The real world is hard enough. Fantasy movies give us an opportunity to dive headlong into our imaginations and discover worlds and ideas well beyond the mundane. But while comedies and dramas are abundant on the major streamers, fantasy fans may struggle to find something worth their time — even with fantasy going more mainstream in the last decade. Netflix, however, still has a solid collection of fantasy films. You’ll just have to go on a mini-quest to find them. Fortunately, we’ve already ventured forth and returned with our list of the best fantasy movies on Netflix right now.
We’ve also rounded up the best fantasy movies on Amazon Prime and the best fantasy movies on Hulu if Netflix doesn’t have what you’re looking for.
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Gremlins1984
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012) new
A somewhat delayed follow-up to Journey to the Center of the Earth, Journey 2 has better special effects, a better cast, and a better Josh Hutcherson playing now 17-year-old Sean Anderson. When Sean receives a coded distress signal from an island where none should exist, he’s determined to track the signal to its source. His new stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson) knows he’s powerless to stop the teen so the two travel to the South Pacific together, along with helicopter pilot Gabato (Luis Guzmán) and his daughter, Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens).
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) new
Guy Ritchie takes on the Arthurian legend with his trademark style in this action-packed medieval epic. Young Arthur’s power-hungry uncle Vortigern (Jude Law) murders his brother and seizes control of the crown. But Arthur is smuggled out alive, forced to grow up in the back alleys of the city with no knowledge of who he truly he is. When fate leads him to pull the sword Excalibur out of stone, however, Arthur (Charlie Hunnam) soon embraces his true destiny as King of England.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) new
Gary Oldman stars as the legendary vampire in Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel. Dracua longs to reunite with his lost love, Mina (Winona Ryder), leading him on a reign of terror in Britain as he seeks to drain the life from Mina’s closest friend, Lucy (Sadie Frost).
Gremlins (1984) new
One of the weirdest Christmas movies ever, this horror-comedy classic introduces the world to Gizmo, a “mogwai” that would one day look suspiciously like a Furby. When a gadget salesman goes into Chinatown to find his son a great Christmas gift, her emerges with the cute little mogwai, but a stern warning: Never expose the mogwai to bright light or water, and never feed him after midnight. Because when you do… Gremlins happen.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Thanks to mystifying deals between studios, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is the only installment of DreamWorks’ animated trilogy that is still on Netflix. Fortunately, it’s terrific, and you don’t need to know too much going into the story. Half a decade after the village of Berk made peace with the dragons, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his loyal Nightfury dragon, Toothless, encounter a new threat: Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou). Drago wants to turn the world’s dragons into his personal army. Hiccup also finds an unexpected ally: His long-lost mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett). Valka’s dragon sanctuary may hold the key to victory over Drago, or it could give the warlord everything he wants in one swift move.
Jumanji (1995)
Before Jumanji became a franchise, it was a beloved family hit in the mid-’90s. Two orphaned children, Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Shepherd (Bradley Pierce), discover a long-hidden board game called Jumanji that has some kind of supernatural powers. After accidentally unleashing jungle animals from the game, the siblings encounter Alan Parrish (Robin Williams), a man who spent 26 years trapped within the realm of Jumanji. The game ruined Alan’s life and cost his family and friends as well. Regardless, Alan will have to team up with the Shepherd children to see Jumanji through to the end.
ParaNorman (2012)
Meet Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee), the main character of the aptly named animated film ParaNorman. Norman has been gifted (or cursed) with the ability to see and converse with the dead. That power has made Norman an outcast in town and even within his own family. But when Norman’s uncle, Mr. Prenderghast (John Goodman), passes away unexpectedly, he gives Norman a new mission from beyond the grave. Now, it’s up to Norman to free his hometown from a witch’s curse, and he only has a day to do it.
Digital Trends streaming roundup
Nightbooks (2021)
Don’t fancy yourself a storyteller? Well, as the saying goes, necessity can very well be the mother of invention as the young Alex (Winslow Fegley) learns in Netflix’s new dark fantasy film Nightbooks. Based on the 2018 novel by J.A. White, Nightbooks stars Krysten Ritter as a terrifying witch who imprisons Alex. In order to escape certain death at her hands, Alex must tell her a scary story every night to entertain her. Knowing his death is inevitable otherwise, Alex befriends the witch’s servant, Yazmin (Lidya Jewett), and together they try to outwit the evil sorceress to escape her mystical home. Scheduled to start streaming in the middle of September, Nightbooks promises to be both scary and family-friendly while giving Ritter a wonderful chance to play against type./dt_media]
While he’s known best for creating the iconic Muppets, the late Jim Henson also directed some classic fantasy films including 1986’s iconic musical fantasy Labyrinth. Frustrated with having to care for her half-brother Toby, teenager Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) wishes that goblins would come to take him away. Unfortunately, the goblins are listening, including Jareth, the Goblin King (David Bowie). In order to rescue Toby from the evil but alluring Goblin King, Sarah needs to brave the dangers of the Goblin King’s labyrinths, meeting unforgettable creatures along the way.
