Children’s live-action fantasy movies are some of the most popular within the genre among audiences of all ages. Just because a film is meant for kids doesn’t mean it won’t connect with adults or prove to be a classic in the decades to come. Darker themes and elements are a key part of any children’s story, and many of these films are so highly rated and well remembered because they take kids and their opinions seriously. Incorporating scary moments and more mature themes within a safe story is a great way to connect with younger audiences and convey deeper messages.
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Despite it being considered a more kid-friendly genre, there are plenty of animated movies that are pretty dark, demonstrating how versatile the medium is. Similarly, live-action can prove to be just as magical and immersive as animation, creating innovative sets and creatures with practical movie sets that aren’t CGI. While animation makes magic possible in many instances, the performances of actors get to shine in live-action. In all of these films, the acting is what elevates the project and makes the characters so compelling. Viewers identify with the people they see onscreen and feel seen in the stories they tell.
10 Labyrinth (1986)
Directed by Jim Henson
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8.3/10 Labyrinth PGFantasyFamilyAdventureMusical
Directed by Jim Henson and written by Monty Python’s Terry Jones, Labyrinth stars Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a teenage girl whose accidental wish that her baby brother be taken by the Goblin King results in an epic quest to save the baby from the King through a vast labyrinth, accompanied by its inhabitants. David Bowie also stars as Jareth, the Goblin King, and many of the characters are played by puppets created by Henson.
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*Availability in US Director Jim Henson Release Date June 27, 1986 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Terry Jones Cast Christopher Malcolm , Toby Froud , Shelley Thompson , Jennifer Connelly , David Bowie Runtime 101 minutes Expand
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Labyrinth is a fantasy movie that’s pretty dark, with stakes that feel real and urgent when rewatching the classic film today. Starring Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a young girl who gets trapped in the mystical maze of the Goblin king, Jareth (David Bowie), Labyrinth puts Sarah in many dangerous situations. However, thanks to the work of the director, Jim Henson, the practical effects and stylization of the project are eternally memorable.
Labyrinth
and other works by the Henson Company have been highly influential in defining the aesthetics of 1980s fantasy films.
While the dynamic between Jareth and Sarah can get a little uncomfortable in Labyrinth, this doesn’t detract from the strongest elements of the movie. Labyrinth and other works by the Henson Company have been highly influential in defining the aesthetics of 1980s fantasy films. However, there’s more to recommend Labyrinth than the way it looks. At its heart, Labyrinth blends the coming-of-age genre with a fantastical journey of love and acceptance, making it universally relatable.
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
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Labyrinth (1986) |
77% |
86% |
Related 15 Iconic Fantasy Movie Quotes That Are Instantly Recognizable
These famous fantasy movie quotes are instantly recognized by anyone who hears them, reminding people of grand adventure and magic found in movies.
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9 Peter Pan (2003)
Directed by P.J. Hogan
Peter Pan PGFantasyAdventureFamily
Peter Pan (2003) is an adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale directed by P.J. Hogan. Jeremy Sumpter stars as Peter Pan, who whisks Wendy Darling, played by Rachel Hurd-Wood, and her brothers to the enchanted world of Neverland. Jason Isaacs portrays the dual roles of Mr. Darling and the malevolent Captain Hook. This film showcases the adventures and conflicts in a land where children never grow up.
Director P.J. Hogan Release Date December 25, 2003 Writers J.M. Barrie , P.J. Hogan , Michael Goldenberg Cast Jeremy Sumpter , Jason Isaacs , Olivia Williams , Lynn Redgrave , Rachel Hurd-Wood , Richard Briers , Geoffrey Palmer , Harry Newell Runtime 113 Minutes
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Though some of the effects and plot points in the 2003 adaptation of Peter Pan are dated, it’s one of the few movies that captures the spirit of the classic novel so well. Featuring performances from fantastic actors like Jason Isaacs and Olivia Williams, Peter Pan feels as if it sprung straight from a child’s imagination. Through the vivid colors and expert world-building, it doesn’t take long for the viewer to want to stay in Neverland. However, Peter Pan isn’t afraid to show the darker parts of the story as well.
