What Are Fantasy Movies?
The fantasy genre may seem like it needs no introduction given how straightforward the name is. However, it can be surprisingly vague to define, especially in story-telling. This is because the genre can overlap with other genres in film, depending on the story. Fantasy movies can incorporate sci-fi, action, mystery, and even horror elements to a certain extent. Hence, it’s a broad category that’s difficult to box in. Also Read: 25 Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix You Should Watch However, for this article, we’re loosely defining fantasy films as anything with fantastical elements and themes. This can include magic, supernatural occurrences, mythology, fantasy worlds, and folklore. However, we won’t limit the list to strictly fantasy-only films and will include films with other genres incorporated.
1. About Time
Despite having a very subtle fantastical element, About Time is one of the fantasy best movies on Netflix. The movie’s mainly a romantic comedy like many others. However, it has a twist: time travel — a focal point in the film that allows the romance to happen. The film revolves around Tim, who discovers a secret ability the men in his family have. That is the ability to travel back in time and change their fate. Upon discovering this ability, Tim decides to take a chance and woo the woman he’s in love with. Overall, the movie is charming and fun to watch but is also bittersweet and deals with growth and maturity. Watch About Time on Netflix
2. The BFG
With the movie incorporating giant man-eating humans, you’d expect that The BFG would be an R-rated movie. However, unlike the more familiar modern anime, Attack on Titan, The BFG remains family-friendly and somewhat whimsical. The source material — a novel written by Roald Dahl in 1982 — was also fairly dark. However, this time, Steven Spielberg decided to head in a different direction. The story revolves around the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who’s one of the rumored man-eating humans. However, instead of eating Sophie, a young orphan girl, he forms an unconventional friendship with her. Throughout the movie, the two go on a quest to save humanity (the normal-sized ones) from these man-eating giants. Watch The BFG on Netflix
3. Bleach
The anime genre is full of well-written fantasy stories so it’s no surprise that tons of them became popular. This time, it produced one of the best fantasy movies you could find on Netflix. What’s great about Bleach is that it doesn’t stick too much to the source material. While that may seem counterproductive, it works pretty well given the difference in length. Bleach should be a very familiar name for anime fans. However, if you’re out of the loop, it’s the story of high school student Ichigo who suddenly becomes a reaper. Unfortunately, these powers were pretty much thrust upon him without consent, so he wants to give them back. However, before that can happen, he’ll need to perform his duties and reap souls first. Watch Bleach on Netflix
4. Bright
One of the best fantasy movies on Netflix is undoubtedly the 2017 movie, Bright. Sure, the movie isn’t the best fantasy movie out of all of the movies in history. However, it does have a few good points that it has going for it. One of which is the unconventional world-building that the story takes place in. In the movie, humans live alongside many different fantasy races. However, the focal point of the plot is primarily centered around the relationships between these races. The movie follows the life and relationship of two police officers, Ward, a human, and Jakoby, an orc. Unfortunately, the two have an estranged relationship thanks to Ward’s past orc-induced injury. However, he suspects that Jakoby let the orc robber go intentionally out of bias. What follows is what you’d expect: a movie that deals with topics of race and identity. It’s not the best movie in the world, but it’s certainly worth watching. Watch Bright on Netflix
5. Clash of Titans
One of the best fantasy movies on Netflix right now is none other than Clash of Titans. This 2010 film is a modern retelling of the 1981 film of the same name. As such, it follows much of the same premise, including the Greek mythology-based character Perseus. Like most Greek mythology-based stories, our main character Perseus, son of Zeus, is caught in a conflict between gods. However, he is powerless to protect his family from the king of the underworld, Hades. As a last resort, he rounds up a group of warriors to prevent Hades from taking over and destroying the earth. Watch Clash of Titans on Netflix
6. Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil
