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I love fantasy movies. There is something freeing about diving into a made-up world where magic is a fact of life and the problems and stresses of the real world fade into the background. When my kids and I watch a fantasy movie, we can forget about work and school and experience an exciting, creative adventure together. What’s not to love about that?
I’ve gathered some of my favorite fantasy movies and shows, from gentle adventures for little viewers to epic quests for tweens and teens. So grab your wand or sword and enjoy a little escape into worlds brimming with possibility and adventure.
Magical worlds and gentle adventures
These cozy, whimsical stories are perfect for stirring up the imagination of young viewers.
“Wizard of Oz”
Why we love it: A truly timeless story, this movie is just as fun and exciting today as it was when it first came out more than 85 years ago. Filled with imagination, fun characters and classic songs, this movie has been a must-watch for generations.
Parent heads-up: The flying monkeys and Wicked Witch can be scary for sensitive viewers. (My sister and I used to hide behind a couch whenever she came on screen.)
Stream on HBO Max, rated G
“The Gruffalo”
Why we love it: This fun adaptation of the popular picture book celebrates creativity and quick thinking. Filled with adventure and magic, this is a perfect fantasy movie for young viewers.
Parent heads-up: Some very mild danger involving woodland predators who want to eat the mouse. But there isn’t much to worry about in this animated short, which makes it a great pick for young kids.
Stream on Apple TV, rated G
“Alice in Wonderland”
Why we love it: Unapologetic nonsense in an incredibly imaginative world. It doesn’t get more creative than this classic tale!
Parent heads-up: The movie’s dreamlike sequences can feel confusing or slightly unsettling to young viewers, and the Cheshire Cat is a bit creepy.
Stream on Disney+, rated G
“My Neighbor Totoro”
Why we love it: A gentle story that celebrates the magic hidden in everyday life. The sisters in this animated adventure are brave and thrilled — never afraid — to find spirits in the forest, including the wonderfully weird Cat Bus. This is a fav in my house for sure.
Parent heads-up: A subplot involving the girls’ mother being sick and hospitalized may spark questions or emotions.
Stream on HBO Max, rated G
“Magicampers”
Why we love it: This show delivers camp adventures, friendship and just enough magic to inspire imaginative play.
Parent heads-up: Mild fantasy peril and a few tense moments, but generally a safe bet for young viewers.
Stream on Disney+, rated TV-Y
“Unicorn Academy”
Why we love it: Unicorns and friendship, need we say more? Unicorn-loving kids will enjoy this show where kids bond with their own unicorn and work together to protect their enchanted world.
Parent heads-up: Some action sequences and fantasy villains may be intense for very young viewers.
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-Y
Fairy tales and enchanted kingdoms
Get ready for some classic fantasy quests featuring magic and mythical creatures.
“The Princess Bride”
Why we love it: This movie truly has it all: adventure, comedy and endlessly quotable lines. Its fairy tale-like quality makes it just as magical today as it was when it came out nearly 40 years ago. (I cannot describe how old typing that sentence made me feel.)
Parent heads-up: Sword fighting and a few scary creatures. The ROUS scene still makes me jump!
Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“Willow”
Why we love it: A classic quest movie packed with magic, humor, friendship and bravery. Willow won a place in our hearts for his dedication to doing the right thing and showing those around him that anyone can be a hero.
Parent heads-up: This movie has a few genuinely creepy creatures and some scary moments, so it may be best for brave elementary-age kids and older.
Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”
Why we love it: This book series by C.S. Lewis was one of my favorites as a kid, and this adaptation is excellent. Action, adventure and adorable talking creatures make this classic story about a magical world just next to ours captivating for all ages.
Parent heads-up: Battle scenes and the death of a major character may be upsetting. The White Witch is a little scary (played to perfection by Tilda Swinton).
Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“The BFG”
Why we love it: In a world of fast-paced, loud, flashy kids entertainment, this sweet and whimsical tale about friendship and courage is a breath of fresh air. Based on the excellent book by Roald Dahl, this movie leaves you feeling like magic is waiting for you just outside your window.
Parent heads-up: The larger, meaner giants can be scary and loud.
Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“Raya and the Last Dragon”
Why we love it: With stunning animation and world-building, this movie brings a powerful message about trust and healing. And of course, an unforgettable dragon whose humor and warmth balance out some of the movie’s more intense moments.
