Fantasy movies are a dime a dozen, but there have been some created over the years that can be called entirely perfect. This is a genre of magic and imagination, and this hasn’t always been an easy thing to bring to the screen. For decades, the creative minds of the global film industry have searched for new, innovative ways to bring the magic to life, and some have done better than others. However, the best fantasy directors and screenwriters understand that, to make an audience believe the fantasy, every component must fit together seamlessly.

For a movie to be considered fantasy, it must have a magical element of some kind. The possibilities here are endless, which is why the genre continues to grow year after year. However, to be considered perfect, a fantasy movie must effortlessly transport audiences away from reality. This can be achieved through good writing, expertly executed visual effects, a transporting musical score, quality actor performances, and more. This is a tall order, but over the years, some fantasy movies have stood the test of time and remain practically perfect in every way.

12

Pan’s Labyrinth

Released In 2007

Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth represents everything a fantasy movie should be. The 2006 film features that classic balance of real-world darkness and fantastical escapism, flooding its protagonist into a new world of unbelievable sights. Pan’s Labyrinth is notoriously dark and gritty, but an unmistakable beauty makes it consistently clear, from start to finish, that Del Toro approached this film as a true piece of art.

Though special and practical effects have come a long way since 2006, Pan’s Labyrinth has aged spectacularly. Del Toro utilized the very best of prosthetic makeup, ensuring that even years later, the fantasy of this movie would remain eerily believable. Pair this with the timeless lessons to be gleaned from humanity’s darkest points in history, and it’s unlikely that Pan’s Labyrinth will ever stop being relevant.

11

The Wizard Of Oz

Released In 1939

The 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz, will forever be remembered as a significant step in the world of filmmaking. Not only is it a shining example of Technicolor, but The Wizard of Oz cleverly took advantage of its use of this technique by fitting it in with the story of Dorothy’s transition from our world to that of Oz. Of course, even this would have fallen flat without the captivating musical score by Harold Arlen, Herbert Stothart, and Yip Harburg.

The Wizard of Oz isn’t only a fantasy masterpiece because of the technical filmmaking. The story features all the staples of the genre. It’s lighthearted, fun, and aimed toward children, but there is an unmistakable darkness that has thrilled young audiences for nearly 100 years. The fact that The Wizard of Oz is still loved after all this time proves that it will never fade from our hearts.

10

Spirited Away

Released In 2001

Hayao Miyazaki proved himself a master of fantasy long before Spirited Away, but this 2002 animated film is among his more perfect creations. It’s a wonderfully weird masterpiece that spends almost no time explaining the magical features of the spirit world Chahiro finds herself in. Audiences are expected to simply roll with the punches, and with such breathtaking visuals, this is no chore at all.

As is key in fantasy movies, Spirited Away perfected the balance between whimsy and uncomfortable darkness. What’s more, the Ghibli film is layered with impactful messaging. Fantasy is at its best when used to present impactful and complex themes, and this is really where Spirited Away shines. Inspiring messages of friendship, family, and always giving others—and yourself—a fighting chance leave us all feeling perfectly magical in the end.

9

Mary Poppins

Released In 1965

Mary Poppins is another fantasy movie that brought magic to the screen through energetic innovation. The 1964 Disney musical captivated us all as children with catchy songs and the clever combination of animation and live-action, and it’s precisely this that has held our attention after all these years. Sure, modern movies can make even more spectacular things look real on screen, but the simplicity of Mary Poppins will often win out.

No one gets fantasy quite like children, and movies in this genre that approach magic specifically through childlike wonder tend to become timeless classics. Mary Poppins knew it didn’t have to explain how Julie Andrews’ character did the things she did—children just understood that the nanny could guide anyone through anything. This magical trust and security comes rushing back with every rewatch, proving just how perfectly Mary Poppins immerses its audience.

8

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

Released In 1971

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) is another example of a movie perfectly capturing the essence of childlike wonder. The тιтular factory is a sort of playground any child would love free access to, even with the risk of being turned into a blueberry or washed away in a chocolate river. Add in the memorable and outrageously quirky songs, and it’s clear that this classic is meant to be a real treat for all the senses.

Though Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is bright and whimsical, the movie has frightening qualities that make it even more appealing. The terrifying trip on the ferry and Gene Wilder’s light but surprisingly stern portrayal of Wonka feed that secret inner desire to be scared and charmed all at the same time—and that’s precisely what fantasy is all about.

7

How To Train Your Dragon

Released In 2010

Many of the best fantasy movies arrived before Hollywood made its big transition to CGI since the necessity for imagination is all part of the fun. However, How to Train Your Dragon (2010) is the exception. The animated DreamWorks movie checks all the boxes for a traditional fantasy, especially in the way of dragons. It’s clever, fun, and unique, but what really elevated How to Train Your Dragon to the next level is the way it makes us feel.