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Peter Pan is unabashedly romantic and leans into its fairy tale roots, which come through in the look and feel of the world. The bittersweet ending of the story hits home in the film’s final act, creating a strong emotional appeal to the audience. What Peter Pan gets right about the narrative and universe where other adaptations fail is in the way it treats Peter (Jeremy Sumpter) and the other children so seriously, understanding that their feelings are real and important.
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Peter Pan (2003) |
77% |
74% |
8 Jumanji (1995)
Directed by Joe Johnston
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9.3/10 Jumanji PGActionAdventureComedy
Jumanji is an action-adventure comedy film by director Joe Johnston and starring Robin Williams. Two orphan siblings move into a home occupied by the former Parrish family, whose son disappeared years ago. When the two start playing a mysterious board game known as “Jumanji,” they unknowingly release the missing Alan Parrish later, along with various other jungle-themed dangers that can only be stopped if they finish the game.
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*Availability in US Director Joe Johnston Release Date December 15, 1995 Studio(s) TriStar Pictures , Interscope Communications Writers Jonathan Hensleigh , Greg Taylor , Jim Strain Cast Robin Williams , Kirsten Dunst , David Alan Grier , Bonnie Hunt , Jonathan Hyde , Bebe Neuwirth Runtime 104 Minutes Expand
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Starring Robin Williams as Alan, the man trapped inside the titular game in Jumanji, the movie inspired a whole spinoff franchise. While these updated films are fun, nothing can beat the original Jumanji, which packs an emotional punch in addition to its visually engaging story. Williams’ performance as Alan is both funny and tragic, as the audience feels deeply for this poor character who has been trapped in the game for years and lost everything.
There’s no question that without Williams,
Jumanji
wouldn’t be half as good and as well remembered today.
There’s no question that without Williams, Jumanji wouldn’t be half as good and as well remembered today. Jumanji initially received mixed reviews, but that hasn’t stopped it from remaining culturally relevant. While there are scary elements, there’s something familiar and universal about playing a board game and finding that the players’ imaginations have started to run wild. Though the happy ending wraps up the story neatly, it’s well-deserved and a classic feel-good conclusion.
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
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Jumanji (1995) |
52% |
63% |
7 Matilda (1996)
Directed by Danny DeVito
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8/10 Matilda rFamilyComedy
Matilda is the 1996 live-action movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel of the same name. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a child prodigy who develops telekinetic powers while dealing with her abusive family and her school’s dictatorial principal Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris) with the help of her teacher Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz). Danny DeVito directs the film and plays Matilda’s father, Harry.
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*Availability in US Director Danny DeVito Release Date June 28, 1996 Studio(s) Sony Writers Robin Swicord Cast Danny DeVito , Mara Wilson , Pam Ferris Runtime 98minutes Expand
Bringing the work of Roald Dahl to life is no easy task, but Matilda is one of the most successful adaptations of his work. Based on Dahl’s 1988 novel, Matilda is a celebration of children who feel a little different and shows that there’s something magical and important inside them. Matilda’s (Mara Wilson) wisdom and abilities are brilliantly expressed in Matilda, which matches the whimsy and outlandish nature of Dahl’s book while making the audience care about the characters.
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Miss Trunchball (Pam Ferris) is one of the best villains in any children’s movie, sparking genuine fear in the audience while maintaining the sense of humor required for the role. Danny DeVito directed the project while also starring as Matilda’s father and proved that he’s just as skilled behind the camera as in front of it. Despite her many hardships, Matilda’s kindness and strength inspire the audience to face their bullies and be the best versions of themselves.
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Matilda (1996) |
92% |
73% |
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6 Enchanted (2007)
Directed by Kevin Lima
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7/10 Enchanted PGAnimationRomanceComedyFantasyMusicalFamily
Starring Amy Adams as Giselle, Enchanted follows its heroine as she is cast out of her animated fantasy world by an evil queen, ending up in the middle of New York City where she meets Robert, a jaded lawyer who reluctantly takes the clueless Giselle in. As Giselle begins to adjust to life in the real world, and her relationship with Robert deepens, she must reconcile what she thought she wanted with where life has taken her. Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and Susan Sarandon also star.
