10 Best Fantasy Movies of the 21st Century, Ranked

To be considered one of the greatest movies of the 21st century, a film needs a strong magical system, compelling characters, and a fully realized world. Though the 1980s gave us classics like Labyrinth, Willow, and The NeverEnding Story, there are still some truly amazing fantasy films being made today.

As a film buff, I always think about how much movies have changed. There was a time before everything was done with computers, but great storytelling and characters that really stick with you? That never goes out of style. Thinking about fantasy films from the 2000s and beyond, which ones truly stand out as the best of the best? Which ones haven’t been topped yet?

Stardust’s Magical Cast Delivers a Delightful Fantasy Adventure

The 2007 film Stardust is a fantasy adventure that transports viewers to the magical kingdom of Stormhold. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who co-wrote the script with Jane Goldman, the movie features a charming world where stars literally fall to Earth as people, and candles can take you anywhere you imagine.

Stardust is a captivating film that blends fantasy, comedy, classic fairy tales, and romance. It’s visually beautiful and features delightfully wicked villains. The movie boasts an amazing cast, including stars like Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Ian McKellen, Rupert Everett, Robert De Niro, and Sienna Miller. Though it currently has a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Stardust remains a charming and heartwarming fantasy film.

Choose Honor or Try to Cheat Death in The Green Knight

Based on the classic poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the 2021 film The Green Knight is a visually stunning fantasy adventure. Directed by David Lowery (known for Pete’s Dragon and Mother Mary), the movie explores big questions about honor, destiny, and what happens when we die. It asks whether seeking glory and wealth is truly worthwhile. With an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a film many are recommending you experience.

Dev Patel stars as Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, in this new film, alongside Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris, and Ralph Ineson. This version of the Arthurian legend is a bit slower-paced than many others, focusing more on developing the characters than on constant action. However, the film’s stunning visuals and hauntingly beautiful music more than make up for it.

The Colors and Textures in Coraline Are Masterful

Henry Selick has a knack for creating unsettling experiences using stop-motion animation. His 2009 film, Coraline, tells the story of an 11-year-old girl who discovers a hidden door leading to a strange, alternate world. Initially, Coraline is thrilled because the versions of her family and friends in this Other World seem better than the ones she knows. However, she quickly learns that this new world isn’t as wonderful as it appears.

Coraline is a visually and aurally stunning film with a beautifully eerie soundtrack. The stark difference between the two worlds depicted is captivating, and the animation is truly gorgeous. It currently boasts a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is the kind of movie that reveals new layers with every viewing.

Coraline is a perfect starting point for anyone getting into horror. The villain, The Other Mother, is genuinely frightening, and you’ll find yourself strangely worried about The Other Father. Be warned: you’ll never look at buttons or dark doorways the same way again!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Marked a Turning Point in the Wizarding World

The first two Harry Potter films are fun and lighthearted. But with the third movie, as the characters enter their teenage years, the tone becomes significantly darker. Director Alfonso Cuarón, known for films like A Little Princess and Great Expectations, created a moodier and more intense atmosphere at Hogwarts. Despite this darker turn, the film remains critically acclaimed, boasting a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The darker themes in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban—like the introduction of the Dementors, Harry dealing with his anger, and the threat of Sirius Black—led to a more muted and serious visual style. This film marks a turning point in the series, as director Alfonso Cuarón crafted a world that mirrored the characters’ emotional struggles. Fans love this installment for how it differs from the first two movies, particularly its distinctive music and cinematography.

The Shape of Water Masters Emotional Connections

Look, if Doug Jones is in a fantasy film playing some kind of strange, unforgettable character – and let’s be honest, it’s usually the case – you’re already halfway to a great movie. That’s definitely true with Guillermo del Toro’s 2017 film, The Shape of Water. Jones is incredible as the Amphibian Man, this captivating creature held captive and tormented by a truly nasty colonel. It’s a beautiful, dark romance, and del Toro has openly talked about drawing inspiration from classic monster movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon to create this unique story.

The film is both beautiful to look at and captivating. It gained considerable recognition, receiving over 260 nominations and winning 91 awards, including four Oscars. With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie challenges our traditional understanding of monsters. A particularly clever aspect is the silence between Elisa, portrayed by Sally Hawkins, and the Amphibian Man, which powerfully highlights the importance of communication in all its forms.

