The Ultimate Ranking of the Top 10 High Fantasy Films

Since the beginning of cinema, fantasy has remained one of the most beloved movie genres. With captivating and often grand stories centered around magic, myths, and limitless imagination, the finest fantasy films offer audiences an unparalleled sense of enjoyable escapism, something that only a few other genres can achieve.

Fantasy stories can be classified in various ways, but the two most prominent classifications are "high fantasy" and "low fantasy." In low fantasy, magical and fictional elements are set within the real world, while high fantasy unfolds in parallel worlds where these elements are fully realized. Examples of high fantasy include masterpieces like Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy and animated classics like Howl's Moving Castle. These films never fail to amaze, showcasing the limitless possibilities of the fantasy genre.

10 'The NeverEnding Story' (1984)

The NeverEnding Story is often remembered as a bizarre and unsettling movie from childhood. However, as adults, we can appreciate its profound tale of a troubled boy who immerses himself in a captivating fantasy world by reading a mysterious book. This enchanting yet eerie film showcases the power of imagination in protecting innocence amidst brokenness.

A West German-produced English language children's epic, The NeverEnding Story serves as a perfect introduction to high fantasy for kids. Its magical world is brought to life through stunning visuals, captivating music, and a deeply engaging story as the icing on the cake. This film has everything audiences desire in a captivating family high fantasy movie, including moments of sorrow, immense joy and wonder, and an all-encompassing atmosphere that makes it a true delight to experience.

9 'Howl's Moving Castle' (2004)

Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle is an iconic animated fantasy film that is a must-watch for fans of the genre. Directed by the acclaimed Hayao Miyazaki, it tells the delightful story of Sophie, a young woman who has been cursed by a vengeful witch and transformed into an old woman. As she seeks a way to break the curse, she crosses paths with Howl, a talented young wizard.

This visually stunning film takes place in a kingdom engulfed in war, where magic, walking castles, and breathtaking landscapes fill the screen. The voice acting in the film is exceptional, with one of the best English dubs in the world of anime. In fact, Christian Bale, after watching Miyazaki's previous film Spirited Away, expressed his desire to work with the director. Little did he know that he would end up securing the lead role in Howl's Moving Castle, a performance that he delivered flawlessly.

8 'The Holy Mountain' (1973)

Renowned as one of the greatest masters of surrealism, Alejandro Jodorowsky has created an array of mind-boggling surrealist films in various countries, spanning from his homeland of Chile to Mexico, where the bulk of his filmography was born. In Mexico, he crafted The Holy Mountain, a gripping drama set in a world driven by greed, where an alchemist leads a mysterious group on a quest to a mountain in search of enlightenment.

Jodorowsky's surreal movies exist in a realm entirely separate from reality, delving into the realm of high fantasy. This is notably exemplified in The Holy Mountain, which wholeheartedly embraces the tropes and elements of the genre. Infused with the director's characteristic examination of capitalism, religion, and the spiritual realm, this film offers a captivating journey that will leave audiences mesmerized.

7 'The Green Knight' (2021)

Renowned for his exquisite and imaginative films, David Lowery has surpassed all expectations with The Green Knight, a quasi-poetic retelling of the renowned Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain and his adventurous journey to confront the foreboding Green Knight. While many exceptional movies portraying King Arthur depict Camelot with a realistic medieval backdrop, Lowery fearlessly embraces a distinctly enchanting fantasy approach.

With the brilliant portrayal of Gawain by Dev Patel, Lowery's The Green Knight captures the essence of the legendary epic it draws inspiration from in a remarkably innovative manner. Similar to the original material, it presents a heartfelt narrative exploring themes of growth, masculinity, and chivalry. However, what truly captivates is the director's deliberate decision to emphasize the story's underlying commentary on humanity's relationship with the natural world.

6 'How to Train Your Dragon' (2010)

For those who enjoy immersing themselves in imaginary worlds filled with captivating and magical creatures, the captivating town of Berk from the movie How to Train Your Dragon is the perfect choice. It tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a young Viking boy and a dragon. However, there's a catch - Berk is a village that hunts down and despises these majestic creatures.

Originally intended as a faithful adaptation of Cressida Cowell's books, the production eventually evolved into a captivating epic aimed at a more mature and diverse audience, as explained by director Dean DeBlois. The result is a beloved film from DreamWorks Animation, set in a breathtaking fantasy realm where exquisitely designed dragons and humans must learn to coexist.

