Underrated Fantasy Movies You Should Check Out
An adventure into the magical and mythical, the fantasy genre has long been a favorite for many moviegoers. Big-budget epics about wizards, dragons, and distant kingdoms often dominate the box office and become cultural phenomena. These well-known blockbusters are celebrated and rewatched for years, defining many people’s idea of what a fantasy film can be. However, for every massive hit, there are countless other fantasy movies that don’t get the same attention.
This list shines a light on those lesser-known gems that you might have missed. These are the films that, for various reasons, flew under the radar. They may have had small marketing budgets, been too unconventional for mainstream audiences at the time of their release, or were simply overshadowed by bigger movies. Here are 20 underrated fantasy movies that are well worth your time and offer unique worlds and wonderful stories.
Stardust (2007)
In a small English village, a young man named Tristan promises to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. His journey takes him into the magical kingdom of Stormhold, where the star has taken the form of a woman named Yvaine. Tristan is not the only one after her; a trio of ancient witches wants her heart to regain their youth, and the sons of a dead king need the ruby she wears to claim the throne.
Stardust is an enchanting fairy tale for adults that balances romance, adventure, and comedy. It features a star-studded cast, including Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro in a memorable role as a sky-pirate captain. The film’s imaginative world and witty script make it a delightful watch that captures the spirit of classic fantasy tales with a modern twist.
The Dark Crystal (1982)
This film is set in the world of Thra, a place thrown out of balance after a powerful crystal cracked a thousand years ago. The world is now ruled by the cruel Skeksis, while the gentle Mystics live in hiding. The story follows Jen, a Gelfling raised by the Mystics, who is sent on a quest to find the missing shard of the crystal and heal it before the three suns align, which would allow the Skeksis to rule forever.
Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, The Dark Crystal is a masterpiece of puppetry and practical effects. It stands out for its unique and detailed world-building and its darker, more serious tone compared to other Henson productions. The film’s artistry is incredible, with every creature and set designed to create a completely alien yet believable world. It’s a bold and visually stunning fantasy adventure unlike any other.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Set in Spain in 1944, after the Spanish Civil War, this film follows a young girl named Ofelia who moves with her pregnant mother to live with her new stepfather, a ruthless army captain. Escaping the harsh realities of her life, Ofelia discovers a mysterious labyrinth and meets a faun who tells her she is a long-lost princess. To prove her royalty, she must complete three dangerous tasks before the full moon.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark and beautiful fairy tale that blends fantasy with the grim reality of war. The film is visually breathtaking, with creature designs that are both magical and terrifying. It is a powerful story about innocence, choice, and disobedience, and it does not shy away from the darkness of both its fantasy and real-world elements.
Dragonslayer (1981)
In a medieval kingdom, a dragon known as Vermithrax Pejorative demands a sacrifice of a virgin girl twice a year. A group of villagers seeks help from a powerful sorcerer, but he is killed before he can assist. His young and inexperienced apprentice, Galen, takes his place, armed with a magical amulet. Galen’s quest to slay the dragon is filled with challenges that test his courage and magical abilities.
Dragonslayer was a notable film for its time because of its realistic and terrifying dragon. The special effects, which earned it an Academy Award nomination, were groundbreaking and brought Vermithrax to life in a way audiences had never seen before. The film’s gritty tone and serious approach to its fantasy elements make it a more mature and compelling story than many other fantasy films of its era.
The Fall (2006)
In a 1920s Los Angeles hospital, a young immigrant girl named Alexandria befriends a bedridden stuntman named Roy. To pass the time, Roy tells her an epic story about five mythical heroes who are on a quest to kill a tyrannical governor. As he tells the tale, the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur, and the fate of the characters in his story becomes linked to the lives of the people in the hospital.
The Fall is a visual masterpiece, directed by Tarsem Singh. The film was shot in over 20 countries, and its stunning landscapes and vibrant costumes are all real, with very little use of CGI. The story is a heartfelt exploration of the power of storytelling and human connection. Its unique visual style and emotional depth make it a truly unforgettable film.
Willow (1988)
In a world of magic and monsters, a prophecy foretells the birth of a child who will bring about the downfall of the evil Queen Bavmorda. When the baby is found by Willow Ufgood, a kind farmer from a village of little people, he is tasked with protecting her. Along with a roguish warrior named Madmartigan, Willow embarks on a perilous journey to deliver the child to safety.
Produced by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard, Willow is a classic adventure filled with charm and spectacle. While it wasn’t a huge box office success upon release, it has since become a beloved cult classic. The film’s endearing characters, groundbreaking special effects for its time, and a classic good-versus-evil story make it a fun and exciting fantasy quest for all ages.
