The Best New Fantasy Movies Of The Last Few Years, Ranked

The fantasy genre has experienced a significant resurgence over the last few years, benefiting from advancements in digital effects and a growing appetite for diverse storytelling. From high-budget epic sequels to innovative independent animations, these films have explored folklore, mythology, and supernatural realms in unprecedented ways. This era has seen filmmakers blend traditional fairy tale elements with modern social commentary and psychological depth. The following selections represent the most critically acclaimed and impactful fantasy releases from 2020 through 2024.

‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ (2022)

A lonely scholar encounters a Djinn in a hotel room in Istanbul who offers her three wishes in exchange for his freedom. Their conversation leads to the Djinn recounting fantastical stories of his past adventures across thousands of years. The narrative explores the nature of desire and the historical evolution of human mythology. The film features a blend of historical settings and magical realism, focusing on the power of storytelling. It stars Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton and is directed by George Miller.

‘A Whisker Away’ (2020)

A middle school student named Miyo Sasaki struggles with her family life and an unrequited crush on her classmate. She discovers a magical mask that allows her to transform into a white cat to gain her crush’s attention. As she spends more time in her feline form, the boundary between her human life and the cat world begins to blur dangerously. The story draws on Japanese folklore regarding supernatural creatures and the consequences of abandoning one’s identity. This animated feature was produced by Studio Colorido and released globally on streaming platforms.

‘The House’ (2022)

This stop-motion anthology film tells three distinct stories set in the same mysterious house across different time periods and realities. The first segment involves a family in the 19th century, the second follows a modern-day developer, and the third centers on a landlord in a flooded future. Each story utilizes surrealist fantasy elements to explore themes of obsession, isolation, and wealth. The film features anthropomorphic characters and a distinct visual style provided by various independent animators. It is noted for its dark, atmospheric tone and unconventional narrative structure.

‘Wonka’ (2023)

The story serves as a prequel to the classic narrative of a famous chocolatier, following a young Willy Wonka as he arrives in a major city to start his business. He must face a powerful chocolate cartel while befriending an orphan and a small magical creature known as an Oompa-Loompa. The film incorporates musical numbers and magical inventions to establish the origins of the iconic chocolate factory. It focuses on themes of optimism, friendship, and the challenges of pursuing creative dreams in a restrictive society. Timothée Chalamet portrays the lead character in this whimsical origin story.

‘The Northman’ (2022)

Set in 10th-century Iceland, the plot follows a Viking prince who embarks on a quest to avenge his father’s murder and rescue his mother. The film integrates Norse mythology and supernatural visions into a grounded historical setting. Elements such as Valkyries, witches, and ancient prophecies drive the protagonist’s journey through a brutal landscape. The production emphasizes historical accuracy in its costumes and settings while maintaining a heavy atmosphere of mythological fatalism. Robert Eggers directed the film, which stars Alexander Skarsgård and Anya Taylor-Joy.

‘Turning Red’ (2022)

Meilin Lee is a 13-year-old girl who discovers that she inherits a family curse that transforms her into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions. She must navigate the complexities of adolescence and her relationship with her overprotective mother while managing her new supernatural condition. The film uses the transformation as a metaphor for puberty and the cultural expectations within a Chinese-Canadian family. Set in Toronto during the early 2000s, the story blends teenage drama with ancient ancestral magic. This Pixar production was the first from the studio to be solely directed by a woman.

‘Leo’ (2023)

An elderly tuatara lizard named Leo has lived in a Florida school classroom for decades with his turtle friend. After learning he may only have a year left to live, he plans an escape but ends up becoming a mentor to the anxious students who take him home. The film features talking animals and musical sequences that explore the emotional challenges of childhood and aging. Leo uses his wisdom to help the children navigate their personal problems while discovering his own purpose. Adam Sandler provides the voice for the titular character and co-wrote the script.

‘Kingdom: Ashin of the North’ (2021)

This feature-length special serves as a prequel to the popular South Korean supernatural series and explores the origins of a mysterious resurrection plant. The story follows a young woman named Ashin who seeks revenge for the destruction of her village and the death of her family. Her discovery of the plant leads to the creation of a plague that turns the dead into mindless monsters. The film combines historical political intrigue with dark fantasy and horror elements. It provides critical backstory for the larger narrative of the Joseon-era zombie apocalypse.

‘The Sea Beast’ (2022)

In an era where monster hunters are celebrated heroes, a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary hunter named Jacob Holland. The pair embarks on an epic journey across uncharted waters to find the most dangerous creature in the ocean. Along the way, they discover that the history of the war between humans and sea beasts is not as it seems. The film features vibrant animation and expansive world-building centered on maritime lore and massive aquatic creatures. It explores themes of empathy, heroism, and the questioning of institutional propaganda.

‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ (2021)

A Scottish lord becomes convinced by a trio of witches that he is destined to become the King of Scotland. Driven by ambition and his wife’s encouragement, he commits regality to seize the throne, leading to a spiral of guilt and madness. This adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play emphasizes the supernatural elements through stark, expressionistic cinematography and surreal stage-like settings. The presence of the witches and their prophetic magic serves as the primary catalyst for the central conflict. Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand lead the cast in this Joel Coen-directed production.

‘Encanto’ (2021)

The Madrigal family lives in a magical house hidden in the mountains of Colombia, where every child is granted a unique supernatural gift. Mirabel is the only member of the family who did not receive a power, leading her to feel like an outsider within her own home. When the magic surrounding their home begins to fade, Mirabel takes it upon herself to find the cause and save her family’s legacy. The film uses its fantasy setting to explore generational trauma and the pressures of familial expectations. It features an original soundtrack composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2021)

In the land of Kumandra, a lone warrior named Raya seeks the last dragon to restore a fractured world and bring back her father. The land was once a paradise where humans and dragons lived in harmony until an ancient evil turned most of the population to stone. Raya must unite the five divided tribes and learn the importance of trust to overcome the lingering darkness. The film draws inspiration from various Southeast Asian cultures for its character designs and mythology. It stars Kelly Marie Tran as the voice of Raya and Awkwafina as the dragon Sisu.

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023)

A charismatic thief and a group of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic and rescue his daughter. The journey takes them through a high-fantasy world filled with magical creatures, powerful sorcerers, and dangerous dungeons. They must work together to stop a Red Wizard from unleashing an undead army upon the land. The film adapts the lore and mechanics of the popular tabletop role-playing game into a cinematic narrative. It emphasizes a balance of action, comedy, and traditional fantasy world-building.

‘Luca’ (2021)

Set on the Italian Riviera, a young sea monster named Luca experiences a life-changing summer when he ventures onto land. He discovers that sea monsters transform into humans when dry, allowing him to explore a nearby town with his new friend Alberto. The two friends must hide their true identities from the local residents, who are known for hunting sea creatures. The story focuses on themes of friendship, curiosity, and the courage required to be oneself. It features a distinctive art style inspired by Italian culture and Mediterranean landscapes.

‘Onward’ (2020)

In a suburban fantasy world where magic has been replaced by modern technology, two elf brothers receive a wizard’s staff as a prearranged gift from their late father. A spell intended to bring him back for one day goes wrong, leaving only his legs visible. The brothers must go on a quest to find a rare gem to complete the transformation before the time limit expires. Their journey involves ancient maps, legendary creatures, and the rediscovery of lost magical arts. The film explores the bond between siblings and the process of grieving a lost parent.

‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’ (2023)

A wealthy man discovers a medical report about a person who can see without using their eyes. Intrigued by the possibility, he spends years studying ancient texts and practicing meditation to master the same supernatural ability. Once he acquires the power, he uses it to cheat at gambling, eventually leading to a shift in his moral perspective. The film is an adaptation of a Roald Dahl story and utilizes a unique, theatrical visual style. It was directed by Wes Anderson and won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

‘Nimona’ (2023)

A knight in a futuristic medieval world is framed for a crime he did not commit and becomes a fugitive. He is joined by a mischievous shape-shifter named Nimona, who is the only person willing to help him clear his name. As they work together, they uncover deep-seated corruption within the institution that governs their society. The film explores themes of identity, societal outcasts, and the danger of labeling individuals as monsters. It is based on the graphic novel by ND Stevenson and features a blend of traditional fantasy and cyberpunk aesthetics.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

During the Second World War, a young boy named Mahito moves to the countryside following the death of his mother. He encounters a mysterious talking heron who leads him into a hidden world where the boundaries between the living and the dead are blurred. In this fantastical realm, he meets unique creatures and learns about his family’s history and his own future. The film is a semi-autobiographical work by director Hayao Miyazaki and explores themes of grief and creation. It received significant critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)

Set more than a decade after the original conflict, Jake Sully and Neytiri have formed a family on the planet Pandora. When a familiar threat returns to finish what was started, they must flee their forest home and seek refuge with the oceanic Metkayina clan. The film introduces new aquatic environments and creatures, expanding the biological and spiritual lore of the world. The narrative focuses on the Sully family’s struggle for survival and the interconnectedness of all living things. James Cameron directed this high-budget sequel, which utilized advanced underwater motion-capture technology.

‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)

This stop-motion adaptation of the classic tale is set in 1930s Italy during the rise of fascism. A grieving woodcarver named Geppetto crafts a wooden boy who is brought to life by a mystical spirit. Unlike traditional versions, this film explores the darker themes of war, mortality, and the burden of being a “perfect” child. The story follows Pinocchio as he struggles to find his place in a world filled with political turmoil and exploitation. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for its craftsmanship and narrative depth.

‘Justice League Dark: Apokolips War’ (2020)

Following a failed preemptive strike against the tyrant Darkseid, Earth’s heroes are left defeated and the planet is devastated. The remaining members of the Justice League, led by John Constantine and Superman, must recruit supernatural allies to make one final stand. The film heavily features magical characters and dark fantasy elements as they navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape. It serves as the conclusion to a long-running animated cinematic universe, featuring high stakes and significant character consequences. The story blends traditional superhero action with occult mythology and cosmic horror.

‘Suzume’ (2022)

A teenage girl named Suzume meets a mysterious young man who is traveling across Japan to close magical doors that are releasing disasters. When she accidentally opens one of these portals, she must join him on a journey to prevent a giant supernatural worm from causing catastrophic earthquakes. The film explores themes of environmental trauma and the emotional weight of places that have been abandoned or forgotten. It features high-quality animation and a story rooted in Japanese spiritual beliefs and contemporary history. The film was directed by Makoto Shinkai and became a major international success.

‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ (2021)

A documentary filmmaker discovers a tiny, talking shell named Marcel living in an Airbnb with his grandmother, Connie. Marcel explains how he once belonged to a large community of shells that disappeared after a tragic event involving the house’s former inhabitants. The film follows Marcel’s quest to find his family while dealing with his newfound internet fame and the health of his grandmother. It combines live-action footage with stop-motion animation to create a grounded but whimsical world. The story focuses on themes of community, resilience, and the value of small perspectives.

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

A Chinese-American immigrant who runs a struggling laundromat is swept into a multidimensional adventure where she must save the existence of all realities. She learns to “verse-jump” by accessing the skills and memories of her alternate selves from different timelines. The film features surreal fantasy elements, including worlds where humans have hot dogs for fingers or exist as inanimate rocks. It uses its high-concept premise to explore deep familial themes, particularly the relationship between a mother and daughter. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

‘Poor Things’ (2023)

In a surrealist version of Victorian London, a young woman is brought back to life by an eccentric scientist who replaces her brain with that of her unborn child. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery across different continents, rapidly evolving in her understanding of language, society, and human nature. The film utilizes highly stylized production design and fantastical imagery to represent her unique worldview. It explores themes of autonomy, social liberation, and the constraints of traditional gender roles. Emma Stone stars in the lead role, for which she won an Academy Award.

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

The legendary outlaw Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll, as he has burned through eight of his nine lives. He embarks on a journey to the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star and restore his lost lives. Along the way, he is pursued by various fairy tale villains and a terrifying personification of Death. The film is noted for its innovative animation style and its mature exploration of mortality and legacy. It serves as a sequel to the 2011 film and part of the broader ‘Shrek’ franchise.

‘Soul’ (2020)

A middle school music teacher and aspiring jazz pianist suffers an accident that separates his soul from his body. He finds himself in the Great Before, a realm where souls develop their personalities before being sent to Earth. He must work with an unborn soul named 22 to find a way back to his physical life while discovering what truly makes life worth living. The film features abstract metaphysical environments and explores deep philosophical questions about human purpose and passion. It won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)

Set in 17th-century Ireland, a young apprentice hunter named Robyn travels to Kilkenny with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden forest, she meets a wild girl named Mebh who is part of a tribe rumored to transform into wolves when they sleep. As Robyn learns the truth about the “Wolfwalkers,” she becomes caught between her father’s duty and the magical world she has discovered. The film utilizes a distinct hand-drawn animation style inspired by Celtic art. It is the final entry in Tomm Moore’s Irish Folklore Trilogy.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train’ (2020)

Following the events of the television series, Tanjiro Kamado and his companions join a powerful swordsman named Kyojuro Rengoku aboard a mysterious train. They are tasked with investigating the disappearance of over forty passengers who have fallen victim to a powerful demon. The demon uses magical dreams to trap the heroes in their own subconscious desires while he attempts to consume their spirits. The film features high-stakes action sequences and explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and emotional strength. It became the highest-grossing film of all time at the Japanese box office.

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Miles Morales is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider-Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the existence of every reality. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero. The film features a diverse array of animation styles and explores complex themes of fate, family, and individual agency. It introduces a massive roster of characters from across various comic book timelines. The narrative concludes on a cliffhanger that sets up the next installment in the series.

Share your favorite modern fantasy films and tell us which ones we missed in the comments.