Not many genres have achieved popularity of fantasy. Since the 1940’s, the fantasy genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s schoolteachers, precious ring-bearers or avatars, the fantasy genre has produced several characters. Given the sheer number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest fantasy films ever made that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Wizard of Oz
“The Wizard of Oz” is a legendary fantasy film that my grandmother always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed a bond with a grandfather that loved a musical taking place somewhere over the rainbow. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a grandma that was a fan of the fantasy genre. She would always speak fondly about a classic musical capturing magical wizards that shaped her identity. Through her love of the legendary fantasy film, my grandmother inspired me to make my dreams of film criticism come true. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandmother that loved taking trips to the land of Oz, I adored “The Wizard of Oz”. Ever since its release in 1939, Victor Fleming’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest fantasy film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Fleming did an extraordinary job of adapting a legendary book about wizards that evoke fear. Fleming is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for creating fantasy films, and “The Wizard of Oz” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the iconic scene in which Dorothy is transported from tornado-struck Kansas to the colourful land of Oz causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the fantasy genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Judy Garland, who created one of the most iconic characters in the fantasy genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most fantasy films, it tackle themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after the release of a groundbreaking fantasy film about women escaping a tornado to go somewhere over the rainbow, it’s a marvellous reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy franchise that formed my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that loved rings causing damage. Drawn to rings that were dangerous, he loved a series holding a place in his heart that was precious. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather admiring a precious ring, I adored “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Released in 2001, Peter Jackson’s movie honoured a fantasy series. Jackson has an aptitude for creating magical worlds through special effects, and “The Fellowship of the Ring” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Gandalf battles a dragon facing a dilemma remains one of the greatest moments of the fantasy genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ian McKellen, who embodied a literary character. Ultimately, what makes “The Fellowship of the Ring” a fantasy classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. 70 years following the publication of a fantasy book about hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a spellbinding reminder of a genre that has produced movies audiences consider precious.
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Harry Potter is a fantastic fantasy series that shaped my identity. The timeless story about the boy who lived was a part of my childhood that gave me joy. I recall reading J.K. Rowling’s book series that shaped my personality. I adore all the movies that adapted the books, but the final film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is my favourite. Released in 2011, David Yates’ final Harry Potter film brought the fantasy series towards a conclusion. It isn’t easy to bring a beloved fantasy series to a satisfying conclusion but Yates succeeded. Yates effectively used montages capturing impact of teachers on Harry Potter’s identity. For instance, the scene in which Harry Potter discovers Snape’s memories revealing his true intentions causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the fantasy genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Radcliffe, bidding farewell to the literary wizard. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a fantastic fantasy film is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about death which resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell to a beloved series about wizards casting a spell, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making timeless movies which excel.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
The Pirates of the Caribbean is a fantastic fantasy franchise that always earned my brother’s appreciation. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a brother that adored Jack Sparrow. He adored movies about pirates that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring a brother that loved seeing pirates unfurl, I loved “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”. Released in 2003, Gore Verbinski’s movie introduced the iconic franchise about pirates. Verbinski has an aptitude for staging action, and “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” showcased his strengths. For instance, the scene in which Jack Sparrow is first introduced is one of the finest moments of the fantasy genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Johnny Depp, who embodied a legendary character in the fantasy genre. Ultimately, what makes “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” a great fantasy film is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about teamwork that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jack Sparrow’s love for Caribbean seas, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies.
5. The Shape of Water
Mental disabilities have shaped my identity. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing damage. Being Autistic affected my abilities to find a job. Due to my disorder, I often felt judged by peers that treated me as an outsider. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured people that suffer from disabilities as powerfully as “The Shape of Water”. Released in 2017, Guillermo Del Toro’s Oscar-winning movie captured a mute woman. Del Toro has an aptitude for creating memorable fantasy films, and “The Shape of Water” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Eliza feeds the amphibian creature eggs is one of the greatest moments of the fantasy genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Sally Hawkins, who embodies a mute woman. Ultimately, what makes “The Shape of Water” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about disability which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of mute women falling in love with creatures whose lives deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder about a genre that has never lost abilities to captivate.
6. Snow White and the Huntsman
Few characters in cinematic history have built a legacy as bright as Snow White. Since her creation in the 1940’s, Snow White has appeared in many movies. In 2012, Rupert Sanders did an admirable job of honouring the legendary character in his movie “Snow White and the Huntsman”. Unlike most movies in the fantasy genre, what makes “Snow White and the Huntsman” stand out is its stunning visuals. Sanders uses bright visuals to recreate the world of Snow White. Assisted by Kristen Stewart who is extraordinary in the lead role, Sanders honoured a legendary animated character. While it’s far from a perfect movie, “Snow White and the Hunstman” captured the enduring appeal of the fantasy genre. A spectacular tribute towards Snow White, it’s a bright reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies achieving the spotlight.
7. Pan’s Labyrinth
One of the defining characteristics of the fantasy genre is its focus on children. The genre has often captured children on journeys to discover fantastical worlds causing a dilemma. This powerful theme of childhood is most evident in “Pan’s Labyrinth”. Released in 2006, Guillermo Del Toro’s movie demonstrated children seeking to escape frightening war tragedies by escaping to a land of fantasy. With the most visually stunning movie of his career, Del Toro used stunning animatronics to capture frightening creatures evoking fear. Assisted by Ivana Baquero who is extraordinary in the lead role, Del Toro created a commemorated portrait of childhood. As precious as the labyrinth designed by Ofelia, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
8. Edward Scissorhands
Tim Burton is a legendary filmmaker known for his fantasy movies. With their breathtaking gothic visuals, engaging storytelling and strong acting, Burton’s movies have accomplished a huge following. In 1990, Burton showcased his strength for manufacturing fantasy films with strong hands in his movie “Edward Scissorhands”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Edward Scissorhands” stand out is its sensitive depiction of bullying. Burton used captivating gothic visuals to capture a boy with scissors as hands facing bullying. Assisted by Johnny Depp who is amazing in the lead role, Burton created a compelling fantasy film about bullying. As strong as Edward’s desire for social acceptance, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made great movies with intelligence accomplishing a huge audience.
9. Barbie
Barbie is a beloved doll creating a lasting legacy. Created in 1959 by Ruth Handler, Barbie has become a beloved figure in popular culture. With her attractive looks, strong personality and feminist appeal, Barbie has become a beloved icon. In 2023, Greta Gerwig celebrated the legendary doll in her fantasy film “Barbie”. Unlike most movies in the fantasy genre, what makes “Barbie” stand out is strong depiction of women. Gerwig uses stunning montages capturing Barbie embarking on a journey to find her identity in the real world. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is amazing in the lead role, Gerwig celebrated the legendary doll’s legacy. A fantastic tribute towards a famous doll whose life in plastic is fantastic, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies which have captivated the public.
10. Avatar: The Way of Water
Few film franchises have raised the bar for the fantasy genre as high as “Avatar”. Since its creation in 2009, James Cameron’s film has become a fantasy classic. In 2022, Cameron showcased his strengths as a filmmaker in the sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water”. I may be in the minority but I wasn’t a big fan of the movie. On a technical level, the movie is extremely well-made. Cameron uses stunning special effects to create an immersive fantasy world. However, the film’s focus on style leaves little room for storytelling. The film can’t quite reach standards of the best fantasy movies. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable addition to the fantasy genre. As precious as the way of water, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a writer.
The Film Buff 