Summary
- The best fantasy movies often focus on relationship dynamics between characters, showcasing the complications of love and overcoming mistreatment.
- Fantasy romances can vary in definition, from mythical creatures to human struggles, but they generally offer a cheerful or less extreme portrayal of love.
- Movies like
The Princess Bride
,
Legend
, and
The Shape of Water
exemplify the blend of fantasy and romance, creating magical and heartwarming love stories.
The combination of fantasy and romance, especially in movies, is a magical one. The cinematic universe has introduced all manner of whimsical and beautiful stories in this subgenre, but some stand out more than others. Many of these titles come from books that perfectly blend fantasy and romance and are then adapted for the silver screen, bringing some of the most beloved fictional characters to life. However, fantasy, especially in regard to romance, can vary in definition. Not every fantasy movie includes mythical creatures or a duel between the hero and villain.
The majority of the best fantasy movies of all time focus on relationships or have a subplot that delves into the complications of love. But sometimes, the definition of the concept is murky. Some movies about cheating and infidelity are considered romance because a character overcomes their mistreatment and finds someone better. However, in fantasy, romances are generally more cheerful or, at least, less extreme. While a stunning and mystical world is life-changing enough, some movie characters are also fortunate enough to find their true love.
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15 The Princess Bride (1987)
The Ultimate Fantasy Comedy
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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.
Director Rob Reiner Release Date October 9, 1987 Cast Mandy Patinkin , Chris Sarandon , Robin Wright , Cary Elwes , Christopher Guest Runtime 98 minutes Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers William Goldman Expand
The Princess Bride not only merges fantasy and romance but also includes some amazing comedy for good measure. The journey to save Buttercup from the abhorrent Prince Humperdinck is an enjoyable one, and it becomes even better with hilarious lines like Westley’s repetitive “As you wish” quote.
The Princess Bride’s main romance, which is set in the backdrop of the fictional kingdom of Florin, makes the film not only exhilarating and action-packed but also endearing. Buttercup and Westley’s love story, while comedy-focused, is relatable and heartfelt throughout, making it easy to root for the pair.
14 Legend (1986)
A Classic Tale Of Good Fighting Bad
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 Cast Tom Cruise , Mia Sara , Tim Curry , David Bennent , Alice Playten , Billy Barty , Cork Hubbert Runtime 94 Minutes Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers William Hjortsberg Main Genre Fantasy Expand
Legend, Tom Cruise’s only box office bomb, is a fabulous tale about the romance between Jack and Lili. While Legend’s story of good vs. evil isn’t an original idea, Jack and Lili’s love story raises the stakes significantly. Jack’s compelling battle against the Lord of Darkness results in some brilliant pacing in Legend, but the hero’s motivation to save the world and Lili makes it even better. The use of fantasy creatures is prominent in Legend, too, with Jack crossing paths with elves, unicorns, and even an ogre throughout the film.
13 The Shape Of Water (2017)
A Difference In Species Can’t Stop Love
The Shape of Water RFantasy Sci-Fi Where to Watch
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Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water is set in Baltimore, Maryland in 1962, and follows Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), a shy, mute woman who works as a custodian at a secure government facility. While at her job, Elisa meets and falls in love with a human-amphibian hybrid man, who is being held and experimented on at the facility by the evil Colonel Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon). Risking her life and the lives of her friends, Elisa hatches a plan to help her amphibian lover escape, pursued by Strickland and his forces in the government.
Director Guillermo del Toro Release Date December 1, 2017 Cast Richard Jenkins , Doug Jones , Octavia Spencer , Michael Shannon , Sally Hawkins , Michael Stuhlbarg Runtime 123 Minutes Distributor(s) Searchlight Pictures Writers Guillermo del Toro , Vanessa Taylor Expand
The relationship between mute cleaner Elisa and the enigmatic Amphibian man in Guillermo del Toro’s masterpiece is deeply emotional.
The Shape of Water features one of the most unconventional love stories in a movie ever. The relationship between mute cleaner Elisa and the enigmatic Amphibian man in Guillermo del Toro’s masterpiece is deeply emotional. Despite being set in a version of the real world, the translation of the Amphibian Man’s mistreatment and his developing romance with Elisa is perfection.
Their lack of communication makes their story much more impactful, and the lengths Elisa goes to protect him is a brilliant commentary on appearances, so it makes sense that The Shape of Water is an Oscar Best Picture winner.
12 Enchanted (2007)
A Disney Princess Learns To Live In The Real World
Enchanted PGAnimationRomanceComedyFantasyMusicalFamily Where to Watch
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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.
