Top 50 Best Magical Fantasy Movies To Watch [2025 Updated]

Written and directed by the outstanding Guillermo del Toro, this Spanish-language fantasy film contains one of the most timeless stories to grace the genre. A distinct horror plot layer adds to its allure.

The story is set in the 1940s in which the young stepdaughter of a cruel army officer inadvertently escapes into a creepy, but captivating, parallel world rife with magic and monsters.

Stars like Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Álex Angulo, Ariadna Gil, and Doug Jones make this movie a treat to watch.

The Lord of the Rings cinematic universe barely needs any introduction. Before even the MCU and DCU filled our lives, there was LOTR. The movies comprising this franchise have left an indelible mark in the lives of millions of fantasy-genre fans.

The first three titles (released in the early 2000s) still hold their own among today's CG advances and high-tech filmmaking. The original trilogy won 17 out of 30 Academy Award nominations. "The Return of the King" alone holds the record for most Oscars, namely 11, matching that of movies like "Titanic" and "Ben-Hur".

Stirring music, meaningful characterizations, loyal-to-the-books screenplay, and all-around excellence have rendered the LOTR movies masterpieces. Adapted from the written works of legendary writer and professor J. R. R Tolkien, these movies always seemed destined for greatness.

The latest series from Amazon Studios, "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power", carries on the rich legacy of this magnificent universe of legacies. "Rings of Power" is set during the Second Age of Arda and contains events that precede both the LOTR and Hobbit films.

Here are all the movies from this universe in theatrical release order:

One of the most highly acclaimed titles to fuse animation and live-action in an 'ahead of its time' production, this movie boasts manifold layers of fantasy and magical realism that simply have to be seen to be admired.

Mysteries, thrills, comedy, beauty, and detective-centric sequences all make for a great experience. The titular character, Roger Rabbit, strives to prove his innocence after being accused of murder. Voiceovers and performances alike from Bob Hoskins, Betsy Brantley, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer, and more, weave magic into this iconic script.

With her laundromat on the brink of bankruptcy and a daughter who does not see the world through her eyes, Evelyn Wang certainly has her hands full. Her attempts to connect with her daughter Joy receive a magical, rather maddening, twist.

Along with her supportive and sentimental husband Waymond Wang, Evelyn goes on the most impossible journey of her life. Standing against her within the real world and the ever-twisting series of parallel realities in which she finds herself is an IRS auditor named Deirdre.

The latest take on the classic 'King Arthur' tale, this movie sheds light on the fictional life and times of Sir Gawain, one of Arthur's knights. The story portrays the trials Gawain faces, including his encounter with a mystical other-worldly entity called the Green Knight.

The movie features talented artists like Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Sarita Choudhury, Joel Edgerton, Ralph Ineson, and Barry Keoghan. The remarkable medieval setting aside, the movie's magical and meaningful mystique sets it apart from similar stories that came before it.

Part comedy and part thriller, this captivating tale about witches and their nefarious child-elimination plans is not just a great Halloween staple but also one of the most memorable additions to the witch-movie genre.

Talented artists like Anjelica Huston, Jasen Fisher, and more give wonderful performances. Conventions with hidden agendas, secret covens, and mousy transformations all benefit the flow of this witchy script that's at once funny and scary.

A fusion of 'fairytale princess' stories, but primarily based on classic Cinderella and Snow White lore, this musical has proven to be both entertaining and credible. Fantasy realms, an evil sorceress, a princess whose wedding is disrupted, and said princess coming to our world where she inadvertently introduces an element of fairytale charm and impossible magic.

All these tropes benefit this script, which has somehow managed to avoid cliché. Great performances carry the story forward thanks to artists like Amy Adams, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Idina Menzel, Patrick Dempsey, and Susan Sarandon, with Julie Andrews narrating.

A band of thieves are off on another epic heist. However, an unforeseen betrayal sees them risking their lives trying to reclaim their freedom and honour. The lost relic they go after ends up going to the traitor Forge and the sorceress Sofina.

Edgin, Holga, Doric, and Simon team up with Xenk to make things right. This movie is based on the timeless roleplaying board game of the same name.

An outstanding MCU hero who puts the 'M' in Magic, the eponymous Dr. Stephen Strange takes viewers for quite the sorcerous ride in this unforgettable and thrilling comic-book adaptation. The irreplaceable Benedict Cumberbatch brings the hero to life in ways that have to be seen to be appreciated.

