Best Fantasy Movies in 2025

Often considered the quintessential fantasy epic, 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' masterfully brings J.R.R. Tolkien's world to life. The movie's strength lies in its immersive world-building, compelling characters, and epic scope. The visual effects, particularly the landscapes and creature designs, remain impressive even today. The story follows a group of heroes on a perilous journey to destroy a powerful ring, and the film perfectly captures the themes of friendship, courage, and sacrifice. The extended edition offers even more depth and detail. This is a benchmark for the fantasy genre.

Guillermo del Toro’s 'Pan's Labyrinth' combines fantasy elements with a historical setting, resulting in a haunting and beautiful film which is also one of the darkest ones on this list. The movie tells the story of a young girl who escapes the brutality of post-Civil War Spain by delving into a world of fauns, fairies, and mythical creatures. The film is praised for its stunning visuals, rich atmosphere, and powerful performances. The film’s strength lies in its unique blend of fantasy and historical drama, creating a poignant and unforgettable experience. While not a standard action-adventure movie, its unique nature secures its spot.

Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away' is an animated masterpiece that showcases the power of imagination. The film follows a young girl who enters a bathhouse for spirits, where she must work to free herself and her parents. The movie’s strength lies in its incredibly imaginative world, beautiful animation, and engaging story. 'Spirited Away' transcends cultural boundaries and offers a universal message about courage, resilience, and growing up. The animation is breathtaking, with rich details and creative character designs. It has become one of the best-regarded animated films of all time.

The 'Harry Potter' series is one of the most successful fantasy franchises ever, and 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' (or 'Philosopher's Stone' outside the US) the first movie, marks the beginning of a fantastic movie series. The film follows the story of a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The franchise is celebrated for its rich world-building, beloved characters, and engaging storytelling. This first installment perfectly captures the magic and wonder of the books, setting the stage for the epic journey that follows while remaining family-friendly.

Jim Henson's 'Labyrinth' remains a cult classic, beloved for its creativity and imaginative world. Featuring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, the film tells the story of a teenage girl who journeys through a fantastical labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King. The movie's strengths include its unique visual style, innovative puppetry, and memorable musical numbers. While the special effects may appear dated by today's standards, the film's charm and creative vision are timeless. It's both delightfully whimsical and surprisingly dark, an excellent example of fantasy movies.