Typically, fantasy movies aim to open the audience’s eyes to new worlds and allow them to explore every aspect in great detail. This genre also opens doors for more off-beat plots, giving viewers the chance to suspend their disbelief and enjoy a range of compelling stories. As such, while fantasy movies enjoy experimenting with different narratives, they tend to act as a keen source of escapism for fans.
However, the dark fantasy genre can haunt audiences with its unusual depiction of alluring worlds. Whether it’s a unique color scheme or frightful creatures, dark fantasy movies push away from the world of happy fairies and resourceful magic. So, while this niche is not for everyone, fans seem to prefer their fantasy films with a bit more edge.
10
A Little Girl Is Forced to Prove That She’s a Princess
Pan’s Labyrinth
10-year-old Ofelia is forced to live with her pregnant mother and her cruel stepfather, making her yearn for peace. In the middle of the night, a fairy leads her to a majestic faun who informs the girl that she is actually a princess. Thus, Ofelia must weave her way through an overgrown labyrinth so that she can complete three breathtaking tasks to prove her loyalty to the underground kingdom.
Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, Pan’s Labyrinth includes a wealth of creepy creatures, all of which make the location seem even more haunting. However, this film is a quest for peace and familiarity, so audiences feel the need to follow Ofelia every step of the way. While this may be one of Guillermo del Toro’s more underrated hits, his signature style still stands out.
9
A Bastard Son Must Learn to Be King
Excalibur
After drawing a majestic sword out of a block of stone, Arthur, the bastard son of Uther, is expected to rule as the new king. Fortunately, he has a wizard named Merlin by his side to help him defeat the dark forces of his half-sister, Morgan le Fay. Don’t be put off by its dated 1980s set design because Excalibur helped to launch the careers of Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, and Gabriel Byrne.
Excalibur was initially developed as an adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, but was transformed into a faithful retelling of the Arthurian myth. Unlike other adaptations, this film relies on high levels of action and sorcery. So what it lacks in dialogue and style, the film makes up for it with its incredible cast and interesting story.
8
Two Fairytale Icons Seek to Gain Revenge on Their Captor
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
In an adaptation of the timeless fairytale, Hansel and Gretel are now witch hunters determined to get revenge on the woman who tormented them. Yet, Hansel is now burdened by magic-induced diabetes, which means he has to inject insulin every few hours. But with a plethora of weapons at their disposal, these siblings are more than prepared to take on the supernatural.
When this film was released in 2013, it received a lot of poor reviews due to its high levels of violence. However, this is a fantastic watch for dark fantasy fans because it does a great job of reimagining a story audiences have heard countless times before. Using a blend of horror, fantasy, and action, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters proves that adaptations don’t have to follow the rulebook to be successful.
7
A Boy Forms a Touching Bond With a Tree
A Monster Calls
12-year-old Connor O’ Malley has a lot on his plate. Whilst his mother battles a harsh course of chemotherapy, the boy is forced to live under his strict grandmother’s rule. Fortunately, the lad finds comfort in an anthropomorphic yew tree, which entertains him with charming fables.
Aside from the massive tree, A Monster Calls isn’t afraid to torment audiences with its emotive themes. The Monster is a tad gruesome-looking, but he actually offers the audience a break from the real tension, particularly surrounding the mother’s mortality. Overall, this film provides audiences with the escapism they would expect from a light fantasy film, but still manages to make them feel a whirlwind of emotions.
6
Two Elves Work to Restore Order on Their Planet
The Dark Crystal
The Dark Crystal introduces audiences to Jen and Kira, two Gelflings from the planet Thra. Together, they must work to restore a broken crystal so that they can overthrow the evil Skeksis and live in harmony once again. This ’80s cult classic is an essential watch for dark fantasy fans, who believe that the visuals still stand up.
The great thing about this film is that it highlights Jim Henson’s genius away from The Muppets. Unlike the variety show, The Dark Crystal features a collection of off-putting monsters, who work to make Thura seem like a desolate landscape. Thus, this film is miles away from Kermit the Frog and showcases that puppetry can adhere to almost every type of genre.
5
A Police Constable Is Sent to Investigate a Series of Mysterious Crimes
Sleepy Hollow
After three people were decapitated, police constable Ichabod Crane was sent to the village of Sleepy Hollow. At first, Crane is keen to use logic and science to solve these brutal crimes. Yet, he cannot shake the stories of the Headless Horseman, a deceased mercenary from the American Revolutionary War who locals believe has come back to find his missing head.
Like any other Tim Burton flick, Sleepy Hollow pairs chilling Gothic themes with bundles of dark humor. However, even the quick string of jokes doesn’t distract the audience from the chilling atmosphere that this film provides. The demonic alusions also help to make this a deeply unnerving adaptation of a classic horror tale.
4
A Group of Young Rebels Go Against a Ruthless King
The Black Cauldron
Taran and his pals embark on a monumental quest to seek out a black cauldron that holds the power to build an undefeatable army. However, they must strive to find the item first before the despised Horned King gets his hands on it and uses it for evil. Disney fans may have turned their noses up at this film, but fantasy fans were impressed by its stunning visuals.
Unlike other animated classics of the 1980s, The Black Cauldron wasn’t afraid to scare children with its climactic scenes and scary monsters. This hit also holds a few remarkable records, including being the first Disney film to use CGI and being the most expensive film at the time. So, while The Black Cauldron is the exact opposite of a joyful princess film, it grips audiences with its mythical overlays.
3
The Lord of Darkness Threatens to Slaughter Unicorns
Legend
Keen to cast the world into a never-ending night, the Lord of Darkness sends his minions to murder all the unicorns in the forest. However, a pure being called Jack is forced to defeat the cruel force to save his home and the woman he loves. Legend is not Ridley Scott’s most explosive film, but it’s definitely his most experimental.
Featuring a baby-faced Tom Cruise and the awesome Tim Curry, Legend plays around with a lot of high fantasy motifs but still works to make the film engaging. The visual elements of this film are amazing, and characters like Darkness truly look like something from another world. While the film does go a bit overboard with its special effects, Legend is still an inspiring tribute to the dark fantasy genre.
2
Two Brothers Come Face to Face With a Real Curse
The Brothers Grimm
Jake and Will Grimm spend their days swindling people by pretending to conduct exorcisms and charming culprits with tales of enchanted creatures. However, when the brothers encounter an actual magical curse, their bogus tricks no longer serve them. So, the men are forced to carry out a plot to kill the Evil Queen so that everything can go back to normal.
The Brothers Grimm offers audiences all the best parts of the dark fantasy genre while still keeping certain aspects quite light. Terry Gilliam’s humor definitely comes through in places, but it doesn’t overshadow the film’s depiction of dark supernatural forces. Certain aspects are also quite creepy, ensuring that the audience understands that these fairytales are nothing like the Disney adaptations.
1
Dorothy Is Forced to Save Oz Once Again
Return to Oz
Shortly after the infamous tornado, Dorothy Gale struggles to let go of her confusing memories of Oz. One evening, she follows the Yellow Brick Road back to the elusive world and discovers that it has been left to ruin by the evil Nome King. Now, alongside a new group of friends, Dorothy vows to save the world that she fell in love with once again.
Unlike the MGM cult classic, Return to Oz embodies a much more sinister tone. The likes of Jack Pumpkinhead and Tik-Tok are traumatized by their time in Oz and don’t have the same charm as the 1939 cast. However, it’s clear that this sequel explores a new side of the story and is just as mesmerizing and nail-biting as the unforgettable original.
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