Crafting the perfectfantasymovie is a difficult task since so much can go wrong throughout the process. The genre is popular, butthere are plenty of audiences who are easily turned off by too much magic and escapism,preferring films to feel more rooted in reality. However, a good fantasy movie understands that within the fantastical worlds and incredible magic systems, there are kernels of realism and universal truths about the human experience. It’s the characters and their emotional journeys that are the most relatable and keep viewers returning to these otherworldly adventures.
For a film to be widely considered afantasy movie masterpiece, it needs to be structurally flawless, visually engaging, and have a compelling appeal to the viewer’s pathos. Plenty of films fall short, exceeding in one category, but getting too swept up in the creation of the world rather than the arcs of the characters. However, when a movie does get it right, there’s nothing better than a flawless fantasy movie.The early 2000s was a standout decade for fantasyand included timeless additions to the genre.
The Prestige
Cast
Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, The Prestige follows the lives of two stage magicians in Victorian London. Once colleagues, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden become hated rivals after a tragedy involving Angier’s wife tears them apart. The two magicians each go on to have their own lives and careers while competing to see who can pull off a seemingly impossible teleportation trick. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale star as Angier and Borden.
The Prestigeis an underrated Christopher Nolan moviestarring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as competing magicians in a steampunk fantasy world. Crafted like a magic trick,The Prestigedraws the audience in, misdirects them, and then shocks them with the kind of twist ending that Nolan is known for. WhileThe Prestigeplays with time and perception, as all of Nolan’s films do, it’s one of the more character-driven and emotional stories the filmmaker has brought to life, asthe audience gets deeply invested in the dueling magicians' personal journeys.
Fortunately, even upon a rewatch,The Prestigecontinues to be one of the most unexpectedly thrilling additions to the fantasy genre.
Even ifThe Prestigeis less explicitly magical and spellbinding than other fantasy movies, watching it for the first time is entrancing as the viewer tries to piece together the trick. However,just as the magicians say inThe Prestige, you don’t really want to know how the trick is donebecause that destroys the illusion. Fortunately, even upon a rewatch,The Prestigecontinues to be one of the most unexpectedly thrilling additions to the fantasy genre.
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Shrek 2
Shrek 2 follows Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey as they travel to the kingdom of Far, Far Away to meet Fiona’s parents, the Queen and King. Tensions arise when the Fairy Godmother and her son, Prince Charming, conspire to disrupt Shrek and Fiona’s marriage. Released on June 19, 2025.
TheShrekmovies have been an enduring and popular part of the animated fantasy genre since the first movie was released in 2001. It’s true that the original film was a huge step forward in terms of computer animation and bringing animated movies to a wider audience that included adults. However,Shrek 2was when the franchise perfected its formulaand is the best installment of the series. Following Shrek and Fiona after they’ve found their happily-ever-after,Shrek 2raises the stakes and includes even more classic fairy tales.
The Fairy Godmother is one of the best animated movie villains of the early 2000s, and the many iconic musical numbers throughout the film cement it as both skillful and hilarious. WhiletheShrekmovies are known for their tongue-in-cheek humor and poking fun at the tropes of the fairy tale genre,they all contain genuinely touching messages. InShrek 2, the characters realize that they don’t have to change themselves for anyone and that they will be loved for who they are.
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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
The Curse of the Black Pearl is the film that kickstarted the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, a series of supernatural swashbuckling adventures. In 1720, blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate “Captain” Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor’s daughter Elizabeth Swann, from Jack’s former pirate allies, who are now undead.
It’s incredible that the idea for an atmospheric theme park ride could have expanded so far that it sparked the creation of one of the best fantasy franchises of the 2000s. However,Pirates of the Caribbeanhas far exceeded the expectations of the ride,and the flawless first installment set it on this path.Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearlhas romance, adventure, and ghost stories, all making for an ambitious story that weaves together seamlessly by the film’s conclusion.
Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom make a touching romantic pair as Elizabeth and Will, lovers from two different social standings who are brought together by their mutual desire for a life of adventure.
Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom make a touching romantic pair as Elizabeth and Will, lovers from two different social standings who are brought together by their mutual desire for a life of adventure. ThePirates of the Caribbean 6movie must overcome the trendof drawing out the story that began inPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearlif there’s going to be hope for the franchise’s future.While the first movie is easily the best, this story structure can’t be imitated;it must be used as a reference for new narratives.
