Among the many genres in the world, fantasy stories are some of the most beloved, yet there are a number of fantasy movies that have been forgotten by audiences and deserve to be rediscovered once again. When considering the greatest fantasy movies of all time, viewers may point to productions like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Princess Bride, or The Chronicles of Narnia. No doubt, these movies deserve all the praise they get. However, they often overshadow other films that have just as much goodness to give, yet have been lost to time.
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In general, the following fantasy movies are those that are well-loved and often positively reviewed, but have been swept under the rug after the release of more expensive fantasy franchise films. Not only are these movies worthy of a rewatch, but they often bring something to the table that other popular fantasy movies cannot. Their worlds are unique, their production is strong (if maybe a bit old), and their stories alight something inside audiences. All in all, fantasy lovers who have not seen these movies yet should most definitely give them a try.
10 Fire And Ice (1983)
A Dazzling Animated Epic
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8/10 Fire and Ice PGAnimationFantasyAdventure
Fire and Ice is a high fantasy animated film directed by Ralph Bakshi, released in 1983. The story centers on the eternal struggle between the powerful and villainous Ice Lord, Nekron, and the benevolent Fire King, Jarol. The film features a quest for survival and justice in a world plagued by dark magic and epic battles, bringing together warriors and unlikely heroes to fight against the forces of evil.
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*Availability in US Director Ralph Bakshi Release Date August 26, 1983 Writers Ralph Bakshi , Frank Frazetta , Roy Thomas , Gerry Conway Cast Randy Norton , Cynthia Leake , Steve Sandor , Sean Hannon , Leo Gordon , William Ostrander , Eileen O’Neill , Elizabeth Lloyd Shaw , Micky Morton , Tamarah Park , Big Yank , Greg Wayne Elam , Jimmy Bridges Runtime 81 Minutes
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One fantasy movie that has definitely gone under the radar is Fire and Ice. This 1983 animated feature centers on the evil Nekron and his mother, Queen Juliana, who are determined to wipe out the human race using their frigid ice powers. However, after destroying the village of a young warrior named Larn, and kidnapping the Princess Teegra, Larn decides to take matters into his own hands and take down the cruel duo once and for all.
Fire and Ice is not a particularly innovative story, especially within the fantasy genre, but that does not lessen the effects of its visuals. The movie is gorgeous to look at, and has some truly stunning action scenes. Of course, given its age, Fire and Ice includes some stereotypical fantasy tropes, such as the damsel-in-distress, yet fantasy fans may still enjoy the nostalgic feeling of a classic good versus evil story.
9 The Sword In The Stone (1963)
An Underrated Disney Classic
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9/10 The Sword in the Stone GAnimationComedyFantasyMusical
Disney’s animated classic The Sword in the Stone spins a new take on the tale of King Arthur of Camelot’s origins as a humble squire named Wart who wishes to become the Once and Future King. Though many have tried and failed, Wart, with the help of the all-powerful (but bumbling) magician Merlin, will embark on a quest to pull the sword form the stone and lead his country to a prosperous future.
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*Availability in US Director Wolfgang Reitherman Release Date December 25, 1963 Writers Bill Peet Cast Rickie Sorensen , Karl Swenson , Junius Matthews , Sebastian Cabot , Norman Alden , Martha Wentworth Runtime 79 Minutes Franchise(s) Disney Expand
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Generally, movies that are made by Disney get the attention they deserve and then some, but one Disney movie that is often forgotten about is The Sword in the Stone. This animated fantasy musical is inspired by the classic tale of King Arthur, and follows a young boy known as Wart who stumbles upon the cabin of a bumbling wizard named Merlin. Wart learns that he is destined for greatness, but doesn’t quite believe it until he happens upon a magical trial: a sword in a stone.
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Though many audiences may be overwhelmed by Hollywood’s constant retellings, The Sword in the Stone is not an average fairy tale remake. This movie adds quite a bit of humor and whimsy to the tale of King Arthur, which makes it appropriate for younger audiences, but also adds another level of delight to the story. Wart is not a brave knight, but a gangly kid who must learn to believe in himself and his abilities. The Sword in the Stone is not reinventing the wheel, but it can definitely give viewers a heavy dose of nostalgia.