The best fantasy movies on Netflix aren’t always big-named blockbusters based on popular fantasy tropes. In fact, some of them are smaller and cater to niche audiences than general fantasy fans. Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil is one such movie that’s based on a Basque-language folktale. The movie takes place in 19-century Spain, telling the story of a blacksmith and — you guessed it — a devil. However, it doesn’t straightforwardly start with these two. The movie begins with Alfredo Ortiz, a purported government investigator looking for treasure in a small town. He discovers a nearby forge in the forest, where the blacksmith, Paxti, lives. However, things turn a little terrifying when Ortiz tries to raid the peaceful forge. Watch Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil on Netflix
7. Fullmetal Alchemist
What a time to be alive for anime fans when various anime are being adapted into fantasy movies. This time, we have Fullmetal Alchemist. It’s one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix — and arguably one of the best anime, too. Like the anime, the film follows our two favorite brothers, Edric and Alphonse. Unfortunately, these brothers are living in the countryside with a sick mother who eventually dies. Struck by grief, the brothers try to bring their dead mother back to life through forbidden alchemy called Human Transmutation. However, their efforts fail and backfire, causing Edric to lose two limbs while Alphonse loses his body, possessing armor instead. What follows is life afterward, how they become official alchemists, and how they restore themselves — all while hiding the truth. Watch Fullmetal Alchemist on Netflix
8. Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is probably one of the least surprising entries on this list. It’s one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix that’s truly enjoyable thanks to Bill Murray’s fantastic performance. Moreover, the movie cleverly executes the premise with comedic flair without compromising quality. The story revolves around Phil, a surly weatherman who suddenly gets a weird sense of Deja Vu. However, what seems like a strange feeling is confirmed as reality as he lives the same day over and over. Initially, Phil takes pleasure in the time loop, living a bit recklessly because of the lack of consequences. However, he eventually discovers that he has to change to escape this endless loop. Watch Groundhog Day on Netflix
9. Hook
Hook is one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix that’s based on the classic fairy tale, Peter Pan. Despite being released three decades ago, there’s still a lot to love in this film, especially in terms of relatability. The movie plays with the idea of a grown-up Peter Pan who’s lost his sense of wonder and adventure. With no memory of his childhood, Peter Pan, played by the late Robin Williams, is unfulfilled in life. Despite being financially successful, his workaholic life is dry and without joy. That is until Captain Hook makes a return and kidnaps his children, forcing him to travel to Neverland. On this journey, he not only ventures to save his kids, but his childlike sense of joy and wonder, too. Watch Hook on Netflix
10. Hugo
It may be hard to believe but one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix was shot by Martin Scorsese. Deviating from his usual mafia/mob plotline, Hugo is more of a coming-of-age tale about a young Hugo Cabret. Hugo’s main goal in the movie is to fix and spruce up his father’s handiwork. However, because he lacked the necessary components, Hugo decides to steal parts from shopkeeper Georges. Unfortunately, Hugo gets caught and is allowed to pay for his crime through laboring in the shop. To his delight and surprise, the shopkeeper’s granddaughter, Isabella, may hold the key to his father’s automation. Watch Hugo on Netflix
11. I Lost My Body
Many of the best fantasy movies on Netflix do come in live adaptations. However, sometimes you just can’t capture the same sense of magic in live-action the way you would in animation. Perhaps that’s why I Lost My Body is phenomenal as its fantastical elements are executed perfectly through the medium. The 2020 award-winning film centers its plot around an unlikely protagonist: a severed hand. When this dissected hand suddenly gains consciousness, its goal becomes to find its original owner. That is a pizza delivery man who’s somewhere around the city of Paris, France. However, things suddenly take a shift when the hand meets Gabrielle. Watch I Lost My Body on Netflix
12. I’m Thinking of Ending Things
