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This article contains mention of fury , sexual position , and ego - trauma .
Fantasymovies are often perceived as being for younger audiences , but the in force R - rated magical picture push beyond this innovation . These dark and gritty task are for older TV audience and attack to relate with this target consultation by let in more intense writing and operation . Since fantasy is a large-minded genre , the pic that return within it can deal with magic , mystical creatures , fairy tales , and extra news report elementsthat take consultation to otherworldly places . It ’s important within fantasy films that take on sour topics for the worldbuilding to be just as effective as any other summation to the musical genre .
Movies with an R - military rating used to have a harsher reputation before today , as more films and project accrue into this category than ever .
Movies with an radius - rating used to have a harsher repute before today , as more cinema and projects light into this category than ever . Plenty oflive - military action dark fantasy TV showshave taken the television set vault of heaven by storm , but for a longsighted clip , moving picture were the only space where graphic depictions of sensitive material could exist . A film does n’t necessarily have to be too vehement or sexual to pull in an roentgen - paygrade , as concern , language , and other constituent agent into how it ’s give away . However , many films still incorporate these aspects while balancing them with a firm book and moving story .
10Underworld (2003)
Directed by Len Wiseman
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Underworld is a 2003 action - revulsion film directed by Len Wiseman . The plot revolves around Selene ( Kate Beckinsale ) , a vampire warrior caught in a centuries - old battle between vampires and Lycans , a subspecies of werewolf . As she delves deeper into the on-going state of war , Selene uncovers hidden accuracy that gainsay her fealty and perception of both factions . The moving-picture show sport a dark , medieval aesthetic and blend elements of horror and thriller genres .
Kate Beckinsale plays a Harlan Fiske Stone - insensate lamia bravo in the cult classicUnderworld , which follows a century - old contention and hate between vampires and werewolves . Though it was critically tear apart at its departure in 2003,Underworldstill garnered a few subsequence and has carve out a home for itself in the history of vampire stories . One of the most memorable parts ofUnderworldis the cohesive stylisation and moody lightingthat bring themselves to the overall atmosphere of the project .
Her battle sequences are well - choreograph , andUnderworldhas enough rip and panel to unsettle even the least squeamish viewer .
Beckinsale ’s Selene is the protagonist of the film , and she ’s one of the most lethal role in the fib . Her fight sequences are well - choreographed , andUnderworldhas enough blood and panel to unsettle even the least prissy spectator . The crux ofthe narrative sees Selene assemble Michael , a man who turn out to be a lamia - loup-garou hybridand the connexion that forms between them . After expend so much of her living revile lycanthrope , Michael starts to change her mind , and she reexamines her fight .
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
IMDB Rating
Underworld ( 2003 )
Image by Ana Nieves
31 %
79 %
7 / 10
Underworld is a 2003 action-horror film directed by Len Wiseman. The plot revolves around Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a vampire warrior caught in a centuries-old conflict between vampires and Lycans, a race of werewolves. As she delves deeper into the ongoing war, Selene uncovers hidden truths that challenge her allegiance and perception of both factions. The film features a dark, gothic aesthetic and blends elements of horror and thriller genres.
Though critics & audiences often disagree on the receipt of film , action films can still gain popularity despite negative critique & low score .
9Constantine (2005)
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Constantine the Great follows John Constantine , a chain - smoking occult detective who has travel to Hell and back . Released in 2005 , the cinema pairs him with a police matron to inquire her twinned sis ’s mysterious suicide , take them into a hidden public of daimon and holy person in modern Los Angeles .
In one of themovies that defined Keanu Reeves ' career , Constantine , Reeves puts a fantastical whirl on the action hero character he ’s come to personify . Also star Rachel Weisz and Tilda Swinton , Constantineboasts a strong mould of characters who take on the mysticism of the history with serious and close performances . Reeves plays the exorcist Constantine , who can see past the veil to witness angels and demonsdescending to Earth , and he employ his gifts to save multitude but also to sustain his tragical life .
One of the biggest reasonsConstantinereceived its R - military rating is because of how much the narrative revolves around self - hurt and felo-de-se . This , accompany by theimagery of heaven and hell that are prevalent throughout the story , madeConstantinea lightning pole for discussion and criticism . However , over time , Constantinehas been reassess , and though some of the ocular impression are middling dated , they ’re still effective in pock the interview and driving home the movie ’s themes .
Constantine ( 2005 )
46 %
72 %
8Highlander (1986)
Directed by Russell Mulcahy
Connor MacLeod , born in 16th C Scotland , is one of a few deity who can only be killed by beheading . Now , in 1985 , the immortal who have survived their centuries - long secret war sports meeting in New Yor for the " Gathering " to defend for the mysterious " Prize . " It ’s up to MacLeod to check that that the Prize does not precipitate into the hands of his foeman , Kurgan .
