Fantasy films can whisk viewers away to otherworldly realms, often hiding unappreciated gems that offer rich storytelling and imaginative experiences. Here are 21 underrated fantastical tales perfect for your next magical movie night.
Stardust
Venture into a whimsical land of falling stars and romance. Seamlessly blending adventure with enchanting elements, Stardust follows a young man who embarks on an epic quest to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. Along the way, he faces witches and pirates and discovers the true meaning of love and courage.
The Fall
Can a story be both heartbreaking and visually stunning? It can. The Fall, directed by Tarsem Singh, achieves this by intertwining a fantastical tale told by a bedridden stuntman to a young girl in a 1920s hospital. The film’s lush visuals and imaginative storytelling make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Pan’s Labyrinth
Diving into Guillermo del Toro’s dark and beautiful vision will leave you wanting more. Pan’s Labyrinth juxtaposes the grim realities of post-Civil War Spain with a young girl’s fantastical journey through a mystical labyrinth. This haunting fairy tale weaves themes of innocence, brutality, and escape into a poignant cinematic masterpiece.
The Secret of Kells
The fantasy film genre often draws inspiration from ancient folklore tales, and The Secret of Kells is no exception. This little-known fantasy tells the tale of a young monk who aids in the creation of a legendary manuscript. The film’s unique art style and magical narrative draw you into a world where ancient legends come to life.
Legend
This visually enchanting struggle between light and darkness is a Ridley Scott classic that has slipped beneath the cracks. Legend features a heroic young man, a beautiful princess, and an evil lord threatening their world, with an ethereal atmosphere and striking visuals to boot.
Time Bandits
It wouldn’t be a fantasy film marathon without a time-traveling flick. Directed by Terry Gilliam, Time Bandits features a young boy joining a group of dwarfs on a historical treasure hunt. The film’s humor, adventure, and fantastical elements deliver a delightful and entertaining experience.
The Dark Crystal
CGI briefly overtook the richly detailed fantasy world of puppetry but seems to be making a return. Before checking out the Netflix reimagining, make sure to watch the original. The Dark Crystal immerses viewers in a complex realm, following a young hero’s quest to heal a magical crystal and captivating us with its stunning visuals and intricate lore.
Spirited Away
World-building doesn’t get more intricate or eccentric than in the magical imagination of Hayao Miyazaki. Spirited Away follows a young girl’s adventure in a mysterious world after her parents transform into pigs. With rich world-building and emotional depth, this Studio Ghibli masterpiece stands out in fantasy.
Ladyhawke
There’s nothing like discovering a new romance-infused fantasy film, especially if it’s an enchanting tale of cursed lovers. Directed by Richard Donner, Ladyhawke tells the story of two star-crossed lovers, a hawk by day and a wolf by night. Their quest to break the curse is romantic and thrilling, set against a beautifully crafted medieval backdrop.
The Last Unicorn
Relive a poignant animated classic in The Last Unicorn, based on Peter S. Beagle’s novel. The film follows a unicorn searching for her lost kin. Its moving narrative and haunting soundtrack create an unforgettable fantasy experience.
The City of Lost Children
Directed by Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, The City of Lost Children explores a city where a mad scientist kidnaps children to steal their dreams. The imaginative storyline and striking visuals make it a must-see.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Enjoy larger-than-life tales. Directed by Terry Gilliam, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen brings to life the whimsical exploits of a legendary storyteller. The playful spirit and imaginative scenes captivate viewers of all ages.
The Brothers Grimm
Adult fairy tales are having their moment, and more people are discovering the fantastical, disturbing world of The Brothers Grimm. Directed by Terry Gilliam, These fairy tales with a dark twist offer a fantastical reimagining of the famous storytellers as they face magical and sinister forces. The inventive plot and unique take on classic tales make it a standout fantasy film.
The NeverEnding Story
This epic fantasy journey, The NeverEnding Story, is directed by Wolfgang Petersen. It follows a boy who discovers a magical book that transports him to another world. The film’s rich world-building and timeless narrative continue to enchant viewers.
Inkheart
Imagine your favorite book characters coming to life and conversing with you. Directed by Iain Softley, Inkheart tells the story of a man who brings literary characters into the real world by reading aloud. The imaginative premise and magical elements make it an engaging and underrated film.
Coraline
The darkly enchanting stop-motion world of Coraline, directed by Henry Selick, is a modern masterpiece. Coraline explores themes of bravery and self-discovery as a young girl uncovers a parallel universe with a unique visual style and eerie atmosphere. Based on Neil Gaiman’s book, this fantasy horror is a wonderfully executed adaptation and a thrilling fantasy in its own right.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Uncover a hidden world of magical creatures. Directed by Mark Waters, The Spiderwick Chronicles follows a family discovering fantastical beings around their home. The engaging story and whimsical elements make it a delightful watch for all ages.
Bridge to Terabithia
Directed by Gábor Csupó, Bridge to Terabithia tells the touching story of two friends who create a magical kingdom in the woods. The heartfelt narrative and magical moments resonate deeply with viewers.
Ink
Independent fantasy films rarely receive the critical acclaim they’re worthy of, which is evident in Ink’s case. Directed by Jamin Winans, Ink weaves a complex tale with emotional depth. Its inventive storytelling and emotional resonance make it a hidden gem.
Hugo
Hugo is a fantastic viewing option if you want to experience the magic of early cinema through a fantastical lens. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Hugo combines fantasy with a tribute to film pioneers. The enchanting story and beautiful cinematography create a magical viewing experience that delights and inspires.
The Lovely Bones
What happens when a loss story becomes a fantastical journey? The Lovely Bones, directed by Peter Jackson, follows a young girl who observes her family from the afterlife after she’s tragically murdered. The film delves into grief, vengeance, and healing themes, creating a poignant and visually ethereal narrative.
