I grew up on fantasy movies. For a kid who was admittedly a bit of a loner, fantasy was my way of escaping this world and stepping into a new one, and now, years later and all grown up, there’s still a special place in my heart for fantasy movies.
From The Lord of the Rings to Matilda, anyone can enjoy some magic, dragons, and fantastical adventures every once in a while. With that in mind, here are the best fantasy movies and sagas currently streaming and/or available for rent.
The Lord Of The Rings Saga (2001 - 2003)
If you haven’t heard of The Lord of the Rings, I don’t know what rock you’ve been living under. This famous Academy-Award-winning franchise follows a group of heroes, who are sometimes a bit reluctant to step into that role, as they step out into the world to save it from evil. It’s based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien.
This saga is famous for a reason. Not only is the story compelling, filled with plenty of fantasy adventure along the way with dragons and magic, but the visual effects are breathtaking. Even now, two decades after the first movie arrived in theaters, I still stand in awe whenever I watch the Battle of Helm’s Deep. Directed by the brilliant Peter Jackson, the fantasy world surrounding this astonishing series will take your breath away. We’ve even taken the opportunity to rank The Lord of the Rings movies.
Stream The Lord of the Rings saga on Max
Rent/Buy The Lord of the Rings saga on Amazon.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Princess Mononoke is a perfect early example of the fantasy worlds that Studio Ghibli can create. It takes place in the late Muromachi period of Japan and follows a young Emishi prince and his involvement with the humans and the gods who control the forest.
Studio Ghibli movies are filled to the brim with wonderful color and beautiful animation, but Princess Mononoke has plenty of fantasy elements added in there as well to make the film feel even more vibrant. Hayao Miyazaki has some of the best-animated films out there in my opinion, and Princess Mononoke is certainly near the top of our ranked Hayao Miyazaki list.
Stream Princess Mononoke on Max.
Rent/Buy Princess Mononoke on Amazon.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
If you’re looking for a romance unlike any other, Edward Scissorhands is the way to go. The film follows a young man named Edward who’s built and brought to life by a man who dies before he finishes his creation, leaving Edward with scissors for hands. But soon, he finds comfort in a family that takes care of him, and he falls in love with their daughter.
Edward Scissorhands is exactly the kind of movie I think about when it comes to fantasy romance. There’s plenty of fantastical moments in there, but the romance is the main plot line - the fantasy only adds to it. Not only that, but it’s also one of the best Christmas’ movies out there, and one of Johnny Depp’s best characters.
Stream Edward Scissorhands on Disney+.
Rent Edward Scissorhands on Amazon.
The Witches (1990)
Starring Anjelica Huston, The Witches is the dark fantasy that will have you not only laughing but on the edge of your seat. The movie, based on the novel of the same name, tells the story of a boy and his grandmother who work together in order to prevent a group of evil witches who seek to turn little kids into mice.
This film is just a fun time. The movie didn’t do incredibly well at the box office when it initially released, but man, it has become a favorite of mine over the years, and a favorite of many others. Huston’s performance is one of her best, and the movie is hilarious with its fantasy aspects. I just love it.
Rent/Buy The Witches on Amazon.
The Princess Bride (1987)
You want to talk about classic fantasy, look no further than the iconic The Princess Bride. Adapted from the novel of the same name, The Princess Bride follows Westley, a farmhand who, with the help of some companions along the way, must rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, from Prince Humperdinck.
The film is loved by many fantasy lovers for its solid story and fun fantasy aspects, but for me, it’s always been the awesome cast featured in this film. With big stars like Robin Wright, Billy Crystal, Andre the Giant and so many more, it’s worth a watch for anyone, even if fantasy isn’t your favorite genre. The comedy will keep you going no matter what.
Stream The Princess Bride on Disney+.
Rent/Buy The Princess Bride on Amazon.
Cinderella (2015)
Out of all of the Disney princess live-action movies that have been released over the last decade, I have to say that Cinderella is my favorite. Starring Lily James as the titular character, this retelling of the classic fairytale is a dream come true. We follow Ella, a young woman who gets the chance of a lifetime to attend a ball – and there, through the help of her animal friends, she meets a prince so sweet.
I mean, it’s Cinderella, what more could you ask for in a fantasy? Obviously it’s not as intense as some of the others on this list, but if you’re looking to introduce your child to fantasy and you don’t want it to be completely animated, then this Cinderella is a great way to do so – also, Cate Blanchett’s performance as Lady Tremaine is stupendous.
Stream Cinderella on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Cinderella on Amazon.
Ella Enchanted (2004)
This jukebox musical movie will get you off your feet. Ella Enchanted stars Anne Hathaway and follows the story of Ella, a girl who was “gifted” obedience as a baby by a fairy, but in reality, it just makes her do anything anyone ever tells her to do. She decides to find that fairy that get this gift taken away from her so she can live freely.
Ella Enchanted is one of those films that will forever be a comfort movie to you after the first time you watch it. Anne Hathaway is always a charming actress to follow in any of her roles, but there’s just something about her as Ella that always brings a smile to my face. The fantasy aspect is fun, with plenty of kooky magic, but you’ll fall for the relatable characters and the cute love story more.
