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Given the necessary reality - construction and particular effects , phantasy is a unmanageable musical style to get right , resulting in many almost - gross illusion movies . Fantasy movies that fail at the box office and came backhave go through this cycle because of one affair that did n’t set down well with audiences , in an otherwise awful and fantastical story . Such moving picture may depend on audiences enjoying a goofy quality , alluding to older fantasy movies and imbuing it with sorcerous nostalgia .
On the other hand , some fantasy movies have all the serious expert aspects but fall short in terms of storytelling . For illustration , thebest pouf story movies that are not retellingsaim to capture the feeling of a Greco-Roman sprite tale with an original story . While they might do this in the strictest sense , they sometimes fall flat when there is on the face of it no head to it all . Thebest standalone fantasy moviesdemonstrate not only the trappings of the genre but a unfathomed story that encourages people to be better in real life .
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Rotten Tomatoes score
Metacritic score
Audience score
Star Wars : Return of the Jedi
82 %
58 %
94 %
Ladyhawke
67 %
Custom Image by Ana Nieves
64 %
74 %
Penelope
Alice in Wonderland is a 2010 fantasy adventure film directed by Tim Burton. It stars Mia Wasikowska as Alice, who returns to the magical world of Wonderland to confront the tyrannical Red Queen, played by Helena Bonham Carter. The film features Johnny Depp as the eccentric Mad Hatter and Anne Hathaway as the benevolent White Queen. This reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale combines live-action and CGI elements.
53 %
48 %
73 %
This reboot of the Dracula story deviates from Bram Stoker’s novel, creating an original backstory for the famous vampire. Vlad Draculea, a prince of Transylvania, seeks help from an ancient vampire in preparation for war - but falls victim to the curse himself.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
90 %
86 %
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.
Alice in Wonderland
50 %
55 %
I Kill Giants follows Barbara Thorson, a young girl who escapes reality by engaging in a world of fantasy where she battles giants. Directed by Anders Walter, the film explores themes of grief, mental health, and the challenges of adolescence. Adapted from the graphic novel by Joe Kelly and J. M. Ken Niimura, the narrative intertwines Barbara’s imaginative realm with her struggles in the real world.
Brave
79 %
69 %
Ladyhawke is a fantasy adventure film directed by Richard Donner. The story follows a young thief, a disillusioned knight, and a beautiful noblewoman cursed to transform into a hawk by day. Set against a medieval backdrop, the trio seeks to outwit the malevolent bishop responsible for the curse. Starring Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer, the film combines elements of romance, action, and supernatural intrigue.
75 %
Maleficent
54 %
A live-action reimagining of the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent follows the titular fairy witch (Angelina Jolie) in a dark fantasy origin story. After falling in love with a human, Maleficent is betrayed when he steals her wings. Swearing revenge, she curses his infant daughter, Princess Aurora, leading to a retelling of the beloved fairytale from an alternate perspective.
56 %
70 %
Dracula Untold
A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. Thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon, she must rely on her wits and will to survive
25 %
40 %
I drink down Giants
Pixar’s Brave follows Princess Merida of DunBroch (Kelly MacDonald), the daughter of a clan chief in medieval Scotland. When Meridia is told she must marry the suitor of her parents' choosing, she refuses, defying an age-old tradition and causing chaos in the kingdom. This starts a chain of events that causes Merida’s mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), to fall victim to a magical curse, the princess sets off into the wild to rescue her.
78 %
Damsel
46 %
59 %
10Alice In Wonderland (2010)
Disney’s Live-Action Alice In Wonderland Resolves Itself Too Easily
If nothing else , Alice in Wonderlandand Tim Burton ’s characteristic aesthetic are a perfect match . Burton filled the flick with his usual favorite actors and designed a much creepier version of Wonderland . The various actors are solid pick for their several part , sympathise that most of these fibre are too wild for"holding back"to be in their vocabulary . There are utilitarian nods to the original source material and a good arc for Alice within Wonderland as she agnise the truth and rises to fight the Jabberwocky .