At first glance, the title might seem like it’s a drama about a failed relationship. However, while the movie does have that as a premise, it’s overall a bizarre mix of fantastical introspection. I’m Thinking of Ending Things doesn’t have extensive world-building or fantasy creatures like other fantasy movies. However, it will give off that same strangeness, albeit a bit more frustrating. It’s certainly a unique movie — one might even call it weird. Moreover, despite its strange beauty, the movie draws mixed reactions from its audience. Some hate it, others love it, but ultimately, it’s an imaginative tale that might leave you depressed by the end. Watch I’m Thinking of Ending Things on Netflix
13. Lu Over the Wall
Some of the best fantasy movies on Netflix often come with subtle, unnoticeable threads of fantasy. However, Lu Over The Wall doesn’t shy away from unconventional fantasy and even embraces outright weirdness. Masaaki Yuasa riddles his story with political undertones while keeping its mood vibrant and whimsical. It’s certainly a creative story, although “unconventional” may be a bit of an understatement. The story revolves around a teenager named Kai who’s just moved into a quiet fishing village from Tokyo. Like most teenage boys, he spends most of his time in his room, isolated from the rest of the world. However, things change when he meets a mystical dream mermaid. Watch Lu Over the Wall on Netflix
14. Mary and the Witch’s Flower
At first glance, Mary and the Witch’s Flower might seem like a Studio Ghibli film based on the art style. However, that’s probably no coincidence given Studio Ponoc is full of former Studio Ghibli staff. Everything from the art and whimsy to the beautifully told story screams Studio Ghibli but with a touch of personal identity. The film, based on Mary Stewart’s novel, follows the story of a young girl who transforms into a witch. She has the witch’s flower to thank for this, and what follows is what you’d expect: fun and adventure. The story is masterfully told by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and is one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix. Watch Mary and the Witch’s Flower on Netflix
15. Super Me
One of the best fantasy movies on Netflix is undoubtedly Super Me (2019). The story revolves around a struggling screenwriter named Sang Yu. After being haunted by endless nightmares night after night, he decides to avoid sleeping altogether. That is, until he discovers a strange new ability: the power to bring objects from his dreams into reality. Thanks to this, Sang Yu becomes instantly rich without having to worry. However, things become complicated when a gangster uncovers his secret. Watch Super Me on Netflix
16. Mirror Mirror
Live-action adaptations of beloved fairy tales can be hit-or-miss in the modern day. That’s because a lot of studios simply recreate films to milk the current generation’s sense of nostalgia. However, not all adaptations turn out badly. Mirror Mirror is one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix based on the classic tale of Snow White. The story follows Snow White, whose evil stepmother takes over her land and drives her into the wilderness. As she’s about to die at the hands of a beast, Snow White finds herself rescued by dwarves. With their help, Snow White returns to her land and fights the queen to take back her rightful place. Watch Mirror Mirror on Netflix
17. A Monster Calls
A Monster Calls is certainly one of the drama fantasy best movies on Netflix. It’s the perfect movie for folks who are looking for something fantasy-related that’s a little more serious. The movie dramatically and poignantly portrays the trials and difficulties that come with childhood and the pain of grief. A Monster Calls follows a young boy named Conor whose mother is dying. As if that wasn’t hard enough, the poor child has to endure difficulties during the daytime and nighttime. From nightmares that haunt him in his sleep to daytime school bullies, Conor can barely take it anymore. Thankfully, Conor finds solace and comfort from an unlikely friend: a giant tree creature who tells him stories. Watch A Monster Calls on Netflix
18. Monster House
Despite being an old film, Monster House is still one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix today. This animated film explores an eerie house that seems haunted by ghosts. However, this unconventional fantasy movie portrays the house itself as the monster, instead of some otherworldly creature inside of it. The story truly begins when the elderly neighbor, Mr. Nebbercracker, ends up hospitalized, and the monster house is hungry. Young D.J. bears witness to all of this and decides to investigate what’s happening with his friends. With his parents out for the weekend, he finally gets an opportunity to explore the monster house. Watch Monster House on Netflix
19. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python and the Holy Grail follows a more classic fantasy theme, complete with swords, magic, and the medieval ages. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. In fact, fans of the original Monty Python’s Flying Circus would certainly love this sequel. The setting might be familiar for many people, as it features Kung Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. As in the classic story, they’re on a quest to find the Holy Grail. However, the movie is a little more unconventional than your regular fantasy trope. That’s because the movie is, at heart, a hilarious comedy that has viewers laughing until they’re out of breath. Watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail on Netflix
20. Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle might not have been the most popular film upon its release. However, it’s one of those must-watch movies on Netflix that fantasy fans simply shouldn’t miss. As you might have guessed, the story is the live adaptation of Disney’s classic, The Jungle Book. However, this one is a bit more faithful to the source material by Rudyard Kipling. The story follows a wolf-raised human named Mowgli in the jungle. Deviating from Disney’s retelling, the movie is much more realistic despite the talking animals. Moreover, it zooms in on the sadistic nature of tiger Shere Khan a bit more. Watch Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle on Netflix
21. Ne Zha
It might seem unlikely given Pixar and Dreamworks’ foothold on animation. However, one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix that’s animated comes from China. In fact, it was so popular in the country that it became the highest-grossing animated film there. Moreover, it’s even the highest-grossing animated movie of all time if you exclude the US. Ne Zha tells the story of a protagonist who believes he’s destined for darkness and evil. As a result, all he’s done is wait for his fate to ensnare and turn him into a villain. However, what happens when he chooses to fight against destiny and become good? One heck of a phenomenal movie no fantasy fan should miss. Watch Ne Zha on Netflix
22. Okja
Complex issues aren’t always at the forefront of fantasy movies. However, that isn’t the case with Okja, a movie that portrays the tension between animal rights and capitalism. The movie follows Mija, a young South Korean farm girl who raises Okja, a genetically modified super-pig. After 10 years of Okja’s growth, it was declared as the best super-pig by Mirando Corporation. However, this “achievement” means that Okja has to go to New York, as per the care of Mirando’s CEO. Of course, evil lurks beneath the surface as what awaits Okja is nothing more than slaughter and experimentation. On the other hand, things start to get serious when the Animal Liberation Front steps into the scene. Watch Okja on Netfllix
23. The Old Guard
One of the best sci-fi fantasy movies on Netflix is The Old Guard. It’s also one of the most recent entries on this list, being only released last year in 2020. The story follows a mercenary group full of unlikely folks. What makes them so special? That is the fact that they’re all very old — centuries old, in fact — and have the power of regeneration. With their self-healing powers and multiple lifetimes’ worth of experience, the group seems set, not lacking anything. However, when their secret is nearly exposed by one person, they must take action and defend their freedom. Watch The Old Guard on Netflix
24. Pan’s Labyrinth
Despite being old, Pan’s Labyrinth is still one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix. It deals with a lot of tough topics but retains that sense of whimsy and wonder that comes in fantasy. Perhaps it’s because the film’s protagonist is a child, which frames the events with the magic only a child could sense. The story is set after the Spanish Civil War, following a girl named Ophelia who’s starting a new life. She and her mother are just starting to move in with her stepfather, a Civil War commander named Vidal. However, she finds something unusual in the garden on her first night there. That is a faun who says she’s Princess Moanna reincarnated — and that she must finish three tasks to become immortal. Watch Pan’s Labyrinth on Netflix
25. The Spiderwick Chronicles
The Spiderwick Chronicles is one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix that retains its childlike wonder. However, despite the feelings of wonder, the movie still manages to stay deep and complex. The story follows the life of two twins, Jason and Simon, along with their sister, Mallory. Unfortunately, like many other children, these kids have to deal with the aftermath of their parent’s divorce. Now, with no choice but to move into their uncle’s house, they have to live new lives. What follows is certainly new, albeit not what they were expecting. That’s because, upon discovering Arthur Spiderwick’s study and journal, they’re caught in a conflict between fairies and ogres. Watch The Spiderwick Chronicles on Netflix
