4 Underrated Fantasy Movies From the 2000s That Everyone Should Watch (Daredevil Fans Will Love #3)

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In contemporary times, everyone could benefit from a touch of escapism and the enchanting allure of fantasy. The early years of the 21st century marked a surge in epic fantasy films, propelled by groundbreaking advancements in visual effects and computer-generated imagery. These innovations enabled filmmakers to unleash their creativity on screen, offering an immersive experience unlike any before. Over a ten-year period from 2000 to 2010, several remarkable fantasy films emerged as box office sensations – such as the initial Pirates of the Caribbean series, the much-anticipated Twilight adaptation, and a revamped version of King Kong among others. Given the expanded storytelling possibilities in the genre due to state-of-the-art VFX, some fantasy films didn’t receive their deserved recognition within pop culture. Below you will find our top four picks that were somewhat overlooked at their release but are well worth catching up on if you missed them.

4) Across the Universe

Julie Taymor, known for her groundbreaking work on films like Frida and the Broadway adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King, crafted a psychedelic journey using The Beatles’ music in the movie Across the Universe. In this tale, Jim Sturgess portrays Jude, a young Englishman on a quest to locate his long-lost father. Upon arriving in America, Jude embarks on an extraordinary journey where he befriends a colorful group of outsiders, all trying to make sense of life amidst the tumultuous counterculture of the 1960s. Along this adventure, they grapple with love, war, and mortality.

Despite facing mixed criticism and underperforming financially upon its release, the film “Across the Universe” is worthy of praise for its ambitious undertaking of interpreting The Beatles’ extensive and multifaceted song catalog. Taymor skillfully integrates 34 compositions from the renowned group, drawn from various albums and periods in their career, and combines them with her distinctive, emotionally stirring, and innovative visuals for a truly enchanting musical journey reminiscent of The Beatles’ own “Magical Mystery Tour.

3) Stardust

Based on a novel by Neil Gaiman and directed by a renowned filmmaker, Stardust, released in 2007, boasted an impressive cast. Yet, it was surprising that this film didn’t create a larger impact when it premiered. In the movie, Charlie Cox, before his Daredevil fame, portrays Tristan, a youthful character from a monotonous countryside town who dreams of venturing into the mystical realm of Stormhold to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved.

In the movie Stardust, Tristan discovers that the star he encountered isn’t a celestial body but a woman named Yvaine (portrayed by Claire Danes). However, there are malicious entities pursuing her beyond just Tristan. This dynamic duo embarks on an exhilarating adventure aimed at returning to Tristan’s hometown, Wall. Along their journey, they encounter deceptive witches, airborne pirate ships, and even Tristan’s long-lost mother – a captive princess of Stormhold.

The co-writer and director of Stardust, Matthew Vaughn, skillfully combines the grandeur and excitement of Stormhold with emotional depth, humor, and thrilling peril. Additionally, we believe this film showcases one of Robert De Niro’s finest comedic performances to date.

2) The Princess and the Frog

In simpler terms, Disney’s movie “The Princess and the Frog” was released in 2009, which was around a decade after Disney’s animated renaissance peak and during a period when Disney started shifting from traditional hand-drawn animation to 3D animation. This change in timing and format might be why “The Princess and the Frog” didn’t make as big an impact as other Disney films like “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” or “Frozen” did when they were first released, even though “The Princess and the Frog” is considered one of Disney’s best.

As a film critic immersed in the magical realm of cinema, allow me to express my admiration for the captivating tale titled “The Princess and the Frog.” This enchanting masterpiece transports us to the vibrant cityscape of 1920’s New Orleans. Tiana, a resilient waitress with dreams as vast as the Mississippi River herself, yearns to open her own restaurant.

Intrigue ensues when Prince Naveen from Maledonia visits the bustling city, seeking an escape from his royal duties. In a fateful twist, he strikes a deal with the sinister Dr. Facilier, only to be transformed into a frog. Desperate and deceitful, he convinces Tiana to kiss him, hoping she’d break the spell. Instead, they both find themselves in an unusual predicament, launching them on a transformative journey to reverse their amphibian state.

This delightful retelling of “The Frog Prince” fairytale offers a refreshing, empowered perspective, while gracefully weaving its setting and local folklore into the narrative. Furthermore, the soulful melodies of “Almost There” and “Friends on the Other Side,” masterpieces in their own right, rightfully earn their place among Disney’s most cherished songs.

1) Pan’s Labyrinth

As a cinephile, I’d say “Immersed in a chilling blend of horror and fantasy, Pan’s Labyrinth chronicles my journey as Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), a young girl who finds herself living with a harsh new stepfather in 1940s Spain. In his eerie stone maze, I uncover the secret that I am not just an ordinary girl; instead, I am a reborn princess, and to prove my royal lineage, I must conquer three treacherous challenges.

The movie beautifully blends fantasy with Ofelia’s war-torn reality in a heartbreaking manner, thereby firmly establishing visionary director Guillermo del Toro as a notable figure in the film industry. At a time when many filmmakers were increasingly relying on CGI, del Toro breathed life into the enchanting Labyrinth world predominantly through practical methods, creating a rich masterpiece that is expected to stand the test of time for many decades.

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2025-09-09 23:11