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8 Krull (1983)
A Sci-Fi Fantasy Adventure
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Krull PGActionAdventureFantasyScience Fiction
This fantasy adventure film is set on the planet Krull, where a young prince must rescue his bride from an evil entity known as the Beast. Armed with a magical weapon, the Glaive, the prince embarks on a perilous journey, assembling a band of allies to confront the Beast and its army in a fortress that shifts locations each day.
Director Peter Yates Release Date July 29, 1983 Writers Stanford Sherman Cast Ken Marshall , Lysette Anthony , Freddie Jones , Francesca Annis , Alun Armstrong , David Battley , Bernard Bresslaw , Liam Neeson Runtime 117 Minutes
A movie that blends both fantasy and sci-fi is Krull. This adventure film is set on the planet of Krull and begins when an evil monster called the Beast kidnaps the Princess Lysette. The princess’s beloved, Colwyn, gathers a group of soldiers together and sets out to save his bride. The only problem is, Colwyn must find a magical weapon called the Glaive, as it is the only weapon that can take the Beast down.
Contemporaries called the film derivative and unoriginal, but more modern viewers have enjoyed the movie’s sheer magnitude and potential.
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Although Krull was not given too much praise upon its release in the 1980s, the movie has been remembered as a cult classic. Contemporaries called the film derivative and unoriginal, but more modern viewers have enjoyed the movie’s sheer magnitude and potential. Krull may not be the best fantasy movie ever made, but it is definitely a rollercoaster of fun and fantasy fans may find enjoyable. Plus, it includes a young Liam Neeson as Kegan.
7 Stardust
A Neil Gaiman Delight
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7.3/10 Stardust PG-13AdventureComedyFantasyRomance
Stardust is a fantasy-based romantic adventure-comedy by director Matthew Vaughn and based on the original novel by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess. In the film, Tristan, a young man who lives in an English town near a magical border wall, decides to catch a fallen star to win the affection of a woman named Yvaine. However, Tristan soon learns what – or who – the star is, and a grand adventure back to England begins.
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*Availability in US Director Matthew Vaughn Release Date August 10, 2007 Writers Jane Goldman , Matthew Vaughn Cast Claire Danes , Charlie Cox , Sienna Miller , Ricky Gervais , Jason Flemyng , Rupert Everett , Peter O’Toole , Michelle Pfeiffer , Robert De Niro Runtime 128 Minutes
These days, Neil Gaiman has been recognized for his wonderful book-to-TV projects such as American Gods and Good Omens, yet one of his movies that almost never gets love anymore is Stardust. This 2007 movie is about a young man named Tristan who is determined to collect a fallen star to give to his beloved. Yet, rather than finding a piece of rock, Tristan stumbles upon a live woman who is in great danger. The two travel across lands real and magical to return the star to the sky.
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There is so much to love about Stardust, which is why it’s a shame the movie isn’t as popular. First and foremost, the film has a star-studded cast including Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Henry Cavill. On top of that, the visuals within the film are colorful, whimsical, and completely campy. Once again, Stardust is not going to win any awards, but it is a story that is consistently fun, silly, and heartwarming.
6 Ladyhawke (1985)
A Shakespearean Premise
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9.3/10 Ladyhawke PG-13AdventureComedyDrama
Ladyhawke is a fantasy adventure film directed by Richard Donner. The story follows a young thief, a disillusioned knight, and a beautiful noblewoman cursed to transform into a hawk by day. Set against a medieval backdrop, the trio seeks to outwit the malevolent bishop responsible for the curse. Starring Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer, the film combines elements of romance, action, and supernatural intrigue.