Cinema in the 1980s is defined by its blockbuster film , which included a bit of bang-up fantasy epic that many have forget about .
While it is one of thebetter Disney lively - activeness remakes , Alice in Wonderland ’s ending is weakly when Alice returns to the real world and simply announces her intention not to marryand her vocation goals . It ’s great for her but subvert the movie ’s edge when thing wreak out so easily . The arbitrary nature of the patriarchy and Victorian society are key topic ofAlice in Wonderland , which gave this movie some powerful material to exploit with . However , it does n’t make Alice ’s well-chosen conclusion seem like the impossible accomplishment it would have been in this setting .
Alice in Wonderland is a 2010 phantasy risky venture photographic film guide by Tim Burton . It stars Mia Wasikowska as Alice , who returns to the magical world of Wonderland to face the dictatorial Red Queen , played by Helena Bonham Carter . The moving-picture show feature Johnny Depp as the bizarre demented Hatter and Anne Hathaway as the openhearted White Queen . This reimagining of Lewis Carroll ’s definitive tale unite live - natural action and CGI elements .
9Dracula Untold (2014)
Dracula Untold Could Have Done More With Its Supporting Characters
Dracula Untoldis a surprisingly unspoiled take on Dracula , poise the base of Dracula being a villain at heart but present him a heroic origin report . Luke Evans delivers a applaudable public presentation , while the special effects and action are salient . This pic loses its ground with the sequence of events to get Dracula from one fight to another ; if he was always going to fight to keep his son , the scene of him almost pass on him over was n’t necessary . Other skirmishes along the elbow room inking pad the runtime of a short moving picture — so shortsighted because there is n’t that much substance .
Dracula Untold underestimate itself : It tell a strong floor for its main character but could have draw a bead on to be a much bigger epic phantasy .
That excess runtime should have gone to the supporting fibre , who would have madeDracula Untoldmuch more nuanced with their own arcs . Mirena is n’t much more than a dutiful wife , robbing her death of any impingement . Dracula also make a dozen or so more vampires in the last act who pronto die ; thing would have been much more interesting had they all been literal characters . Dracula Untoldunderestimated itself : It say a strong story for its principal part but could have aspired to be a much gravid epic illusion .
This reboot of the Dracula fib deviates from Bram Stoker ’s novel , create an original backstory for the celebrated vampire . Vlad Draculea , a prince of Transylvania , seek help from an ancient lamia in preparation for war - but fall dupe to the curse himself .
8Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)
Most Of The Harry Potter Movies Assume That People Have Read The Books
TheHarry Pottermovies in world-wide rush through expounding and only mention supporting characters based on the broad assumption that most of the audience has show the books . InHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , this is the face with the taradiddle of how Voldemort determine the Potters and why James and his friends are all unregistered Animagi . It ’s not even explicitly stated in the movie that James was an Animagus , throw the symbolism of Harry ’s Patronus less clear .
When the movie ’s already closing in on two and a one-half time of day , they might as well just spend 10 more second on exposition , while some of the activeness could have been trim back down to the shorter reading depicted in the Quran . On the other deal , Prisoner of Azkabanis arguably thebestHarry Pottermoviebecause of its style . Director Alfonso Cuarón played with cinematography and symbolisation in what no otherHarry Pottermovie does , elevating it to a high-pitched level of filmmaking .
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban : In Harry ’s third year at Hogwarts , he face more complex magical challenge and encounters fear - make Dementors . The escape of the notorious whiz Sirius Black from Azkaban stamp a phantasma over the school year , presenting new threats and enigma for Harry and his friends to unravel .
7I Kill Giants (2017)
I Kill Giants Has A Great Premise But Lackluster Execution
I Kill Giantsis a massively underestimate fantasy movie basedon a draw a blank limited funny Scripture series that immix fantasy with reality very well . Madison Wolfe gives an amazing , volatile operation as Barbara , a lady friend who fend for her town from goliath . However , Barbara ’s crusade is bit by bit disclose to be a coping mechanism rather than a literal supernatural experience , provide it ill-defined how much of the moving picture actually happened . The corroborate cast is also neat , testify people genuinely worried about Barbara and the various battle of her family .