Highlanderrepresents a unique time in motion-picture show history for the speculative fabrication genre . The eighties determine an increase in sci - fi and fantasy films as the inflow of CGI technology and new optic effects made more data-based way of filmmaking potential . InHighlander , Christopher Lambert encounter an immortal man from 16th - century Scotland , Connor , and the account catches up with him keeping a low visibility in present - day New York . Sean Connery unite him as Juan Sánchez - Villalobos Ramírez , another immortal who becomes Connor ’s friend after his archnemesis , the Kurgan , tracks him across metre .
Chronicling Connor ’s journeys throughout the world as he years , Highlandersees the fury and end of many ages through the main character ’s middle .
Constantine follows John Constantine, a chain-smoking occult detective who has journeyed to Hell and back. Released in 2005, the film pairs him with a policewoman to investigate her twin sister’s mysterious suicide, taking them into a hidden world of demons and angels in modern Los Angeles.
Like so many older fantasy films , Highlanderis now considered a furore classic , thanks to Connery and Lambert ’s great and more or less campy performances . Many of the reasons that critically initially panned the cinema are why it ’s so well - appreciated today , as its unabashedly jubilant and eccentric nature make it fun to watch to the very end . Chronicling Connor ’s journey throughout the world as he ages , Highlandersees the violence and destruction of many historic period through the master character ’s eyes .
Highlander ( 1986 )
69 %
7The Crow (1994)
Directed by Alex Proyas
The Crow , directed by Alex Proyas , follows Eric Draven , portrayed by Brandon Lee , as he rejoin from the dead to retaliate his and his fiancée ’s tragic murders . prepare in a moody , atmospheric cityscape , the film blends elements of supernatural and action as Draven seeks vengeance against the criminals responsible .
There are manydifferences between the new 2024 adaptation ofThe Crowand the original picture show , and all of them direct to the fact that the 1994 iteration is just . While the 2024 variant might have better and more consistent visual issue , nothing can beat the atmosphere and tone of the first flick , as well as Brandon Lee ’s unforgettable performanceas the Crow . The Crowis an other illustration of a dark twist in the superhero genre , as after Eric is resurrected , he set off on a brutal itinerary of retaliation .
The way the Crow point his victims and eventually end up them off is intensely violent and is what setsThe Crowapart from other vigilante narratives likeBatman . Additionally , the story ’s fancy element come into play as Eric ’s transformation into the Crow happens becausehe was tragically killed and is bring back to ease his revengeful person . Despite his activity , it ’s easy to feel deeply for Eric , as he does n’t deserve his dreadful lot , and his enemy are far bad than he is .
The Crow ( 1994 )
87 %
90 %
Connor MacLeod, born in 16th century Scotland, is one of a few immortals who can only be killed by beheading. Now, in 1985, the immortals who have survived their centuries-long secret war meet in New Yor for the “Gathering” to fight for the mysterious “Prize.” It’s up to MacLeod to make sure that the Prize does not fall into the hands of his enemy, Kurgan.
7.5 / 10
6The Northman (2022)
Directed by Robert Eggers
Robert Eggers ' The Northman adapts the ancient legend of Amleth , the basis for Shakespeare ’s play Hamlet . When a young Viking prince ( Alexander Skarsgård ) witness his uncle ( Claes Bang ) murdering his father ( Ethan Hawke ) , he flees and swears revenge . yield after years of honing his skill as a warrior , Amleth hunts his uncle in a blooming and barbarous tale of revenge and retribution , hoping to deliver his female parent ( Nicole Kidman ) .
The theatre director ofThe Northman , Robert Eggers , is well - known for his unsettling and sweeping epics likeThe WitchandThe Lighthouse , and his latest motion-picture show is no exception . Deeply in conversation with Norse mythology , The Northmanstars Alexander Skarsgårdas a Viking warrior prince , Amleth , whose uncle usurps the business leader , which Amleth narrowly escapes , and vows to get retribution on his uncle . The story follow Amleth ’s attempts to reclaim his throne and his learning the accuracy about his father .
The brutal and gorgeous landscape of northern Europe , where the movie read place , is a bleak backdrop for which the violence and inhumanity of the narrative are pull .
The Northmanalso have Anya Taylor - Joy as Olga , Amleth ’s love interest , and the pair soon join together to plat against Amleth ’s uncle and retake control of the land . The unrelenting and gorgeous landscape of northern Europe , where the movie withdraw lieu , is a stark background for which the violence and atrocities of the narrative are institutionalize . It ’s not an uplifting or well-chosen narrative , as Amleth is beshrew by his own vows of servitude to his father , but as an heroic poem , it will stand up the test of time .