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King concludes the epic saga of the Fellowship’s quest to destroy the One Ring and put an end to Sauron’s reign of terror. As Frodo and Sam continue on their way to Mordor and Mount Doom, accompanied by Gollom, the rest of the Fellowship work to defend Minas Tirith from Sauron’s forces. The film’s ensemble cast includes Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Vigo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan.
The thrilling conclusion to Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s seminal fantasy series was a major step forward in terms of gaining notoriety and recognition within the fantasy genre. Asthe first fantasy film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture,The Return of the Kingchanged how people saw genre movies and demonstrated how they could be crossover successes. It’s likely that the current explosion in popularity of fantasy TV wouldn’t have occurred without theLord of the Ringsmovies.
While each installment of the trilogy could be considered perfect in its own right,The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kinghad the breadth and gravitas needed to give the story the conclusion it deserved. By combining action with moving emotional scenes,there’s not a wasted moment in its three-and-a-half-hour runtime.Perfectly paced and brilliantly designed, audiences are transported from the fires of Mount Doom to the peace of the Shire with ease in Jackson’s iconic film.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
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Pan’s Labyrinth
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth follows Ofelia, a ten-year-old girl living in 1940s Spain who learns she is actually a long-lost fairy princess. With the help of a faun, she is set a series of tasks to complete in order to return to her true home in the fairy underworld. Ivana Baquero stars as Ofelia, with Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, and Doug Jones making up the rest of the main cast.
While many fantasy stories take on the fairy tale genre,Pan’s Labyrinthdoes so in a way that subverts expectationsand does much more than satirize it. It uses the fairy tale format as a form of escapism for Ofelia, the protagonist ofPan’s Labyrinth, who sees her family change and the world crumble alongside the rise of fascism in 1940s Spain. Finding solace in the terrifying but spellbinding challenges set to her by the ephemeral Faun, Ofelia attempts to prove that she is the fated princess of the Underworld, not an unfortunate young girl with a horrible stepfather.
10 Darkest Fantasy Movies Of All Time, Ranked
Though fantasy is often regarded as a genre full of magic and escapism, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fantasy movies with a dark side.
Unsurprisingly, the director, Guillermo del Toro, lends his trademark visionary outlook to the film, immersing the viewer and characters in a world beyond their imaginations. All the practical effects, set design, and the creation of the monsters combine to make for a cohesive visual aesthetic that’s come to define del Toro’s imaginative projects. However, it’s quickly revealed thatthe most terrifying and unbelievable part ofPan’s Labyrinthis humanity’s capacity for violence and evil.
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Coraline
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, Coraline follows Coraline Jones, a lonely young girl who, after moving to a new house with her inattentive parents, discovers a portal to another, more sinister alternate reality behind one of the house’s many doors. Written and directed by Henry Selick, the film uses stop-motion animation and stars Dakota Fanning as Coraline.
Coralineis well-remembered as the source of nightmares for many viewers who watched the film in their youth and were presented with a genuinely scary story. Coraline’s escape to her magical realm is not the exciting and safe journey she expects, as the land she travels to is designed to draw her in and trap her. Based on the novella of the same name,Coralinewas universally praised for its visual styleand the way the real world and the Other World are brought to life.
Most viewers would be just as easily captivated by the charms of the Other World as it appears to be a welcome reprieve from the doldrums of everyday life.
As a protagonist,it’s easy to relate to Coraline and her dissatisfaction with lifeand desire to receive more attention and adventure from the apathetic world around her. Most viewers would be just as easily captivated by the charms of the Other World as it appears to be a welcome reprieve from the doldrums of everyday life. However, what Coraline discovers by the end of the film is that her own small acts of bravery and discovery are enough excitement to propel her through life.
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Enchanted
Starring Amy Adams as Giselle, Enchanted follows its heroine as she is cast out of her animated fantasy world by an evil queen, ending up in the middle of New York City where she meets Robert, a jaded lawyer who reluctantly takes the clueless Giselle in. As Giselle begins to adjust to life in the real world, and her relationship with Robert deepens, she must reconcile what she thought she wanted with where life has taken her. Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and Susan Sarandon also star.
