The 10 Best Fantasy Movies Of the 2020s (So Far)

Fantasy is constantly evolving, and in the last ten years, it’s become clear that the genre doesn’t need to stick to old patterns. While the 2020s haven’t seen a huge number of new fantasy movies yet, the ones we’ve gotten have been impactful. Recent films have been more adventurous, offering everything from sprawling, unexpected epics to smaller, character-driven stories. They’ve embraced bolder visuals and more complex narratives, challenging audiences and experimenting with both grand spectacle and thought-provoking themes.

We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best fantasy films released in the 2020s. While many fantasy movies have come out, only a select few were genuinely great.

10) Barbie

The Barbie movie could have easily failed – making a live-action film about a doll, even one as famous as Barbie, was a big risk. Instead, it surprised everyone by taking the seemingly perfect world of Barbieland and turning it into a funny and thought-provoking crisis. The story focuses on Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) questioning her identity and purpose, and it’s this honest exploration that makes the movie so engaging. It’s a clever social commentary, but it doesn’t feel preachy. The film playfully examines ideas about beauty and gender roles, all wrapped up in a bright, colorful, and overwhelmingly pink visual style that quickly became a worldwide phenomenon.

The most captivating aspect of Barbie is its carefully constructed world – it feels complete, familiar, and original without falling into predictable fantasy tropes. The film successfully blends humor, excitement, and genuine emotion, delivering a meaningful message that resonates with audiences. What’s truly remarkable is how it connects with everyone without being condescending. While it’s not a grand spectacle, Barbie stands out as one of the best fantasy films in recent years because it has a clear vision: to be a fresh, upbeat, and character-focused addition to the genre.

9) Wonka

The movie Wonka is a truly charming fantasy film, especially for those who love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It tells the story of Willy Wonka (played by Timothée Chalamet) before he owned his famous chocolate factory, exploring how he became the magical figure we know. The film’s greatest strength is its wildly imaginative and colorful world, complete with Oompa-Loompas and wonderfully strange inventions that feel like they’ve come straight from a fairytale. The musical numbers add to the film’s enchanting and whimsical atmosphere.

I went into Wonka knowing it was going to be a visually stunning experience, and Timothée Chalamet really delivered! Honestly, the story itself isn’t the most complex thing ever, but that seems to be the point. It’s not trying to be a super serious, plot-heavy fantasy film. It’s all about creating a wonderfully weird world and just having fun with it. If you’re looking for a total escape – something charming and a little silly – you’ll absolutely love it. It’s meant to be pure entertainment, and for me, it really worked!

8) Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

The original Beetlejuice wasn’t just an important film for Tim Burton, it became a major part of pop culture. So, it was no surprise that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice drew a huge crowd. The new film is delightfully chaotic – the kind of movie you enjoy even when the story gets a little confusing. It follows Astrid (Jenna Ortega), Lydia’s daughter, as she navigates the strange world of the afterlife and deals with the troublesome ghost Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). It’s incredibly imaginative visually, offering moments unlike anything you’ve seen in other fantasy films. While Wonka is sweetly charming, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is wonderfully madcap – you embrace its craziness because that’s exactly what makes it fun.

The real magic of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice isn’t just its callbacks to the original, it’s how immediately it transports you back to that wonderfully strange and unpredictable world. Even though the story jumps around a bit, it’s consistently engaging because you’re always wondering what delightfully bizarre thing will happen next. Ultimately, the film succeeds because it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it isn’t overly concerned with making perfect sense. By the end, you’ll be laughing, pleasantly impressed, a little creeped out (in a good way), and hoping for another adventure.

7) Wicked

2024’s biggest blockbuster, Wicked, is a dazzling fantasy film designed to amaze viewers. It’s a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West (played by Cynthia Erivo), and Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande) before the events of the original story. Expect plenty of rivalry, friendship, and magical moments. As a musical, it’s exceptional, consistently delivering powerful emotions and a thrilling experience, especially towards the end. Combined with incredible costumes and set design, the film creates a truly magical and visually stunning world that’s easy to lose yourself in. It’s a spectacular cinematic experience.

The story of Wicked—based on the popular musical and novel—was so expansive that it needed to be told in two movies. Wicked: For Good delivers the emotional impact the first film established and effectively concludes the story, though it isn’t quite as tightly woven or emotionally powerful. The first Wicked film truly shines with its stunning visuals and grand scale, introducing audiences to this unique version of Oz. Like the movie Barbie, it became a huge cultural phenomenon, even sparking conversations about the future of movie musicals.

6) Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

If you’re hoping for a faithful Dungeons & Dragons movie, this is it! Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves centers on Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine) and his unlikely crew as they try to reclaim a stolen relic. It’s a quick-paced, enjoyable film filled with references that fans of the game will appreciate. But what really makes it work isn’t just the action and comedy – it truly captures what it feels like to play a tabletop RPG. Each character has a defined purpose, and the group dynamic feels authentic, with playful arguments, moments of conflict, strong teamwork, and unpredictable decisions. The action sequences are thrilling, the settings are diverse, and the magic feels integrated without being over-the-top.