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*Availability in US Director Richard Donner Release Date April 12, 1985 Writers Edward Khmara , Michael Thomas , Tom Mankiewicz , David Webb Peoples Cast Matthew Broderick , Rutger Hauer , Michelle Pfeiffer , Leo McKern Runtime 121 Minutes
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While many movies on this list fall into the category of classic fantasy tales that do not always deviate from the norm, Ladyhawke is definitely an exception. This 1985 movie is about a petty thief who is pulled into the schemes of a couple who have been cursed by a cruel bishop. The lovers can only be together at night, and thus, enlist the thief to help them break the spell. The movie features Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Ladyhawke has plenty of scenes full of magic and action, but what really stands out about this film is the romance. This film is sweeping and beautiful and works well as a medieval fairy tale. Although Ladyhawke can verge towards corny comedy and 1980s references, the overall product is a pretty and captivating tale that is unlike many of the other fantasy movies one might find.
5 Dragonslayer (1981)
A Dragon Heavy Epic
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Dragonslayer PGActionAdventureFantasy
Dragonslayer is a 1981 fantasy film by director Matthew Robbins and writer Hal Barwood and follows a young wizard named Galen on a quest to slay an all-powerful dragon. Following a lottery where virgins are selected from the kingdom of Urland to appease the dragon, Galen must rise to save the princess and unleash the dormant magic within.
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*Availability in US Director Matthew Robbins Release Date June 26, 1981 Writers Hal Barwood , Matthew Robbins Cast Peter MacNicol , Caitlin Clarke , Ralph Richardson , John Hallam , Peter Eyre , Sydney Bromley Runtime 109 Minutes
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There are countless beloved tropes within the fantasy genre, and dragons certainly rank at the top of the list. For those who love dragon-based fantasy, Dragonslayer is the perfect choice. This film takes place in the land of Urland, where a diabolical dragon has been terrorizing the people. The powerful wizard, Ulrich, is hired to take down the beast, but it is the witty princess and the wizard’s apprentice who become the true heroes of the story.
Dragonslayer may be one of the most well-rated movies on this list, with a solid 84% on Rotten Tomatoes. Like most fantasy movies of the time, Dragonslayer was accused of being too similar to other fantasy epics, yet in general, the movie managed to stand out among the rest. Dragonslayer crafts a gorgeous medieval world with realistic characters and a dragon that is dazzling to watch. Plus, it is special for being a Disney movie that everyone forgets is actually Disney.
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4 The Fall (2006)
A Heartwarming & Creative Tale
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The Fall AdventureFantasyDrama
The Fall, directed by Tarsem Singh, is set in 1920s Los Angeles, where an injured stuntman in a hospital spins a fantastical tale to a young girl with a broken arm. As his mental state wavers, their shared imagination blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction through the adventures of five mythical heroes.
Director Tarsem Release Date September 9, 2006 Writers Dan Gilroy Cast Catinca Untaru , Lee Pace , Jeetu Verma , Marcus Wesley , Leo Bill , Julian Bleach , Justine Waddell , Kim Uylenbroek , Aiden Lithgow , Sean Gilder , Emil Hostina , Daniel Caltagirone , Robin Smith , Andrew Roussouw , Michael Huff , Grant Swanby , Ayesha Verman , Elvira Deatcu , Nico Soultanakis , Jon Kamen , Ged Clarke , Stephen Hughes Runtime 117 minutes Expand
One of the more recent entries on this list is 2006’s The Fall. This movie follows a bedridden hospital patient in the 1920s who begins sharing tales of bravery and myth with a little girl. Unlike other fantasy movies which are firmly rooted in the medieval, the science fiction, or other similar worlds, The Fall boasts a completely unique setting. It is colorful, unusual, and completely compelling.
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While some felt that The Fall was disjointed and overly indulgent, it is a movie that goes beyond just critical reviews. There simply aren’t many movies out there that are like it. In this way, fantasy lovers should experience The Fall, regardless of what critics have to say about it. No matter what, viewers will leave the watching experience feeling as though they watched something truly one-of-a-kind.
3 The Last Unicorn (1982)
A Beautiful Focus On Myth
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The Last Unicorn GAdventureAnimationDrama
The terrible King Haggard plots to destroy all the unicorns in the world, but a young unicorn discovers that she is in danger and could soon be the last of her kind. She leaves the safety of her forest and enlists the help of Schmendrick, a kind but clumsy wizard. Together, they embark on a long and dangerous journey with one goal: to defeat Haggard and save the unicorns from extinction.
