From the swords and sorcery boom of the 1980s, to the sweeping epics of the 21st century that thrived off the back ofPeter Jackson’s belovedThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy, fantasy cinema has been explored from a wide variety of angles over the decades. While the genre has long been associated with a sense of whimsical wonder and triumphant adventure, many fantasy films aim to examine the darker sides of humanity through their imaginative worlds.
Whether they be nostalgic and nightmarish gems from decades ago or modern cult classics that have plunged the genre to its darkest depths,these flicks have excelled at exploring the unthinkable horror that can only be presented in fantasy stories. As such, they are glistening examples of the seamless blend that can exist between horror, adventure, fantasy, and even action, forging uniquely exciting experiences that immerse viewers into foreign worlds.
20’Gretel & Hansel' (2020)
Directed by Oz Perkins
When their mother is driven mad by an unknown evil, siblings Hansel (Samuel Leakey) and Gretel (Sophia Lillis) flee their home, eventually discovering a house in the woods inhabited by the elderly Holda (Alice Krige). While she appears warm and hospitable at first, it isn’t long before the children begin to suspect that she has more sinister intentions in mind.
Gretel & Hanselis an imperfect yet underrated genre exercise that was released in the unfortunate dumping ground of January 2020, a shame considering it stands a cut above most throwaway films of that year.It’s an eerie and genuinely unsettling interpretation of the Grimm fairy tale, with shades of Giallo and the ’80s horror fantasy moviesin every frame. ThePG-13-rated filmescapes the feeling of being a watered-down R-rated affair, instead thriving as an edgier children’s movie that flaunts an old-fashioned and nostalgic quality that works in its favor.
Gretel & Hansel
19’Crimson Peak' (2015)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Few directors have mastered dark fantasy films quite likeGuillermo del Toro, with the filmmaker’s underratedCrimson Peakan intriguing marriage ofgothic romance and paranormal horror. It follows Edith (Mia Wasikowska), an aspiring author who ignores several warnings and marries Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) and takes residence in his dilapidated mansion alongside his peculiar sister, Lucille (Jessica Chastain). When she begins experiencing ghostly visions, Edith must figure out the deadly secrets that plague the halls of the manor.
A typically imaginative and engrossing offering from del Toro,Crimson Peakmaintains a rich sense of atmospheric dread that is complemented by sublime and eerie visuals and a haunting unraveling mystery.Arresting, intriguing, and often quite creepy,Crimson Peakis a modern gem of dark fantasy horrorthat admirers of the genre will enjoy.
Crimson Peak
18’Solomon Kane' (2009)
Directed by M. J. Bassett
A brilliant option for fans of fantasy horror movies who were left disappointed with the underwhelming spectacle of 2004’sVan Helsing,Solomon Kaneis an underrated genre gem that squeezes every ounce of potential from its modest budget. Set in early 17th century England, it follows sword-for-hire Solomon Kane (James Purefoy) who has sworn off violence after an encounter with a demon grants him a new perspective on life. However, when evil looms on the horizon, he is left with no choice but to take up arms and fight for the fate of the world.
Sprawling in its scope, yet maintaining an eerie and unsettling tone,Solomon Kaneis a cult hit that offers twisted fantasy allure, horror intrigue, and even plenty of action thrills. Admittedly, its narrative has a tendency to rely on formula, but it is executed well to deliver an exciting viewing experience with a gritty, heroic outing from Purefoy.
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17’Monster House' (2006)
Directed by Gil Kenan
A brilliant marriage of family animation and classical Halloween horror,Monster Houseexcelled as a thrilling and fun adventurethat had an ability to entertain children and adults alike. It follows three youths who learn that a house in their neighborhood is haunted and try to warn everybody, though no adults believe them. With Halloween fast approaching, and the house sure to attack the many trick-or-treaters the holiday brings, the kids set out to destroy the house themselves.
It is fondly remembered for its remarkable animation, which was an achievement for its time, and successfully brings a wondrous life and vibrancy to its spookier and more surreal aspects. A smart and snappy haunted house horror,Monster Houseisa perfect choice for horror fans with young familieswho want to get their kids involved in the fun, or even just scary movie lovers who have an appreciation for animated cinema.
Monster House
16’Mandy' (2018)
Directed by Panos Cosmatos
A psychedelic deep dive into a world of depravity and death,Mandybecame an instant cult classic upon release in 2018, and its legacy has only grown in the years since. Set in the Pacific Northwest in 1983, it focuses on a couple who enjoy quiet lives of solitude. However, that all changes when Mandy Bloom (Andrew Riseborough) isabducted by a horrific cult leader, something that sets Red Miller (Nicolas Cage) on a blood-soaked quest for revenge.