5 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)

Starting in the Kansas countryside, The Wizard of Oz initially gives the impression of being a low fantasy film set in the real world. However, when a tornado whisks away her farmhouse to the enchanting realm of Oz, Victor Fleming's Technicolor masterpiece transforms into an awe-inspiring high fantasy extravaganza that captivates audiences of all ages.

Despite the nightmarish production, marked by intense stress and a string of on-set injuries, The Wizard of Oz has transcended time to become a true classic. Its masterful utilization of black-and-white and color, unforgettable characters, and mesmerizing world filled with emerald cities and yellow brick roads have firmly embedded it in the collective cultural consciousness.

4 'Jason and the Argonauts' (1963)

Jason and the Argonauts transports viewers to ancient Greece, where a legendary hero leads a group of adventurers on a quest for a mythical treasure. While rooted in Greek mythology, the film immerses audiences in a fantastical realm that operates under its own enchanting rules. Praised for its masterful use of stop-motion animation, this iconic classic offers more than just visual wonders.

Ideal for enthusiasts of Greek mythology, Don Chaffey's film is a must-see for its captivating story that celebrates the enduring magic and legacy of mythology throughout the ages. The true star of the movie, however, lies in its visually stunning effects that have stood the test of time. Even after 60 years, the film continues to mesmerize with its mesmerizing imagery. Recognizing the brilliance of Ray Harryhausen, the special effects wizard responsible for the film's visual effects, Tom Hanks once acclaimed Jason and the Argonauts as nothing short of the greatest film of all time when presenting Harryhausen with an Academy Award for technical achievement in 1992.

3 'Spirited Away' (2001)

Inspired by Japanese folklore, Miyazaki's Spirited Away tells the captivating story of a young girl who is transported to a magical realm. This enchanting film explores themes of personal growth, identity, and the weight of responsibility as the girl navigates a world filled with gods, witches, and spirits. As her journey unfolds, she witnesses the transformation of humans, including her own parents, into grotesque creatures. Despite its seemingly simple plot, Spirited Away is rich with symbolism, addressing issues such as the conflict between mankind and nature, as well as the fears and anxieties that affect children.

During a time when anime was gaining popularity in the Western world, Spirited Away solidified its position as a remarkable example of Japanese animation. Its groundbreaking achievement of winning the Best Animated Feature Oscar at the 2003 Oscars set a milestone, as it became the first non-English language film to receive this prestigious award. Even today, Miyazaki's masterpiece continues to captivate and hold a special place in the hearts of animation enthusiasts, standing as a true game-changer and revolutionizing the genre at the start of the new millennium.

2 'Star Wars' Original Trilogy (1977-1983)

The Star Wars original trilogy is widely recognized as the pinnacle of space operas, a subgenre within the realm of science fiction. Apart from its notable popularity, the trilogy is equally acclaimed for its exceptional fusion of fantasy and sci-fi elements, which had never been witnessed in cinema before. Star Wars: A New Hope trailblazed the genre by embracing an innovative approach to what essentially constitutes a complex magical system. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back remains etched in memory as one of the greatest sequels of all time, and possibly the most exceptional installment in the entire franchise. Meanwhile, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi introduced a myriad of captivating additions to the fantastical aspects of its lore.

This trilogy unfolds a grand sci-fi fantasy narrative that delves into themes of coming-of-age, resisting oppressive rule, the perpetual conflict between good and evil, and finding redemption when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. The expansive and fundamentally captivating world crafted by George Lucas is undeniably extensive, imaginative, and captivating, giving rise to what may be considered the most monumental transmedia powerhouse in cinematic history. At its core, Star Wars possesses inherent political undertones, making Lucas' successful amalgamation of sci-fi and fantasy all the more remarkable.

1 'The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy (2001-2003)

When it comes to "high fantasy cinema," avid fans are most likely to think of Peter Jackson's renowned adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece: The Lord of the Rings. This acclaimed trilogy recounts the epic journey of a diverse group venturing into a sinister realm to annihilate a tyrant's ultimate weapon. Within this premise lie fascinating characters, intricate storylines, and unforgettable moments that have become iconic within the genre's history.

No matter what elements fans seek in fantasy films, The Lord of the Rings is sure to deliver. The trilogy presents gripping tales that evoke intense emotions and are driven by its compelling characters. It immerses viewers in a captivating imaginary world, allowing them to escape reality. Additionally, the thrilling action sequences are so well-executed that the lengthy runtime feels surprisingly short. Fans are certain to be enamored with Jackson's interpretation of Tolkien's Legendarium, representing the pinnacle of cinematic high fantasy.