Amy Adams is at her best as Giselle in Disney’s spin on its own fairy tale tropes,Enchanted. By poking fun at the very animated classics that the studio made its name on,Enchantedsees the naive yet determined Giselle get thrown into the harsh realities of life after existing in an animated paradise where nothing goes wrong. Simultaneously satirical and unabashedly sentimental,Enchantedis the perfect fantasy movie for children and adults to enjoy in equal measure.
Featuring hilarious and heartfelt performances from Patrick Dempsey and James Marsden as Giselle’s love interest in the real world and the prince from her fairy tale land,Enchantedboasts an all-star cast.It’s because of the commitment of the actors thatEnchantedworks so well,even when it’s at its most outlandish. With catchy original songs and nostalgic references,Enchantedmight be on the formulaic side, but that’s part of the fun.
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a martial arts film directed by Ang Lee. Released in 2000, the story revolves around warriors Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien, played by Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh, as they pursue a stolen sword and encounter a mysterious young aristocrat. The film is renowned for its lush visuals and choreographed fight scenes, blending romance and adventure against a historical Chinese backdrop.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragoncan be attributed to having brought renewed interest and wider viewership bases to the martial arts genre at the turn of the century.Directed by Ang LeeCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonconnects the best of fantasy and martial artswith incredible fight scenes, tragic romance, and compelling mysteries that the characters and audience must unlock. Featuring performances from iconic actors like Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh,Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonis not only memorable because of its visuals and staging but also because of its characters.
Strong female characters and fighters take center stage inCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which contributed to its crossover success with such a large audience.
As one ofMichelle Yeoh’s best movies, the actress gets to spend equal time demonstrating her incredible skills in battle as well as her nuanced take on the emotional war raging inside her character, Yu Shu Lien. Strong female characters and fighters take center stage inCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which contributed to its crossover success with such a large audience. Additionally, the film was not only popular with audiences but also with critics,winning many accolades during the award season, like the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film,among others.
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: In Harry’s third year at Hogwarts, he faces more complex magical challenges and encounters fear-inducing Dementors. The escape of the notorious wizard Sirius Black from Azkaban casts a shadow over the school year, presenting new threats and mysteries for Harry and his friends to unravel.
Arguably the bestHarry Pottermovie and the easiest to watch as a standalone film,The Prisoner of Azkabanunderstands the magic ofHarry Potterbetter than any other movie.The franchise was the most successful fantasy series of the 2000sand was a definitive moment of pop culture and filmmaking for an entire generation. While the first two films introduced viewers to the world and immersed them in a cozy world of magic, the third installment proved that the franchise could evolve and that there were going to be serious emotional beats.
10 Best Fantasy Movies Of The 2000s
The 2000s were a memorable decade for speculative fiction, as some of the most magical additions to the genre were produced from 2000 to 2009.
The direction of Alfonso Curaón had a lot to do with the continued success ofHarry Potter,as his style of filmmaking and whimsical designs became hallmarks of the series throughout the remaining films. For the first time, Hogwarts and the larger wizarding world felt tangible, and the young actors were pushed to grapple with complex development and emotionally mature subjects. WithoutHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it’s difficult to say where the magical universe would be today.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
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Spirited Away
Spirited Away, a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, is an animated fantasy film that follows the enchanting journey of a young girl named Chihiro. Trapped in a mystical world after her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must navigate a realm filled with spirits and peculiar creatures to save her family.
It’s almost impossible to have a conversation about the bestfantasymovies of all time without discussingSpirited Away. Widely regarded as Hayao Miyazaki’s magnum opus,Spirited Awayis simultaneously transporting and imaginative while telling an intimate and personal story.As always, Miyazaki is the master of finding the universal in the unique, as young Chihiro, the protagonist, might be trapped in the spirit world, but her feelings and trials are connected to the classic pangs of coming-of-age.
Looking back onSpirited Awayover twenty years later, it’s as if not a single day has passed. Its emotional resonance, subtle themes of greed and environmental exploitation, and unparalleled visuals make it impossible not to be swept away by its majesty. Though Studio Ghibli has released many perfect films,Spirited Awaywill likely always rank as the most groundbreaking and timeless.At the very beginning of the decade, the early 2000s saw the release of a film for the ages.
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