Adventure Movies

The Best Fantasy Movies on Netflix Right Now (October 2023)

October 26, 202314 Mins Read


Sometimes reality is a bust. In times like those, you might want to fire up the Netflix account and look for something with “far-off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!” No, we’re not just quoting Beauty and the Beast for no reason, we’re talking about fantasy stories, and if you’re craving a movie that transports you to another world (or invents a little magic inside the world we live in), look no further! From family-friendly favorites to award-winning dramas, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered with the best fantasy movies you can watch on Netflix right now.




Looking for some more fantastical tales? Check out our list of best movies,fantasy shows, sci-fi shows, and sci-fi movies on the platform.

Editor’s note: This list was updated October 2023 to include Goosebumps.


Goosebumps (2015)

goosebumps 2015 poster

Goosebumps

Writers
Scott Alexander , Carl Ellsworth , Larry Karaszewski , Darren Lemke , R.L. Stine

Release Date
August 5, 2015

Runtime
103

While a Goosebumps movie kind of sounds like a bad idea, the 2015 adaptation of the popular R.L. Stine book series is shockingly great. The trick was making Stine a character in the movie, as Jack Black plays the author who attempts to come to the rescue when some nosy kids accidentally let loose the monsters from his many spooky stories. Just like the books themselves this one is horror-tinged but not too hardcore, making it an excellent choice for youngsters. – Adam Chitwood


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Fullmetal Alchemist Live-Action Film Poster

Fullmetal Alchemist

Director
Fumihiko Sori

Writers
Hiromu Arakawa , Fumihiko Sori , Takeshi Miyamoto

Release Date
December 1, 2017

Cast
Ryosuke Yamada , Tsubasa Honda , Dean Fujioka , Ryûta Satô , Misako Renbutsu , Yô Ôizumi

Runtime
135 minutes

A live-action feature adaptation of the hit anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist, which was adapted from the original manga of the same name, follows two brothers, Edward (Ryôsuke Yamada) and Al, who have the power to transmute matter: an art called alchemy. After a horrific accident during a failed attempt to resurrect their mother, Ed is left with one arm and one leg, while Al is left bodiless. Ed vows to recover his brother’s lost body, so they venture on a quest to find the mythological Philosopher’s Stone. Fullmetal Alchemist is an action-packed adventure feature full of heart and humor, leaning into its foundation of manga and anime and allowing audiences to enjoy the genuine message in the undoubtedly sometimes goofy story. – Yael Tygiel


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Nimona (2023)

Nimona Film Poster

Nimona

When a knight in a futuristic medieval world is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona — a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he’s sworn to destroy.

Director
Nick Bruno , Troy Quane

Release Date
June 30, 2023

Runtime
101 minutes

Based on the graphic novel by the amazingly talented queer visionary ND Stevenson, Nimona is a comedic and stylistic fantasy story that will pull at your heartstrings. Set in a futuristic world blended with a medieval cultural aesthetic, the film follows the disgraced knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed), who is on the run after being framed for the Queen’s murder. While trying to clear his name, he reluctantly befriends Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a shapeshifting teenager who wants to be his villainous sidekick. Moretz and Ahmed are wonderful together as their characters grow to trust one another, which is only enhanced by the dynamite writing filled with organic and quick-paced banter. – Tauri Miller


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Chupa (2023)

Chupa Netflix Poster

Chupa

Director
Jonás Cuarón

Release Date
April 7, 2023

Runtime
95 minutes

Demián Bichir (Let the Right One In) stars with young actor Evan Whitten in Chupa, an adorable family film directed by Jonás Cuarón. Chupa charmingly explores the mysterious and mythical creature, told through a unique story about a young teen (Whitten) who discovers the strange and beautiful being when visiting relatives in Mexico. Co-starring icon Christian Slater (Mr. Robot) and an undeniably cute CGI chupacabra creature reminiscent of a Gremlin, Chupa is a delightful movie for the whole family. Bursting with whimsy, as well as some creative action and stunts, Chupa is built on a gorgeous tale of family, heart, and a hint of mystery. – Yael Tygiel


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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring Film Poster

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.