Director Kevin Lima Release Date November 21, 2007 Cast Patrick Dempsey , Amy Adams , Timothy Spall , Susan Sarandon , Idina Menzel , James Marsden Runtime 107 minutes Distributor(s) Disney Writers Bill Kelly Expand
Enchanted is a fascinating take on a naive heroine thrust into a new world. In fact, Enchanted‘s director’s commentary reveals that it tries to offer a new angle on the typical Disney Princess. Giselle’s abrupt arrival in the real world and her interactions with the straight-thinking Robert highlight the tropes of romance stories, but it embraces them in such a way that it teaches audiences to want more from a partner. Their contrasting views are both correct and even though Giselle is from a fairytale land, she teaches Robert how to take life a little less seriously.
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11 Labyrinth (1986)
Love From A Distance
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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.
Director Jim Henson Release Date June 27, 1986 Cast Christopher Malcolm , Toby Froud , Shelley Thompson , Jennifer Connelly , David Bowie Runtime 101 minutes Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures , Columbia Pictures , Sony Writers Terry Jones Expand
Labyrinth isn’t an immediately obvious romance movie, but the budding fondness between Jareth and Sarah is subtle. While the one-sided connection between the Goblin King and a 16-year-old isn’t exactly appropriate, it’s apparent that Jareth feels something for Sarah that is more than just general approval.
Sarah’s creativity and love for her brother attract Jareth’s attention, a refreshing change of pace for him, but his failure to defeat her fuels the fire even more so. Labyrinth celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, honoring one of the most fantastical and eerie films of all time.
10 Stardust (2007)
An Ethereal Love Story
Stardust (2007) PG-13AdventureComedyFantasyRomance Where to Watch
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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.
Director Matthew Vaughn Release Date August 10, 2007 Cast Claire Danes , Charlie Cox , Sienna Miller , Ricky Gervais , Jason Flemyng , Rupert Everett , Peter O’Toole , Michelle Pfeiffer , Robert De Niro Runtime 128 Minutes Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Jane Goldman , Matthew Vaughn Expand
Stardust focuses on the love story and often bickering of human Tristan and star Yvaine. The contrast between the fictional town of Wall and the fantasy kingdom of Stormhold illuminates the differences in its characters, but despite the world’s attempts to keep them apart, their romance blooms.
Tristan’s quest before and after meeting Yvaine is dramatic and enthralling, especially because of the threats he faces along the way, such as the witches and even his romantic rival Humphrey, Henry Cavill’s Stardust character. The Neil Gaiman adaptation is heartwarming and wholesome, with a happy ending that is impossible to argue with.
9 The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
Marriage Is Complicated Enough, Let Alone In The Wrong Order
The Time Traveler’s Wife PG-13 Where to Watch
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In the 1970s, Henry DeTamble discovers he’s a time traveler after a tragic accident. His life intersects with Clare Abshire’s repeatedly, as she’s known him since childhood. Despite marrying, their relationship is challenged by Henry’s uncontrollable jumps through time, leaving Clare to wait for his return. As they navigate the complexities of love and loss, they confront the limitations of Henry’s condition and the impact it has on their family.
Director Robert Schwentke Release Date August 14, 2009 Cast Rachel McAdams , Eric Bana , Ron Livingston , Arliss Howard Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Runtime 107 Mins
The Time Traveler’s Wife is one of Rachel McAdams’ multiple time travel movies. McAdams plays Clare, a woman who meets librarian Henry, who has a genetic disorder that makes him time travel at random. From the get-go, their relationship becomes increasingly more complicated, especially after they marry.
While Henry’s lack of control over his movements is far from ideal, the fact that they have to appreciate every second they have together strengthens their bond. However, Henry meeting his wife out of order also allows him to be the ultimate romantic and to commit fully.
8 Ladyhawke (1985)
Animalistic Needs Has A Brand New Meaning
Ladyhawke PG-13AdventureComedyDrama Where to Watch
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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.
Director Richard Donner Release Date April 12, 1985 Cast Matthew Broderick , Rutger Hauer , Michelle Pfeiffer , Leo McKern Main Genre Adventure
The medieval fantasy movie Ladyhawke introduces an unusual love story to the screen. The relationship between Lady Isabeau and Captain Etienne Navarre is eternally doomed due to a curse that keeps them in the form of a hawk and a wolf, respectively, but at different times of the day.
