5 Great Fantasy Movies Nobody Talks About

by

Everyone knows popular fantasy movies like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and The Chronicles of Narnia. But there’s a whole world of lesser-known fantasy films that deserve attention too. These movies are filled with adventure, magic, and mythical creatures, but they’ve been largely forgotten. Surprisingly, many of them are really good! They often took creative chances with their stories and visuals, offering something fresh and unique. These films may not be huge blockbusters, but they quietly influenced the fantasy genre and are worth rediscovering, especially if you’re looking for something different from the typical Hollywood fare.

Here are 5 fantasy films that have unfortunately been forgotten over time. Despite fading from public conversation, they all offer captivating stories and genuine adventure.

5) Labyrinth

You know, Labyrinth isn’t necessarily underrated – it’s a total ’80s classic, really – but I think a lot of people have forgotten about it, even those of us who grew up with it. Honestly, I bet most younger viewers haven’t even heard of it, which is a shame. It’s still one of the most imaginative fantasy films out there. The plot is simple: Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly, has to save her little brother from the Goblin King Jareth – the amazing David Bowie – and she has to navigate this incredible, bizarre labyrinth filled with crazy creatures and mind-bending puzzles. What makes it so special is how they built this completely different world using puppets, practical sets, and, of course, Bowie’s unforgettable performance as the villain.

It’s not just about fond memories – Labyrinth is genuinely funny, suspenseful, and adventurous, even if it didn’t immediately connect with audiences when it was first released. The film respects its viewers, completely drawing them into Sarah’s story and making them feel like they’re experiencing this bizarre world with her. While it’s become a beloved cult classic, Labyrinth doesn’t get much mainstream attention these days, likely because it was a bit unusual and ahead of its time, leading it to be somewhat overlooked.

4) Sleepy Hollow

Despite being a visually impressive and unique film, Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow doesn’t get the attention it deserves, likely because its distinctive style isn’t for everyone. The movie centers on Ichabod Crane, played by Johnny Depp, a rather awkward detective who investigates a series of murders committed by the infamous Headless Horseman. It takes a familiar story and presents it in a striking, yet slightly unsettling way. Unfortunately, its dark and gothic atmosphere means it’s often overlooked when discussing classic horror films.

Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow is a visually striking and sometimes violent fantasy film, which might not appeal to everyone. However, it’s one of the most beautifully crafted movies of the 1990s, with every shot carefully designed to build suspense and create a chilling atmosphere. It’s a compelling blend of mystery, adventure, and monster horror that feels more effective than many recent fantasy films that try too hard to be grand in scale. It’s a film that easily slips from memory until you revisit it, at which point you’ll likely wonder why it isn’t more widely celebrated.

3) Stardust

Despite a lot of fantasy films released in the 2000s, Stardust often gets overlooked. If you haven’t seen it, you’re in for a treat – it’s one of the most enjoyable fantasy movies of the decade! The story centers around Tristan (Charlie Cox) who ventures into a magical realm to capture a falling star to win over his girlfriend, but discovers the ‘star’ is actually a woman with her own thoughts and is being pursued by many different groups. The film isn’t trying to be a grand, serious epic, and that’s precisely what makes it so good. It’s a lively blend of adventure, romance, and comedy that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

The world of Stardust is a thrilling adventure filled with pirates, dangerous witches, and other magical creatures, making it a truly enjoyable film. It may not have gotten the recognition it deserved initially, possibly because of weak promotion and competition from larger, more popular franchises. However, Stardust is a smart, charming, and well-made fantasy that deserves a wider audience.

2) Excalibur

Most people know the story of King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, but the movie itself is less well-known – and it’s a film people either strongly love or find quite confusing. However, it’s considered a remarkably daring and unique take on the Arthurian legend. The movie follows Arthur, Merlin, Morgana, and the complex story of the sword itself. It’s a visually striking and gripping experience, deliberately choosing a complex, atmospheric world over a simplified plot, filled with magic, treachery, and epic battles.

If you like fantasy movies that make you think, this film is a gem. While big-budget fantasy films have an easier time attracting viewers now, it was much harder to find an audience for something like this back then. Excalibur never became a blockbuster because it has a deep understanding of what fantasy really is—and that’s not always easy for everyone to grasp. It requires your full attention, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you let yourself get lost in its world.

1) Dragonslayer

The 1981 film Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure with all the hallmarks of the genre: a hero who doesn’t necessarily want to save the day, magic, and a truly impressive dragon named Vermithrax. The story centers on Galen, a young wizard’s apprentice, as he confronts the dragon threatening a kingdom. While the plot is simple and engaging with genuine tension, Dragonslayer has largely been forgotten. It was released around the same time as other popular fantasy films, didn’t perform well in theaters, and suffered from poor quality home video versions, all of which kept it from becoming a cultural touchstone.

What really stands out about Dragonslayer is its impressive visual effects for the time it was made. It’s a bit of a forgotten treasure, and fantasy fans should definitely revisit it. The film is refreshingly straightforward – it’s gritty, perilous, and delivers on its promises without pretense. It avoids overusing dialogue or romance, instead prioritizing genuine danger and high stakes. Above all, it captures a grand sense of adventure that’s often missing in today’s fantasy films. The world feels solid and believable, with everything working together seamlessly.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/best-fantasy-movies-still-need-tv-shows/embed/#

Read More

2025-11-09 20:16