Release Date
December 19, 2001

Runtime
178 minutes

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring launched director Peter Jackson into icon status as the first film in the illustrious Lord of the Rings franchise. The Fellowship of the Ring gathers an incredible ensemble cast for the epic fantasy saga, starting with Elijah Wood playing the meek Hobbit Frodo, who leaves the safety of the Shire with a diverse set of companions from various creatures and species to journey across Middle-earth with a singular mission: to destroy a powerful ring from a dark wizard. Supporting Wood on his quest are actors Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean, and Ian McKellen, among many others, earning the adventure film series a slew of awards and accolades. – Yael Tygiel


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The Addams Family (1991)

The Addams Family Film Poster

The Addams Family

Writers
Charles Addams , Caroline Thompson , Larry Wilson

Release Date
November 22, 1991

Runtime
99 minutes

While filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld is best known as the director of Men in Black and the Netflix series A Series of Unfortunate Events, his signature style was on full display in his directorial debut: the 1991 adaptation The Addams Family. While this movie may not be suitable for all kids, it’s got a spooky, creepy sensibility that will appeal strongly to certain folks without crossing the line into inappropriate territory. The production design is gorgeous, the performances are delightfully kooky, but above all the throughline of humor makes The Addams Family a supremely entertaining watch. – Adam Chitwood

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Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)

Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio Film Poster

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Release Date
December 9, 2022

Runtime
117 minutes

Guillermo del Toro (Nightmare Alley) and Mark Gustafson (The PJs) team up to create the exquisitely crafted claymation film Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. Pinocchio is the story of an Italian woodcarver named Geppetto, voiced by David Bradley (Doctor Who), whose grief-filled wish magically breathes life into his wooden marionette Pinocchio (Gregory Mann). With the two brilliant directors working collectively to highlight the deliberately intricate art and whimsical music of this dark adaptation, Pinocchio is an enchanting rendition of the classic tale. Featuring an unbelievable cast, including Ron Perlman, John Turturro, and Cate Blanchett, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio truly stands undeniably apart. – Yael Tygiel


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The School for Good and Evil (2022)

Set in a fantastical land where young women are separated into opposing enchanted schools to learn the ways of Princesses and Witches, The School for Good and Evil is a whimsical movie from director Paul Feig (Ghostbusters), who co-wrote the story, based on Soman Chainani’s book, with David Magee. Alongside glorious performances from Charlize Theron (The Old Guard) and Kerry Washington (Little Fires Everywhere), The School for Good and Evil stars Sophia Anne Caruso and Sofia Wylie as prospective students Sophie and Agatha. Exploring the nature of humanity, the balance of positive and negative, and the strength of friendship through a playful adventure, The School for Good and Evil is an elegantly thoughtful movie for audiences of all ages. – Yael Tygiel


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Dracula Untold (2014)

Dracula Untold Film Poster

Dracula Untold

In 15th-century Transylvania, Vlad III (Luke Evans), prince of Wallachia, is known as a just ruler. With his beloved wife, Mirena (Sarah Gadon), Vlad has brokered a prolonged period of peace and ensured that his people are protected, especially from the Ottoman Empire. However, when Sultan Mehmed II (Dominic Cooper) demands 1,000 of the country’s boys, including Vlad’s son, for his army, Vlad makes a deal with a monster that will enable him to defeat the Turks — but cost him his humanity.

