The 10 Most Influential Fantasy Movies of All Time

Films with fantastical elements, such as magic, mythology, and imaginary worlds, have always fascinated viewers and inspired a sense of wonder and exploration. These stories take us to imaginative realms where anything is possible, far from our own constraints. There have been countless fantasy films made throughout the history of cinema. 

Still, only a select few have truly stood the test of time, influencing the genre’s development and pushing the envelope of what’s possible in terms of storytelling and visual innovation. These groundbreaking fantasy films altered the course of filmmaking and the fabric of popular culture, becoming permanent fixtures in the minds of generations.

10. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Having enthralled moviegoers for nearly eight decades, The Wizard of Oz is more than a seminal fantasy film. The film’s influence has spread beyond the field of film into theater, music, and literature since its release in 1939. This film was directed by Victor Fleming and was inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published in 1900. The plot follows Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas, and her dog, Toto, who are swept away by a tornado to the wonderful Land of Oz. She sets out on the yellow brick road in search of the Wizard of Oz, who she believes can help her get back home, and along the way, she encounters many memorable individuals and experiences.

Using Technicolor for the first time, The Wizard of Oz was a technological cinematic feat in its day. One of the most memorable scenes in movie history is when the film goes from a sepia-toned Kansas to the bright hues of Oz. This daring use of color was groundbreaking and greatly aided in creating a magical mood in the film. In addition to the beautiful vistas, the story and acting make this picture a classic. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion have entered popular culture as symbols of bravery, love, and wisdom. 

9. Labyrinth (1986)

There haven’t been many fantasy movies as influential as Labyrinth. The picture Jim Henson directed and George Lucas produced in 1986 is a magical fusion of imagination, originality, and skill. Sarah, the protagonist of Labyrinth, is a little girl who, in a moment of frustration, wishes for her baby brother to be taken away. Goblin King Jareth (David Bowie) grants her wish, much to her surprise. Sarah sets out to save her brother after making a hasty wish and finding herself in a maze populated by fascinating animals, bizarre settings, and puzzles.

The film’s magic comes from how well it combines live-action and puppetry to create a fantastical world populated by monsters, fairies, and other critters. Henson’s puppetry studio, known for its work on The Muppets, showcased its creative prowess in Labyrinth by designing and operating an array of captivating, emotionally resonant puppet characters. Another high point is David Bowie’s portrayal as the Goblin King. Bowie infuses Jareth with his trademark theatricality and charisma to create a distinctive and fascinating villain.