26. Stardust
Despite being an older film, Stardust remains one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix. The movie is filmed with fantastical elements and bright, colorful scenes abound. Moreover, the acting is phenomenal, particularly Captain Shakespeare’s part played by Robert De Niro. The movie follows the story of Tristan who’s on a journey to recover a magical star in the Stormhold realm. However, a surprising discovery awaits him: the star is actually a woman named Yvaine. Regardless of this twist, Tristan still resolves to bring Yvain back to his fiance Victoria. However, what awaits his journey back is struggle and strife within the realm of magic. Watch Stardust on Netflix
27. Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny
The origins of rock bands are usually centered around the love of music and creativity. However, Tenacious D’s origin story in The Pick Of Destiny is a little weirder and more nonsensical. The movie follows Jack Black and Kyle Glass who discover a secret that all famous rock bands have. That is the famed “Pick of Destiny” that becomes the key to a band’s success and fame. However, to attain the guitar pick, they have to overcome strange challenges along the way. As you can imagine, what follows is a series of nonsense and hilarious comedy. It’s certainly one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix if you want a good laugh. Watch Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny on Netflix
28. Underworld
Before the infamous rise of the Twilight Saga, vampires and werewolves were already at odds with each other in fiction. The same is true for Underworld, a 2003 R-rated fantasy movie franchise starring these two races. Underworld follows the Vampire and Lycan (werewolf) clan whose tension has been around for centuries. The only reason this war is hidden is that it mainly happens at night. Now, the Lycans have a lead on how they’ll be able to eliminate the vampires. That is the research conducted by Dr. Corvin, who vampire slayer Selene rescues before the Lycans can get to him. Watch Underworld on Netflix
29. A Whisker Away
A Whisker Away is one of the best fantasy movies on Netflix exploring life as a cat. Of course, there’s a human lens to this, as the cat, Taro, is really a teenage girl. You see, Miyo Sasaki, a Japanese teen in Tokoname, discovers a magical mask that can turn her into a feline. Now, this might seem like something you’d only want to do once, but this situation is advantageous for Miyo. Why? That’s because she can visit her crush, Kento Hinode’s house, without being rejected at every turn. However, when constant use of this mask increases the risk of her never turning back, she must make a decision. Will she simply stay a cat and give up her humanity for love? Or will she decide to live as a human and face her situation? Watch A Whisker Away on Netflix
30. Zathura: A Space Adventure
One of the best fantasy adventure movies on Netflix is certainly Zathura: A Space Adventure. As its name implies, Zathura has all of its main protagonists venture into a space adventure. The story follows Danny and Walter, two kids forced to stay home babysit by their sister while their dad’s away. However, what starts as an ordinary day soon turns into an adventure they never could have dreamed of. After uncovering a mystical board game named “Zathura,” the kids find themselves in space with no way home. Now, they must find a way to go home with the help of their sister and an unsuspecting astronaut. Watch Zathura: A Space Adventure on Netflix
Why Should You Watch Fantasy Movies on Netflix?
Using Netflix’s browse feature to search for fantasy movies can be exhausting. However, it’s certainly a wonderful way to discover some of the best in the fantasy genre — including very old ones. Why? That’s because Netflix is one of the oldest — and best — streaming platforms available. Sure, many studios have tried to get a slice of the streaming platform pie in recent years. However, Netflix has some of the widest coverage overall, even though many others have pulled out of the platform. Moreover, Netflix has been coming out with many Netflix Originals — some of which have become the best in the industry. Of course, we can no longer include some of the biggest names in fantasy, particularly those from Disney. It’s certainly Netflix’s biggest contender, especially since Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars have all migrated. However, it’s still one of the most popular platforms and that certainly won’t change even if others surpass it.