Other stars who feature in this title include Benedict Wong, Tilda Swinton, Benjamin Bratt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mads Mikkelsen, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. The first movie in a long line of inter-connected MCU 'marvels', this title certainly brings home the magic in more ways than one.

Adapted from an unforgettable series of novels written by one of the most inspiring authors of our time, J. K. Rowling, the "Potterverse" has elevated the way people think about magic-based storytelling.

This franchise is certainly one of the most beautiful ones ever created. Academia and spellcraft are redefined, and the books remain portals of enchantment in their own right. Suffice to say, the world of literature and cinema hasn't been the same since 'The Boy Who Lived' came along.

Memorable characterizations and heartfelt plot-arcs have created a franchise that has won the hearts of millions all over the world. The Harry Potter universe still draws more and more people into its rich realm of magic-fantasy brilliance.

Here are all the hit movie adaptations comprising this fantasy series:

Intrigue, betrayal, challenges, mysteries, power-plays, romance, and magic all converge in this enchanting script rife with witches, kings, conquests, spellcraft, and stardust. A mysterious 'star girl' becomes the target of different people's aspirations, needs, and dreams.

She has to find a way back home before corrupt characters get to her purely to steal her stardust. Talents like Charlie Cox, Ben Barnes, Henry Cavill, Jason Flemyng, Mark Strong, Melanie Hill, Ian McKellen, Claire Danes, and Peter O'Toole captivate from beginning to end.

A remake of the original film starring the incomparable Julie Andrews, this production sees the brilliant Emily Blunt slipping into the role of the iconic nanny who works strange and powerful magic.

Mary Poppins takes the Banks children on the most fantastic ride of their lives, and they are made all the better for it. This musical also stars Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, and Meryl Streep. The kids Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson, and Nathanael Saleh add to its worth.

Not all boys who are obsessed with scary stories end up being imprisoned by an evil witch. This is the story of one such boy and one such witch. Set in New York City, this contemporary magic movie features talents like Winslow Fegley, Krysten Ritter, and Mathieu Bourassa.

The boy's love for frightening tales soon gets him in more hot water than he thought possible.

Based on the bestselling series of children's books written by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, this fantastic movie features beautiful as well as dark story elements. Moving to a new place can prove challenging.

The script covers much of the emotions and revelations that occur during such instances. The kids inadvertently gain entry into an alternate world filled with all manner of creatures and monsters, including faeries, trolls, and spiders.

This engaging title stars talented artists like Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, David Strathairn, Mary-Louise Parker, Seth Rogen, Nick Nolte, Martin Short, and Plowright.

A fantastic remake of the classic Disney cartoon, this story brings together a credible and diverse set of elements to tell "a tale as old as time". Bathed in magic, action, and magical transformations, this is one of the better Disney live-actions to grace the genre.

Talented artists like Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Ray Fearon, Audra McDonald, Emma Thompson, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Josh Gad, Dan Stevens, and Emma Watson helped make this production stand out from the crowd.

A cult classic if ever there was one, this movie redefined the magic-fantasy genre for an entire generation. Some fans will still shed a tear thinking about this story. Packed with emotions, thrills, memorable characters, and an unforgettable theme song, this movie delivers truth and wonder in equal measure.

In this plot, a little boy finds he can literally transport himself into a story simply by opening the pages of a large mysterious book. He soon goes on the greatest adventure of his life.

This tale features talented artists like Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach, and Moses Gunn.

One title from this 'galaxy' won't suffice to convey the depth of Sci-Fi greatness and majestic fantasy that have made "Star Wars" an immediately recognizable and beloved movie franchise. The victory of good over evil, complex inter-planetary politics, powerplay, emotion, romance, drama, action, suspense, betrayal, futuristic technologies and more all confluence into a lake of visual wonders, epic soundtracks, inter-racial and inter-species warfare, compelling character arcs, and gripping fight sequences.

We've ony covered the movies here and not remarkable series like "The Clone Wars" which have proven to embellish and enrich this already brilliant cinematic universe. Each title in this world-famous franchise carries almost limitless storytelling wonders.

Here are all the "Star Wars" movies in order of theatrical release:

An interesting twist to the classic Mary Poppins tale, this movie features the talented Emma Thompson in an unrecognizable role as the titular Nanny McPhee. A mother in need of order, kids in need of discipline, and a father away at war all add to a captivating and emotional story filled with life lessons and magic.

