10 Fantasy Movies That Are 10/10 From Start To Finish

Some fantasy movies are truly exceptional, captivating audiences from beginning to end. This is especially noteworthy because the fantasy genre is so broad, covering many different kinds of stories. While someone who enjoys gritty, dark fantasy might not be a fan of lighter, adventure-based fantasy, the very best films generally appeal to a wide range of viewers.

Fantasy movies often feature magic, heroes, and creatures, but this wide range of stories doesn’t appeal to everyone. When a fantasy film does connect with audiences, however, it can become a truly unforgettable classic, maintaining its quality throughout.

Coraline (2009)

Image by Everett Collection

In 2009, Henry Selick directed the stop-motion animated film Coraline, a fantasy horror that is now considered a landmark achievement for Laika Studios. The movie, adapted from Neil Gaiman’s novel, tells the story of Coraline, a young girl who moves with her family to a new town and an unusual old house.

The movie begins with Coraline feeling lonely and neglected in her new house, as her parents are very busy. She then discovers a secret doorway leading to an alternate world where the Other Mother offers her everything she feels is missing in her life. Ultimately, the film explores the idea that people don’t truly appreciate what they have until it’s gone.

Coraline is a captivating story that immediately draws you in and doesn’t let go. It follows a young girl who seems to have everything she needs, but believes something better might be out there. The fantastical and spooky events in the story cleverly show her – and us – just how good her life actually is, and why it’s important to appreciate it while she can.

Ladyhawke (1985)

Ladyhawke is a truly special movie that deserves more recognition. Released in 1985, it’s arguably the best fairy tale film ever made and remains remarkably enjoyable today. It easily stands alongside classics like The Princess Bride as a flawlessly told story from beginning to end.

What sets Ladyhawke apart is its gradual reveal of a fantastical world. The movie begins as a medieval adventure with a man, Phillippe, breaking out of prison, and slowly unveils the magical elements at play.

Featuring stars like Rutger Hauer, Matthew Broderick, and Michelle Pfeiffer, and directed by the talented Richard Donner (known for films like Superman and The Goonies), this movie is a cherished favorite for those who remember the ’80s—and it’s well worth watching for a new generation too.

Labyrinth (1986)

What I love about Labyrinth is how it flips the usual fairy tale on its head – it’s Sarah, the main character, who’s actually creating the fantastical world around her. When you really look at her bedroom, it’s clear that all the creatures and challenges she faces are inspired by things she has right there at home. It’s a really clever way to make the fantasy feel personal and connected to her own imagination.

But the journey itself is what makes this Jim Henson film – written by Terry Jones of Monty Python – so enjoyable. Every moment is a delight, from the incredible creatures brought to life by Henson’s studio to David Bowie’s captivating performance as the Goblin King. It’s a truly magical adventure.

Every second of the film feels purposeful, from the very beginning – when Sarah expresses her wish for the Goblin King to take her little brother – to the satisfying conclusion where she bravely saves him.

Stardust (2007)

In 2007, Matthew Vaughn directed a fantastic, though often overlooked, fantasy film called Stardust, which was based on a novel by Neil Gaiman. The movie follows a young man named Tristan who vows to retrieve a fallen star for the woman he loves, only to discover the star is actually a woman herself.

After Tristan discovers a fallen star, he must protect her from witches who want to steal her power to stay young. The movie is a delightful fairy tale adventure, filled with wonderful acting – Robert De Niro even delivers a surprisingly charming performance.

Though it doesn’t get as much attention as Coraline, the fantasy film Stardust is just as well-made, and it shows that director Matthew Vaughn could easily return to making fantasy movies if he ever wants a break from the Kingsman series.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

I first got hooked on Laika with Coraline, it was amazing! But honestly, Kubo and the Two Strings blew me away even more. It’s a beautiful animated film set in old Japan, and it tells the story of this young boy who can bring his origami creations to life with magic to share incredible stories.

Kubo’s peaceful life is shattered when his cruel aunts attack his home. His mother manages to send him away to safety before sacrificing herself to protect him. When he awakens, a magical monkey statue comes to life and guides him, and a samurai warrior, cursed to live as a beetle, appears to offer his protection.

This animated movie consistently ranks among the best of the 21st century, thanks to its flawlessly crafted story. It beautifully tells the tale of a young boy’s journey of self-discovery and his fight to forge his own destiny as a warrior.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Widely considered the most famous fantasy film ever made, The Wizard of Oz is a musical that follows a young woman’s journey from her ordinary, black-and-white life in Kansas to the vibrant land of Oz. There, she makes friends and must protect herself from the evil Wicked Witch of the West.

Released 87 years ago, The Wizard of Oz remains a beloved classic. Its enduring popularity led to the creation of Wicked, a hugely successful stage musical and later adaptation that retells the story from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Despite numerous remakes and sequels, the original Wizard of Oz remains a shining example of fantasy filmmaking. It’s a beautifully crafted story that stands on its own and feels complete from beginning to end.

Spirited Away (2001)

Many fans consider Hayao Miyazaki a genius when it comes to creating fantastic anime. And when you watch Spirited Away, it’s easy to see why – it’s possibly one of the greatest anime films of all time, consistently excellent from beginning to end.

This enchanting fairy tale centers on a young girl whose life is turned upside down when a witch kidnaps her parents and transforms them into pigs. She must then complete a series of incredibly difficult challenges to rescue them, ultimately discovering her true self along the way.

Spirited Away is still released in theaters on special engagements 25 years after its release. Once the highest-grossing Japanese film in history, this is one anime that lives up to its reputation.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark fantasy movie that is often a hard watch. However, it’s more than worth watching as it tells the story of a young girl who lives in the horrors of the Spanish Civil War and tries to find a fantasy world to escape. However, she finds the horrors there are equal, if not deadlier, than the world she escaped from.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth is widely considered a masterpiece, and many believe it’s his finest Spanish-language film. Del Toro skillfully connects the brutality of war with the terrors of a fantastical underworld, populated by wonderfully imaginative and frightening creatures – a hallmark of his work.

This movie isn’t easy to watch – it doesn’t offer simple solutions, and the ending is truly satisfying only if you understand the deeper meanings within the story. But for viewers who connect with those themes, it’s a fantastic film, and one of the best in the fantasy genre.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is widely considered to be among the greatest fantasy films ever created. The first film, Fellowship of the Ring, has even been hailed as one of the best movies of the 21st century. While it’s a fantastic movie, some viewers found the pacing slow due to a lot of travel scenes.

The final film, The Return of the King, was a truly exceptional conclusion to the series. It featured a massive battle, the destruction of the ring, and the ultimate defeat of evil. The film was brilliantly crafted from beginning to end, with unexpected moments that kept audiences engaged.

The film received well-deserved acclaim, winning more Oscars than any other in the original trilogy – it swept the awards show, winning all 11 categories it was nominated in. These wins included prestigious awards like Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride is often considered a flawless fantasy film. It begins with a grandfather reading a story to his ill grandson – a tale about a pirate who embarks on a quest to rescue a kidnapped princess.

The cast of The Princess Bride is fantastic, featuring some of the most beloved characters in fantasy film history. Cary Elwes is charming as Westley, Mandy Patinkin delivers endlessly quotable lines as Inigo Montoya, and Wallace Shawn is hilarious as the somewhat clueless villain. Andre the Giant also gives a surprisingly great performance.

Once simply a well-loved family fantasy, The Princess Bride has grown into a true cinematic masterpiece. Its significance was recognized in 2016 with its inclusion in the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry, and it’s now available as part of the prestigious Criterion Collection.

2026-01-11 01:35