5 Greatest Fantasy Films of All Time

Fantasy films are specifically designed to take us into new worlds but they can also tell us something about our own lives. Here are our suggestions for the five greatest fantasy films of all time.

Pan's Labyrinth

Many people associate the fantasy genre as something for younger audiences, but Pan's Labyrinth is anything but. This haunting fairytale from Guillermo del Toro will even leave thick-skinned adults squirming in their seats. From the claustrophobic sets and horrific monsters, modern fantasy doesn’t get much better than this. Del Toro stated that he considers the story to be a parable, influenced by fairytales, and that it addresses and continues themes related to his earlier film The Devil's Backbone (2001), to which Pan's Labyrinth is a spiritual successor.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

It’s no surprise that an adaptation of one of the most important fantasy novels would make the top 5 greatest fantasy films of all time. Directed by Peter Jackson, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was one of the most successful films of the past 15 years. The monster budget was skilfully used to create one of the most convincing fantasy films we’ve ever experienced. With an all-star cast and incredible visual effects, you get lost in the world of Middle Earth in no time.

Harry Potter

As the most successful fantasy book of our time, Harry Potter was bound to make the cut. The film series netted $7.7billion at the box office, making it the most profitable series of all time. Following the thrilling story of the wizard in training, the film combines brilliant story telling techniques and visual effects to create a series of films which encapsulate the magic that made the books so popular. If you’d like to learn more about the films and how they were made, be sure to check out the stunning Harry Potter studio tour.

The Wizard of Oz

No fantasy film list would be complete without a mention of The Wizard of Oz. The film combines dark undertones and fantastic musical interludes that make this as much a film for adults as children. Often said to be the finest fantasy film to be committed to celluloid, this stunning adaptation is the best starting point for those wanting to get into the fantasy film genre.

Spirited Away

Perhaps one of the most influential animation film studios, Studio Ghibli have been responsible for some of the most breathtaking fantasy films of the past 15 years. While there are so many to choose from, Spirited Away is undoubtedly one of the most polished and renowned films to come from the Japanese animation film studio. The film tells the story of Hiiragi, who tries to free herself and her family from the spirit world in which they are trapped. Having won numerous awards and even taking an Academy Award, its hype is well deserved. Spirited Away was released on July 20, 2001, and became the most successful film in Japanese history, grossing over $274 million worldwide.

So there's our list of the 5 greatest fantasy films of all time. I'm sure you'll have your own thoughts. Let us know what's on your list.