Other stars in this production include Maggie Gyllenhaal, Asa Butterfield, Maggie Smith, Rhys Ifans, Ewan McGregor, Ed Stoppard, Nonso Anozie, and Ralph Fiennes.

A wicked and magnificent take on the classic Disney villain from the 1959 "Sleeping Beauty" movie, this tale is rife with magic, power, suspense, intrigue, and betrayal. Playing the titular role is none other than Angelina Jolie.

Other stars include Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Imelda Staunton, Lesley Manville, and Brenton Thwaites. Several notable fantasy and magic movie tropes are contained in this title, and they enrich the script in all the right ways.

It captured the nuances of motherhood and the dark side of vengeance.

A richly detailed adaptation of the classic 1992 Disney movie of the same name, this one features all the popular characters from the toon but in a lush live-action setting.

Meaningful music and great performances render this fantasy film an outstanding addition to the magic movie club. What with a sorcerous Jafar and a super-magical genie, this movie certainly fits the bill.

It also stars remarkable talents like Will Smith, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, Billy Magnussen, and Mena Massoud.

Dark magic, a shape-shifting overlord, friendships, inner strength, and the will to be free all coalesce into an outstanding movie that can stand the test of time. Starring memorable performers like Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman, Mako, and Valérie Quennessen, this title has since become a cult classic in the magic fantasy genre.

Perilous quests, aggressive fights, and bloody raids add to the thrill factor.

A hit movie for all the right magical reasons, this one sees stars like Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Jonathan Hyde, and Arnold Vosloo playing major roles in a tale wrapped in Egyptian mysteries and power-hungry tropes.

Mummies coming alive, reincarnation, and lost lore are three of the many unforgettable elements that make this title enchanting to watch.

A catholic high school becomes ground-zero for irreversible magical cataclysms. It all starts when a newcomer arrives, befriends a trio of teenage girls, and they together become an all-girl group of outcasts.

Magic, and not the illusory kind, calls to their souls. Before long, vengeful curses and dark spells fly out as the girls discover there's more to witchcraft than meets the third eye.

Talents like Robin Tunney, Neve Campbell, Rachel True, and Fairuza Balk make this cult-classic one to remember.

A live-action adaptation of the ultra-popular Lewis Carroll story, this title features a darker take on the many misadventures and trials Alice faces in her subtext-rich journey to Wonderland. Friendship, destiny, wars, alliances, magic, and fantasy all pool into this super-creative script featuring voice-overs and performances from talents like Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Crispin Glover, Michael Sheen, Stephen Fry, Timothy Spall, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, and the late-great Alan Rickman.

Cursed by a spell to obey what everyone around her tells her to do, poor Ella can't seem to find a break in this rom-com-style fantasy movie. Protecting princes, hiding from family, and breaking curses are some of the endearing elements that make this story an unforgettable addition to this list.

Stars like Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Joanna Lumley, Lucy Punch, Jim Carter, Steve Coogan, and Minnie Driver add to the movie's magical worth.

Based on the classic 'Jack and the Beanstalk' fairytale, but with a darker twist, this fantasy magic movie features an ancient war between giants and humans. Their ancient fight resumes when a portal is accidentally opened by a young farmhand named Jack and the kingdom's royal princess.

Great CGI makes the movie fun to watch, though its script could have been better. This title features talented artists like Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewen Bremner, Warwick Davis, and Ian McShane.

The latest CG-rich adaptation that captures a familiar yet distinct take on the classic novel by L. Frank Baum, this production bottles enchantment and action with many a magical twist.

It features all the popular characters from the book and the original 1910 movie. In this 2k-era Oz story, you'll find talented artists like James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis, Bill Cobbs, Tony Cox, Joey King, Zach Braff, and Bruce Campbell recreating the timeless tale of the "wonderful wizard of Oz".

A strange name for a movie, but one that has become a household name since the title's release, there is still much worth appreciating about this story. A board game with magical properties sows its own brand of chaos in the lives of everyday people.

Remarkable performances from Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt, Jonathan Hyde, Bebe Neuwirth, David Alan Grier, Bradley Pierce, Laura Bell Bundy, and Adam Hann-Byrd make this movie a delight to watch.