Director
Gary Shore

Writers
Matt Sazama , Burk Sharpless , Bram Stoker

Release Date
October 10, 2014

Runtime
92 minutes

Dracula Untold is a creative origin story for one of the most iconic gothic figures in all of vampire lore. Set in 1462 Transylvania, Dracula Untold reveals how, when the son of Prince Vlad (Luke Evans) is drafted by the Turk Sultan (Dominic Cooper) to an unjust war, Vlad makes a deal with the Master Vampire (Charles Dance) to save his family and his kingdom, turning him into Dracula. Director Gary Shore allows Dracula Untold to be more than just a monster movie, weaving in a Faustian tale alongside an epic war drama and sword fighting, shrewdly increasing the gore and bloodshed expected in a vampire flick. – Yael Tygiel

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Vampire Academy (2014)

Vampire Academy Film Poster

Vampire Academy

Writers
Richelle Mead , Daniel Waters

Release Date
February 7, 2014

Runtime
104 minutes

Before Julie Plec’s Peacock series, a film adaptation of The Vampire Academy was brought to the big screen by Mark Waters starring Zoey Deutch and Lucy Fry as the best friends from opposite sides of the proverbial track. Building on the richly complex mythology laid out in Richelle Mead’s novels, The Vampire Academy dives into the class systems and vampire traditions of Moroi, peaceful vampires who discreetly live within our world, protected by half-vampire guardians called Dhampir. The Vampire Academy places Deutch and Fry at the forefront as they train to take their places in society while battling for love, friendship, and against their bloodthirsty, immortal Vampire enemies: the Strigoi. – Yael Tygiel


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The Age of Adaline (2015)

The Age of Adaline Poster

The Age of Adaline

Release Date
April 24, 2015

Runtime
112 minutes

Blake Lively (A Simple Favor) stars in The Age of Adaline, a unique and intriguing story of the life and loves of an enigmatic woman who ceases to age after a car accident. As the titular Adaline, Lively seamlessly transitions through decades and styles, believably shouldering the weight of an old soul until ultimately falling in love with the unequivocally handsome Michiel Huisman (The Flight Attendant). Director Lee Toland Krieger (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) beautifully toys with light and color, framing his star-studded cast deliberately, using these elements to build a delightful romance brimming with fantastical mythology. – Yael Tygiel


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Nightbooks (2021)

Nightbooks Netflix Poster

Nightbooks

Writers
Mikki Daughtry , Tobias Iaconis , J.A. White

Release Date
September 15, 2021

Cast
Krysten Ritter , Lidya Jewett , Winslow Fegley , Khiyla Aynne , Jess Brown , Luxton Handspiker

Runtime
103 minutes

Based on the horror-fantasy children’s book by J. A. White, Nightbooks is about a young, creative kid named Alex (Winslow Fegley) who loves to write scary stories. However, after his parents become concerned about his mental health, he promises to burn all of them and never write again. On his way to do this, he gets kidnapped by a witch named Natacha (Krysten Ritter), who forces him to continue writing stories or else be turned into a figurine. He, along with the help of his friend – another imprisoned child named Yazmin (Lidya Jewett) – must outsmart the witch and break free. Nightbooks effectively serves up scares for its young audience, and its compelling story makes it an entertaining watch for older viewers, too. – Taylor Gates


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Afterlife of the Party (2021)

Afterlife of the Party Film Poster

Afterlife of the Party

Director
Stephen Herek

Release Date
September 2, 2021

Runtime
109 minutes

Afterlife of the Party revolves around Cassie (Victoria Justice) and Lisa (Midori Francis), two women who have been best friends since first grade. Now, however, they are beginning to drift apart, as Cassie loves to party while Lisa is more of a homebody. After getting into a huge fight one night, Cassie dies and is tasked with serving as a guardian angel before being allowed to enter heaven. One of the people on that list? None other than Lisa. If you’re looking for a unique comedy with a surprising amount of heart, look no further – Afterlife of the Party is an entertaining tale of friendship and forgiveness. – Taylor Gates


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Bleach (2018)

Bleach Live-Action Poster

Bleach

Director
Shinsuke Sato

Release Date
July 20, 2018

Cast
Sota Fukushi , Hana Sugisaki , Ryo Yoshizawa , Erina Mano

Runtime
108 minutes

Bleach is ranked as one of the best supernatural manga turned live-action adaptation films. Ichigo Kurosaki, played by Sôta Fukushi, is just your average teenage boy with the gift of a sixth sense. He’s a Soul Reaper who not only sees ghosts but also sees Hollows, a race of creatures born from human souls that do not cross over after death, instead corrupting spirits and devouring the souls of both the living and the dead. Fukushi seamlessly embodies the Zanpakuto-wielding soul reaper, protecting Karakura Town with a sense of earnestness in an otherworldly story that could easily have felt cheap and gimmicky. Director Shinsuke Sato navigates the worlds of life and death, light and dark, while showcasing gorgeous special effects and capturing the canon with a faithful set and costume design. – Yael Tygiel


