Fantasy movies are special to a lot of people because they let us escape from the challenges of our complicated world. While Netflix may not have tons of fantasy films, there are some delightful and unique ones to discover. These movies often mix magical adventures with real-life challenges, creating a blend that’s both charming and relatable. In this article, we’ll delve into the best fantasy movies on Netflix that are sure to take you on thrilling journey.
You can also check out our recommendations for TV shows like The Office on Netflix, best Turkish movies and best comedy specials on Netflix.
Slumberland
Slumberland (2019) | ||
Genre Fantasy, Adventure | Runtime 1h 57m | |
Directed by Francis Lawrence | 6.7/10 | |
Cast Jason Momoa, Marlow Barkley, Chris O’Dowd, Kyle Chandler |
Coping with the loss of a parent becomes an unexpected journey for Nemo, thanks to some unusual companions in a fantastical dream realm where possibilities are boundless. In Slumberland, Nemo, a young girl, finds solace after being sent to live with her Uncle Philip following her father’s disappearance at sea.
One night, roused from her slumber (though her true self remains asleep), Nemo encounters her stuffed pig, leading her into the whimsical world of Slumberland—a place of dreams and extraordinary escapades. Here, she crosses paths with Flip (Jason Momoa), a somewhat eccentric outlaw on a quest for magical wishing pearls. As Nemo drifts between these two realms, she discovers that the key to healing is not necessarily found in her desires but in unexpected places and valuable lessons along the way.
Chupa
Chupa (2023) | ||
Genre Fantasy, Drama | Runtime 1h 35m | |
Directed by Jonás Cuarón | 5.5/10 | |
Cast Demián Bichir, Julio Cesar Cedillo, Evan Whitten, Alex Knight, Krystin Goodwin |
In fantasy movies, the allure of folklore is brought to vivid life as mythical creatures take center stage. Chupa is a beautiful fantasy movie on Netflix, where the tale unfolds around a young boy named Alex, who thrust into a new life with his extended family in San Javier following his father’s passing. Little does he know that his grandfather, Chava, harbors a clandestine secret within the confines of the barn — a Chupacabra cub. Contrary to the ominous rumors surrounding it, this creature reveals itself to be unexpectedly gentle and endearing.
In this heartwarming fantasy, the boy embarks on a mission to safeguard the sweet Chupacabra cub, challenging prevailing beliefs and proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary friendships emerge from the most unlikely places.
The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf
The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (2021) | ||
Genre Fantasy, Action | Runtime 1h 23m | |
Directed by Kwang Il Han | 7.2/10 | |
Cast Theo James, Lara Pulver, Tom Canton, Mary McDonnell, Steve Blum |
The Witcher series, encompassing books, games, and a live-action show, is anchored by the iconic character Geralt of Rivia. However, Nightmare of the Wolf, a Netflix anime spinoff, takes a compelling detour by delving into Geralt’s mentor, Vesemir. In this prequel, Vesemir emerges as the charming, playful counterpart to Geralt, offering a refreshing exploration of The Witcher universe’s core mysteries. While not the most beginner-friendly entry to the franchise, Nightmare of the Wolf promises an enjoyable experience, maintaining the series’ signature elements.
A Boy Called Christmas
A Boy Called Christmas (2021) | ||
Genre Fantasy, Adventure | Runtime 1h 46m | |
Directed by Gil Kenan | 6.7/10 | |
Cast Zoe Colletti, Henry Lawfull, Maggie Smith, Indica Watson, Michiel Huisman |
In A Boy Called Christmas, the holiday spirit comes to life as Maggie Smith portrays a caring aunt weaving a tale for three children about the origins of Christmas. The story revolves around Nikolas, a young boy left behind when his father embarks on a mission to bring hope to the kingdom. Armed with a magical map, Nikolas, accompanied by a talking mouse, journeys to find his father. Along the way, they encounter a flying reindeer and seek the elusive land of the elves. As the story unfolds, Nikolas discovers that his father’s group has inadvertently angered magical beings, compelling him to rectify the situation and restore harmony.
Nightbooks
Nightbooks (2021) | ||
Genre Fantasy, Horror | Runtime 1h 43m | |
Directed by David Yarovesky | 5.8/10 | |
Cast Krysten Ritter, Lidya Jewett, Winslow Fegley, Jeremy Ray Taylor |
Sam Raimi co-produces this dark fantasy, rich with top-notch horror elements. While tailored for a younger audience, Nightbooks unfolds a mysterious tale centered on a young boy’s quest to break free from the enchanted apartment of Krysten Ritter’s witch, Natacha. It’s a captivating journey into a tomb of fun for viewers of all ages.
The School for Good and Evil
The School for Good and Evil (2022) | ||
Genre Fantasy, Adventure | Runtime 2h 27m | |
Directed by Paul Feig | 5.9/10 | |
Cast Kerry Washington, Charlize Theron, Sophia Anne Caruso, Sofia Wylie, Jamie Flatters |
The School for Good and Evil offers a delightful and heartfelt twist on traditional fairy tales. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the film delivers an enjoyable experience with its charismatic performances and robust character development. Despite drawing comparisons to Harry Potter, it strives to carve its own identity and serves as a celebration of the timeless fairy tale stories we all grew up with.
The narrative cleverly explores themes of arrogance, status, and the consequences of pushing beyond one’s comfort zone. In this regard, the film is a breath of fresh air, striking a balance between not taking itself too seriously and incorporating elements that elevate the storyline and characters. Far from a brain-dead film, it presents a stylish, engaging, and often amusing experience suitable for a younger audience while remaining enjoyable for all ages.
Stardust
Stardust (2007) | ||
Genre Fantasy, Adventure | Runtime 2h 7m | |
Directed by Matthew Vaughn | 7.6/10 | |
Cast Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller, Ben Barnes |
Fantasy often evokes visions of charismatic heroes, enchanting heroines, and fantastical chaos. Stardust encapsulates these elements but with a plethora of unexpected turns. The story unfolds as a young man embarks on a quest to recover a fallen star for his cherished one, yet, as expected in such tales, there’s a twist—because, as the saying goes, there’s always a twist in the realm of magic and adventure.
Inkheart
Inkheart (2008) | ||
Genre Fantasy, Adventure | Runtime 1h 46m | |
Directed by Iain Softley | 6.1/10 | |
Cast Brendan Fraser, Eliza Bennett, Paul Bettany, Sienna Guillory |
A young girl stumbles upon her father’s extraordinary ability to bring characters to life from the pages of books. Now, she must join forces with her father, her aunt, and a hero from a storybook to prevent a malevolent villain from unleashing destruction upon them all.
In its targeted demographic, Inkheart offers a delightful dose of entertainment, crafting a truly unique and enchanting world that captivates the imagination.
Ending Notes
Here we end our list of best fantasy movies on Netflix. The magical realm of limitless imagination, offering a ticket to enchanting lands, heartwarming friendships, and epic battles between light and darkness. Whether you’re drawn to wizards and dragons, magical creatures, or otherworldly quests, these Netflix movies are sure to satisfy your craving for fantastical storytelling.