The Northman ( 2022 )
64 %
The Crow, directed by Alex Proyas, follows Eric Draven, portrayed by Brandon Lee, as he returns from the dead to avenge his and his fiancée’s tragic murders. Set in a moody, atmospheric cityscape, the film blends elements of supernatural and action as Draven seeks retribution against the criminals responsible.
5Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Directed by Tim Burton
Sleepy Hollow is a supernatural horror thriller by director Tim Burton and Starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci . Based on the original fib by Washington Irving , Sleepy Hollow follows constable Ichabod Crane as he is beam to the titulary northern New York town to investigate a serial publication of beheading . However , the scholarly Crane ’s foe is a supernatural being that can not be excuse - The Headless Horseman .
Loosely based on the well - known curt story , The Legend of Sleepy Hollow , Tim Burton put his alone flair on the story , which stars a young Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci . Like most works by Burton , Sleepy Hollowis a supernatural fantasy picture show with plenitude of horror elements , prepare it a gory addition to the genre . Sleepy Hollowalso includes elements of crime and thriller tale , as it ’s up to Ichabod Crane to deduct who controls the Headless Horseman and get to the bottom of a conspiracy .
Visually , the motion-picture show is the perfect matter to find out during the autumn to get into the humour for Halloween , as it ’s scary but has enough intriguing ingredient that it ’s not pure horror . Though it strays from the source fabric , Sleepy Hollowstands apart as its own project , even if its characters are a piffling developing . For some of the pic , the audience ca n’t be sure if the terrifying trace of the Headless Horseman is literal or a figment of the townspeople ’s vision , but Burton makes certain to immerse the viewer in the supernatural world before long .
Robert Eggers' The Northman adapts the ancient legend of Amleth, the basis for Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. When a young Viking prince (Alexander Skarsgård) witnesses his uncle (Claes Bang) murdering his father (Ethan Hawke), he flees and swears revenge. Returning after years of honing his skills as a warrior, Amleth hunts his uncle in a bloody and brutal tale of revenge and retribution, hoping to rescue his mother (Nicole Kidman).
Sleepy Hollow ( 1999 )
70 %
80 %
Sleepy Hollow is a supernatural horror thriller by director Tim Burton and Starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci. Based on the original tale by Washington Irving, Sleepy Hollow follows constable Ichabod Crane as he is sent to the titular northern New York town to investigate a series of beheadings. However, the scholarly Crane’s foe is a supernatural being that cannot be explained - The Headless Horseman.
7.3 / 10
4Hellboy (2004)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola , Hellboy , caught between the universe of the supernatural and human , battle an ancient sorceress bent on retaliation . Starring Ron Perlman as the titular hero sandwich . His powers admit superhuman strength , high level of endurance , immunity to injury , and a healing divisor that piss him immune to all disease . Hellboy can also understand ancient language and has a public utility company knock with numerous tools and weapons .
There are quite a few masterworks of dark phantasy on this leaning directed by Guillermo del Toro , and each demonstrates why the fertile filmmaker has become inextricably link to the genre . Ron Perlman transform into Hellboy , AKA Abe , assume prosthetics and costumes that make him almost unrecognisable . Based on the comic serial of the same name , Hellboy , the movie follows Hellboy ’s transformation into an unbelievable superherothanks to his incredible strength and otherworldly powers .
critic and audience quickly realized thatHellboywas something special and labor the fantasy genre further in make do with the darkest part of human story .
Hellboyhas gone on to become an expansive universe that let in multiple moviesand has become a raw material of the drear fantasy musical genre . critic and audience quickly realized thatHellboywas something exceptional and pushed the phantasy genre further in dealing with the darkest parts of human history . The movie ’s commitment to using lots of practical effects has help it stand the trial of metre , and leaning into its more graphical and expressed elements has preface decades of older consultation to an exciting iteration of the superhero picture show .
Hellboy ( 2004 )
81 %
66 %
6.8 / 10
3The Green Knight (2021)
Directed by David Lowery
An heroic illusion adventure free-base on the timeless Arthurian legend , The Green Knight tells the story of Sir Gawain , King Arthur ’s reckless and headstrong nephew , who embark on a defy quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight , a gigantic emerald - skinned stranger and examiner of men . Gawain contends with ghosts , heavyweight , thieves , and schemer in a more profound journeying to delimit his character and turn up his Charles Frederick Worth in the eyes of his phratry and realm by facing the ultimate competitor .
Dev Patel ’s underrated fantasy dramatic event , The Green Knight , is an exciting addition to the canyon of narrative and fables about the fabled King Arthur . However , the picture show is a twist on the well - known story as it follow Gawain , a knight of the Round Table , as he undergoes the challenge of the titular Green Knight . Thirsting for renown and glory , Gawain accepts the challenge of the Green Knight , unaware that the cost of his notoriety will later be his life .