Ancient magic emanating from an Egyptian stone has apparently been bringing exhibits to life at the Museum of Natural History. They only come alive from night to dawn. The newly joined watchman is at his wit's end when he realizes as much.

Before long, he learns to work with the magic than go against it. This memorable comedy features stars like Rami Malek, Steve Coogan, Carla Gugino, Ricky Gervais, Ben Stiller, and movie legends like Dick Van Dyke and Robin Williams.

A fascinating twist on different famous and villainous Greek personalities from mythology, this action-fantasy production sees mortals going up against deific entities, including and especially the Titans. Deep meaning and powerful CGI-driven sequences further enhance the plotline.

Stars like Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto, John Hurt, Joseph Morgan, Daniel Sharman, Luke Evans, Stephen Dorff, Isabel Lucas, and Kellan Lutz give engaging performances.

Based on the hit novels by Rick Riordan, this fantasy adaptation sees the popular fictional teen Percy Jackson tackling all types of Greek myths and magical perils galore. Artists like Logan Lerman, Kevin McKidd, Steve Coogan, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario, Sean Bean, Melina Kanakaredes, Pierce Brosnan, Catherine Keener, Uma Thurman, and Rosario Dawson ensure the success of this timeless tale that author Rick Riordan originally recrafted into something new.

A remarkable adaptation of Philip Pullman's bestselling novel "Northern Lights", this magical fantasy movie lives up to genre standards. It involves some of the most 'ahead of its time' story elements, and all the action and adventure needed to make it memorable.

Captivating elements like magical experimentation, 'Dust' and Daemons, secret organizations, and ancient forces all work in harmony to create a movie worth watching time and again. It features outstanding artists like Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Dakota Blue Richards, Freddie Highmore, Kristin Scott Thomas, Eva Green, the late-great Christopher Lee, Jim Carter, Ian McShane, Sam Elliott, and Ian McKellen.

Though it was an underwhelming adaptation of the super-popular video game franchise after which it was named, this title regardless contains sufficient moments worth appreciating. Starring in important roles are stars like Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Richard Coyle, and Steve Toussaint.

The movie tracks the adventures of the titular Dastan and comes packed with action and fantasy elements.

Not one of the best Nicholas Cage movies out there, this title regardless brings an interesting magical element to Cage's filmography. Merlin, Morgana le Fay, magicians in training, and a twist on the original tale that inspired it make this movie as devious as it is engaging.

Aside from Nicholas Cage, other talents who feature in this production include Alfred Molina, Monica Bellucci, James A. Stephens, Alice Krige, Toby Kebbell, Teresa Palmer, and Jay Baruchel.

Based on the popular online multiplayer game 'World of Warcraft', this adaptation suffered from rushed writing. Its characterizations and battle sequences are marvellous, to say the least, not to mention underrated.

If done right, it could have inspired a veritable movie franchise worth enjoying. This movie is designed more for fans of the game, who are familiar with its core characters and their eventual fates.

Starring in major roles are artists like Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Dominic Cooper, Ben Foster, Ruth Negga, Clancy Brown, Daniel Wu, and Toby Kebbell.

Taking the original Dracula story and giving the iconic character an empowered twist, plenty of instances in this action-fantasy movie make it worth appreciating. Though a tad rushed at times and heavily reliant on CG, the story regardless conveys a sense of 'doom and gloom' aside from its strong emotional plot.

Featuring the original man who inspired the legend of Dracula, namely Vlad Tepes, the story pits him against personal loss and bloody war. This production strikes a notable balance between power and powerlessness.

It stars talented artists like Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Charles Dance, Zach McGowan, and Dominic Cooper.

Being transported to a realm that is darker than the original story that inspired it, the protagonist of this magical fantasy story experiences curious as well as perilous moments. What she does in the fantasy realm will determine the fate of that place, which is filled with nutcrackers, gingerbread soldiers, and mice armies.

Talents like Mackenzie Foy, Richard E. Grant, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, and Keira Knightley render this production memorable from start to finish.

Based on the book by Soman Chainani, this coming-of-age story sees two misfit friends from the village of Gavaldon attending a prestigious magic school. But they end up on the wrong side and start finding ways to resolve the issue.

But their efforts to do so only make matters worse. Meanwhile, a great curse is manifesting. It soon threatens the future of the school, its alumni, faculty, and ordinary people alike.

