10 finest fantasy films on Netflix for a whimsical escape

Looking for some thrilling escapism? What might be extra satisfying than fabulous fantasy movies? This wonderous style leads viewers down a path into magical realms, the place myths and monsters roam, surprises lurk round each nook, and heroes set forth on adventures epic and enthralling.

Whether or not you’re looking for a film that is horrifying, family-friendly, mind-bending, heartbreaking, or pulse-pounding, we’ve acquired you lined with a curated collection of fantasy movies from world wide…and past.

Listed below are the ten finest fantasy movies on Netflix now out there.

1. Stardust

Based mostly on the Neil Gaiman novel of the identical title, this jaunty 2007 providing follows a pair of star-crossed lovers, one in every of whom is a cross star! Charlie Cox and Claire Danes headline this magical story of boy-meets-girl. He’s a daring younger man, venturing for a stellar treasure to woo the prettiest lass in his quaint English village. In the meantime, she’s a literal celestial physique who has been knocked out of the sky by a royal coincidence. Collectively, they need to traverse an odd land filled with cloud-sailing pirates, blood-thirsty princes, and depraved witches. Director Matthew Vaughn brings collectively an impeccable solid that boasts Robert De Niro, Peter O’Toole, Mark Sturdy, Rupert Everett, and a scorching sizzling Michelle Pfeiffer. All this makes for a wild trip filled with thrilling motion, cheeky humor, and swooning romance.

Tips on how to watch: Stardust is streaming on Netflix.

2. Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Satan

For those who love Pan’s Labyrinth, then you definitely’ll take pleasure in this fantasy interval piece, which pitches a plucky younger heroine right into a world of war-ravaged males and manipulative monsters.

Co-written and directed by Paul Urkijo Alijo, Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Satan begins in 1835, when the First Carlist Struggle plagued Basque Nation, Spain. There, a blacksmith makes a take care of a satan, which may have a depraved influence on his village and the life of 1 courageous little lady (Uma Bracaglia) on a quest for solutions about her dearly departed mom. Folding folklore and spiritual horror in with a cheeky humorousness and darkish thread of journey, this fascinating movie takes audiences to hell and again. Actually! 

Tips on how to watch: Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Satan is streaming on Netflix.

Credit score: Netflix

For those who ever dreamed of being besties with a fantastical beast, then you definitely’ll relish each step of this buddy journey from Bong Joon Ho. With Okja, the internationally acclaimed South Korean author/director spun a narrative a few massive and lovable “tremendous pig” named Okja and the farm lady who’d do something to reserve it from slaughter. Alongside the best way, this lovely duo will meet zealous animal-rights activists, an unnervingly energetic TV persona (Jake Gyllenhaal), and a chic entrepreneur (Tilda Swinton) whose good intentions are as false as her smiles. Racing by fertile jungles, crowded buying malls, and the bustling metropolis of New York Metropolis, Okja is a wild trip that brings fantasy into actuality. 

Tips on how to watch: Okja is streaming on Netflix.

4. Nightbooks 

Credit score: Netflix

From David Yarovesky, the director of Brightburn, comes a spooky story that’ll thrill on household night time.

Based mostly on the horror-fantasy novel of the identical title by J. A. White, Nightbooks facilities on a Brooklyn bookworm (Winslow Fegley) who’s kidnapped by a depraved witch (Krysten Ritter). Held captive in her magical condo, he is pressured to inform her a brand new scary story every night time in change for his survival. Fortunately, he is not alone. A tough-nosed fellow prisoner (Lidya Jewett) not solely helps him keep away from the pitfalls of this precarious jail, but additionally helps him unlock the secrets and techniques that would get them each out!

Peppered with PG-level scares and loads of type (we would die for Ritter’s witch wardrobe), Nightbooks is a rollicking good time for kiddos (and grown-ups) who respect a superb bump within the night time. 

Tips on how to watch: Nightbooks is streaming on Netflix.

Credit score: Netflix

Pining for a fantasy journey threaded with incredible songs? Then, you will revel within the animated musical Over The Moon.

After many years of working in Disney animation, Glen Keane takes the helm in his directorial debut, which is impressed by the Chinese language legend of Chang’e, the goddess of the moon. When a 13-year-old lady (Cathy Ang) decides a DIY rocket will jettison her not solely to their celestial deity but additionally to a greater life, she discovers happiness is far nearer than she might have dreamed. Along with pop jams and  loads of charismatic characters — amongst them a star-bright pangolin — this Netflix Authentic boasts a star-studded voice solid, together with Sandra Oh, Kimiko Glenn, Phillipa Soo, John Cho, Margaret Cho, and Ken Jeong. 