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*Availability in US Director Kevin Lima Release Date November 21, 2007 Studio(s) Disney Writers Bill Kelly Cast Patrick Dempsey , Amy Adams , Timothy Spall , Susan Sarandon , Idina Menzel , James Marsden Runtime 107 minutes Expand
Enchanted proves that a children’s movie can be subversive and satirical while also having a lot of heart. Amy Adams leads the cast as Giselle, the animated princess who gets transported into the harsh realities of the live-action world. Through this framework, Enchanted gets to play with the tropes and unrealistic story elements of classic Disney fairytales, but the movie doesn’t give up on true love. Watching Giselle assert her independence and free will while holding on to her idealism is inspiring.
In every scene, it’s obvious that the actors are enjoying themselves, and this encourages the audience to do the same.
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Patrick Dempsey does a great job playing the straight-man to Adams’ outlandish portrayal of Giselle, while James Marsden and the other residents of the fairy tale realm get to have tons of fun onscreen. In every scene, it’s obvious that the actors are enjoying themselves, and this encourages the audience to do the same. Enchanted is a movie-musical everyone can enjoy, as it pokes fun at the genre and uses its musical numbers playfully, while also making them well-performed and choreographed.
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Enchanted (2007) |
93% |
80% |
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5 Bridge To Terabithia (2007)
Directed by Gábor Csupó
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7/10 Bridge to Terabithia PGDramaFantasy
Bridge to Terabithia is an adaptation of the novel by Katherine Paterson which follows a group of children with challenging backgrounds who create their own fantasy realm to escape from the troubles of life.
Director Gabor Csupo Release Date February 16, 2007 Studio(s) Walden Media Writers David L. Paterson , Jeff Stockwell Cast Josh Hutcherson , AnnaSophia Robb , Robert Patrick , Zooey Deschanel Runtime 95 Minutes Expand
Bridge to Terabithia is one of the most devastating children’s novels of all time, and the film adaptation makes the events even more tangible. Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robbdden star as the two young friends who imagine/discover the magical world of Terabithia within the forest. Both looking to escape something in their lives, they create a perfect and exciting world just for the two of them. However, it’s easy for things to get in the way of their hidden universe.
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Though there are bullies and monsters both outside Terabithia and within, the story encourages audiences to see the best in people and realize that it’s impossible to know what’s happening in someone’s home life. Jess (Hutcherson), is quick to judge others and make decisions about them before he knows them at the start of the movie. However, Bridge to Terabithia sees him and the audience learn to give others grace for their mistakes, as well as oneself.
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Bridge to Terabithia (2007) |
85% |
70% |
4 The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
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6/10 The Neverending Story PGFantasyFamilyAdventureDrama
Based on the German novel of the same name, The NeverEnding Story centers on Bastian Bux, a young boy who finds a book about a fantasy world called Fantasia, and becomes inexplicably connected to the book’s plot as he begins to read it. Barret Oliver stars as Bastian, with Noah Hathaway, Tami Stronach, and Alan Oppenheimer as part of the main cast.
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*Availability in US Director Wolfgang Petersen Release Date July 20, 1984 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Herman Weigel , Wolfgang Petersen Cast Patricia Hayes , Noah Hathaway , Barret Oliver , Sydney Bromley , Gerald McRaney , Tami Stronach Runtime 94 minutes Expand
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The NeverEnding Story is based on the iconic novel of the same name by Michael Ende, but has transcended its roots and is one of the best-known children’s movies of all time. Using puppetry, massive set pieces, and practical effects, The NeverEnding Story takes the viewer and the protagonist, Bastian (Barret Oliver), on an epic quest that teaches them about overcoming grief and accepting oneself. Though Bastain attempts to escape his circumstances by reading the book in The NeverEnding Story, he really comes face to face with himself.
The NeverEnding Story
tells him that Bastian himself is the hero he’s been waiting for, and that he has the power to uplift himself from his circumstances.
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However, The NeverEnding Story tells him that Bastian himself is the hero he’s been waiting for, and that he has the power to uplift himself from his circumstances. This isn’t to say that The NeverEnding Story doesn’t have its moments of darkness, as there is significant loss and sacrifice throughout the film that will bring a tear to any viewer’s eye. Though there are plans for a remake of The NeverEnding Story, it will be difficult to one-up the original.
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The NeverEnding Story (1984) |
84% |
81% |
3 Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)
Directed by Mel Stuart
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10/10 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory GFamilyMusicalFantasy
Based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory stars Gene Wilder as the titular eccentric candymaker who invites five children into his mysterious factory to show them how he creates his popular candies. The film mostly follows Charlie Bucket, a young boy from a poor family who miraculously wins one of the five Golden Tickets that allows him access to Wonka’s factory tour.