Zapped (2014)
What’s this? A Disney Channel original movie on Netflix? Don’t get too used to that. Zapped was one of the early films of rising star Zendaya. Within the film, she plays Zoey Stevens, a high school student who struggles to adjust to her new stepfather, Ted Thompson (Aleks Paunovic), as well as her three stepbrothers. However, Zoey’s fortunes at home and at school improve when she discovers that her new dog training app can control all men and boys. Unfortunately for Zoey, that control comes at a cost. Zoey soon realizes her mistake, but not before her rival, Taylor (Emilia McCarthy), gets control of the app for herself.
Ne Zha (2019)
What if you believed you were born to be a vessel for evil? The titular hero of Ne Zha is convinced he has a dark destiny waiting for him until he decides to throw every ounce of his strength against his prophesied fate. Ne Zha was a genuine phenomenon when it was released in China, quickly becoming the highest-grossing animated film in the history of Chinese cinema, as well as the highest-grossing non-U.S. animated film of all time. And it isn’t tough to see why. Beautifully animated and filled with humor, exciting martial arts scenes, and explosive mystical battles, Ne Zha delivers two hours of spectacle you shouldn’t miss.
Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil (2018)
Some of the best fantasy stories are the oldest. Case in point — Errementari: The Black Smith and the Devil, based on a Basque reimagining of the fairy tale The Smith and the Devil. In 19th-century Spain, the supposed government investigator Alfredo Ortiz (Ramón Agirre) arrives in a small village looking for lost treasure. His search leads him to a forge in the nearby woods where the blacksmith Paxti (Kandido Uranga) lives in solitude. When Ortiz hires men to help him raid the forge, a young girl named Usue (Uma Bracaglia) sneaks in to recover a lost doll — and makes a terrifying discovery. Errementari is a wonderful fusion of fantasy and bone-chilling horror that still captures the sense of fascination children have for fairy tales and folklore.
Super Me (2019)
Sang Yu (Darren Wang) isn’t doing very well. Struggling to make it as a screenwriter, he becomes plagued by nightmares in which he’s pursued by a demon. He becomes disturbed enough by his dreams that he does everything he can to avoid sleep, but decades of Freddy Krueger movies have taught us how well that’s going to work out. After one of his frightful dreams, he discovers something that changes his life — he has the ability to bring objects out of his dreams and into the real world. Sang uses his newfound power to go from rags to riches practically overnight, but when a ruthless gangster discovers the secret of his success, things get even more complicated.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
This is a Charlie Kaufman fantasy, which is to say there are no mystical creatures, only humans caught up in their own baffling imaginations. One of the more polarizing films of 2020, I’m Thinking of Ending Things is aggressively weird, coming across like a Beckett play at times. Yet, it’s also oddly beautiful in its strange meanderings and tangents. Jessie Buckley plays a young woman who, full of misgivings and about ready to end her relationship with her new boyfriend, still accompanies him to his parents’ secluded farm — far, far from the city — for dinner.
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018)
Oddly enough, two major takes on The Jungle Book were released within two years of one another. The first, Disney’s The Jungle Book, got better reviews, but Netflix’s Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle has more stunning special effects and a far more faithful retelling of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tales. Director Andy Serkis — a master of VFX — goes above and beyond in this jungle fantasy that is genuinely terrifying at times. Mowgli tells the classic tale of a human child raised by a wolf pack in the jungles of India under the tutelage of the panther Bagheera and bear Baloo. But what Disney’s version overlooks is the sheer sadism and megalomania of the tiger Shere Khan. This version doesn’t.
The BFG (2016)
Decades before either the manga Attack on Titan or the media adapted from it, Roald Dahl was writing about the dangers of giants who preferred a menu of people in his 1982 novel The BFG — short for “Big Friendly Giant.” An animated adaptation was released in 1989, but in 2016 Steven Spielberg brought the late Dahl’s story to live-action. Ruby Barnhill plays the young, orphaned Sophie, who befriends the eponymous BFG, voiced by Mark Rylance, who also performs the motion capture for his Godzilla-sized character. Together, Sophie and the BFG set off on a family-friendly quest not quite as dark as the source material, to stop the cannibal giants who threaten humanity.