The sacrifices the two make are heartbreaking, but the journey they take across the imaginary kingdom of Aquila to defeat the villainous Bishop and hopefully break the curse provides hope. Luckily, the two succeed in their efforts, which makes their near-supernatural experience even more satisfying upon every rewatch.
7 Mirror Mirror (2012)
Snow White’s Stepmother Plays A Much Bigger Role In Her Love Story
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Mirror Mirror is a new adaptation of the original Brothers Grimm tale Snow White that stars Lilly Collins and Julia Roberts as Snow White and the enchantress Clementianna. When Snow White’s father goes missing, her stepmother assumes control of the kingdom, hiding Snow White away from the world, and jealously banishes her into the nearby woods. As time passes, Snow White, with the help of the dwarves that helped raise her, decides to fight back and reclaim her kingdom from her cruel stepmother.
Director Tarsem Singh Release Date March 15, 2012 Cast Julia Roberts , Lily Collins Runtime 106minutes Distributor(s) 20th Century , StudioCanal Writers Tarsem Singh Expand
The 2012 movie Mirror Mirror is an intriguing retelling of Snow White, with the princess fighting back against her evil stepmother, Queen Clementianna. However, Mirror Mirror abruptly cuts off certain fairytale tropes, most notably in the relationship between Snow and Prince Alcott.
Snow faces Clementianna as a romantic rival, and although her primary goal is to regain her throne, she falls in love with Alcott. While there are several fantastical elements in Mirror Mirror, like magical creatures and curses, the development of feelings between Snow and Alcott never becomes more important than their quest at hand.
6 Shrek (2001)
Happily Ever Afters Come In Many Shapes And Sizes
Shrek PGAnimationAdventureFantasyComedyFamily Where to Watch
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Based loosely on the children’s book of the same name by William Steig, Shrek tells the story of an ogre (Michael Myers) who sets with his new friend Donkey (Eddie Murphy) out to regain his swamp from fairytale characters. Tasked with rescuing Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) in return for the restoration of his solitude, Shrek discovers that he’s not the loner he always thought he was, and that looks aren’t always everything.
Director Vicky Jenson , Andrew Adamson Release Date May 18, 2001 Cast Cameron Diaz , Mike Myers , Eddie Murphy , John Lithgow Runtime 90 minutes Writers Ted Elliott , Roger S.H. Schulman , Joe Stillman , Terry Rossio
The hit children’s movie establishes that any creature, no matter their size or appearance, is deserving of affection and that true love is about what’s within.
Every Shrek movie is famous for subverting many romance tropes on its head, but the original breaks the mold. The hit children’s movie establishes that any creature, no matter their size or appearance, is deserving of affection and that true love is about what’s within. Even dragons and donkeys find happiness.
The titular character and Fiona’s relationship is realistic yet endearing, and the fact that they don’t fall for each other immediately makes it easy to cheer for them. Their fairytale world is stubborn, but their feelings are powerful enough to scrap its standards and form a new society.
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5 Ella Enchanted (2004)
An Unintentional Boyfriend On The Hunt For Freedom
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Ella Enchanted is a fantasy film directed by Tommy O’Haver, based on Gail Carson Levine’s novel. The story follows Ella (Anne Hathaway), who is under a spell that forces her to obey any command given to her. As she embarks on a quest to break the enchantment, she encounters various characters and challenges. The film also stars Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, and Minnie Driver, blending humor, romance, and adventure.
Director Tommy O’Haver Release Date April 9, 2004 Cast Anne Hathaway , Hugh Dancy , Cary Elwes , Aidan McArdle , Joanna Lumley , Lucy Punch Runtime 96 Minutes Writers Kirsten Smith , Karen McCullah , Laurie Craig , Jennifer Heath , Michele J. Wolff Main Genre Comedy Expand
Ella Enchanted is a loose retelling of Cinderella. While Ella doesn’t set out with the intention to meet someone, as she seeks out her fairy godmother Lucinda in the hopes of having her powers of obedience reversed, she becomes smitten with Prince Char.
Ella’s main motivation is initially to be free of her woes, but it eventually becomes a rescue mission to save Char from poisoning. Even though the kingdom of Lamia is full of various beasts and all types of magic, Ella and Char’s love ensures that the focus of the film is on their relationship and seeking justice.
4 The Age Of Adaline (2015)
Eternal Life Makes Relationships Difficult
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The Age of Adaline tells the story of Adaline Bowman, who stops aging and becomes a recluse after suffering a car accident, but sees her world turn upside down when she meets a charming man. Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, and Harrison Ford star in the 2015 romance.