The film could have further prepare Zoe Saldaña ’s character , spend a penny her connection with Barbara a potent part of the storey . to boot , the way the fantasy leaks into the real world and its ultimate equivocalness is n’t only original . However , I pour down Giantsis mostly a enceinte movie , with a supporter who is n’t entirely likable but study from her error , demonstrating the effects of familial tragedy and kid ’s capability for ego - cognizance .
I obliterate Giants follows Barbara Thorson , a young girl who escapes reality by engaging in a world of fantasy where she battles giants . Directed by Anders Walter , the photographic film explores theme of brokenheartedness , genial wellness , and the challenges of adolescence . Adapted from the graphic novel by Joe Kelly and J. M. Ken Niimura , the narration intertwines Barbara ’s imaginative realm with her struggles in the genuine world .
6Ladyhawke (1985)
Ladyhawke Starts Some Storylines It Doesn’t Finish
The assumption ofLadyhawkeinherently means that the relationship which is the cornerstone of the story is n’t entirely shown , as Isabeau is a war hawk by day and Navarre a masher by night , and they are only seen together as humans at the oddment . They are strung-out upon the thief who becomes their confederate to communicate . This incite some green-eyed monster when Gaston receive to spend more time with Isabeau than Navarre . However , Gaston ’s awkward position in their relationship is a loose thread , as once they undo the swearing , all is well .
These great thriller movies are almost gross but blow some affair concerning their elan or radical that keeps them from true immenseness .
In this sense , Ladyhawkeis a very classic sprite tale story with a unparalleled curse word to break . The film has a whimsical but subdued scene , characteristic of this unfair world . It feature the talent of Michelle Pfeiffer , Rutger Hauer , and Matthew Broderick play characters on a journey that feels as perilous as other movies with glad endings want to be but conk out to do so . It ’s already a potent story , but some flashbacks with the two lovers might have helped contextualize their family relationship .
Ladyhawke is a fantasy escapade film directed by Richard Donner . The report keep an eye on a youthful thief , a disillusioned horse , and a beautiful noblewoman cursed to transform into a hawk by day . arrange against a medieval backdrop , the trio seek to outsmart the evil bishop responsible for the scourge . Starring Matthew Broderick , Rutger Hauer , and Michelle Pfeiffer , the film aggregate elements of romance , natural process , and supernatural intrigue .
5Maleficent (2014)
Maleficent Isn’t As Scary As It Was Advertised
Maleficent is one of the right Disney scoundrel because she is just that — an amazingly dramatic , cackling scoundrel . Maleficentwas well - received , demonstrating a tremendous eerie aesthetic that suitsSleeping Beautyand the ever - perplex talents of Angelina Jolie . However , Maleficentdidn’t rick its claim character into a sympathetic villain but a straightforward heroine . Most of what she does is completely rationalise , and the terrifying chill evoked by the trailer are nowhere to be receive .
There was a way to give Maleficent an source account that humanize her without taking away all the villainy that made mass love herdespiteSleeping Beautybeing an average Disney animate classic . tell a level that manifest how sound and evil both survive within the main character is more difficult , but Maleficent deserved the supererogatory time in the writers ' room to figure this out . However , Maleficent and Aurora ’s relationship is fresh and puts a pleasant twirl on the write up .
A unrecorded - action reimagining of the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty , Maleficent follows the titular fairy Wiccan ( Angelina Jolie ) in a drab fantasy origin story . After falling in love with a man , Maleficent is betrayed when he steal her wings . Swearing retaliation , she curses his infant girl , Princess Aurora , leading to a retelling of the darling song and dance from an alternative position .
4Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Return Of The Jedi Pads The Runtime With Repeated Plots
The nigh - universal ruling is thatThe Empire Strikes Backis thebestStar Warsmovie , followed nearly byA New Hope . However , feelings start to depart a little bit when it come to the last of the original trilogy . take of the Jedidid what it perfectly needed to do in delivering a good conclusionto theStar Warstrilogy . Empire Strikes Back ’s darker tone is still present before the poor boy see victory in a movie that make for everyone ’s bow to a satisfying closing .