In his search for the Green Knight and his church service , Gawain get a line a slew about himself and about the reliable substance of bravery and forfeit . The Green Knightincorporates some surrealist elements into the storyand the flavour of the project , making it hard for the audience to determine what ’s real and what ’s a figment of Gawain ’s imagination . This allow the movie to incorporate violent and acute scenes , making the world of King Arthur experience more rooted in world than ever before .
Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, Hellboy, caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge. Starring Ron Perlman as the titular hero. His powers include superhuman strength, high levels of endurance, resistance to injury, and a healing factor that makes him immune to all diseases. Hellboy can also understand ancient languages and has a utility belt with numerous tools and weapons.
The Green Knight ( 2021 )
89 %
50 %
6.6 / 10
The Arthurian caption infused with magic and religious mysticism remains a popular selection for filmmaker to adapt , but which King Arthur movie ranks well ?
2The Shape Of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro ’s The Shape of Water is arrange in Baltimore , Maryland in 1962 , and follows Elisa Esposito ( Sally Hawkins ) , a shy , wordless cleaning woman who works as a steward at a secure government facility . While at her job , Elisa meets and falls in love with a human - amphibian intercrossed man , who is being go for and experimented on at the facility by the evil Colonel Richard Strickland ( Michael Shannon ) . Risking her living and the lives of her supporter , Elisa hatch a plan to help oneself her amphibian lover escape , pursued by Strickland and his force out in the government .
It might not seem probable that a story about the love affair between a woman and a humanoid Pisces creature would win Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards , butThe Shape of Wateris much more than meets the eye . Directed by del Toro , The Shape of Wateris one of his most romantic oeuvre to dateand is rightful to the sensational visuals and tragic tone he ’s known for . localise during the Cold War , The Shape of Waterdeals with how people faced the repression of self - expression and sex that was rampant during this sentence .
Elisa and the Amphibian Man instantly work a connective due to their shared feelings of being outsider and being banish by others .
intimate scenes and moments of graphic violence contribute toThe Shape of Watergetting an R - rating , butthe movie is most concerned with its attendant love storyabove all else . Elisa and the Amphibian Man instantly take form a connection due to their shared feeling of being outsiders and being ostracize by others . Though the fantasy component lay an extreme twist on this , it ’s still relatable for interview and makes it light to take root for the pair to escape their stifling circumstances .
The Shape of Water ( 2017 )
92 %
An epic fantasy adventure based on the timeless Arthurian legend, The Green Knight tells the story of Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s reckless and headstrong nephew, who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight, a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men. Gawain contends with ghosts, giants, thieves, and schemers in a more profound journey to define his character and prove his worth in the eyes of his family and kingdom by facing the ultimate challenger.
73 %
1Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro , Pan ’s Labyrinth follows Ofelia , a ten - twelvemonth - old girl living in 1940s Spain who see she is actually a long - lost fairy princess . With the assistance of a faun , she is plant a serial publication of tasks to dispatch to return to her straight house in the fairy underworld . Ivana Baquero stars as Ofelia , with Sergi López , Maribel Verdú , and Doug Jones prepare up the rest of the main cast .
Perhaps the greatest phantasy picture of the 20th one C , Pan ’s Labyrinthisn’t a fairytale for children , as the magical aspects of Ofelia ’s quest are n’t the only fearsome elements of the story . place in Spain in the summer of 1944,much ofPan ’s Labyrinthis explicitly about the Spanish Maquis revolutionarieswho were fighting against fascism during this period . Though Ofelia , the protagonist , is immature , she comes to understand the villainy at work through the violence committed against the Maquis and the evilness of her stepfather , Captain Vidal .
Much of the darkness inPan ’s Labyrinthcomes from Vidal and the horrible offense he perpetrate against the people who oppose him . The violence shown onscreen is part of what gives the film its valuation , as well as the reverence factor , as the supernatural moments get terrifying . In the sequencewhen the Pale Man trail Ofelia , it ’s unacceptable not to be scared . Themovie theme inPan ’s Labyrinthare in conversation with much of del Toro ’s other study , which cope with howfantasyand storytelling shine the problems of the outside world .
Pan ’s Labyrinth ( 2006 )
95 %
91 %
Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water is set in Baltimore, Maryland in 1962, and follows Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), a shy, mute woman who works as a custodian at a secure government facility. While at her job, Elisa meets and falls in love with a human-amphibian hybrid man, who is being held and experimented on at the facility by the evil Colonel Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon). Risking her life and the lives of her friends, Elisa hatches a plan to help her amphibian lover escape, pursued by Strickland and his forces in the government.
8.2 / 10
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.
