5 Fantasy Movies From the 1980s That Are a Perfect 10/10

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As a huge fantasy fan, I always think about the 80s as a really special time for the genre. It felt like a bridge between the wild, dreamlike fantasy of the 70s and the more historically-focused stories that became popular in the 90s. It took everything great about those earlier styles and then pushed things forward. And honestly, looking back, there were so many amazing fantasy books and stories just waiting to be adapted for the screen – stories that weren’t afraid to get a little bit darker and more complex than what audiences had seen before.

Despite not always being massive blockbusters, plenty of great fantasy films emerged across different styles, and some even became huge hits. While the films on this list didn’t reach the absolute highest levels of success, they’re all wonderfully made and demonstrate why fantasy remains a popular and timeless genre in movies, TV, and books.

5) The Last Unicorn

Considered a classic animated film, The Last Unicorn tells the story of a unicorn (voiced by Mia Farrow) who goes on a quest to find out if she’s the last of her species. Along the way, she’s joined by Schmendrick, a somewhat inept magician, and Molly Grue, a disillusioned kitchen worker. Their journey leads them to confront King Haggard (Christopher Lee) and his terrifying Red Bull. The movie is visually and narratively beautiful, and it has resonated with audiences over time, remaining impactful for many years. As critic Britt Hayes puts it, what sets The Last Unicorn apart from other animated films is its “fearlessness,” appealing to a wide range of viewers with its fantasy, imagination, and heartfelt story.

4) Kiki’s Delivery Service

Though not a typical fantasy adventure, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a wonderfully cozy and comforting film, and one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved classics. It tells the story of 13-year-old Kiki, a young witch who moves to a new city for a year to gain independence – with the help of her talking cat, Jiji. After mastering her flying skills, Kiki starts a delivery service and quickly becomes a valued part of the community. With its beautiful animation, the movie feels like a magical storybook, and its timeless message about staying true to yourself continues to resonate. While it doesn’t feature grand battles or powerful magic, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a lasting fantasy film that will likely be enjoyed for generations.

3) The Neverending Story

Almost everyone has heard of The Neverending Story – even if it’s just from the memorable theme song performance in Stranger Things. The movie follows Bastian, a boy who escapes bullies by hiding in a bookstore and discovering the book The Neverending Story. As he reads, he’s drawn into the world of Fantasia, a magical land being consumed by a destructive force called The Nothing. Fantasia needs a human child to survive, and Bastian begins to suspect he’s part of the story. While the special effects might not look as impressive today, the puppetry and animatronics were truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on many viewers. Ultimately, The Neverending Story is a captivating and charming fantasy that remains endearing and imaginative.

2) The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride is a truly exceptional fantasy movie, boasting a fantastic cast and the charming, adventurous spirit of a classic fairytale. The story follows Buttercup and her true love, Westley, who are torn apart before fate brings them together again as Buttercup is forced into an unwanted marriage with the cruel Prince Humperdink. It’s rare to find a film as genuinely touching and imaginative as The Princess Bride, which explains its lasting popularity. Packed with pirates, sword fights, witches, and princesses, it truly offers everything a fantasy fan could desire.

1) Ladyhawke

It’s a shame that Ladyhawke isn’t talked about more, as it’s a truly captivating medieval fantasy film that deserves recognition. The story follows Captain Etienne Navarre (Rutger Hauer) and Isabeau d’Anjou (Michelle Pfeiffer), who are cursed by a sorcerer: he turns into a wolf at night, and she becomes a hawk during the day. This prevents them from ever being together in human form, all while a cruel bishop tries to take Isabeau for himself. Their hope for breaking the curse lies with Phillipe Gaston (Matthew Broderick), a young thief fresh out of prison. Ladyhawke is a magical and adventurous romance – the kind of story you’d expect from an opera or gothic novel. It really does have everything, making it one of the best fantasy films ever made.

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2026-03-23 21:15