The film cleverly uses familiar fantasy tropes without feeling uninspired. The main character isn’t your typical hero—he’s likable, imperfect, and a bit of a trickster. The villains are motivated, but still exaggerated enough to keep things fun and lighthearted. Ultimately, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves delivers exactly what you’d expect: a classic fantasy adventure that makes you want to be part of the world. It appeals to both RPG fans and newcomers alike—players will be inspired to start a new campaign, while those unfamiliar with the game will find themselves wanting to learn more.

5) Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Everyone loves Shrek, and its success paved the way for Puss in Boots. The new film, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, takes things in a surprisingly deeper direction. It follows Puss as he grapples with his own mortality and fear of death, all while still delivering plenty of hilarious moments. What really makes this movie special is its stunning visual style – the animation is incredibly detailed and vibrant, creating a truly immersive cinematic experience that feels almost touchable, even for a kids’ film.

What’s really impressive about this fantasy film is how well-developed the characters are, which makes you genuinely invested in the story. It’s rare to find an animated film aimed at younger audiences that evokes such real emotion. Unlike many animated fantasies that rely only on being cute or funny, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish carefully crafts its story to deepen Puss’s emotional journey – and it feels completely natural. You’ll experience a full spectrum of feelings because the story is surprisingly complex and mature, all while still being charming, funny, and a lot of fun.

4) How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

The live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon has been well-received by fans of the animated films because it captures the spirit of the original trilogy. It delivers everything you’d hope for in a grand fantasy adventure: impressive dragons, brave Vikings, and exciting, beautifully filmed aerial fights. The film tells the story of young Hiccup (Mason Thames) as he learns to bond with dragons and discover who he is. It’s a heartwarming story about growing up, building trust, and the power of friendship, but it also feels fresh and modern. The movie effectively balances emotional moments with humor, and the problems the characters face are resolved in satisfying ways that aren’t just about magic or fighting.

What sets the live-action How to Train Your Dragon apart as one of the best fantasy films of the 2020s is its consistent focus. It expertly balances exciting action with genuine emotional moments, and while the visual effects are stunning, they always enhance the story rather than distract from it. Many fans consider this adaptation to be just as good as the original animated film, and even newcomers to the story find themselves completely captivated. Ultimately, it demonstrates that a well-made, classic fantasy formula can still succeed, even in a decade filled with attempts to reinvent the genre.

3) Encanto

With an Oscar win under its belt, Encanto has become a beloved animated film for good reason. It doesn’t portray magic as something far-off, but integrates it seamlessly into the daily lives of the Madrigal family, reflecting their feelings and struggles. The story centers on Mirabel, the only Madrigal without a magical gift, as she works to save the magic that sustains her family and community. The film then creates a vibrant, musical world brimming with personality, all while staying grounded in relatable family dynamics and the individual insecurities each member faces.

What truly makes Encanto special is its ability to explore relatable, universal themes—like identity, responsibility, and the pressures we face—through a fantastical story, without feeling preachy. Each family member’s magical gift represents these ideas, and the film honestly portrays how maintaining a perfect image can create cracks within a family. While the vibrant animation and catchy songs are captivating, the story always centers on genuine emotions. Ultimately, Encanto demonstrates that a film doesn’t need to be grand in scale to be meaningful—it simply needs to be heartfelt.

2) Soul

Even though it’s been out for a while, people still love talking about the Pixar movie Soul. It really resonated with audiences because it bravely explores difficult topics like death and what happens afterward. The film follows Joe Gardner, a musician who’s both dedicated and a little discouraged. After an accident, he finds himself caught between life and death, and needs to discover his true self before he can return to his life. The fantastical world of “The Great Before” allows the movie to explore big questions—like finding your purpose, following your passions, dealing with failure, and the pressure to succeed—in a way that feels imaginative and thought-provoking.

While the movie uses fantasy elements, at its heart, Soul explores the common human experience of searching for purpose in daily life. It tackles deep themes with intelligence, skillfully translating complex ideas into relatable and moving scenes. Despite its simple visual style and symbolic imagery, the film remains easy to understand, aided by well-placed humor. It’s essentially a movie for adults presented as a children’s animated film, and it encourages viewers to think about their own lives and appreciate the little things.

1) The Green Knight

As a fantasy fan, I have to say this is one of the best fantasy films of the last few years, but it’s definitely not for everyone – and that’s perfectly okay! In fact, that’s kind of the whole idea. The Green Knight isn’t trying to be a blockbuster; it’s a deliberately slow, atmospheric, and sometimes disturbing film that really makes you feel something. It’s not your typical movie experience. The story follows Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, as he accepts a dangerous quest from the enigmatic Green Knight. What follows is a series of strange encounters that feel like tests, forcing Gawain – and honestly, the viewer – to confront some difficult truths about himself. It’s less about what happens and more about who Gawain is becoming along the way.

This isn’t your typical fantasy story. Instead of grand adventures, The Green Knight offers a strange, thoughtful, and dreamlike experience, filled with symbolism and quiet moments. The film creates a captivating, mysterious world, but doesn’t offer easy explanations – and that’s its strength. Unlike most fantasies that focus on escape, this one encourages you to think about growing up, being brave, and taking responsibility. The scenes aren’t designed to simply entertain; they’re meant to make you question and consider. It’s a bold and unusual film, and definitely worth watching just to see something different.

Have you watched any of these films? Let us know which one is your favorite! Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum.

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2025-12-08 01:16