The best fantasy films from each of the 2000s cover the likes of Walt Disney Animation Pictures, Studio Ghibli, epic big-budget blockbusters, and entries in some of the most iconic franchises ever made. It could be argued that the best fantasy movie of each year from the 2000s could go up against the best of any other decade and come out as the most impressive of them all.
2000 - The Emperor's New Groove
Following the Disney Renaissance, Walt Disney Animation Studios hit a time when they struggled commercially. Movies like The Emperor's New Groove didn't make much money, yet it has gone on to become a cult classic that's beloved for its heartfelt story and its comedy.
Inspired by Peruvian culture and set in an Incan empire, the film follows a self-centered emperor who gets turned into a llama by his ex-advisor. He befriends a loyal village leader and learns to be a better person as he works to regain his human form.
2001 - Spirited Away
The competition for the best fantasy movie of 2001 is pretty fierce. The year was home to the first installments of The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Shrek franchises, which are all among the most legendary movie series ever set in the genre. Despite that, it's Studio Ghibli that takes the crown.
The legendary Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed Spirited Away, which is a masterfully done film. The story follows Chihiro "Sen" Ogino, a young girl who moves to a new town and enters a world of spirits after her parents are transformed into pigs by a witch. It's fantasy at the highest level and won Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.
2002 - The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers
While the original film might be just behind Spirited Away on this list, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers takes the top spot for 2002. Harry Potter's second movie and Treasure Planet are great, but The Two Towers proved that the franchise was something special.
It followed up the original with an even bigger adventure, splitting the characters and seeing them end up in unexpected places. The Battle of Helm's Deep is one of the most expansive and incredible action sequences to ever grace the big screen and the entire film adapts the novel so well.
2003 - The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King would actually be the best movie in almost any conversation about any genre from any year. It's that good. The movie made history at the Academy Awards when it won all 11 awards for which it was nominated, creating the greatest sweep ever.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King had a lot to live up to, yet it still managed to exceed expectations. It's the ultimate spectacle, ends a great story in a satisfying way, and is the kind of epic that will be a timeless classic for decades to come.
2004 - Shrek 2
What made Shrek stand out in 2001 was the way it told a remarkable story in the genre, while parodying and poking fun at classic fantasy films and genre tropes. It turned an ogre and a donkey into iconic pop culture staples, making for something special.
Shrek 2 expanded on that in the best way possible. The movie is considered one of the best fantasy releases of the decade, features memorable musical numbers, adds new characters like Puss in Boots, and is just a blast from start to finish.
2005 - Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
The Harry Potter franchise is one of the highest-grossing movie series of all time. While each installment is good in its own right, it faced tough competition during the release years of the first three films. While 2005 did give us the likes of Corpse Bride, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire beat it out.
This entry in the franchise is a fantastic adventure on its own, as Harry is pulled into competing in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament. Things like his battle against a dragon and his interaction with Voldemort are thrilling. The movie also works to set the tone for the franchise's future.
2006 - Pan's Labyrinth
Not many names are more closely associated with the fantasy genre than Guillermo Del Toro. The legendary filmmaker is known for his stories set in the genre and the fantastical creatures he's crafted. No film proved that more than Pan's Labyrinth.
Taking place in Spain in 1944, the Spanish movie blends the real world with a mythical one. The protagonist, Ofelia, interacts with the various creatures in the film, including the Pale Man, who has become an iconic staple of the genre. Del Toro has released some great movies, yet Pan's Labyrinth remains the best in the eyes of many/
2007 - Enchanted
People often associate fantasy with dragons, magic, and exciting adventures. However, Enchanted is a different kind of fantasy tale, as it centers on a princess from an animated world who gets transported into the real world of New York City.
While in the real world, she falls in love with a lawyer, yet never lets the cynical people around her dampen her spirit. From lavish musical numbers to a warm, heartfelt story at its core, Enchanted has so much going for it. The true highlight is Amy Adams' Golden Globe-nominated performance.
2008 - Ponyo
Hayao Miyazaki continues to put out incredible fantasy movies. From My Neighbor Totoro in the '80s to The Boy and the Heron in 2023, he's as good as it gets. Ponyo is one of his most adorable projects.
Ponyo tells the story of the titular character, a fish-like creature who escapes the ocean and befriends a young boy and ultimately wants to become a human girl. The movie is whimsical and beloved by Studio Ghibli fans everywhere.
2009 - Coraline
Henry Selick is a great name in animated fantasy movies. He's the man behind The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach, yet his greatest work might be Coraline.
Based on a novella by Neil Gaiman, the story centers on a young girl who discovers an alternate world where life is exactly how she wants it, only to learn that it's actually much more sinister than that. Coraline has only become more beloved as time has gone on.
Image courtesy of Everett Collection
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