When it comes to fantasy movies, Hollywood has no dearth of them. Amid the plethora of fantasy movies on offer, there are some visually stunning masterpieces that transcend the boundaries of imagination. From enchanting worlds with magical creatures (The BFG, for instance) to epic adventures in far-off lands (Chronicles of Narnia, anyone?), these movies have not only captivated our senses but also transported us to realms where the extraordinary becomes the norm. From the groundbreaking visual effects of Avatar to the whimsical landscapes of Alice in Wonderland, these movies will transport you to enchanting lands.
7 absolutely intriguing and visually stunning fantasy movies that are high on magic, adventure, and drama; available on Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, and more
1. Alice Through the Looking Glass – Disney+Hotstar
This visual spectacle is a stunning sequel to Tim Burton’s 2010 blockbuster, Alice in Wonderland. This epic adventure is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic novels, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. Starring Mia Wasikowska as Alice Kingsleigh, Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, and Helena Bonham-Carter as the Red Queen, the movie delves into the fantastical world beyond the looking glass. In the movie, Alice returns to Wonderland to save the Mad Hatter, whose family history becomes a central theme. The plot unfolds with a vibrant and visually stunning array of settings, from the whimsical landscapes to the quirky characters that populate Wonderland. The addition of Sacha Baron Cohen as Time, a peculiar creature part human – part clock, brings an extra layer of eccentricity to the narrative.
2. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
This magical fantasy movie is a prequel to the beloved Harry Potter series, which is based on J.K. Rowling’s book of the same name. Set in the Wizarding World, the story follows Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a magizoologist and author of the titular textbook on magical creatures. The narrative is set in 1926, where Newt’s arrival in New York City coincides with a series of magical disturbances and the escape of several magical creatures from his enchanted briefcase. As Newt teams up with witch sisters Tina (Katherine Waterston) and Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol) and No-Maj (non-magical) Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), they uncover a dark force threatening the magical and non-magical worlds alike. The movie introduces audiences to a host of jaw-dropping magical creatures, each brought to life through impressive visual effects. The movie’s visual charm, combined with its engaging storyline, makes it a delightful addition to the Wizarding World cinematic universe. There are two equally delightful sequels – Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
3. Where The Wild Things Are – Amazon Prime Video, YouTube
The movie is an adaptation of the beloved children’s picture book of the same name by Maurice Sendak. The story follows a young boy named Max (Max Records), who wears a wolf suit and, after a quarrel at home, sails to an island inhabited by mythical creatures known as the Wild Things. Upon arriving on the island, Max is crowned king by the Wild Things, which include characters like Carol (voiced by James Gandolfini), Judith (voiced by Catherine O’Hara), and Ira (voiced by Forest Whitaker). The movie combines live-action with puppetry and top-notch CGI to bring the Wild Things to life. The result is a visually striking and emotionally charged exploration of a child’s inner world.
4. Stardust – Amazon Prime Video
The movie is based on Neil Gaiman’s eponymous novel. Set in the 19th century in the English village of Wall, the story revolves around a young man named Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox). Tristan ventures into the magical realm of Stormhold to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, Victoria Forester (Sienna Miller). However, when he reaches the star, he discovers that it is not a piece of celestial debris but a celestial being named Yvaine (Claire Danes). As the two embark on an adventure together, they encounter diverse characters, including witches, sky pirates, and princes. The movie features an ensemble cast that includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, and Ian McKellen. Its fairy-tale atmosphere, combined with elements of swashbuckling fantasy, makes it a delightful and visually stunning cinematic experience.
5. Gods of Egypt – Amazon Prime Video, YouTube
Set in ancient Egypt, the plot is a blend of mythology, adventure, and visual effects. The story follows a mortal hero, Bek (played by Brenton Thwaites), who teams up with the god Horus (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) to save Egypt from the dark god Set (played by Gerard Butler). Set has taken the throne of Egypt and plunged the once-prosperous empire into chaos. Bek and Horus embark on a quest that involves battling mythical creatures, puzzles, and powerful gods. The action sequences and use of CGI to bring the gods and fantastical elements to life contribute to its grand and visually striking spectacle. This ambitious fantasy adventure transports you into a world of ancient myths and divine beings.
6. The Princess Bride – Apple TV+
The movie is a timeless classic that effortlessly blends romance, adventure, and humour in a fairy-tale setting. The story unfolds as the beautiful Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), is separated from her true love, Westley (Cary Elwes). The movie is presented as a story within a story, narrated by a grandfather (played by Peter Falk), to his sceptical grandson (played by Fred Savage). With memorable characters like the witty Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and the eccentric Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), The Princess Bride not only delivers an engaging and heartwarming narrative but also captivates audiences with its charming dialogue, swashbuckling sword fights, and a perfect blend of fantasy and comedy. The movie’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport viewers to a world of true love and high adventure, making it a cherished classic for audiences of all ages.
7. Slumberland – Netflix
The plot revolves around a young girl named Nemo (Marlow Barkley), who is taken in by her uncle Philip (Chris O’Dowd) after her father goes missing at the sea. Nemo, having lived her entire life at the lighthouse with her father, struggles to adapt to her new surroundings and people. One night, she finds herself in the mysterious Slumberland – the world between dreams. In Slumberland, Nemo meets Flip (Jason Mamoa), a con artist, about whom her father had told her bedtime stories about. Flip is looking for a map that will lead him to wish-granting pearls. After Nemo finds the map in the real world, Flip begrudgingly agrees to let her join him in the quest. Accompanied by Flip, Nemo embarks on a journey through dreams, escaping nightmares, fueled by the yearning to reunite with her departed father. Along the way, she discovers a heart-breaking secret about her uncle and sees him in a new light.