When a movie relies on visuals instead of dialogue, the music becomes even more crucial. Alexandre Desplat’s score beautifully tells the story in this film, and he received numerous accolades for it, including an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Brings Adventure to the Horizon

Captain Jack Sparrow has become a truly iconic pirate, arguably since One-Eyed Willy from The Goonies. The character first sailed onto the screen in the 2003 film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, which was based on the popular Disney theme park ride. The action-adventure movie, boasting a 79% score on Rotten Tomatoes, introduced memorable characters and plenty of funny, quotable moments.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl stars Johnny Depp as the charismatic Captain Jack Sparrow and Orlando Bloom as Will Turner, who team up to save Keira Knightley’s character, Elizabeth Swann. Depp’s performance is particularly memorable, and the entire cast delivers a captivating performance. With an unforgettable soundtrack and exciting action, the film’s two-hour-and-thirty-minute runtime feels surprisingly fast.

How to Train Your Dragon Teaches Empathy and Self-Acceptance

Ever recreated the heartwarming moment from How to Train Your Dragon where Hiccup gently touches Toothless’s face with your pet? If not, what are you waiting for? This 2010 film brings together Vikings and mythical dragons in the village of Berk. Inspired by the books of Cressida Cowell, it’s a touching story about a young boy who feels like an outsider and a dragon who is all alone.

The screenplay, penned by Dean DeBlois (known for Lilo & Stitch and the How to Train Your Dragon films), Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, The Wild Robot), and William Davies (Twins, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile), is genuinely touching. It beautifully portrays the bond between Hiccup and Toothless and is sure to lift your spirits. With a stellar 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a truly exceptional film, especially the first time you see Hiccup and Toothless soar through the sky together – it’s a powerfully emotional moment.

Spirited Away Wants You to Discover Your Inner Strength

Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 animated film, Spirited Away, is widely considered one of the greatest fantasy movies ever made. It beautifully encourages viewers to be curious and find the good in difficult situations. Known for its complex storytelling (Miyazaki also directed Ponyo and The Boy and the Heron), Spirited Away skillfully weaves together many different elements without feeling overwhelming.

Chihiro and her parents accidentally wander into an empty resort, but things take a strange turn when her parents are transformed into pigs. Now, Chihiro has to team up with spirits and other magical creatures to try and change her parents back to normal.

The animation in Spirited Away is incredibly detailed, and its story about growing up appeals to both children and adults. While a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is great, winning 32 out of 37 award nominations is even more remarkable. Beyond being a story of personal growth, the film also highlights important environmental themes, such as how human actions impact nature and the habitats of animals as we continue to build and develop.

Pan’s Labyrinth is a Genre-Defining Dark Fantasy Movie

Many people initially thought of Pan’s Labyrinth as a children’s movie when it was released. However, this 2006 film is actually a dark and fantastical war story set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Europe, weaving historical accuracy with a magical quest. It’s another beautifully crafted fantasy from director Guillermo del Toro, and it received over 100 award nominations, winning three Oscars.

Guillermo del Toro used computer-generated imagery in the film, but prioritized real-world effects like puppets, prosthetics, and makeup to make the fantastical setting feel authentic. With a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear these efforts were successful. The film also explores powerful themes – the monstrous side of humanity, the strength of imagination, and the importance of sacrifice – offering valuable lessons for adult viewers.

Despite what the title might imply, this isn’t a film for children. While it’s visually stunning, some creatures, like the Pale Man (played by Doug Jones, who often works with the director), are genuinely frightening. Pan’s Labyrinth is a truly memorable and emotionally powerful movie.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Has the Most Pure Friendships

While over 150 award nominations don’t definitively make The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring the best fantasy film of the 21st century, they certainly support that idea. Though its 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes could be even better, Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1954 novel was truly remarkable.

New Zealand’s stunning scenery played a huge part in creating the world of Middle-earth. Combining real-life effects with cutting-edge computer graphics vividly brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories to the screen. It’s easy to see why The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring remains a fan favorite, even 25 years later.

The strong friendships between the characters felt very real on screen, making you feel like the fantastical creatures and races were actually in your home. You quickly become invested in these characters and their journey, and the bond you form with Sam, Frodo, and the rest of the Fellowship will stay with you long after the story ends.

2026-06-05 16:14