Fantasy Movies Stories

Fantasy movies offer a reprieve from reality. Whether it’s an adaptation of a preexisting story, or a wholly original concept, fantasy films transport audiences to faraway realms full of magic. If you’re searching for the perfect fantasy movie to immerse yourself in, we offer plenty of recommendations for what to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and other streaming services —and what to watch in theaters next. 

The tapestry of fantasy films is a large one, with diverse threads. If you’re an anime fan, there are plenty of movies to entertain you, including the masterpieces of Hayao Miyazaki. If you prefer Western classics, the genre has staples such as The Seventh Seal and The Wizard of Oz, which have inspired both the fantasy canon and filmmaking overall. And if you have a preferred fantasy subgenre, we recommend more niche films for you as well, from sword and sorcery movies such as 1977’s Wizards, to movies about witches, dragons, and Arthurian legend

Or if you need a deep cinematic dive, look no further than our coverage of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films, or our reflections on animators and artists such as Don Bluth.

We bring the recommendations, you bring the popcorn. 

17886299aeac-spaceship.png

17 of the Best Fantasy Movies Ever Made

Lions and tigers and great movies, oh my! These are some of the best fantasy movies out there.

16 Enchanting Movies About Magic

From 'Hocus Pocus' to 'Pan's Labyrinth,' these magical movies are sure to put a spell on you.

The Best Fantasy Movies on Amazon Prime

These fantasy realms are just a click away.

5 Reasons Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Is an Enduring Classic

In honor of Netflix's Dark Crystal prequel series, we're celebrating one of the greatest dark fantasy films ever made. 

11 Great Dragon Movies for Fans of Fire-Breathers

Be they fearsome beasts or friendly companions eager to give humans a ride, dragons have been at the center of some excellent movies.

Ranking the Studio Ghibli Movies

Studio Ghibli's 20 feature films are consistently gorgeous and unique, but some clearly stand out from the rest.

11 of the Most Important The Lord of the Rings Quotes

On Tolkien's birthday, we're looking back at the greatest words of wisdom from the classic fantasy trilogy.

12 of the Best Zombie Movies Ever

No matter how you like your undead, you're sure to find something on this list to chill you to your core.

12 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book to Movie Adaptations That Are Worth Watching

Watch some of your favorite stories come alive on the big screen.

Don Bluth: The Animator Who Shaped a Generation

Bluth has never been afraid to show children the darker side of life.

The 7 Most Controversial Changes in the Harry Potter Movies

Even the greatest book to movie adaptations are often controversial among diehard fans, and Harry Potter is no exception.

Journey Through Tolkien's Artwork at the Morgan Library & Museum

This exhibition of original Tolkien works offers an inside glimpse of the author's process and will delight devotees of Middle-earth.

‘Our Myths, Ourselves': Marlon James Talks J.R.R. Tolkien

In this fascinating lecture, Black Leopard, Red Wolf author Marlon James talks J.R.R. Tolkien and the relationship between trauma and fantasy.  

7 Must-Read Tolkien Books for The Lord of the Rings Fans

From biographies to art anthologies, each of these incredible titles shines a fascinating light on the man behind Middle-earth.

10 Books for Fans of A Wrinkle in Time

Tesser your way through the stunning universes found in these books.

11 Reasons We Still Love the Stardust Movie

Over a decade since it was released, we still can’t get enough of this Neil Gaiman adaptation.

Arthurian Legend Movies, Ranked

King Arthur and the Camelot crew have been honored in countless films, from movies of the highest ex-caliber to those so bad they'd make the Black Knight blush.

Beetlejuice: 10 Little-Known Facts About the Tim Burton Classic

Learn all the strange and unusual details about how the beloved dark fantasy film came to be.

Once Upon a Terror: What Fairy Tales and Horror Movies Have in Common

Tales of knights and elves aren't so different from movies about knife-wielding maniacs and serial killers.