There’s something special about a great fantasy movie. With the right foundation, theme, and storyline, it can create worlds that are fodder for children’s dreams while spurning introspection in adults. So it’s no surprise that some of the best films of this nature are considered undeniable masterpieces by many.
With that being said, these are the 5 best fantasy movies of all time –
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers
The Two Towers, the second installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy is surely a film that no one will forget. As Frodo and Sam journey through Middle Earth, they meet up with Gollum and he leads them to Cirith Ungol. Things are going relatively smoothly until we learn that Saruman, the white wizard, has not given up his search for the ring. He sends a band of Orcs to get it but they fail terribly after several run-ins with our heroes who have been joined by people such as Faramir, Eowyn, and Merry. Along with these new travels, there comes a new member which makes the story even more fascinating, Treebeard.
Fanny And Alexander
Ingmar Bergman’s historical semi-autobiographical film is surprisingly absorbing. Fanny and Alexander deal with the complicated reality of four children whose mother’s death has destroyed an already poor family. And their troubling experiences can only be resolved by their titular characters’ rebellion against a strict priest. He ironically uses their imagination as an outlet for sexual urges he conceals within a pious exterior. Thoughtful and well-written, the daring nature of role reversal – imagining the perspective of children in such bleak circumstances to criticize religion – is highly praised. This whimsical world serves as a sharp contrast to what starts out as cruel but only escalates from there.
Princess Mononoke
In Princess Mononoke, Ashitaka, the prince of his people, is caught in an epic battle to save the Earth’s forests from murderous humans who are greedy for their resources. He meets San a giant wolf who devotedly protects her own land from these humans. This evocative film by masterful director Hayao Miyazaki is unforgettable. This is because of its masterful use of mythological elements to convey its core message. Its relentlessly depressing woodlands and fantastical creatures are a heartbreaking mirror of what he sees. It is also an important reminder that we must do something about our planet’s prolific destruction.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
The thrilling conclusion to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King brings the journey to an end. From Aragorn’s coronation as king, Gandalf’s showdown with Sauron, and Frodo and Sam’s struggle in the heart of Mordor – it’s a journey that can only be encapsulated by Peter Jackson. A masterwork that needs no introduction, The Return of the King is one final chapter in a timeless classic which continues to inspire filmmakers today.
Spirited Away
AIt is a story about a young girl named Chihiro and her family. Spirited Away follows them as they discover a whole new world in which Chihiro is the main focus. With this whole new world, come different situations that arise, as well as many more people along with them. The young girl thrives to find a way to get back to her unchanged life while fighting everything she is going through. Marginally intense scenes but incredible adventures can be found in this combination of a fantasy and animation movie. Viewers are often touched by the endearing protagonist’s journey of finding herself and creating amazing bonds along the way.
