9 Great Fantasy Movies You Probably Didn’t Watch

Fantasy movies transport us to other worlds, sparking our imagination and offering an escape from the mundane. Yet, beyond the blockbuster hits, there are hidden gems that might’ve slipped under your radar. Dive with me into a realm of underrated fantasy films that deserve your attention.

‘The Legend of the Five’ (2020)

‘The Legend of the Five’ is a movie about a group of teenage misfits that find an ancient relic that turns their world upside down, and discover they have the responsibility of stopping an age-old evil from destroying the world.

‘Into the Woods’ (2014)

‘Into the Woods’ is a Disney movie centered on a childless couple who set out to end a curse placed on them by a vengeful witch, and the characters are forced to experience the unintended consequences of their actions. It is inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales of “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Cinderella”, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, and “Rapunzel”.

‘Wildwitch’ (2018)

‘Wild Witch’ is a fantasy film for the whole family based on the popular book series by Lene Kaaberbøl. It’s about a twelve-year-old Clara who is scratched by a mysterious cat and starts to develop strange powers, leading her to discover that she is from a family of wild witches.

‘The School for Good and Evil’ (2022)

‘The School for Good and Evil’ is about best friends Sophie and Agatha, who find themselves on opposing sides of an epic battle when they’re swept away into an enchanted school where aspiring heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between good and evil.

‘Ladyhawke’ (1985)

Set in a medieval world, “Ladyhawke” beautifully weaves romance with fantasy. The film follows Captain Navarre and his lover, Isabeau, cursed by a jealous bishop. By day, Isabeau becomes a hawk, and by night, Navarre turns into a wolf, ensuring they’re forever together yet always apart.

The story of their love and the quest to break their curse left a lasting impression on me. The picturesque landscapes and haunting soundtrack make this Richard Donner’s film an underrated classic.

‘Stardust’ (2007)

“Stardust” is a delightful blend of romance, adventure, and fantasy. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, the movie takes us on the journey of Tristan as he crosses into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. But this star, Yvaine, is not just a lump of rock; she’s a radiant, living being with a heart of her own.

For me, the film’s charm lies in its cast and the enchanting world it unveils. Every time I revisit it, it feels like a heartwarming embrace from an old friend urging me to believe in the magic all around.

‘The Fall’ (2006)

Tarsem Singh’s “The Fall” is a visual masterpiece set in the 1920s Los Angeles. It’s an intertwining story of a paraplegic stuntman, Roy, and a young migrant girl, Alexandria. As Roy spins a fantastical tale to Alexandria, the lines between his story and reality start to blur.

The film’s beauty isn’t just in its breathtaking visuals but in the raw emotions it captures. I remember being swept away by both its imaginative landscapes and the depth of its characters’ interactions. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of stories and how they shape our perception.

‘Dragonslayer’ (1981)

Magic, courage, and dragons – “Dragonslayer” has it all. Set in a medieval realm, the film follows a young sorcerer’s apprentice named Galen as he embarks on a quest to defeat an ancient dragon and save a princess.

The authenticity of its dark atmosphere and the groundbreaking visual effects for its time make it stand out. I’ve always been fond of stories where underdogs rise to challenges, and Galen’s journey, with all its trials and tribulations, made a special place in my heart.

‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)

Hayao Miyazaki’s “Princess Mononoke” is more than just an animated film; it’s an environmental epic that speaks volumes about humanity’s relationship with nature. It follows the young warrior Ashitaka as he gets embroiled in a conflict between forest gods and mining-town residents.

With its breathtaking animation and compelling characters, the movie presents a moral dilemma that’s still relevant today. Whenever I watch it, I’m reminded of the delicate balance between progress and preservation and how every choice we make leaves an imprint on the world around us.