Director Lee Toland Krieger Release Date April 24, 2015 Cast Blake Lively , Harrison Ford , Michiel Huisman Runtime 112 Minutes Studio(s) Lionsgate Distributor(s) Lionsgate Writers Lee Toland Krieger Expand
The touching moral of The Age of Adaline is directly connected to the relationship between the titular character and philanthropist Ellis. After a freak accident, Adaline is stuck in time and spends decades watching her loved ones grow old around her.
She struggles with her developing feelings for Ellis, as she knows he can’t know the truth about her and, like everyone else she knows, will eventually die. Adaline is living a bizarre fantasy in an otherwise normal world with no end in sight. Thankfully, The Age of Adaline‘s ending makes her generations of watching life passing by worth it.
3 About Time (2013)
Changing The Past Isn’t Always For The Best
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When Tim Lake learns that he, like all the men in his family, has the ability to travel back in time, he decides to use this ability to help him find love and improve his and his loved ones’ lives.
Director Richard Curtis Release Date September 4, 2013 Cast Domhnall Gleeson , Rachel McAdams , Bill Nighy , Tom Hollander , Margot Robbie , Lydia Wilson , Lindsay Duncan , Richard Cordery Runtime 123 minutes Studio(s) Universal Pictures Writers Richard Curtis Expand
About Time is another film that uses the time travel sci-fi trope but in a mythical way. Tim’s ability to jump across timelines is fully within his control, but the lessons he learns while reliving crucial moments in his life make him discover that nothing else matters other than focusing on the present with the dazzling Mary.
While there aren’t any enigmatic figures or supernatural creatures in About Time, Tim’s changes to his past create his own ideal fantasy. Tim’s love for Mary is his driving force for traveling in time, and it also becomes his reason for stopping, too.
2 Yesterday (2019)
Love Is More Important Than The Beatles
Yesterday PG-13MusicFantasyComedy
Written by famous rom-com director Richard Curtis, Yesterday follows Jack Malik, a struggling musician who one day wakes up to discover that he is the only person who remembers famous 1960s rock band The Beatles. As Jack begins using his exclusive knowledge to his advantage, he must reckon with the burden of it and the price that comes with his newfound fame. The film stars Himesh Patel as Jack, with a supporting cast of Lily James, Joel Fry, Kate McKinnon, and Ed Sheeran.
Director Danny Boyle Release Date June 28, 2019 Cast Kate McKinnon , Sophia Di Martino , Ana De Armas , Alexander Arnold , Ed Sheeran , Lily James , Camille Chen , Himesh Patel , Maryana Spivak , Joel Fry , Lamorne Morris , Ellise Chappell Runtime 116 minutes Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Richard Curtis , Jack Barth Main Genre Comedy Expand
The implementation of fantasy in Yesterday is subtle. Jack Malik’s story after waking one day to find that the iconic music group The Beatles never soared to fame is easy to invest in. One thing that remains from his original life, however, is that he is deeply in love with his childhood friend Ellie.
He achieves his dream of being a famous performer, but Ellie’s absence stops Jack from being truly happy. Unlike similar movies like Yesterday, Jack never reverses the changes in the world, but he learns that he isn’t the person he wants to be without Ellie.
1 Twilight (2008)
Fantasy Creature Love Triangles
Twilight PG-13RomanceFantasyDrama Where to Watch
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Based on Stephenie Meyer’s book of the same name, Twilight follows Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), who falls madly in love with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), who she soon finds out is a vampire. Falling in love with her at the same time, Edward and Bella must overcome obstacles to preserve their forbidden relationship.
Director Catherine Hardwicke Release Date November 21, 2008 Cast Robert Pattinson , Ashley Greene , Peter Facinelli , Rachelle Lefevre , Elizabeth Reaser , Kristen Stewart , Nikki Reed , Jackson Rathbone , Cam Gigandet , Kellan Lutz , Taylor Lautner , Anna Kendrick , Billy Burke Runtime 121 minutes Writers Melissa Rosenberg
Twilight is an unforgettable teen romance movie about vampire Edward Cullen and human Bella Swan and the hardships they face as a mixed-species couple. The tension between the two as Bella tries to break down Edward’s walls is nothing short of spectacular, especially considering the risks he takes to be with her.
Bella’s normal life changes forever after she discovers the existence of vampires and werewolves. Bella’s love triangle with Edward and Jacob keeps things interesting in all the Twilight movies, and the angsty tone is a great twist on the fantasy romance genre.