The Last Unicorn (1982)
The story follows a unicorn who learns that she may be the last of her kind. She leaves her protected forest to find out what happened to the others. On her journey, she is joined by a clumsy but well-meaning magician and a cynical woman. They must face the evil King Haggard, who is obsessed with capturing unicorns, and his terrifying Red Bull.
The Last Unicorn is an animated film based on the novel by Peter S. Beagle. It has a melancholic and thoughtful tone that sets it apart from many other animated fantasies. The film explores themes of regret, loss, and the nature of humanity through its beautiful animation and memorable characters. Its mature storytelling has resonated with audiences for decades, making it a timeless classic.
Big Fish (2003)
William Bloom is a journalist who has grown tired of his father Edward’s unbelievable stories about his life. When Edward falls ill, William returns home to spend time with him and tries to uncover the truth about his father’s past. Through flashbacks, we see Edward’s epic tales of encountering giants, werewolves, and other fantastical elements on his life’s journey.
Directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish is a heartfelt story about family, myths, and the stories we tell. The film’s fantasy sequences are colorful and imaginative, reflecting the larger-than-life personality of Edward Bloom. It is a touching exploration of the relationship between a father and son, and it ultimately celebrates the power of storytelling to make life more magical.
The City of Lost Children (1995)
In a surreal, steampunk-inspired city, a brilliant but evil scientist named Krank kidnaps children to steal their dreams, as he is unable to have any of his own. When his little brother is taken, a kind but dimwitted circus strongman named One sets out to rescue him. He is aided by a sharp-witted young orphan girl named Miette, and together they navigate the city’s dark and dangerous underworld.
This French film, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, is known for its highly imaginative and unique visual style. The world is a bizarre and fascinating mix of old-fashioned technology and grim, fairy-tale aesthetics. The City of Lost Children is a visually inventive and dreamlike fantasy that is both dark and strangely charming, offering a cinematic experience unlike any other.
MirrorMask (2005)
Helena is a 15-year-old girl who works for her family’s circus but wishes for a normal life. After an argument with her mother, who then falls ill, Helena finds herself trapped in a strange dream world. This world is divided into a light and dark kingdom, and she must find a magical charm called the MirrorMask to save the world and return home.
A collaboration between The Jim Henson Company and author Neil Gaiman, MirrorMask is a visually creative film with a surreal, dream-like quality. The world is brought to life with a unique style of computer animation and imaginative character designs. The story is a coming-of-age journey that explores themes of identity and responsibility in a strange and wondrous fantasy setting.
Ladyhawke (1985)
In medieval Europe, a young thief named “The Mouse” escapes from a dungeon and becomes entangled with a mysterious knight, Etienne of Navarre, and his beautiful lady, Isabeau of Anjou. The knight and lady are under a terrible curse placed upon them by the evil Bishop of Aquila. By day, Isabeau is a hawk, and by night, Navarre is a wolf, keeping them “always together, eternally apart.”
Ladyhawke is a romantic fantasy-adventure with a memorable and tragic premise. The film features beautiful cinematography and a strong cast, including Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer. While its modern rock soundtrack can be polarizing, the powerful love story and classic adventure elements make it a compelling and often overlooked fantasy film from the 1980s.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
An aging aristocrat, Baron Munchausen, interrupts a play about his life to tell the “true” story of his incredible adventures. He recounts tales of traveling to the moon, meeting the Roman god Vulcan, and escaping from the belly of a giant sea monster. With a young girl named Sally by his side, the Baron sets out to prove his stories are real and save a town from its enemies.
Directed by Terry Gilliam, this film is a wild and imaginative fantasy that celebrates the power of storytelling over logic and reason. The movie is known for its incredible and lavish visual effects and set designs, creating a world of pure fantasy. Though it was a major box office failure upon its release, it has since been recognized for its creativity, humor, and boundless imagination.
Legend (1985)
In an enchanted forest, the Lord of Darkness plots to create eternal night by killing the last two unicorns. A forest-dweller named Jack must stop him to save the world and rescue Princess Lili, who has been captured by Darkness. Jack teams up with a group of elves and fairies to venture into the villain’s underground lair for a final confrontation.
Directed by Ridley Scott, Legend is a visually stunning film with incredible production design and makeup effects, particularly the iconic look of Tim Curry as the Lord of Darkness. The movie is a classic fairy tale of good versus evil, and its dreamlike atmosphere and breathtaking visuals make it a feast for the eyes. While it had a troubled production history with different versions released, it remains a cult classic for its unique fantasy world.