Tips on how to watch: Over the Moon is streaming on Netflix.

6. Vampires vs. the Bronx

Credit score: Netflix

Need a film that is acquired pleasure, comedy, a scorching message in regards to the evils of gentrification, and is a kid-friendly fantasy romp? Then take a chunk out of Vampires vs. the Bronx.

OzPerkins’s PG-13 horror-comedy facilities on Afro-Latino teenagers, who acknowledge {that a} flurry of lacking individual posters and inflow of wealthy white of us with tote luggage means unhealthy information for the neighborhood. Collectively, they crew up Monster Squad-type to take down the bloodsuckers and save their neighborhood. With a pointy wit, a heat coronary heart, a wealthy sense of ambiance, and an equal appreciation for the Blade films and ’80s Amblin, Vampires vs. the Bronx is a straightforward watch (simply 85 minutes!) filled with rewards.* 

Tips on how to watch: Vampires vs. the Bronx is now streaming on Netflix.

7. A Monster Calls

Credit score: Apaches Leisure/Kobal/Shutterstock

Need fantasy that’s wild and heartbreaking? Then, you’ll treasure this tender adaptation of Patrick Ness’s beloved novel.

With the ghost story The Orphanage and the catastrophe drama The Not possible, Spanish director J. A. Bayona has carved out a distinct segment for crafting compelling mother-son tales. Right here, he chisels out the stirring story of a boy coming to grips along with his mom’s terminal sickness. In want of a buddy and an area to share his ache and rage, the boy bonds with a towering tree beast, who speaks with the comfortingly acquainted snarl of Liam Neeson. Photograph-real pc graphics floor this eponymous monster in the true world. Then, ferocious fables animated in splashes of watercolor and spilled ink convey an added oomph and sense of surprise. The end result is a beautiful and poignant portrait of grief, which had critics and audiences in awe.

Tips on how to watch: A Monster Calls is streaming on Netflix.

Credit score: Netflix

For fantasy with a superhero flare, try this action-packed thriller from critically cheered director Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Charlize Theron stars as Andy, the chief of a covert band of almost-immortal mercenaries. For hundreds of years, they’ve fought collectively to save lots of humanity from destroy. Nevertheless, as a brand new member is added to the crew (a mesmerizing Kiki Layne), this previous guard tangles with a risk that would tear them to shreds for good. Tailored from Greg Rucka’s graphic novel of the identical title,

The Outdated Guard brings a pointy edge and an R-rating to the shiny and cold superhero customary. The sprawling and graphic battle scenes hit exhausting, however the unbelievable ensemble, which incorporates Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, hits more durable. Collectively they create a classy pathos that doesn’t have a tendency to suit with the flashy capes crowd.

Tips on how to watch: The Outdated Guard is streaming on Netflix.

9. Bleach

Few issues are as fantastical and enjoyable as a Manga made live-action. Based mostly on the favored Japanese comedian by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a moody teen who turns right into a Soul Reaper by a twist of face and courageous sacrifice. By day, he should endure all of the drama inherent in highschool. By night time, he—with the assistance of his pestering mentor Rukia Kuchiki—should information good ghosts to their peaceable afterlife and battle again sinister spirits. Director Shinsuke Sato brings an anime-like verve to the movie, using zipping graphics, a full of life soundtrack, a bouncy tone, a barrage of frightful foes, and kick-ass martial arts motion. Stars Sôta Fukushi and Hana Sugisaki are completely in tune, delivering performances that pop with persona.

Tips on how to watch: Bleach is streaming on Netflix.

10. Final Motion Hero

Credit score: Zade Rosenthal/Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock

For a blast from the previous that kicks loads of ass, we suggest this PG-13 Arnold Schwarzenegger romp. From Die Onerous director John McTiernan comes an journey made to thrill children who grew up on ’80s motion films — as a result of it is our dream come true. Think about your favourite motion hero plucked you out of your mundane actuality and ushered you into one in every of their films. That is the exhilarating circumstance that down-on-his-luck Danny Madigan (Austin O’Brien) enjoys, and naturally his cigar-chomping, quip-spitting idol is performed by none apart from the Terminator icon. Collectively, they play out the buddy-cop fantasy that parodies the period with an absurd premise, zippy dialogue, and motion that is so outlandish it nonetheless has us howling with laughter nearly 30 years later. Additionally – maintain a watch out for pre-Lord of the Rings Ian McKellen as Demise!

Tips on how to watch: Final Motion Hero is streaming on Netflix.