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*Availability in US Director Mel Stuart Release Date June 30, 1971 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Roald Dahl Cast Jack Albertson , gene wilder , Peter Ostrum , Denise Nickerson , Julie Dawn Cole Runtime 100 minutes Expand
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There will never be as synonymous an actor with the role of Willy Wonka as Gene Wilder, and though there have been plenty of other fun iterations of the story, the 1971 version is often singled out as the best. Like many other great children’s fantasy films, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a musical, but it’s a much darker and surreal take on the genre than viewers might expect. However, this edge is what sets the movie apart from the other offerings and has helped it age so well over the years.
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Imagination is a key feature of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and is something that the candy-maker sings about himself. There are aspects of the movie that are slightly unnerving, but this lends itself to the overall atmosphere and makes Wonka an ephermal figure that the characters can’t quite pin down. However, it’s Charlie (Peter Ostrum) that the audience relates to the most as he’s taken on an incredible journey, but never strays from his morals.
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Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) |
92% |
87% |
2 The Princess Bride (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
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9.3/10 The Princess Bride PGFantasyFamilyAdventure
Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a comical fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows farmhand Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.
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*Availability in US Director Rob Reiner Release Date October 9, 1987 Studio(s) 20th Century Writers William Goldman Cast Mandy Patinkin , Chris Sarandon , Robin Wright , Cary Elwes , Christopher Guest Runtime 98 minutes Expand
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The Princess Bride has only become more beloved and praised in the years since its release, transcending the moniker of a cult classic and fully transitioning into a universal favorite. A large part of this is thanks to the incredible cast who bring the characters to life with equal parts empathy and humor. It’s a rare film that can be so hilarious while simultaneously telling one of the most moving love stories of the 20th century. Full of grand adventure and magical elements, there’s little to criticize about The Princess Bride.
Related 10 Fantasy Movies From The 1980s That Still Bring A Sense Of Magic & Wonder
The fantasy genre is more mainstream today than ever before, but there is still nothing quite like a 1980s classic full of magic and wonder.
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Though The Princess Bride is a little more mature than some other kids’ movies, it’s still appropriate for most young viewers. Told through a frame narrative, The Princess Bride manages to incorporate both the fantasy elements of the story while rooting the stakes in reality. This is done through the narrative of the grandfather reading to his sick grandson. This also allows for breaks in the tension during some of the scarier scenes, allowing the film to be enjoyed by all audiences.
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The Princess Bride (1987) |
96% |
94% |
1 Mary Poppins (1964)
Directed by Robert Stevenson
Mary Poppins GMusicalComedyFantasyFamily
Based on the classic book series by P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins stars Julie Andrews as the famous magical nanny, who arrives under mysterious means to look after the Banks children in early 1900s London. Considered one of Walt Disney’s crowning achievements, the film blends live-action and animation with whimsical storytelling and song and has been a staple children’s movie since its release in 1964.
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*Availability in US Director Robert Stevenson Release Date June 18, 1965 Studio(s) Disney Writers Don DaGradi , Bill Walsh Cast Karen Dotrice , Glynis Johns , Dick Van Dyke , David Tomlinson , Julie Andrews , Matthew Garber Runtime 139 minutes Expand
The best fantasy movie of the 1960s has remained well-known for a reason since Mary Poppins provides all the magic and excitement anyone could ask for. With stellar musical numbers and a visionary blend of animated sequences in the story, Mary Poppins seamlessly weaves a powerful message into its delightful tale. Despite being made many decades ago, Mary Poppins hasn’t lost its touch or grown overly dated. It feels as relevant today as it did the day it premiered.
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Julie Andrews is a once-in-a-generation talent, leading other amazing projects like The Sound of Music and The Princess Diaries, which are seminal children’s classics. However, within the fantasy genre, nothing can beat Mary Poppins. Andrews and Dick Van Dyke work beautifully together, communicating a charming chemistry that jumps off the screen. Disney is at its best with Mary Poppins, and it will doubtlessly continue to be the benchmark for films of its class for years to come.
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Mary Poppins (1964) |
97% |
86% |