Journey through magical worlds and cinematic wonders as we explore the most iconic fantasy films that have captivated audiences for generations. From enchanting animations to epic adventures, these movies have redefined storytelling and transported viewers to extraordinary realms beyond imagination.
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00:00I made a promise Mr Frodo, a promise. Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee. And I don't
00:09mean to, I don't mean to.
00:12Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most influential and
00:16enduring fantasy movies ever made.
00:18You're the weak one, and you'll never know love or friendship. And I feel sorry for you.
00:31Number 10, Pan's Labyrinth.
00:46Great fantasy doesn't just create worlds, it shapes them for years. Guillermo del Toro's
00:51dark fantasy is proof of this, while Pan's Labyrinth draws from fairy tales, it's far
00:56from a children's tale. Taking place in Francois, Spain, the film tells the tale of young Ophelia
01:01as she escapes the brutal violence of civil war into a world that's both mystical and
01:05nightmarish. The result is a gripping war drama and breathtaking fantasy film, perfectly
01:10intertwined, capped off with an ending that leaves us utterly shaken.
01:14Winning numerous awards, including three Oscars, del Toro's film redefined modern fantasy.
01:37Number 9, Mary Poppins.
01:44Julie Andrews brought pure magic to the big screen in Disney's iconic 1964 adaptation
01:50of P. L. Travers' Mary Poppins novels. Andrews shines as the whimsical nanny who swoops into
01:56the Banks family and changes their lives forever. With its innovative visuals, delightful songs,
02:01memorable characters, and powerful themes, the film became a cultural phenomenon. How
02:06could anyone resist such a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious masterpiece?
02:23Mary Poppins was a box office hit, and its influence has extended to stage musicals and
02:29countless pop culture references. The 2018 sequel did both well commercially and critically,
02:34proving that Mary Poppins' charm is timeless. Truly in Disney's list of masterpieces, this
02:39one soars high.
02:52Number 8, Shrek.
03:09This game-changer didn't just break the mold, it shattered it, forever changing the animated
03:13film landscape. Though Shrek may seem like a kid's movie, its sharp humour, clever characters,
03:19and satirical take on fairytale tropes makes it equally entertaining for adults. Following
03:23a grumpy ogre, wisecracking donkey, and a princess with a twist, Shrek was entertaining
03:29for the whole family. It won the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and rightfully
03:34so. In fact, it was even added to the US National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
03:45With its timeless appeal and cheeky wit, Shrek continues to appear to newer generations,
03:50staying relevant in meme culture, while its sequels and spinoffs carry on its legacy.
04:07Number 7, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
04:17Who says fantasy has to be serious to be impactful? This satirical film from legendary British
04:23comedy troupe Monty Python follows King Arthur and his bumbling knights as they search for
04:27the Holy Grail. What ensues is a series of misadventures that are still hilarious today.
04:33The film's offbeat humour and inventive low-budget solutions have influenced many filmmakers,
04:37proving that creativity trumps flashy effects. More than a cult classic, it paved the way
04:53for comedy-fantasy hybrids. Let's be honest, movies like Shrek and modern parodies probably
04:58owe a lot to Monty Python's irreverence. Whether quoted by fans or studied for its
05:03comedic brilliance, this masterpiece shows that even fantasy can laugh at itself.
05:16Number 6, The Princess Bride.
05:29There's a reason why Rob Reiner's fantasy gem has stood the test of time. It begins
05:33as a grandfather's tale to his grandson about a princess who falls in love with a farm boy.
05:38Then it evolves into something with a satirical edge, while still playing homage to the fantasy
05:43genre. That's what makes it so great. It's a simple yet well-developed story with something
05:57for everyone. With eminently quotable lines and unforgettable characters, it's both delightfully
06:01warm and funny. Since its release in 1987, it has grown into a cult film of legendary
06:07status, and till date it's celebrated as one of the best films of the 80s and one of Reiner's
06:12finest.
06:13Number 5, Spirited Away
06:33Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have enchanted audiences for decades, with classics such
06:39as Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke, just
06:43to name a few. Perhaps their best-known work, Spirited Away, centers on a young girl who
06:55must navigate a magical world to save her parents. The film was the highest-grossing
06:59in Japanese history, and hugely popular in the West as well, picking up the Academy Award
07:04for Best Animated Feature. Resonating with people of all ages and backgrounds, it's
07:19widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. Its influence lives on, and can be seen
07:24in various Disney and Pixar movies like Brave and Frozen.
07:35Number 4, Harry Potter Franchise
07:42Harry Potter is more than just a fantasy series. It's a cultural landmark that shaped a generation.
07:47J.K. Rowling's wizarding world brought us memorable characters, intricate plots, and
07:52meaningful themes. While the book captivated millions, the film cast an even wider net,
07:57fanning the flames of Pottermania. From the first film to the last, the franchise revolutionized
08:08how magical worlds are created and enjoyed. It's no surprise that every installment was
08:12a box office hit. It also opened the doors for other young adult fantasy hits like The
08:17Twilight Saga and The Hunger Games to flourish. Many have tried to recapture its magic, but
08:21there can only be one Harry Potter.
08:34Number 3, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
08:43Even after the better part of a century, this animated film is as wondrous and vibrant as
08:47it was in the 1930s. Released in 1937, it was Disney's first major animated feature
08:52film and held the title of highest grossing for an impressive 55 years. Snow White proved
08:58that animated films could tell compelling stories, with music and visuals that feel
09:02just as timeless today. These days, Disney has countless animated films to choose from,
09:17but it's Snow White that laid the foundation for the studio's success in full-length animation.
09:22One of the strongest examples of how this legacy lives in the 21st century is probably
09:26the frozen phenomenon. Snow White is indeed the fairest of them all.
09:38Number 2, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
09:53The seminal work of the father of modern fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, deserved a suitably epic adaptation,
10:00and Peter Jackson certainly delivered. His trilogy transports audiences to Middle-Earth,
10:04where the Hobbit Frodo and his companions embark on a perilous quest to destroy the
10:08One Ring. With their groundbreaking special effects, detailed world-building, outstanding
10:13acting and beautiful score, it's no wonder that these films live on, just as compelling
10:18today. Beyond being a critical and commercial success, their influence can be seen in pretty
10:34much everything – high-fantasy movies, TV series, books, games, and beyond.
10:41Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions.
10:55Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory The whimsical mix of fantasy, humour and
10:59songs make this unforgettable. Pirates of the Caribbean The Curse of the Black Pearl
11:13Jack Sparrow's charm and the swashbuckling action redefined pirate flicks. Crouching
11:23Tiger Hidden Dragon Its breathtaking storytelling brought wuxia
11:27fantasy to global attention. Willow We still cherish this heartwarming tale
11:42of magic and courage. The Chronicles of Narnia This coming-of-age tale captures the magic
11:59of C.S. Lewis' classic novel.
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12:31The Wizard of Oz Some movies fade with time, while others
12:44live forever. It's no magic, just the power of an exceptional tale. No fantasy lover can
12:49ever forget Dorothy's journey into the magical land of Oz. The Wizard of Oz is a whimsical,
12:54fantastical spectacle with an incredible amount of depth that resonates across generations.
13:12Surprisingly, while this beloved movie was a critical success, it failed to turn a profit
13:16until its 1949 re-release. Yet, its impact is still felt today in many reinterpretations,
13:22Broadway musicals, and homages. Its style may feel vintage, but its charm is eternal.
13:46What do you think is the greatest fantasy film of all time? Let us know in the comments.
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