A spellbinding spectacle of excess and abundance,Mandywields the sheer impact of over-the-top violence, and Cage’s utterly enthralling lead performance, as its strongest assets. Becoming more surreal as it goes on,Mandyonly grows greater the moreit commits to being a fierce and forceful blending of visceral horror, graphic action violence, and drug-infused dark fantasy, before careening to its jaw-dropping ending.
15’Return to Oz' (1985)
Directed by Walter Murch
After being sent to a mental hospital for claiming to have visited another realm, young Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) attempts to escape amid a violent storm and, to her surprise, awakens in the fantastical world of Oz. However, it is not the wonderful land she once knew, as she discovers Oz has been overrun by a vain witch and an evil king. Trying to reunite with old friends, and creating some new ones along the way, Dorothy sets out to restore the Oz she remembers.
This bizarre, belated and unofficial sequel to 1939’sThe Wizard of Ozis more faithful to the work ofL. Frank Baumthan the beloved classic, especially in its darker atmosphere and more adult themes. From masked madmen with wheels for appendages to a witch with a collection of interchangeable heads,Return to Ozis filled with disturbing and horrific choices that make for a one-of-a-kind curiosity of fantasy filmmaking.
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14’The Witches' (1990)
Directed by Nicolas Roeg
A glorious last gasp of the 1980s stream of nightmare-fueling children’s movies,The Witchesisan enduring masterpiece of gross-out kids comedy, with its offbeat, fantasy basis coming from the famousRoald Dahlbook of the same name. It follows a young boy staying with his grandmother in an English hotel who accidentally discovers a secret coven of witches who harbor plans of turning all the world’s children into mice.
Utilizing exceptional practical effects and conjuring up some genuinely unnerving sequences,The Witcheshas become famous for itsinnate ability to provide eerie thrills while still functioning as an accessible and fun-loving children’s fantasy.Angelica Houston’s iconic High Witch makes for a terrifying antagonist whose presence permeates throughout the film, particularly after the famous scene in which she peels off her face to reveal her true appearance.
The Witches
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13’The Dark Crystal' (1982)
Directed by Jim Jenson and Frank Oz
Set on the fictional planet of Thra, Jen (Jim Henson), one of the last of the Gelfling race, sets out on a journey to find a shard of the sacred dark crystal, said to provide balance to the universe once. Unfortunately, the rest of the crystal is possessed by the evil Skeksis, a vulture-like race intent on using the crystal’s power to gain total control of the universe inThe Dark Crystal.
Anyone raised in the 80s or early 90s is likely to have been cursed with nightmares from this wildly imaginative cult classic. Among the best dark fantasy movies of the 80s, puppet master Henson put his penchant for world-building outside the more light-heartedThe Muppetson display,imbuing every dark corner of Thra with equal parts danger and wonder.
The Dark Crystal
12’Sleepy Hollow' (1999)
Directed by Tim Burton
Few directors have exhibited such mastery over dark fantasy asTim Burton, whose trademark meshing of horror ideas and fantasy narrative has seldom been more balanced and apparent than it was in 1999’sSleepy Hollow. Based on the classic short story byWashington Irving, it follows police constable Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) as he is dispatched to the hamlet of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of beheadings, with the culprit believed to be the Headless Horseman.
With Burton’s eerie cinematic style perfectly complementing the Gothic mystery and supernatural angst,Sleepy Hollowexcels as a creepy and richly atmospheric adaptationthat marks one of the director’s few R-rated offerings. Additionally, it also makes for a thoroughly enjoyable scary movie that flaunts an arresting visual style and hints at the gleefully horrific possibilities that have been too rarely exhibited in Burton’s career thus far.
Sleepy Hollow
11’Bram Stoker’s Dracula' (1992)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Overblown with its Gothic allure, yet utterly enchanting all the same,Francis Ford Coppola’s take on the classic horror novel is one of spellbinding grandiosity.Gary Oldmanstars as Dracula, a lonely soul yearning for his lost love when he meets Mina (Winona Ryder) and believes her to be the reincarnation of his late bride. Bringing death and sickness to London with him as he pursues Mina, a legendary vampire hunter Dr. Abraham Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins) is summoned to investigate.
With its striking gothic visuals, immense story scope, and Coppola’s efforts to explore the characters in a slightly more refined light,Bram Stoker’s Draculawas a box office hitupon release and remains an enduring classic of 90s cinema. In the eyes of many, it is still the best adaptation ofBram Stoker’s novel due toits ability to embrace the romantic and fantastical elements of the story as well as the central horror.