Any conflict would have work here to be the last obstruction to toppling the Empire .
The Ewoks proved to be the most divisive part of this movie , but they are arguably another goofyStar state of war species that just bump to be give a passel more screen time than some of the others . reappearance of the Jedi ’s weakest plot element is repeating the Death Star narrativejust to give the Italian sandwich something to do in the terminal reach . Any difference would have work here to be the last obstruction to tip the Empire .
3Damsel (2024)
Millie Bobby Brown’s Damsel Is Thematically Lacking
Damselis the latest Netflix original from Millie Bobby Brown which shoot a line absolutely arresting visuals , and an expected awe-inspiring performance by the lead actress . The write up is intended to put a young tailspin on Hellenic fairy tales . It does this effectively , with the damosel in distress returning to haunt the royal family that betray her . Elodie ’s relationship with her stepmother also subverts typical poove tale tropes , as they have a tense human relationship but still care deeply about each other .
Names include Angela Bassett and Robin Wright fill out the cast , give the movie everything it needs to be successful — on paper . YetDamselcomes across as a little turn bland and could have reinforced its themes betterwith further geographic expedition of how this setting ’s society affects women . The book also draw more comparisons between Elodie and the dragon , which would have complete the moving picture , which simply feels like it is miss something .
A duteous damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince , only to see the royal syndicate has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt . throw into a cave with a attack - breathing dragon , she must rely on her brainpower and will to endure
2Brave (2012)
Brave Isn’t The Powerful Feminist Movie It Was Expected To Be
Bravewas bear to be the movieFrozenended up being , definitely rejecting all the Disney Princess figure of speech of old . The marketing heavily publicise Merida refusing to be married offand made her archery skills very obvious . Braveis a stunning picture show with a heartfelt story and a tone still unequalled for Pixar . However , it is less about Merida escaping the patriarchy than it is about her relationship with her mother . The writers seem to think they could n’t do both of these thing in one movie .
No matter what the method acting , there are plenty of princess movies that do n’t trust on the stereotype from old fairy tarradiddle to get their point across .
Braveeffectively illustrates both female parent and daughter bring in their mistake and reconcilingat the goal of the conflict . However , the staged spousal relationship plot line is thresh apart as soon as Elinor decide to do something about it . The mother - girl storyline was a way to explore the patriarchate in this background ; had they done a better line of work of research Elinor ’s character , these two core themes could have do together and mold something even well .
Pixar ’s Brave keep abreast Princess Merida of DunBroch ( Kelly MacDonald ) , the girl of a clan foreman in chivalric Scotland . When Meridia is told she must marry the suitor of her parents ' choosing , she refuses , hold an age - previous tradition and make topsy-turvyness in the kingdom . This start out a chain of case that do Merida ’s female parent , Queen Elinor ( Emma Thompson ) , to fall victim to a magical curse , the princess sets off into the wild to rescue her .
1Penelope (2006)
Penelope Deserved To Be A More Outspoken Movie
Penelopeis a delightful romance and poove tale about come in love and take oneself with another one - of - a - kind bane . The cast is great along with the twist conclusion , yet the protagonist and the tale being a little more noncompliant would have made it that much more interesting . The viewer is practically screaming at Penelope to dump her family and refuse to get married and at Johnny to just differentiate Penelope that he ca n’t soften the bane . These things are glaringly obvious when the whole plot ride on Penelope supposedly being ugly , which the hearing is definitely not convinced of .
Penelopeis essentially an"Eat the Rich"movie from before thisgenre blew up in movies and television set ; if it had acted more like the problem was in the unfair standards plant by Penelope ’s kinfolk and their peer mathematical group , the plot might have play better . However , Penelopeis undeniably angelical and a nicely subversive poof tale story , with Penelope throwing expectation out the windowpane multiple times . for the most part underappreciated because of its sapless points , it is softly enjoyed alongside other movies of its kind .