Stream Ella Enchanted on Netflix.
Rent/Buy Ella Enchanted on Amazon.
Highlander (1986)
Featuring Christopher Lambert in one of his best roles, Highlander is the epic high fantasy that once you watch it, you’ll love it for the rest of your life. The series follows a Scottish man who is actually an immortal, a person who will live forever unless he is beheaded, and how he and the other Immortals fight for centuries until only a few remain – and of course, this final battle happens in the middle of New York city in 1985.
This movie is just wacky from beginning to end but in the best way, because it really is an original idea that we don’t see that often. Taking place over multiple centuries and introducing plenty of new characters, Highlander is one of those movies that has gained a lot of fame over the last few decades, and has a strong fanbase even now.
Stream Highlander on Amazon Prime.
Rent/Buy Highlander on Amazon.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Guillermo del Toro has always been a master of horror and fantasy, as well as visual effects and so much more, but did you know that can use that in fantasy too? Pan’s Labyrinth, directed and produced by del Toro, tells the story of our world intertwining with a mythical one, five years after the Spanish Civil War, where everything is centered on an overgrown labyrinth.
I really can’t get into the plot of this film without giving much away, for those who haven't seen it, but trust me when I say that Pan’s Labyrinth is considered a classic in cinema for a reason. The make-up, special effects, animatronics, and CGI alone could carry this film even if the story wasn’t good, but it’s truly an immersive and fantastical tale of fantasy, mixed in with several real-world elements like fairy tales and mythical creatures.
Stream Pan’s Labyrinth on Tubi.
Rent/Buy Pan’s Labyrinth on Amazon.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins is arguably one of the most known Disney movies of all time. Starring Julie Andrews in one of her best films, the movie tells the story of a family who needs a nanny to take care of their children. In comes Mary Poppins, the perfect nanny there is.
There’s a lot to love about Mary Poppins. The fantasy aspects are so much fun, the music is great, the animation is fun, and the dance sequences are energetic. There’s a reason why this movie ended up becoming a major hit with musicals. While they did create a sequel with Emily Blunt years later, the original will always reign supreme.
Stream Mary Poppins on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Mary Poppins on Amazon.
Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
You’ve seen him once already on this list, but I knew I had to include this fantastic film one way or another. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a retelling of the classic story of Pinocchio, a little wooden boy that comes to life after his maker, Guiseppe, loses his son.
This movie… hits, man. Yes, you will love the fantasy elements – I mean, it’s Guillermo del Toro, he knows how to make a great dark fantasy movie. You will even think some of the music is catchy. But, you stay for the emotions that this film brings up, because I swear to you, it will make you cry. It made me cry several times. It even won the 2023 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Stream Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio on Netflix.
Enchanted (2007)
Think of all the Disney princess movies, and then think of a film that parodies them in the best way but still features a fun love story. That’s Enchanted, starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey. The movie tells the story of a young woman who finds herself thrown into the human world and learns to survive in the scariest place she’s ever encountered – New York City.
Enchanted is a lovely time. Rewatching the movie is always a blast, but even if you’ve never seen it, it’s worth the hour and a half to check it out. The music itself is so much fun, and you’ll be on your feet in no time for this sweet fairytale. There’s even a sequel that was released in 2022, but I personally believe that the first is better.
Stream Enchanted on Disney.
Rent/Buy Enchanted on Amazon.
Where The Wild Things Are (2009)
Based on the novel of the same name, Where The Wild Things Are follows a young boy who feels lonely in the world and runs away from home, only for him to sail to a strange island that is inhabited by “Wild Things,” who decide to make Max their king, but there’s much more behind these creatures that Max doesn’t know.
I think anyone will relate to Where The Wild Things Are in some way or another. Obviously the fantasy aspect of this film is great. The usage of CGI mixed in with animatronics and puppetry is really a work of art and the fact that this film received such little box office attention is such a crime. But the real theme of the movie is what people relate to – being thankful for the life you have, and learning to grow in more ways than one.
Stream Where The Wild Things Are on Max.
Rent/Buy Where The Wild Things Are on Amazon.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
I mean, I can’t have a fantasy list without mentioning one of the first big-time movies. The Wizard of Oz is all about Dorothy, a young woman who is whisked away to a wonderful world of color after her home is hit by a tornado. It’s up to her, plus some friends she meets along the way, to find her way back home and avoid the Wicked Witch of the West.
The movie itself is fantastic and has inspired many bodies of work after it, including the musical Wicked, which is filled with amazing music and is receiving a two-part Wicked movie adaptation. Judy Garland’s voice is beautiful to listen to any day of the week, and no matter how many fantasy movies you might have seen, the transition from black and white to color in this film is one of the best scenes in cinema. A true masterpiece. It’s a classic movie that is available to stream.
Stream The Wizard of Oz on Max.
Rent/Buy The Wizard of Oz on Amazon.