The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020)
Based on the Onmyōjinovel series by Japanese writer Baku Yumemakura, The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity is one of Netflix’s most recent international acquisitions. In a fascinating world where impossible creatures like demons and dragons co-exist with humans, four of the Yin-Yang masters are summoned to the capital to battle with a mammoth serpent god who brings calamity to the world every century. Visually breathtaking, The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity is a thrilling cinematic treat.
A Monster Calls (2016)
Conor’s mother (Felicity Jones) is dying. Coping with the heavy load of maintaining the household during his mother’s illness, the bullying he suffers at school, and the horrible nightmares he endures are all getting to be too much. Comfort comes from the most unexpected of sources — a giant humanoid tree monster (voiced by Liam Neeson) who promises the young Conor (Lewis MacDougall) nothing more than three stories. Surprisingly honest about the trials of childhood, A Monster Calls is a powerful exploration of grief, and a uniquely extraordinary example of how fantasy can serve as much more than pure escapism.
Monster House (2006)
Ever seen a house you were worried was haunted? Did you think there were ghosts inside? Monsters? Maybe just some creepy psycho? Well, what if the house itself was the monster? That’s the kind of danger D.J. (Mitchel Musso) and his friends face in Monster House. After D.J.’s elderly neighbor Mr. Nebbercracker (Steve Buscemi) is brought to the hospital, the house starts inexplicably eating people. With D.J.’s parents gone for the weekend and the house next door making meals out of everyone from police officers to the babysitter’s drunk boyfriend, it’s up to D.J. and his friends Chowder and Jenny to embark on a scary adventure in this funny, scary, and family-friendly romp.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
What is the airspeed of an unladen swallow? How do you tell if someone is a witch? And if you come across a rabbit at the entrance of a cave, how fast do you run and why aren’t you running already? All of these questions and more can be at least partially answered only with the 1975 comedy classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The second feature film made by the legendary cast of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Holy Grail is absolutely mandatory for any fan of swords and sorcery fantasy, comedy, or any kind of movie that keeps you laughing so hard from start to finish that you’ll never stop to consider whether or not it makes any sense (SPOILER: it does not).
I Lost My Body (2019)
Winner of the 2020 César Award for Best Animated Film, I Lost My Body is a genre-bending fever dream, propelled by gorgeous art and an appropriately bizarre premise. The star of the film? A severed hand. When the hand gains consciousness in a dissection lab, it has one primary purpose: To return to its body. The hand must scramble through Paris to find its way back to the pizza delivery man who is missing him, all the while remembering the glory days when it was still attached. That is, until they met Gabrielle.
A Ghost Story (2017)
What if we told you that one of the most beautiful drama-fantasy films involved leading man Casey Affleck wearing a sheet over his body for nearly the entire runtime? You might call us crazy, and that’s okay, but we still urge you to dive into David Lowery’s quiet little masterpiece, A Ghost Story. When C (Affleck) dies in a car crash, he awakens in his new phantasmagoric form. Returning to the suburban, single-story ranch he shared with romantic partner M (Rooney Mara), the wraith spends the rest of his eternity “haunting” the house. Featuring some of the most meditative and emotional performances from the two leads, Andrew Palermo’s lush cinematography, and a heart-wrenching score by Daniel Hart, A Ghost Story may not be for everyone. But those that can appreciate a slow burn of fantastical proportions will leave the film feeling handsomely rewarded. Oh, and we almost forgot to mention that there’s a five-minute, single-take scene involving M, crying, and a pie. Yes, like the pie you eat.
Bright (2017)
Bright wasn’t well-received when it arrived on Netflix, but since its premiere in 2017, it has become one of the most-streamed films on the platform. That’s because, while the movie is flawed, it does have a unique world, impressive practical effects, and a timely story about crime and discrimination. In Bright, humans coexist with a variety of fantasy races. The film follows Ward (Will Smith) and his partner Jakoby (Joel Edgerton), the first orc police officer. The two have a strained relationship because Ward was previously injured by an orc robber, and it is believed that Jakoby let the robber go on purpose. The film tries to juggle complex issues of race, identity, and loyalty while also telling a larger-than-life fantasy story. It doesn’t always juggle those topics particularly well, but it remains one of the most ambitious fantasy films of the last several years.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Genre
Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
Stars
Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte
Directed by
Mark Waters
95m
Based on Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi’s popular book series, The Spiderwick Chronicles continues the trend of quality, emotionally-complex fantasy films aimed at children. It was received well by audiences and critics alike and features impressive performances to boot. The film follows Jason (Freddie Highmore), his twin brother Simon, and their sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger). After moving into their great-great-uncle’s estate following a divorce, Jason discovers Arthur Spiderwick’s study and a book detailing his observations and knowledge of faeries. As the film progresses, all three children are pulled into a struggle between the faeries and the ogre Mulgarath, who wants to use the information in the book for evil. The film is well-paced and exciting, and it is the perfect entry point for young fantasy lovers.
