30 Best Fantasy Movies of the 2020s (So Far) You Absolutely Have to See
Fantasy has been on a hot streak this decade. Filmmakers are blending heartfelt stories with bold visual ideas, and the result is a wave of adventures that feel fresh and inviting. Some swing for the fences with big spectacle while others find magic in small moments. Either way, the genre is delivering the kind of wonder that reminds you why you love the movies.
This list pulls together crowd pleasers, art house gems, and animated standouts. You will find lush fairy tales, spirited quests, and wild flights of imagination. Whether you want a cozy family watch or a sweeping epic, these picks make a strong case that fantasy is thriving right now.
‘The Green Knight’ (2021)
This hypnotic spin on a classic legend invites you into a world where honor and fate twist together in unsettling ways. Every scene feels like a painting brought to life, filled with moody landscapes and symbols that linger in your mind.
It is a patient and confident film that rewards you for leaning in. The journey challenges its hero and the audience with choices that carry a quiet, haunting power.
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)
Wild imagination meets tender emotion in this multiverse adventure that never forgets the people at its core. The action is inventive and funny, but the moments between characters are what stick with you.
The movie celebrates the idea that small acts of kindness can move mountains. It is a heartfelt reminder that even the strangest journeys can lead you home.
‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)
This stop motion wonder brings a familiar tale to life with handcrafted detail and soulful storytelling. The textures feel tangible and the world has a lived in beauty that draws you close.
At its heart, it is a story about love, loss, and the bravery it takes to be real. It respects younger viewers while giving adults plenty to feel and ponder.
‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)
The swashbuckling cat returns with style and a fresh visual look that pops from the first frame. It mixes high energy adventure with sly humor that works for all ages.
Beneath the laughs is a story about fear, courage, and second chances. The balance of warmth and wit makes this one a delight to revisit.
‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)
This dreamlike tale invites you into a labyrinth of memory and myth. The imagery is delicate and strange in the best way, with quiet scenes that bloom into something profound.
It plays like a conversation with grief and growth. By the end, it leaves you with a gentle glow and a sense that the world is bigger than it first appears.
‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023)
A charming crew of misfits stumbles through a quest full of traps and surprises. The tone is breezy and welcoming, with jokes that land and action that flows.
It captures the feeling of friends at a table inventing chaos together. That spirit gives the adventure heart and keeps the fun alive from start to finish.
‘Encanto’ (2021)
Magic runs through a family that feels wonderfully real. The music lifts every scene while the story digs into the complicated love that holds people together.
It is bright and warm and easy to adore. The message about finding your own gift hits home in a gentle, uplifting way.
‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2021)
This quest moves with energy and grace, carried by a sharp lead and a world full of lively detail. The landscapes feel rich and the creatures are a joy to meet.
Trust and teamwork sit at the center of the tale. By the end, the payoffs feel earned and the optimism feels honest.
‘Soul’ (2020)
A musician searches for meaning in a story that mixes cosmic ideas with everyday truth. The visuals shift from the streets to the beyond with ease.
What stands out is the way it celebrates simple pleasures. It nudges you to notice the spark in ordinary moments.
‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)
Hand drawn art gives this folk tale a wild and living texture. The lines and colors sing as the story dives into freedom and friendship.
It carries a deep respect for nature and for stories passed down through time. The result is stirring and unforgettable.
‘Turning Red’ (2022)
A teen’s big feelings burst into life with a playful and heartfelt twist. The humor is lively and the friendships feel true.
It speaks to growing up without talking down. The movie treats messy emotions as a path to confidence and care.
‘The Northman’ (2022)
Ancient myth crashes into brutal fate in a tale that feels raw and elemental. The settings and rituals create a world that grips you.
It is thunderous yet strangely soulful. The drive for vengeance tests the soul, and the echoes linger after the final image.
‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ (2022)
A storyteller meets a djinn and the movie becomes a tapestry of desire and memory. Each tale within the tale feels lush and inviting.
It celebrates the power of stories to shape who we are. The intimacy between the leads gives the magic a human pulse.
‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ (2022)
Reality bends and twists in a ride that blends creepy thrills with bold visuals. The set pieces are inventive and packed with personality.
At its center is a search for connection and control. That emotional thread keeps the spectacle grounded and engaging.
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (2021)
A fresh hero steps into a world of family history and ancient power. The choreography is crisp and the creatures are full of wonder.
The film balances action with heartfelt moments. It builds a new corner of its universe that feels rich and welcoming.
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)
This return to Pandora is a feast for the eyes with oceans that feel impossibly real. The worldbuilding is so detailed that you can almost taste the salt air.
It is a story about family and survival that grows with quiet beats between the big moments. The rhythm pulls you in and never lets go.
‘The Sea Beast’ (2022)
Monster hunting on the high seas becomes a warm adventure about courage and truth. The creatures are full of personality and the waves have real weight.
The bond between the leads gives the story heart. It questions legends in a way that feels thoughtful and kind.
‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023)
A beloved fairy tale swims back with vibrant energy and a strong voice at its center. The underwater world shimmers with color and life.
The romance is sweet and the songs soar. It honors the original while carving its own path.
‘Wonka’ (2023)
A young dreamer sets out to share joy through chocolate and wonder. The tone is playful and sincere, with tunes that dance in your head.
It is about kindness and imagination winning the day. The sweetness comes with just enough bite to feel earned.
‘Nimona’ (2023)
A shapeshifter crashes into a guarded world and shakes it up with spark and heart. The style is bold and the humor fires quickly.
Beneath the fun is a story about acceptance and trust. It turns a wild comic energy into something deeply human.
‘Poor Things’ (2023)
A woman’s strange rebirth becomes a journey of discovery and delight. The production design is lavish and odd in the best way.
It treats curiosity as a superpower. The character’s growth is funny, fearless, and full of life.
‘Barbie’ (2023)
A familiar icon breaks out of her box and goes searching for meaning. The sets and costumes create a candy bright world with sharp wit.
The movie uses play to talk about identity and expectation. It is breezy and clever while landing honest feelings.
‘Inside Out 2’ (2024)
New emotions crash the party and the result is both hilarious and moving. The inner world grows in ways that feel inventive and true.
It captures the mess of growing up with warmth and clarity. You come away feeling seen and a little lighter.
‘IF’ (2024)
Imaginary friends step into the real world and spark a tender story about connection. The concept invites big laughs and quiet moments.
It celebrates the creativity we carry from childhood. The charm is gentle and the heart feels genuine.
‘Wicked’ (2024)
A friendship takes center stage in a land of magic and politics. The music lifts the story while the spectacle adds scale without crowding the feelings.
It explores how myths are born and bent. By the end, loyalty and choice shine brighter than any spell.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ (2024)
This animated return to a beloved realm rides hard into legend. The battles feel grand while the characters keep the stakes personal.
It expands the saga with respect and verve. Fans get rich lore and newcomers get a rousing gateway.
‘Slumberland’ (2022)
Dreams turn into an adventure with a mischievous guide who steals every scene. The transitions from reality to fantasy feel smooth and inviting.
At its core is a story about healing and hope. The gentle humor and cozy mood make it a comforting watch.
‘Over the Moon’ (2020)
A girl builds toward the stars and finds a glowing world filled with song and color. The lunar setting is vibrant and full of playful detail.
The journey speaks to love that lasts. It mixes joy with bittersweet notes in a way that feels honest.
‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ (2020)
Invention and music light up a story that feels like a new holiday tradition. The designs sparkle and the performances bring warmth.
It celebrates creativity and family with open arms. By the finale, the cheer feels earned and bright.
‘The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf’ (2021)
This animated prequel dives into monster lore with sharp action and bold style. The pacing is tight and the world feels dangerous and alive.
It fills in character history while delivering a stand alone rush. Fans get rich context and newcomers get a quick hit of fantasy thrills.
Share your own must watch fantasy picks from the 2020s in the comments.