism can be equally impactful. This 1958 movie by director Ingmar Bergman lacks the loud special effects of modern Hollywood, but the bare-bones storytelling sparks a dark sort of magic nonetheless.The Seventh Sealis all about life, death, morality, and beauty, and it gets beautifully creative in how this is brought to the screen.
Set around the Crusades and the coming of the Black Death to Europe,The Seventh Sealbegins with a profoundly pessimistic perspective on the purpose of life, love, and mercy. However, this eerily dark and gritty fantasy is surprising becauseit ultimately finds a way to be deeply inspirationaleven 67 years afterThe Seventh Sealwas released.