Never mind fairytales and dreams coming true. Will Sophie and Agatha resolve their differences, patch up their friendship, and fight the coming threat?

A dark and captivating addition to the extensive lore that already surrounds the fictional character of Van Helsing, this story is not just rife with fantasy but also contains a blood-curdling vampire horror plotline at its core.

Dracula, Transylvania, oppression, action, redemption, and more all blend beautifully in this well-crafted fantasy tale that meets entertainment standards. It is also one of the most underrated movies in the genre.

Great performances further enhance the storyline thanks to artists like Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxburgh, Shuler Hensley, David Wenham, Elena Anaya, Silvia Colloca, Josie Maran, Alun Armstrong, Kevin J. O'Connor, Will Kemp, and late Robbie Coltrane.

A human and an orc, both of them detectives, partner up to find a powerful wand. Standing against them are intimidating forces of darkness. Magic departments and crime-solving tropes meld well in this engaging story starring talents like Will Smith, Edgar Ramírez, Joel Edgerton, and Noomi Rapace.

Though a tad clichéd at times, this title nonetheless serves up a good plate of fantasy entertainment.

A dark and intriguing twist on the classic 'Snow White' story, this script is rife with magic, power-play, and action-fantasy elements. Two sisters with differing opinions plunge the realm into magical disarray.

Only two warriors can get close enough to end the tyranny of one sister – whose magic mirror is a weapon in its own right – so the other can usher in peace at long last.

This title stars talented performers like Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Nick Frost, Sam Hazeldine, Sam Claflin, Fred Tatasciore, Ralph Ineson, Emily Blunt, and Charlize Theron.

Based on the novel by Christopher Paolini, this interesting magic fantasy adaptation brings the story of the dragon Eragon to life. Its medieval setting pairs nicely with the heroic rise of its young hero, who learns to face his fears and save the kingdom from a dark fate.

This production features artists like Ed Speleers, Sienna Guillory, Jeremy Irons, Robert Carlyle, John Malkovich, Garrett Hedlund, Djimon Hounsou, and Rachel Weisz.

Based on Mike Mignola's original Dark Horse comics, this title is an underrated take on the iconic fictional character Hellboy. Great performances from David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, and Mark Stanley carry the plot forward.

The movie contains plenty of occult-magic tropes and fantasy themes. Great CGI and memorable action sequences add to its value. The threat of a cross-dimensional monster invasion blends well with sorcerous elements, good fight choreography, and great creature design.

A dark and action-packed twist on the classic 'Hansel and Gretel' fairytale, this movie sees the iconic brother and sister duo playing professional witch-hunters instead of becoming victims. An investigation-style plot and magical elements further enhance the script.

Stars like Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Pihla Viitala, Derek Mears, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Joanna Kulig, Robin Atkin Downes, Peter Stormare, and Famke Janssen add to its 'worth watching' factor.

More CGI-centric than story-driven, this title boasts a visual feast of ancient draconian and mythical serpentine face-offs that evoke the classic 'Godzilla vs Kong' battles. Aside from large-scale Kaiju encounters, the movie also contains a good human survival element to balance its fantasy-rich plotline.

The sheer destruction and chaos that play out in this title are worth watching, even just once. This production features artists like Jason Behr, Amanda Brooks, Robert Forster, Craig Robinson, Chris Mulkey, and Elizabeth Peña.

This fantasy adventure movie is quite underrated. The plot features a young boy who travels to a magical realm in which he discovers dark forces threatening the order of things. Protecting that world are five kangaroo warriors whose kung fu skills and positive principles create a captivating and credible storyline with which fans have fallen in love.

Performers and voice artists alike have made this production stand out. Angus Macfadyen, Mario Yedidia, Marley Shelton, Doug Jones, Jack Tate, Don Lewis, J. Todd Adams, Adrienne Corcoran, and Chao Li Chi took a simple script and made it extraordinary.

Overthrowing a kingdom with the help of sorcery is one of the core plot points that define this story. Control over legendary dragons also plays a key role. Fellowship-style team-ups add to the thrill and entertainment value contained in this magical fantasy title starring Justin Whalin, Zoe McLellan, Marlon Wayans, Thora Birch, Jeremy Irons, and Bruce Payne.

The movie draws inspiration from the popular board game of the same name and provides some classic D&D action.