Hiccup and Toothless’ story is steeped in emotion. The connection between dragon and rider effortlessly creates a sense of magical longing within its audience, and this becomes all the more powerful when paired with the breathtaking visuals (especially as they take a fight). Of course, the key to a great fantasy movie is a powerful musical score. John Powell didn’t have to go so hard in this regard, but I’m certainly glad he did.

6

Princess Mononoke

Released In 1997

Princess Mononoke is another of Miyazaki’s masterpieces, and though the animation is clearly similar to Spirited Away, it is a prime example of fantasy for an entirely different reason. The 1999 movie is astoundingly dark, focusing on a vengeful sort of magic that is lovely to behold but dangerous if you get too close. It’s precisely this that allows Princess Mononoke to feel fresh despite the classic humans-versus-nature trope.

For this reason, Princess Mononoke has remained a shining example of fantasy for two decades. Lovely movies like FernGully and Avatar have used whimsy to drive home similar themes, but Princess Mononoke held nothing back. The captivating art allows us to fall in love with the magic and beauty of nature while leaving us disgusted with the truths of humanity.

5

The NeverEnding Story

Released In 1984

The NeverEnding Story perfectly captures the essence of the fantasy genre and what it means to escape into the world of fiction. Released in 1984, this movie has all the charms of ’80s Hollywood, from the music to the crude special effects. Of course, this takes nothing away from The NeverEnding Story, even today. It takes minimal imagination to feel entirely immersed in this strange, fantastical world within Bastian’s storybook.

Like any good fantasy movie, The NeverEnding Story carries impactful themes. Audiences follow Bastian through his story as he follows Atreyu through his, and this “neverending story” inspires us to think of our own world and adventures as a tale that someone from another world is reading about. It’s all about the limitlessness of our imaginations.

4

The Princess Bride

Released In 1987

The Princess Bride isn’t just one of the best fantasy movies of all time—it easily ranks among the greatest within any genre. Like any good fantasy, the 1987 movie is full of imagination and heart. However, what makes it truly perfect is the way that it simply refuses to take itself too seriously. The Princess Bride pokes fun at every fantasy romance trope in the book. However, it doesn’t do this in a mocking way. It’s as if the movie is a comedic love letter to the fantasy genre as a whole.

In addition to comedy, The Princess Bride features action, romance, campy special effects, and some of the most quotable writing in movie history. Additionally, The Princess Bride‘s cast is far more packed with big-time stars than many other fantasy movies of the genre. Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Wallace Shawn, and many, many more contribute to the masterpiece.

3

The Seventh Seal

Released In 1957

Though childlike wonder is often a key ingredient in the best fantasy movies, The Seventh Seal proves that existentialism can be equally impactful. This 1958 movie by director Ingmar Bergman lacks the loud special effects of modern Hollywood, but the bare-bones storytelling sparks a dark sort of magic nonetheless. The Seventh Seal is all about life, death, morality, and beauty, and it gets beautifully creative in how this is brought to the screen.

Set around the Crusades and the coming of the Black Death to Europe, The Seventh Seal begins with a profoundly pessimistic perspective on the purpose of life, love, and mercy. However, this eerily dark and gritty fantasy is surprising because it ultimately finds a way to be deeply inspirational even 67 years after The Seventh Seal was released.

2

It’s A Wonderful Life

Released In 1946

Christmas movies almost always fall within the fantasy genre, but none are quite so lasting as It’s a Wonderful Life. The 1946 film from director Frank Capra is a shining example of mid-century cinema, full of practical effects and a sort of magic inspired predominantly by the clever use of its musical score (by composer Dimitri Tiomkin). It’s a Wonderful Life inspires audiences to believe in angels, to celebrate the simple chiming of a bell, and, most importantly, to see the beauty of life even through the most challenging times.

A lot has changed since 1946, but It’s a Wonderful Life stands as a testament to the sorts of human experiences that are constant across the decades. The movie has remained so beloved because of this relatability, but the balanced storytelling, thoughtful filming, and gloriously memorable performances all contribute to its 10 out of 10 status.

1

Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

Released In 2001

Fantasy can encompᴀss many different worlds and stories, but The Lord of the Rings will forever stand as a figurehead of the genre. Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring—and the trilogy as a whole—established a breathtaking aesthetic that immediately made us long to visit Middle-earth. The beautiful landscapes of New Zealand made it easy enough for Jackson to imply that the world we saw on screen was a place of pure magic and whimsy.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was more than just visually appealing, of course. The themes of J.R.R. Tolkien’s story emphasize the importance of life’s smallest, simplest things. Lord of the Rings inspires audiences to believe in their strength and to glory in the purest pleasures. It’s a classic tale of good triumphing over evil, brought to the screen to absolute perfection.