Few film genres have the ability to satisfy audiences like 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 number of movies 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 Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy franchise that my grandfather has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that loved a grand series about rings causing damage. Drawn towards rings that were dangerous, he loved a fantasy series holding a place in his heart that was precious. I remember every summer looking forward to spending time with my grandfather watching LOTR movies in the theatre. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that loved a franchise about a precious ring, I adored “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Ever since its release in 2001, Peter Jackson’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest fantasy movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Jackson did an extraordinary job of adapting a beloved book about precious rings to the big-screen. Jackson is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating awe-inspiring action in his movies, and his strengths are clearly evident in “The Fellowship of the Ring”. For instance, the iconic “You Shall Not Pass” scene in which Gandalf battles a dragon breathing fire is one of the best moments of the fantasy genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Ian McKellen, who created one of the most iconic characters in the fantasy genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” the greatest fantasy movie ever made is its message. The film delivers a profound message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. 70 years after the publication of an inspiring fantasy book about hobbits carrying a precious ring with powers that are terrifying, it’s a commemorated reminder of a genre that’s filled with movies which are worth appreciating.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Harry Potter is a magical series that I’ve always loved dearly. As far as I remember, I’ve grown to treasure J.R. Rowling’s literature. The story of the misunderstood boy who lived has always been part of my childhood. I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and adore all the films that have adapted the source material. However, the final film in the fantasy franchise “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” stands out the most. Ever since its release in 2011, David Yates’ movie has stood the test of time as a magical fantasy masterpiece. Yates is one of those directors that has always had an eye for staging action sequences in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. For instance, the scene in which Harry witnesses Snape’s heartbreaking memories revealing his true identity remains one of the greatest moments of the fantasy genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a fantasy masterpiece is its message. It delivers a profound message about the important roles that teachers play guiding adolescents which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards heroic wizards casting a magical spell, it’s a fabulous reminder of a genre that has always had unforgettable stories to tell.
3. The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is a classic fantasy film that shaped my mother’s identity. Several years ago, I formed bonds with a mother that loved a musical taking place somewhere over the rainbow. She would always speak fondly about a classic musical capturing magical wizards that shaped her identity. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that loved a film without flaws, I adored “The Wizard of Oz”. Since its release in 1939, Victor Fleming’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic. Fleming effectively used the technique of colour switching to mark huge breakthroughs for the fantasy genre. For instance, the scene in which Dorothy goes from the black-and-white Kansas City to the colourful Oz remains one of the greatest moments of the fantasy genre. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Judy Garland, who embodies a legendary character. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” a classic is its message. It delivers a heartwarming message about identity which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the land of Oz, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre that deserves applause for making movies without flaws.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Pirates of the Caribbean is a fantastic franchise about pirates that earned my cousin’s appreciation. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a cousin that adored Jack Sparrow. I remember he would love seeing movies in theatres about a pirate he grew up to treasure. As someone treasuring fond memories of a cousin that loved Caribbean seas, I adored “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”. Released in 2001, Gore Verbinski’s movie introduced an iconic franchise about pirates. Verbinski has always had an eye for adventure, and his strengths as a director are evident in “The Curse of the Black Pearl”. For instance, the scene in which Jack Sparrow is first introduced in a drunken state remains one of the greatest moments of the fantasy genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Johnny Depp, who embodied an unforgettable pirate. Ultimately, what makes “The Curse of the Black Pearl” a great fantasy film is its adventure. Unlike other movies in the genre, it has a strong sense of adventure that stands out. A breathtaking beginning of a commemorated franchise about pirates travelling Caribbean seas, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable 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 emotional damage. Being Autistic affected my abilities to find a job. Due to my disorder, I often felt judged by peers in school where I was treated as an outsider. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured individuals that suffer from disabilities as powerfully as “The Shape of Water”. Released in 2017, Guillermo Del Toro’s Oscar-winning movie depicted mute women forming romance with fish. Del Toro has always excelled at making fantasy movies, and “The Shape of Water” showcased his strengths. 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 whose lives deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre that has never lost abilities to captivate.
6. Pan’s Labyrinth
One of the most common characteristics of the fantasy genre is its focus on children. The genre has often focused on children embarking upon journeys to discover fantastical worlds shaping their persona. This powerful theme of childhood is most evident in “Pan’s Labyrinth”. Released in 2006, Guillermo Del Toro’s movie captured children seeking to escape war tragedies by escaping to a land of fantasy. With the most visually stunning movie of his career, Del Toro used groundbreaking 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 magical as the labyrinth Ofelia seeks to design, it’s a marvellous reminder of a commemorated genre producing memorable movies that have never lost their abilities to shine.
7. The Princess Bride
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about princesses with pride, it’s worth discussing The Princess Bride. Ever since it was published in 1973, William Goldman’s book has become legendary literature readers have cherished. In 1987, Rob Reiner adapted the beloved book leaving audiences satisfied in his movie “The Princess Bride”. With the most fantastical film of his career, Reiner captured princesses facing fear. Reiner proved there was place for humour in the genre with one of the funniest fantasy films ever made. At the centre of it all is a powerful performance from Robin Wright, who emerged as an actress deserving spotlight. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about princesses with dreams to become a bride, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre that has always left audiences satisfied.
8. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
It isn’t easy to bring a beloved fantasy franchise towards a satisfying conclusion. Most franchises start off on a high note with plenty of promise to begin with. However, few if any stick the landing creating a satisfying ending. That being said, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” is an exception. Released in 2003, Peter Jackson’s final LOTR film did a great job of bringing the fantasy franchise to a conclusion. With the most ambitious film of his career, Jackson showcased his flair for staging battle sequences with a strong atmosphere. Assisted by Elijah Wood who is excellent in the lead role, Jackson proved why he’s one of the finest fantasy filmmakers in Hollywood. A fantastic conclusion to a fantasy franchise about rings that are ferocious, it’s a fabulous reminder of a genre that audiences consider to be precious.
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9. Edward Scissorhands
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have achieved the appreciation of Tim Burton. With their compelling characters, gothic visuals and sharp storytelling, Burton’s films have achieved a huge following. Burton’s strength as a filmmaker that thrives at making fantasy films with strong hands is evident in his film “Edward Scissorhands”. Released in 1990, Burton’s movie forever changed the fantasy genre through its portrayal of a boy with hand disabilities. Burton showcased his strength for compelling world-building through stunning gothic visuals. Assisted by Johnny Depp who is extraordinary in the lead role, Burton created a compelling gothic fairytale. As strong as Edward Scissorhand’s desire to be accepted, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a genre that’s filled with commemorated movies that audiences have always appreciated.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia is a beloved book series that shaped my persona. I grew up reading the books about lions, witches and wardrobes which shaped my childhood. As someone treasuring a beloved book with nostalgia, I adored “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Released in 2005, Andrew Adamson’s film celebrated a classic fantasy book. Accompanied by a tremendous cast led by Georgie Henley, Adamson celebrated the legacy of a fantasy book that’s legendary. Although it may not live up to the high standards set by the best fantasy films, “The Chronicles of Narnia” remains a reminder of the magical appeal of the genre. As precious as Aslan’s roar, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a celebrated genre that hasn’t lost abilities to soar which I would forever treasure for opening the door for me to pursue dreams of film criticism I adore.
The Film Buff 
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