00:00I made a promise Mr Frodo, a promise. Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee. And I don't
00:09mean to, I don't mean to.
00:12Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most influential and
00:16enduring fantasy movies ever made.
00:18You're the weak one, and you'll never know love or friendship. And I feel sorry for you.
00:31Number 10, Pan's Labyrinth.
00:46Great fantasy doesn't just create worlds, it shapes them for years. Guillermo del Toro's
00:51dark fantasy is proof of this, while Pan's Labyrinth draws from fairy tales, it's far
00:56from a children's tale. Taking place in Francois, Spain, the film tells the tale of young Ophelia
01:01as she escapes the brutal violence of civil war into a world that's both mystical and
01:05nightmarish. The result is a gripping war drama and breathtaking fantasy film, perfectly
01:10intertwined, capped off with an ending that leaves us utterly shaken.
01:14Winning numerous awards, including three Oscars, del Toro's film redefined modern fantasy.
01:37Number 9, Mary Poppins.
01:44Julie Andrews brought pure magic to the big screen in Disney's iconic 1964 adaptation
01:50of P. L. Travers' Mary Poppins novels. Andrews shines as the whimsical nanny who swoops into
01:56the Banks family and changes their lives forever. With its innovative visuals, delightful songs,
02:01memorable characters, and powerful themes, the film became a cultural phenomenon. How
02:06could anyone resist such a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious masterpiece?
02:23Mary Poppins was a box office hit, and its influence has extended to stage musicals and
02:29countless pop culture references. The 2018 sequel did both well commercially and critically,
02:34proving that Mary Poppins' charm is timeless. Truly in Disney's list of masterpieces, this
02:39one soars high.
02:52Number 8, Shrek.
03:09This game-changer didn't just break the mold, it shattered it, forever changing the animated
03:13film landscape. Though Shrek may seem like a kid's movie, its sharp humour, clever characters,
03:19and satirical take on fairytale tropes makes it equally entertaining for adults. Following
03:23a grumpy ogre, wisecracking donkey, and a princess with a twist, Shrek was entertaining
03:29for the whole family. It won the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and rightfully
03:34so. In fact, it was even added to the US National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
03:45With its timeless appeal and cheeky wit, Shrek continues to appear to newer generations,
03:50staying relevant in meme culture, while its sequels and spinoffs carry on its legacy.
04:07Number 7, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
04:17Who says fantasy has to be serious to be impactful? This satirical film from legendary British
04:23comedy troupe Monty Python follows King Arthur and his bumbling knights as they search for
04:27the Holy Grail. What ensues is a series of misadventures that are still hilarious today.
04:33The film's offbeat humour and inventive low-budget solutions have influenced many filmmakers,
04:37proving that creativity trumps flashy effects. More than a cult classic, it paved the way
04:53for comedy-fantasy hybrids. Let's be honest, movies like Shrek and modern parodies probably
04:58owe a lot to Monty Python's irreverence. Whether quoted by fans or studied for its
05:03comedic brilliance, this masterpiece shows that even fantasy can laugh at itself.
05:16Number 6, The Princess Bride.
05:29There's a reason why Rob Reiner's fantasy gem has stood the test of time. It begins
05:33as a grandfather's tale to his grandson about a princess who falls in love with a farm boy.
05:38Then it evolves into something with a satirical edge, while still playing homage to the fantasy
05:43genre. That's what makes it so great. It's a simple yet well-developed story with something
05:57for everyone. With eminently quotable lines and unforgettable characters, it's both delightfully
06:01warm and funny. Since its release in 1987, it has grown into a cult film of legendary
06:07status, and till date it's celebrated as one of the best films of the 80s and one of Reiner's
06:12finest.
06:13Number 5, Spirited Away
06:33Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have enchanted audiences for decades, with classics such
06:39as Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke, just
06:43to name a few. Perhaps their best-known work, Spirited Away, centers on a young girl who
06:55must navigate a magical world to save her parents. The film was the highest-grossing
06:59in Japanese history, and hugely popular in the West as well, picking up the Academy Award
07:04for Best Animated Feature. Resonating with people of all ages and backgrounds, it's
07:19widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. Its influence lives on, and can be seen
07:24in various Disney and Pixar movies like Brave and Frozen.
07:35Number 4, Harry Potter Franchise
07:42Harry Potter is more than just a fantasy series. It's a cultural landmark that shaped a generation.
07:47J.K. Rowling's wizarding world brought us memorable characters, intricate plots, and
07:52meaningful themes. While the book captivated millions, the film cast an even wider net,
07:57fanning the flames of Pottermania. From the first film to the last, the franchise revolutionized
08:08how magical worlds are created and enjoyed. It's no surprise that every installment was
08:12a box office hit. It also opened the doors for other young adult fantasy hits like The
08:17Twilight Saga and The Hunger Games to flourish. Many have tried to recapture its magic, but
08:21there can only be one Harry Potter.
08:34Number 3, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
08:43Even after the better part of a century, this animated film is as wondrous and vibrant as
08:47it was in the 1930s. Released in 1937, it was Disney's first major animated feature
08:52film and held the title of highest grossing for an impressive 55 years. Snow White proved
08:58that animated films could tell compelling stories, with music and visuals that feel
09:02just as timeless today. These days, Disney has countless animated films to choose from,
09:17but it's Snow White that laid the foundation for the studio's success in full-length animation.
09:22One of the strongest examples of how this legacy lives in the 21st century is probably
09:26the frozen phenomenon. Snow White is indeed the fairest of them all.
09:38Number 2, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
09:53The seminal work of the father of modern fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, deserved a suitably epic adaptation,
10:00and Peter Jackson certainly delivered. His trilogy transports audiences to Middle-Earth,
10:04where the Hobbit Frodo and his companions embark on a perilous quest to destroy the
10:08One Ring. With their groundbreaking special effects, detailed world-building, outstanding
10:13acting and beautiful score, it's no wonder that these films live on, just as compelling
10:18today. Beyond being a critical and commercial success, their influence can be seen in pretty
10:34much everything – high-fantasy movies, TV series, books, games, and beyond.
10:41Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions.
10:55Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory The whimsical mix of fantasy, humour and
10:59songs make this unforgettable. Pirates of the Caribbean The Curse of the Black Pearl
11:13Jack Sparrow's charm and the swashbuckling action redefined pirate flicks. Crouching
11:23Tiger Hidden Dragon Its breathtaking storytelling brought wuxia
11:27fantasy to global attention. Willow We still cherish this heartwarming tale
11:42of magic and courage. The Chronicles of Narnia This coming-of-age tale captures the magic
11:59of C.S. Lewis' classic novel.
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12:31The Wizard of Oz Some movies fade with time, while others
12:44live forever. It's no magic, just the power of an exceptional tale. No fantasy lover can
12:49ever forget Dorothy's journey into the magical land of Oz. The Wizard of Oz is a whimsical,
12:54fantastical spectacle with an incredible amount of depth that resonates across generations.
13:12Surprisingly, while this beloved movie was a critical success, it failed to turn a profit
13:16until its 1949 re-release. Yet, its impact is still felt today in many reinterpretations,
13:22Broadway musicals, and homages. Its style may feel vintage, but its charm is eternal.
13:46What do you think is the greatest fantasy film of all time? Let us know in the comments.
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