The Black Cauldron (1985)
In the land of Prydain, a young assistant pig-keeper named Taran dreams of being a great warrior. He is tasked with protecting Hen Wen, a magical pig who can see the future. When the evil Horned King kidnaps Hen Wen to locate a mystical artifact called the Black Cauldron, Taran must embark on a quest to stop him. He is joined by the feisty Princess Eilonwy, a minstrel, and a furry creature named Gurgi.
The Black Cauldron is one of Disney’s darkest animated films and was a box office failure upon its release. Its scary themes and imagery were a departure from typical Disney fare at the time, which led to a mixed reception. However, it has since gained a cult following for its mature story, unique characters, and for being a bold and different kind of Disney adventure.
Return to Oz (1985)
This film serves as an unofficial sequel to The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy Gale is back in Kansas, but her stories about the Land of Oz have her family worried. After escaping from a terrifying psychiatric hospital, she finds herself back in Oz, but it’s not the vibrant world she remembers. The Emerald City is in ruins, and its inhabitants have been turned to stone by the evil Nome King.
Return to Oz is much darker and more frightening than its famous predecessor. The film is more faithful to the tone of L. Frank Baum’s original books, creating a world that is both wondrous and unsettling. Its creepy imagery and mature themes scared many children in the 1980s, but it is now appreciated for its unique vision, impressive practical effects, and its refusal to be just a simple retread of the original movie.
A Monster Calls (2016)
Conor O’Malley is a young boy struggling to cope with his mother’s terminal illness and bullying at school. One night, he is visited by a giant, ancient yew tree monster. The monster tells Conor it will tell him three true stories, after which Conor must tell the monster his own story—his deepest, darkest truth. The monster’s tales help Conor confront his feelings of anger, guilt, and sadness.
A Monster Calls is a powerful and emotional film that uses fantasy to explore complex human emotions. The movie beautifully blends live-action with stunning animated sequences for the monster’s stories. It is a heartbreaking but ultimately cathartic story about loss and the courage it takes to face difficult truths. The film handles its serious subject matter with grace and imagination.
Time Bandits (1981)
Kevin is an 11-year-old history buff whose ordinary life is turned upside down when six dwarfs stumble out of his wardrobe. They have stolen a map from the Supreme Being that allows them to travel through time by finding holes in the fabric of space-time. Kevin joins them on their adventures as they hop through different historical periods, meeting figures like Napoleon and Robin Hood while being pursued by the Supreme Being and the evil embodiment of technology.
Directed by Terry Gilliam, Time Bandits is a wildly imaginative and darkly comedic fantasy adventure. The film is filled with Gilliam’s signature quirky humor and visual flair, creating a chaotic and unpredictable journey through history. It’s a clever and satirical look at themes of good versus evil and order versus chaos, all seen through the eyes of a child.
Inkheart (2008)
Mortimer “Mo” Folchart has a special ability: when he reads a book aloud, its characters and objects come to life in the real world. However, when something comes out of a book, a person from the real world must go in. Years ago, while reading a book called Inkheart, Mo accidentally brought out a villain named Capricorn and sent his own wife into the story. Now, Mo and his daughter must find a way to stop Capricorn and rescue her.
Based on the popular novel by Cornelia Funke, Inkheart is a love letter to books and storytelling. The premise is a fantasy lover’s dream, exploring the idea of words having real power. The film features a strong cast, including Brendan Fraser and Helen Mirren, and brings a magical world of literary characters to life in a fun and adventurous way.
The Fountain (2006)
The film tells three parallel stories across a thousand years. In the 16th century, a conquistador searches for the Tree of Life for his queen. In the present day, a scientist desperately tries to find a cure for his wife’s brain tumor. In the future, a lone space traveler in a biosphere bubble journeys toward a dying star, haunted by memories of the woman he lost.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, The Fountain is a visually stunning and philosophically ambitious film. It weaves together its three storylines to explore themes of love, death, and immortality. The movie is more of a spiritual and emotional experience than a straightforward narrative, using breathtaking imagery to convey its powerful ideas. It’s a deeply moving and thought-provoking piece of fantasy cinema.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Doctor Parnassus is the leader of a traveling theater troupe who made a deal with the devil, Mr. Nick, centuries ago to gain immortality. Now, Mr. Nick has come to collect his payment: Parnassus’s daughter, Valentina, on her 16th birthday. To save her, Parnassus makes a new bet: whoever can win five souls first will get to keep Valentina. The troupe uses a magic mirror that transports people into their own imaginations to try and win the wager.
This was the final film of actor Heath Ledger, who passed away during production. The filmmakers cleverly had other actors, including Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, play versions of his character as he travels through different imaginative worlds. The result is a visually spectacular and surreal fantasy that serves as a beautiful tribute to Ledger’s talent and a testament to the power of imagination and collaboration.