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*Availability in US Director Jules Bass , Arthur Rankin Jr. Release Date November 19, 1982 Writers Peter S. Beagle Cast Jeff Bridges , Mia Farrow , Angela Lansbury , Alan Arkin , Christopher Lee
Another fantasy movie with a focus on mythical creatures rather than humans is the 1982 classic, The Last Unicorn. This film tells the tale of a young unicorn who must leave the safety of her forest after the king commands that all the unicorns be destroyed. With the help of a sweet sorcerer, the unicorn tries to survive and save her kind from being wiped out completely.
In this way,
The Last Unicorn
is great for all ages, even those who are long past their days of believing in unicorns.
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The Last Unicorn is not like other children’s fantasy movies, which is probably why it has been easily forgotten by audiences. The film has an animation style that is quite a bit different from the typical fare of its time, and the entire film leads up to a truly vulnerable and emotional ending. In this way, The Last Unicorn is great for all ages, even those who are long past their days of believing in unicorns.
2 Excalibur (1981)
A Forgotten Success
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Excalibur RAdventureFantasy
Excalibur is a 1981 film directed by John Boorman, which retells the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Starring Nigel Terry as Arthur and Nicol Williamson as Merlin, the movie covers the mystical origins of Excalibur, Arthur’s rise to power, and the eventual betrayal by his closest allies. The film is notable for its striking visuals and adherence to the traditional Arthurian mythology.
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*Availability in US Director John Boorman Release Date April 10, 1981 Writers John Boorman , Rospo Pallenberg Cast Nigel Terry , Helen Mirren , Nicholas Clay , Cherie Lunghi , Paul Geoffrey Runtime 141 Minutes
One of the strangest scenarios is when a fantasy movie has been forgotten, despite being incredibly successful upon its release. For example, the 1981 fantasy epic, Excalibur, was a box office hit with a strong critical reception, yet the movie isn’t often discussed today.Excalibur is yet another King Arthur retelling which follows the young Arthur as he gathers the Knights of the Round Table and proves himself to be a strong leader. Notably, the movie had both a PG-rated version and an R-rated version.
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Although Excalibur hasn’t exactly stood the test of time, it is a massive movie that fantasy lovers need to see. Its scale is incredible, and its visuals are unforgettable. It boasts a large cast of British actors who hadn’t yet hit their prime, though all of them bring fantastic energy to the project. All in all, Excalibur is a perfect example of a 1980s fantasy epic.
1 Legend (1985)
An Underrated Classic
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Legend PGAdventureFantasyRomance
In a fantastical realm, Jack must save Princess Lili from the clutches of the sinister Lord of Darkness, who plans to bring eternal night by killing the last unicorns. Teaming up with a group of mystical companions, Jack ventures through dark forests and treacherous terrains to stop Darkness and ensure the survival of their magical world.
Director Ridley Scott Release Date April 18, 1986 Writers William Hjortsberg Cast Tom Cruise , Mia Sara , Tim Curry , David Bennent , Alice Playten , Billy Barty , Cork Hubbert Runtime 94 Minutes
Ironically, one of the worst rated movies on this list may just be the one that audiences need to see the most. Legend is a 1985 fantasy film starring Tom Cruise, Tim Curry, and Mia Sara. The movie is about a villain called Darkness, who intends to create eternal night, but a young hero named Jack intends to stop him, along with saving the Princess Lili. Legend received quite mixed reviews, but is most surprising because it was directed by Ridley Scott.
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Fantasy fans should watch Legend, not because it is an amazing movie, but because it is a classic fantasy adventure. With notes of various other fantasy stories within it, Legend will inevitably feel nostalgic to those who watch it. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the movie is beautiful to look at. Legend is far from the greatest fantasy movie of all time, but it is one that deserves a bit of a revival, if only so audiences can appreciate Tim Curry’s villainous role once again.