10 Greatest Fantasy Movie Masterpieces Of The Last 100 Years, Ranked

For over a century, the fantasy genre has consistently challenged what’s possible in film. But what are the greatest fantasy movies created in the last 100 years? From the very beginning of storytelling through film, creators have used the medium to explore worlds beyond reality. Visionaries like Georges Méliès were among the first to move beyond simply recording life and instead began crafting completely new, imaginative worlds.

In the beginning, fantasy and science fiction films often blended together, as science fiction was still developing its own identity. Over time, though, these related genres started to move in separate directions. While fantasy has evolved over the years, its core ideas have stayed consistent. It has always been a genre that pushes the boundaries of what audiences see on screen.

Great fantasy movies aren’t just about thrilling plots and creative ideas—they also pushed the boundaries of filmmaking itself. Many of the most beloved films in the genre were pioneers, using new techniques that still impress audiences today. Like all true classics, these fantasy masterpieces continue to resonate with viewers after many years.

10. Conan The Barbarian (1982)

While J.R.R. Tolkien was reimagining the fantasy genre, Robert E. Howard created his own unique world with the Conan stories. Conan the Barbarian centers on Conan, a warrior who sets out to get revenge on those responsible for his parents’ deaths – a group known as the Snake Cult. The 1982 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is considered a prime example of the sword and sorcery genre.

Instead of the typical epic fantasy, Conan the Barbarian stays true to the rough and violent spirit of its original pulp stories. It’s got a fun dose of 1980s charm and is a surprisingly complete movie experience, avoiding overly complicated details or world-building. Like the original tales, the film focuses on exciting action above all else.

9. Labyrinth (1986)

Directed by the incredibly imaginative Jim Henson, Labyrinth is a standout fantasy film from the creatively vibrant 1980s. The story follows a teenager who ventures into a magical and puzzling world to save her little brother from the Goblin King. Beyond its fantastic visuals and unique creatures, Labyrinth also boasts a fantastic soundtrack.

David Bowie’s performance as the Goblin King and the film’s music are key to why Labyrinth became a beloved cult classic. While the story isn’t tightly structured, the movie flows from one stunning scene to another, filled with incredible puppets and special effects. Ultimately, Labyrinth is considered a masterpiece because it embodies everything a great fantasy film should be.

8. The NeverEnding Story (1984)

Many people who grew up with it still remember The NeverEnding Story as a deeply affecting and iconic fantasy film. The story follows a boy who gets pulled into a magical book about the land of Fantasia, which is being consumed by a mysterious force called The Nothing. Filled with fantastical creatures, spells, and exciting quests, the movie is incredibly captivating for children.

While known for its occasionally scary parts, The NeverEnding Story truly shines when it comes to how the story is built and the imaginative creatures within it. Falkor the luckdragon is instantly memorable, and he’s just one example of the film’s many fantastic characters. At its heart, the movie explores the power of escaping into imagination – key themes that define the fantasy genre.

7. Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is one of the most important fantasy movies ever made. It brought the classic fairy tale to life with its full-length animated story, where Snow White, targeted by the Evil Queen’s envy, needs a true love to rescue her. Notably, Snow White was the very first major animated feature film.

Although discussions about the film often center on a specific detail, it’s also a brilliantly made movie. Disney beautifully reimagines the beloved fairytale with its trademark enchanting style, using bright colors and fluid animation. Even as it approaches its 100th anniversary, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs continues to be a truly stunning film.

6. Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

The Harry Potter movies are a standout achievement in fantasy storytelling, and the very first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, is particularly impressive. It introduces Harry Potter, an unhappy orphan, who discovers he’s a wizard and is destined for great things at a special school. As the beginning of the series, Sorcerer’s Stone is almost flawless.

The movie smoothly weaves together its story and the richly detailed world it creates, drawing viewers in while always keeping the plot clear. With a beautiful score by John Williams, every aspect of the film is perfect, from the costumes to the grand sets. The first Harry Potter movie is a truly memorable fantasy and a fantastic start to the series.

5. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Fantasy often mixes well with other types of stories, and Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth is a great example, combining fantasy, horror, and the realities of war. Set in Spain during World War II, the film follows a young girl who finds a magical world that is just as unsettling as the one she’s trying to escape. Pan’s Labyrinth is famous for its stunning visuals, but it’s also a powerfully told symbolic story.

This film powerfully blends imagination and tragedy, creating a deeply moving and fantastical experience. What sets it apart is how it challenges the typical idea of fantasy as a simple escape – the magical world here is filled with real dangers. Widely considered a standout in dark fantasy, Pan’s Labyrinth is a masterpiece because it looks at fantasy in a grounded and realistic way.

4. The Princess Bride (1987)

While now widely beloved, The Princess Bride wasn’t an instant success when it first came out. The story begins with a grandfather reading to his sick grandson, and together they get lost in the adventure of Princess Buttercup and her true love, Westley. What set the film apart was its playful and funny take on the fantasy genre, which was quite different for movies at that time.

I absolutely adore The Princess Bride. It’s not just a clever parody, it’s a genuinely fantastic movie on its own! It’s amazing how so many lines have become instantly recognizable – they’re just part of our culture now. And honestly, even with all the huge-budget films out there, none of them have captured that same simple, heartwarming magic. It’s a true classic, and if you’re a fantasy fan like me, you’ll especially love it.

3. Spirited Away (2001)

Studio Ghibli films are known for their innovation in animation, and Spirited Away stands out as a landmark achievement in the fantasy genre. The story follows a young girl who must find a way to save her parents after they are transformed into pigs, leading her to work at a magical bathhouse run by a witch. Spirited Away is celebrated for its incredible imagination and the depth of its storytelling.

Spirited Away is a beautiful coming-of-age story deeply rooted in Japanese folklore. It feels remarkably fresh because much of the fantasy we see today is based on Western traditions. The film also cleverly updates classic fantasy elements with a modern touch. It’s no surprise that many consider it one of the best films of the 21st century, animated or not.

2. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

While fantasy movies existed before, the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz truly launched the genre into the heart of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The story follows Dorothy as she’s magically transported to Oz, where she faces trouble from the Wicked Witch and teams up with an unlikely group of friends on a journey to find the Wizard. Notably, its use of brilliant color made it a landmark achievement in film.

The movie The Wizard of Oz was truly innovative in every way, pushing the boundaries of filmmaking with its use of fantasy. It remains one of the most famous movies of all time, instantly recognizable to audiences even today, and its songs are just as beloved. While other films from that period feel dated now, The Wizard of Oz still feels as magical and vibrant as ever.

1. The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)

Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is a remarkable achievement, and The Return of the King provides a spectacular conclusion. As Frodo and Sam get closer to Mount Doom, a great army gathers to battle Sauron’s forces and decide the destiny of Middle-earth. Truly epic, the film expertly tells a deeply emotional story with breathtaking visuals and a grand scope.

The final film in the trilogy, The Return of the King, achieved a rare feat at the Oscars, winning all 11 awards it was up for, including Best Picture. While the Academy doesn’t always recognize films in the fantasy genre, this movie’s quality was undeniable. It’s an epic and visually stunning story that also manages to be a truly compelling film for everyone to enjoy.

2026-01-20 02:03