The Green Knight (2021)
The Green Knight is a fantasy film unlike any other. The main story follows Gawain, a man from the legends of King Arthur, as he travels across the land to fulfill a request.
I don’t want to say too much about The Green Knight or risk giving too much away. Let’s just say not only is it one of the best fantasy movies, but it’s one of the best movies about King Arthur out there. The cinematography is out of this world, the acting impeccable, and the story is so freaking good. It’s genuinely one of the best movies I think I have ever seen, and if you haven’t gotten the chance to see it, do yourself a favor and watch it.
Stream The Green Knight on Amazon Prime.
Rent/Buy The Green Knight on Amazon.
Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away is a different type of fantasy film. This Academy-Award winning movie follows the story of Chihiro, a young girl who mistakenly enters the world of Kami after her parents are turned into pigs.
As a child, I don’t think I ever quite understood this story as much as I do now. Not only does Spirited Away have stunning animation and really cool fantasy elements with the inclusion of magic and sorcery with the witches and spirits here, but the story is also fantastic. There are several messages of what true love is like, friendship, and the ability to believe in oneself. Hayao Miyazaki knocks it out of the park again on this one.
Stream Spirited Away on Max.
Rent/Buy Spirited Away on Amazon.
The Neverending Story (1984)
Based on the novel of the same name, The Neverending Story is the fantasy film that kids my age and the generation before grew up with. The movie follows a young boy who discovers a book that takes him into the biggest quest of his life – trying to stop a dark force from taking over a magical land.
The Neverending Story is able to craft fantasy extremely well, while also hitting emotional points you wouldn’t quite expect from a movie catered to older children and teenagers. There are scenes that will cause you to sob for hours on end in this film, even if you have seen it before – and if you know, you know.
Rent/Buy The Neverending Story on Amazon.
Matilda (1996)
Directed by Danny DeVito, Matilda is based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, and follows the story of a young girl with telekinetic abilities who uses her powers to confront both her horrible family and the terrible principal of her school, fighting back with magic and kindness.
I’m the biggest supporter of Matilda, and while I’ll be the first to recommend the 2022 musical Matilda on Netflix, I will also fully recommend this one as well because it’s great. For children, they’ll love the main character and her sweet nature and how she never loses her smile or her wit. For adults, you’ll love the magic and the sheer resilience that Matilda has. There’s something for everyone.
Stream Matilda on Netflix.
Rent/Buy Matilda on Amazon.
The Pirates Of The Caribbean Movies (2003 - 2017)
Are you ready to be a pirate? Because I sure am. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has several movies in it, but they all mainly follow the incredible, drunk pirate, Jack Sparrow, on his miscellaneous and dangerous adventures across the sea,
There’s a lot I could say about this franchise. While the movies are entertaining in many ways with its fantasy aspects, I’d say there’s even more than that which is awesome. The fight scenes are badass, but the best part is no doubt Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow. The actor fully embodies the role and becomes the pirate.
Stream the Pirates of the Caribbean movies on Disney+.
Rent/Buy the Pirates of the Caribbean movies on Amazon.
Damsel (2024)
Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Damsel is one of the latest Netflix original films which will take you on the ride of your life. The movie follows a young woman who is betrothed to Prince Henry, a prince of a neighboring kingdom, to help her own home, but after the wedding, she is sacrificed to a dragon. It’s up to her to find her way out and survive before the dragon gets her next.
I’ve loved Millie Bobby Brown for a long time, and I love strong female characters in fantasy because it feels like we don’t get enough of them, so when I saw Damsel, I knew I had to put it on this list. The film can be predictable at times, but it’s still a ton of fun with some great costumes, an interesting story, and a fun performance from Brown. It’s a movie I’d recommend for a fun little afternoon.
The Harry Potter Movies (2001 - 2011)
I can’t make a list like this and not mention Harry Potter. In this famous movie saga, we follow Harry Potter, the boy who somehow survived the killing curse, “Avada Kedavra,” when he was a baby. Now, it’s up to him, his friends, and any other allies along the way to somehow stop the darkest wizard of all time, Voldemort.
This is the epitome of fantasy, that and The Lord of the Rings. There’s nothing quite like Harry Potter. The friendship of Harry, Ron, and Hermione is one that can never be forgotten, but the side characters are just as amazing as well. The mythical creatures are innovative and unique, such as Buckbeak the Hippogriff, and the world-building within J.K. Rowling's story is absolutely phenomenal. It’s hard to believe that places like this come from one author’s head, but it’s all here. There’s so much upcoming for the world of Harry Potter that it’s almost a must to re-watch this fantastic series.
Now’s the time to stream the movie before the Harry Potter Max reboot comes out - and maybe obsess over Daniel Radcliffe’s best films.
Stream The Harry Potter saga on Peacock.
Stream The Harry Potter saga on Max.
Rent/Buy The Harry Potter saga on Amazon.
With all these wonderful fantasy options, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were whisked away to a magical world not that long from now. Whichever you choose either way will surely have you intrigued for days – or possibly even years – to come.
