Based on the story that more or less founded the fantasy literature genre, The Lord of the Rings is simply one of the best films of all time. The scenery, cinematography and graphics are second to none and even years later this movie still makes me gasp. It's hard to differentiate between the three films, so I'm grouping all three here in the top spot.
Both beautiful and haunting, Pan's Labyrinth is the story of a little girl or find a magical world when the real world start to crush her. While the story and graphics are definitely grounded in fantasy, this may be one of the most human movies on this list, with an ending that you won't forget anytime soon.
Not all fantasy has to be so serious. The Princess Bride is, ultimately, about love winning in the end against all obstacles, but it's the obstacles that make this film click. Whether it is a contest of wits or self-conscious miracle man, this movie is laughs and heart from start to finish.
The closest thing to a textbook fantasy story that is available on film, Willow hits all the right notes with fantasy fans. The story follows an unlikely hero as he inadvertently ventures out to save the world. Val Kilmer is by far the best thing in this movie, as the swordsman, Madmartigan.
Based on the fourth of a set of older Chinese novels, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon became one of the best movies in recent years. The story follows an old hero, who tries to retire but gets pulled right back into the action. The fighting scenes here are simply second to none.
Great movie list.h5
Great list of top five fantasy movies. H5!
select one here...