Published Mar 19, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT
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The best fantasy movies whisk viewers into supernatural worlds or into situations governed by magic and mystical powers. The genre isn't restricted to adventures outside real life either, and some of the best fantasy journeys take place in contemporary settings.
It's no secret that we see fewer classic high-fantasy movies than we used to. However, many superb titles have slipped under the radar for genre fans or are simply discussed less as they are a little older. We're talking about the latter in this list, covering a stellar selection of superb fantasy movies nobody remembers today.
Van Helsing (2004)
Van Helsing is a fun, flashy action fantasy movie with light scares and a brilliant cast. Critics blasted the movie when it premiered in 2004, but it has since developed a cult following.
Our hero, Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman), hunts monsters for the church. His superiors send him to Transylvania to defeat Count Dracula (Richard Roxburgh), but the movie is far more than a stereotypical vampire film.
The action in Van Helsing is over-the-top and stylish. Van Helsing teams up with Anna (Kate Beckinsale) to deal with the vampires, and the movie introduces audiences to its own take on other well-known supernatural creatures.
The CGI hasn't aged well, but the movie takes itself just seriously enough to remain wonderfully entertaining.
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Big Trouble in Little China is an action fantasy set in a contemporary setting, starring Kurt Russell as Jack Burton, a cool trucker who quickly finds himself out of his depth.
Wang Chi (Dennis Dun), Burton's friend, witnesses his girlfriend get kidnapped by a street gang. They try to rescue her, but quickly stumble upon bulletproof foes, supernatural creatures, and David Lo Pan (James Hong), a cursed, ancient sorcerer.
The movie is as wild as it sounds with cheesy action scenes, dramatic battles, and legendary one-liners. Fans can endlessly quote Jack Burton's quips, but the film flopped at the box office and is rarely referenced outside its cult following.
The Neverending Story 2: The Next Chapter (1990)
The Neverending Story is a classic fantasy film about a boy who reads a book and discovers a connection between himself and the adventure unfolding on the pages.
Many genre fans have seen the movie, but far fewer have watched the sequel. In many ways, The Neverending Story 2: The Next Chapter continues where the original left off. Bastian (Jonathan Brandis) revisits the book from the first and is shocked to discover that the story has changed.
The movie builds on the original's premise, introducing new creatures, companions, and a villain more tangible than the Nothing. Critics were not kind when the sequel was released in 1990, but it expands on The Neverending Story lore.
Legend (1985)
Legend stars a young Tom Cruise on an epic adventure to stop the Lord of Darkness from killing two unicorns. If he succeeds, he will destroy the balance between good and evil as we know it.
The story is straightforward, with unforgettable heroes and villains. Tim Curry plays a phenomenal antagonist as the Lord of Darkness himself and steals the show every scene he is in.
Legend frequently dips into 'dark fantasy' territory, with several vile creatures that are still quite scary today. Most of the special effects are practical, so the visuals still hold up brilliantly, despite the movie's age.
Willow (1988)
Willow briefly returned to the spotlight with a series in 2022. However, the Willow series quickly vanished from streaming services, sending the show and character back into obscurity.
Series woes aside, the 1988 Willow movie is a lighthearted, family-friendly fantasy that still holds up despite its aging CGI. Willow (Warwick Davis) finds a special baby floating down a river. He embarks on a grand adventure to keep the child safe from many foes, including an evil sorceress.
Willow has a great character arc throughout the story, and he allies with Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), a skilled swordsman, to forge an unlikely duo. Kilmer delivers plenty of hilarious one-liners, and the movie is a surprisingly action-packed fantasy-adventure that audiences of all ages can enjoy.
The Last Unicorn (1982)
The Last Unicorn is an emotional animated story about a unicorn who embarks on a fantasy adventure to find out if she is the last of her kind.
The movie is famously faithful to the book of the same name by Peter S. Beagle, which makes sense as he also wrote the screenplay. The Last Unicorn felt very different from other animated movies at the time. It's set in a whimsical fantasy world, but one that feels bleak and fragile.
There are plenty of mature undertones in the story. Younger audiences will appreciate the unicorn and other mythical creatures, but the story lands differently for adults. Many fans would agree that The Last Unicorn leaves a lasting impression. It remains a remarkable tale today with a nuanced take on magic.
The Golden Child (1986)
The Golden Child is a contemporary fantasy-comedy starring Eddie Murphy as Chandler Jarrell, a detective specializing in missing children cases.
It doesn't sound like the backdrop for a supernatural adventure, but Jarrell is tasked with locating a child with special powers. Evil forces, led by Sardo Numspa (Charles Dance), have captured the child, and it's up to Jarrell to save the day.
Murphy is hilarious in The Golden Child, and the film has plenty of 'laugh-out-loud' moments. He also allies with Kee Nang (Charlotte Lewis), who keeps his antics in check.
If you enjoy a splash of comedy in your fantasy films, The Golden Child is an easy recommendation. Dance plays a superb villain, and many of the movie's jokes still land today.
The Dark Crystal (1982)
Many movie fans already know about Jim Henson's Labyrinth, starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie. However, far fewer mention The Dark Crystal, another fantasy adventure that was released several years prior.
The Dark Crystal tells a much darker tale than Labyrinth and still holds up thanks to its reliance on practical effects and iconic creatures. Jen, last of the Gelfling race, embarks on a journey to recover a magical crystal shard.
His adventure is fraught with danger, with dangerous foes like the Skeksis on his trail. As the practical effects are so good, some scenes and creatures may still be scary for young children. The Skeksis, in particular, are creepy, vulture-like creatures who stand out in an otherwise charming, magical world.
The setting and vibe make The Dark Crystal a great watch for adults and older kids. It also explores surprisingly mature themes that remain relevant today.
Krull (1983)
Krull offers viewers a wild fantasy adventure with sci-fi elements and a grand journey to save a planet from invaders from another world.
Krull is the name of the planet in the story, and it is under attack by a terrifying monster known as 'The Beast' and its Slayers. Prince Colwyn (Ken Marshall) leads a ragtag group, including warriors and magic users, on a journey to retrieve a legendary weapon to defeat their powerful foe.
The movie stands out for its unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi. The slayers have futuristic weaponry, yet our heroes tackle them with swords and daggers. Like Dark Crystal, Krull has aged well, thanks to its reliance on practical effects, and gained more widespread recognition long after its release.
Stardust (2007)
Stardust is the newest movie on the list, boasting an all-star cast and a feel-good fantasy story suitable for the whole family. Despite its fun premise and critical reception, the movie wasn't a box-office hit and only found a loving fan base later.
Charlie Cox plays Tristan in Stardust on a grand quest to collect a fallen star for his love. However, the plot thickens when he discovers the star has taken a human form, Yvaine, played by Claire Danes. Tristan also discovers that he's not the only person hunting for the star.
It's a simple premise, executed perfectly. Tristan and Yvaine meet many unforgettable characters on their adventure, including Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro).
Stardust is a lighthearted fantasy epic with a sprinkle of romance and a good message. The film has gained a cult following since its release, and it's not hard to see why.
English (US) ·