5 Best Fantasy Movies on HBO to Watch Right Now (December 2025)

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For generations, going back to the classic days of Hollywood, movies have let us escape into other worlds – think of films like The Lord of the Rings or The Mummy series. HBO Max has a fantastic selection of these kinds of films. As home to many of Warner Bros.’ most beloved movies, the streaming service offers a year-round supply of entertainment.

Fantasy movies are incredibly varied and fun, ranging from stories set in today’s cities with magical elements to epic adventures. You’ll find everything from classic sword and sorcery tales to superhero movies and stories about witchcraft, making the genre appealing to viewers of all ages. HBO Max has a fantastic selection of these films, with some of the most well-known and beloved franchises available.

Hellboy is a Dark Fantasy Superhero Epic

Mike Mignola created the popular comic book hero Hellboy in 1994, becoming part of a growing movement of independent comic artists. In 2004, director Guillermo del Toro brought Hellboy to the big screen, basing the first movie on Mignola’s original comic, Seed of Destruction. The film centers on the return of Rasputin, who threatens to unleash powerful, otherworldly creatures and destroy the world, and the efforts of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) to stop him.

This film is a standout in dark fantasy and is widely considered one of the best comic book adaptations ever. Ron Perlman perfectly embodies the lead role, and the movie’s frightening creatures captivated a whole generation, introducing them to Mike Mignola’s unique world. Even after twenty-one years, no other installment has quite matched it. The director masterfully combined horror and fantasy, bringing a Lovecraftian feel to the superhero genre. If you haven’t seen it, now’s the time – it will be leaving HBO Max in January 2026.

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Movies Define Sci-Fi Fantasy

Starting in 2021, Denis Villeneuve began adapting Frank Herbert’s Dune for the big screen, a story that hadn’t been told in a major film since David Lynch’s 1984 version. The films follow Paul Atreides’ journey to the planet Arrakis and his pursuit of vengeance after his family is betrayed, making them a truly grand and memorable cinematic experience. If you haven’t seen them yet, they’re essential viewing.

David Lynch’s Dune films brilliantly blend science fiction and fantasy, setting a mythical story against a futuristic, interstellar background. Whether it’s heroes battling from the backs of enormous sandworms or the mysterious powers of the Bene Gesserit, the films combine elements of prophecy and advanced technology to create a truly immersive experience for today’s viewers.

Wonder Woman Put Mythology and Fantasy into the DCEU

Wonder Woman received its first live-action movie in 2017, thanks to the collaboration of Patty Jenkins, Zack Snyder, and Allan Heinberg. The film introduces Diana, a warrior princess, and the Amazons, a secluded society of powerful women who live on the hidden island of Themyscira. When American pilot Steve Trevor unexpectedly lands on their island, Diana embarks on a journey to the outside world – a world embroiled in the First World War.

Though it’s a superhero film, Wonder Woman offers far more than just typical action. It beautifully incorporates Greek mythology and brought a welcome focus on characters and story to the DC Extended Universe, which had previously emphasized dark action and visual spectacle. Even though that franchise has stalled, Wonder Woman remains a standout achievement.

The Harry Potter Franchise is Peak Modern Fantasy

After the huge success of her first Harry Potter book, J.K. Rowling became known as a leading fantasy author, creating a complex story centered around memorable characters. The first film brought Rowling’s magical world to life, showing Harry Potter starting his journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends with Ron and Hermione, and discovers a prophecy that reveals his destiny: to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort.

The Harry Potter films from Warner Bros. truly captured the hearts of a generation, inspiring a lasting love for fantasy and magic. As a key attraction on HBO Max, along with the Fantastic Beasts prequels, it continues to draw in fantasy enthusiasts. The series brilliantly combines themes of growing up, teen fantasy, and even a touch of horror, and is renowned for its excellent casting, stunning special effects, and immersive world-building.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is a Timeless Masterpiece

J.R.R. Tolkien’s writing, starting with the publication of The Hobbit in 1937, essentially created the modern fantasy genre. Following its success, he wrote The Lord of the Rings, which is considered his most important work. In 2001, Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring – telling the story of the quest to defeat Sauron – became a landmark achievement in cinema.

Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy remains one of the most beloved and acclaimed film series ever made. Its incredible detail, from the sets and special effects to the perfect casting, represents the pinnacle of high fantasy cinema. Even twenty years later, it’s a remarkable achievement and a major draw for viewers on HBO Max.

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2025-12-30 20:12