Fullmetal Alchemist (2017)
Fullmetal Alchemist is a live-action film based on the popular manga and anime of the same name. The film, like the subsequent versions, follows brothers Edric and Alphonse. The brothers live with their ill mother in the countryside, where they study alchemy. After their mother dies, however, they try to bring her back to life with a forbidden Human Transmutation. The alchemy fails and has severe consequences: Edric loses his arm and leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body and his spirit possesses an empty suit of armor. The two brothers grow up to become state alchemists while continuing to hide their taboo act and pursue a stone that has the power to restore their bodies. The film received mixed reviews, but it does feature some pretty advanced film techniques and high production value, rendering it worth the watch, especially for fans of the show and manga.
Stardust (2007)
Based on Neil Gaiman’s 1999 novel, Stardust follows Tristan (Charlie Cox) on his quest to retrieve an enchanted star from the magical realm of Stormhold. Meant to be a gift for his bride-to-be Victoria (Sienna Miller), the star turns out to be the disguised form of a woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes). Tristan decides to bring Yvaine back to his lover but must contend with the wretched forces of the magic realm. Along this colorful, flight-of-fancy pilgrimage, we’re treated to great performances by all, but particularly Robert De Niro as the swashbuckling Captain Shakespeare. Frankly, it’s nice to see the acting maestro lay his Tommy gun down and engage energies outside his typical wheelhouse of roles.
Okja (2017)
From Oscar-winning writer-director Bong Joon Ho, Okja is a brilliant mesh of animal rights versus big business, both operating in the body of a beautifully crazy film. The story follows Mija (Seo-hyun Ahn), a South Korean farm girl and owner of a genetically modified super-pig named Okja. Developed by the multinational Mirando Corporation, several prototypes of these genetically modified pigs were sent out into the world. After 10 years of growing to maturity, the company announces that Okja has been awarded the honor of “best super-pig.” It’s all a ruse, though, and the company wants to move Okja from Mija’s farm to New York for (unbeknownst to the world) experimentation and eventual slaughter. Mirando’s CEO Lucy Mirando (Tilda Swinton) arranges for Mija to travel to New York to be with Okja. However, the plot thickens when the ALF (Animal Liberation Front) kidnaps Okja to expose Mirando, sending the film down a path of much greater moral weight.
Children of the Sea (2019)
Based on Daisuke Igarashi’s manga of the same name, Children of the Sea follows teenage girl Ruka. Estranged from both her mother and school friends, Ruka’s summer is looking like it’s going to be a bummer. That is until she starts spending more time at the aquarium where her dad works. While there, Ruka meets Umi and Sora, mysterious teenage brothers who were raised underwater by dugongs. The siblings are being studied by marine biologists to better understand their aquatic origins, while at the same time, a series of strange events begin unfolding. Oceanic oddities are occurring, like comets crashing into the sea and marine life mysteriously migrating to Japan’s waters and remaining there. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that Ruka, Umi, and Sora share some kind of mysterious connection, which could be the cause of the marine phenomena. Ayumu Watanabe’s animated adaptation of Igarashi’s manga is a feast for the eyes. Oceanic depths are deeply layered, vibrant, and filled with life — not to mention the rich character work. Mana Ashida does a particularly amazing job as Ruka. As the plot thickens, so does Ruka’s drive and curiosity — and we’re right there with her.
A Whisker Away (2020)
Have you ever wanted to be a cat? A Whisker Away explores this wish come true and the consequences the transformation presents. Our story is led by Miyo Sasaki, a teenager living in Tokoname, dealing with her adolescence and pining for her school crush, Kento Hinode. Much to Miyo’s dismay, Kento is always turning down her advances. But love conquers all, especially when Miyo receives a magic Noh mask that turns her into a cat named Tarō. As a feline, Miyo begins making visits to Kento’s residence, where he immediately takes to his new whiskered visitor. Over the course of the film, we learn more about Miyo and Kento’s families, livelihoods, fears, and secrets. As Miyo wears the mask more and more, she risks never being able to return to human form again and must decide if life as a cat is worth losing her humanity for. Directed by Junichi Sato and Tomotaka Shibayama, from a script by Mari Okada, A Whisker Away is an electrifying panorama of emotion like no other.
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