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A Monster Calls (2017)

A Monster Calls Film Poster

A Monster Calls

Conor, a twelve-year-old boy, encounters an ancient tree monster who proceeds to help him cope with his mother’s terminal illness and being bullied in school.

Writers
Patrick Ness , Siobhan Dowd

Release Date
January 6, 2017

Runtime
108 minutes

Despite what the title might suggest, A Monster Calls isn’t a horror movie — it’s a richly metaphorical drama that centers around the way that children choose to process grief. The film follows the young boy Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall), whose mother (Felicity Jones) is on her deathbed. Lewis has visions of a giant, fantastical creature (voiced by Liam Neeson), who gives him the sort of wisdom that he never got from his own absent father (Toby Kebbell). It’s clear that most of these fantasies are in Conor’s head; regardless, J.A. Bayona’s wondrous visual spectacle brings Connor’s most vivid dreams to life. –Liam Gaughan


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Night Teeth (2021)

Night Teeth Film Poster

Night Teeth

Director
Adam Randall

Writers
Brent Dillon

Release Date
October 20, 2021

Runtime
107 minutes

Night Teeth is a vampire movie like you’ve never seen before. The film follows Benny (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.), a chauffeur hired to drive two friends, Blaire (Debby Ryan) and Zoe (Lucy Fry), to several parties around Los Angeles. The catch? The two women are vampires – and they’re about to cause some serious chaos. With sleek cinematography and some genuine laughs and scares alike, Night Teeth is stylish and campy fun. – Taylor Gates

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The Old Guard (2020)

The Old Guard Film Poster

The Old Guard

Writers
Greg Rucka , Leandro Fernandez

Release Date
July 10, 2020

Runtime
125 minutes


An action thrill-ride that is still slept on to this day, The Old Guard is a superhero movie all its own that packs a real punch in everything from its crushing combat sequences to the prevailing heart found in each one of its characters. It stars a typically resolute Charlize Theron as Andy, the head of a group of immortal mercenaries who must undertake a revenge mission after being set-up by someone they trusted. The twist is that the reason for their immortality is that all the members have regenerative healing abilities that ensure they can take quite a beating and keep going. Adapted from the comic book of the same name by Greg Rucka and brought to life with a razor-sharp eye by director Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film also sees a scene-stealing KiKi Layne command the screen as Nile to make it a must-see for any lover of action cinema. – Chase Hutchinson

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Over the Moon (2020)

Over the Moon Film Poster

Over the Moon

Writers
Jennifer Yee , Audrey Wells

Release Date
October 23, 2020

Runtime
95 minutes

Based in part on the legendary Chinese mythological story of Chang’e, Over the Moon is a cheery and heartfelt animated feature. There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking when it comes to this movie, but the exploration into Chinese mythology is relatively new for Western animation. The film was also screenwriter Audrey Wells‘ final film and demonstrates the comedy and heart that was so often found in her films. A family-friendly toe-tapping movie, Over the Moon came out rather quietly during the pandemic but still warrants a look for those looking for a good time. — Therese Lacson

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Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail Film Poster

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Director
Terry Gilliam , Terry Jones

Release Date
May 25, 1975

Runtime
91 minutes

Is it fantasy? It’s fantasy enough to deserve a spot in the fantasy category of Netflix’s movie catalog. Irreverent and iconic, if you’re one of the few people who haven’t seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail, now is your perfect opportunity. From clopping coconuts to mere flesh wounds, this movie is packed full of references that remain funny even upon revisiting. Follow King Arthur and his knight as they quest, coming across foes, temptations, and evil rabbits, it’s silly, it’s funny, it’s a joy! — Therese Lacson

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