Movies have always been the most exclusive mode of entertainment be it any genre; action, thriller, romance, comedy or horror. One of these genres is Fantasy, according to the dictionary definition Fantasy is something that is produced by imagination; it is an idea about doing something that is far away removed from normal reality. Fantasy movies have been a medium of escapism, taking us to altogether a different world. We spent our entire childhood watching these fantasy movies and even today when our younger siblings watch these we do not hesitate to sit with them and enjoy our childhood favorites all over again. This genre has been entertaining us since the very inception of cinema and continues till date.
Here is a list of 10 such awesome fantasy movies.
- The Mask
The mask is 1994 fantasy movie directed by Chuck Russell. The movie was based on a series of comic books published by Dark Horse Comics, later it was followed by a cartoon series which ran for three seasons from 1995-1997. In the movie Bank clerk, Stanley Ipkiss is transformed into a manic super-hero when he wears a mysterious mask. The green faced man became a sensation among people during the 90’s.
- Jumanji
Starring none other than Late Robin Williams, Jumanji was a blockbuster hit. The story revolved around Alan Parrish who was trapped inside a jungle board game (Jumanji) when he was just12. Alan wins a release from this game after 26 years when two children start playing it again. But this time, the jungle creatures come out of the game and sets on the city. Despite all the negative criticism, it was a super hit and was the 10th highest grossing movies of 1995 with a collection of $262,797,249 worldwide. Jumanji is a benchmark of entertainment with a blend of phenomenal cast, great special effects, and splendid imagination.
- Star Wars Episode-1
Star Wars Episode-1 released to theaters on May 19, 1999, with a subtitle The Phantom Menace. Directed by George Lucas , the movie revolves around the story of Two Jedi Knights who escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to reclaim their old glory. It was the second highest grossing film worldwide after Titanic and highest grossing in 1999. With the release of its VII episode this December, Star Wars continues to fascinate us.
- Princess Mononoke
Renowned director and animator Hayao Miyazaki created this movie and it broke numerous box office records in Japan, its native country. It focused on the ecological devastation done by the human advancement of science and technology. It is followed by a war between Princess Mononoke and a village of mining. The movie remains an epic after its release in October 1999. Even today it is considered as one of the bests hand painted classic animation.
- Shrek
Released in 2001, Shrek is children’s favorite even today. It is liked by all ages and people thoroughly enjoy it. It not only embraces and subverts fairytales but also manages to pinch Disney’s nose providing a moral message to the audience along with a funny, fast-paced ride. The character Murphy is just phenomenal and everything about this movie is very much fascinating. Shrek was a big success both, critically and commercially. This movie was so amazing that it won the first ever Academy Award for the Best Animated Features Film.
- Harry Potter
This amazing magic fantasy does not need an introduction. Just say, The boy who lived! Harry potter series is based on novel series of the same name authored by J.K Rowling. It has been a sensation since its first novel released in 1997 followed by film adaption in 2001. One can watch this series again and again with the same passion for it. It brought tears in eyes with the last installment of the series, released in 2011 as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part II. People came out of the theaters with tears in their eyes. Whatever happens, Harry will stay in our hearts forever.
- Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is based on Walt Disney ‘s theme park ride of the same name. Directed by Gore Verbinski, the story follows the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow played by extremely talented Johnny Depp and his fellow partners. It is set in a historical background where the Pirates represent freedom from other ruling powers. The first film was released in 2003 as Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pear and after its huge success, Walt Disney announced that it is a trilogy. This movie has been such a hit that it was ranked 10th highest grossing movie series of all time.
- The Chronicles of Narnia
Narnia is based on a book series The Chronicles of Narnia, written by C.S Lewis. The book series has seven novels while there are just three film adaptations—The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe released in 2005, Price Caspian released in 2008 and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader released in 2010. These three films grossed more than $1.5 billion worldwide. The story follows the adventures of four children when they discover a whole new world of Narnia through a Wardrobe. The film is a beautiful fantasy; it has many important lessons for children and for adults too.
- The Lord of the Rings
Directed by Peter Jackson, The Lord of the Rings is a trilogy consisting fantasy adventure films. Based on the novel of the same name, authored by J.RR. Tolkien . The first installment was released in 2001 as The Fellowship of the Ring, the second in 2002 as The Two Towers and the last in 2003 as The Return Of the King. All these three films took eight years simultaneously, shot only in New Zealand which is director Peter Jackson’s native country. It had an overall budget of $281 million and is considered as one of the biggest and most ambitious film projects ever undertaken. This series received a tremendous response and was a super hit. Even today it continues to entertain us and will be considered one of the best fantasy movies of all time.
1.The Hobbit
Last but not the least, The Hobbit. Who would have not watched this movie! It comprises of three fantasy adventure movies which are based on the novel of the same name authored by J.RR Tolkien. Directed by Peter Jackson, The Hobbit first released in 2013 as The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, followed by another in 2014 (The Desolation of Smaug) and The Battle of the Five Armies. So, the story follows a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins who sets out on the Lonely Mountain along with a group of dwarfs to help them fight against dragon Smaug and reclaim their home and precious gold. The movie no doubt was a super hit with a collection of over $1 billion at the box office.
The list does not end here, there are many more such fantasy movies which can blow our minds. They take you to altogether a new world of imagination and somehow are a source of escapism. Fantasy is one of the most enjoyable genres of all time; it refreshes our minds by taking us to distant lands. Keep fantasizing!
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