Parent heads-up: You’ll see some fantasy violence and there are themes of loss.
Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“The Kid Who Would Be King”
Why we love it: This modern take on the legend of King Arthur is a fun update to the classic tale. Knights, Excalibur and Merlin are updated in a contemporary setting where even an ordinary kid can be a hero.
Parent heads-up: This one has some scary creatures and fantasy action.
Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“The Golden Compass”
Why we love it: Based on the popular book series, this movie takes you to a fantasy world full of armored bears where everyone has a magical animal companion. The heroine, Lyra, is brave and determined, even when she’s in way over her head.
Parent heads-up: This movie has some dark themes and intense action (including kidnapping and kids in danger). Best for the tween and older crowd.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13
“Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”
Why we love it: This funny, fast-paced adventure is great for tweens and older. The lovable crew of underdogs are easy to route for in this classic quest, and the D&D vibes make it extra fun.
Parent heads-up: As you might expect, there is some fantasy violence and a few scary creatures.
Stream on Paramount+, rated PG-13
“Pirates of the Caribbean”
Why we love it: Part action and part fantasy, this movie franchise (comprising five films) is full of action and plenty of laughs. Captain Jack Sparrow walks the line between good-guy and bad-guy, charming nearly everyone along the way.
Parent heads-up: Some scary skeleton pirates and fantasy violence.
Stream on Disney+, rated PG-13
Strange, surreal and wonderfully weird
If you love quirky, slightly spooky or odd stories, these fantasy movies are sure to delight.
“The Last Unicorn”
Why we love it: This might be one of the weirdest movies I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot of weird movies. This animated classic feels dreamy and strange, and with its magical creatures, wizards and spells it’s the epitome of fantasy.
Parent heads-up: It might be rated G, but look out — there is some dark imagery, including a menacing Red Bull that is pretty scary.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated G
“The NeverEnding Story”
Why we love it: A beloved ’80s fantasy, this movie blurs the lines between fantasy and reality and has an unforgettable cast of characters (plus a very catchy theme song).
Parent heads-up: There are some genuinely scary creatures and concepts, and one of the most tragic character deaths ever (we’ll never forget you, Artax).
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“Labyrinth”
Why we love it: I’m not exactly sure what was going on in the ’80s, but there are a lot of fantasy movies from that decade! A cult classic filled with imagination, bravery, friendship, and David Bowie in some very tight pants, this movie is a must-watch. The complex puppets were created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Parent heads-up: There is some creepy puppetry and surreal, sometimes unsettling imagery.
Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“The Witches”
Why we love it: This movie is based on the delightfully creepy Roald Dahl story and is full of dark humor and imagination. An average kid steps up to become a hero and stop the witches’ evil plan in this funny movie filled with magic.
Parent heads-up: The witches are genuinely frightening and may be too intense for younger kids. (Angelica Huston plays the Grand High Witch and is creepy perfection.)
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“In Your Dreams”
Why we love it: A whimsical story that explores imagination, sleep and the power of creativity. The story is ultimately about learning to face your fears rather than run from them, a meaningful lesson we can all take to heart.
Parent heads-up: The movie includes some mildly scary dream creatures and themes involving family relationships and big feelings. There are a few suspenseful moments, but overall tone is warm and hopeful.
Stream on Netflix, rated PG
“The Twits”
Why we love it: Another Roald Dahl adaptation! This silly movie is heavy on the gross-out factor but remains full of fun and mischief. A group of clever animals and children team up to stop the world’s grumpiest couple and turn their nasty tricks back on them. Filled with absurd humor and a touch of magic, this fantasy movie is a delightfully chaotic adventure.
Parent heads-up: This movie has gross-out humor and rude antics aplenty, with messy pranks and cartoon nastiness that will delight many kids but may not appeal to everyone.
Stream on Netflix, rated PG
“Sketch”
Why we love it: A young girl’s drawing of monsters start coming to life and causing chaos in this creative, imagination-forward story. The movie looks at how art and creativity can help process grief and loss (the main character, 10-year-old Amber, is dealing with the death of her mother). This movie is especially fun since the animated monsters are intended to look like children’s drawings, rather than sleek animation.
Parent heads-up: Some of the monster are pretty scary, and there is some light fantasy violence and emotional moments.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“The Boy and the Heron”
Why we love it: Another masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, this movie is part coming-of-age story and part surreal fantasy adventure. Visually breathtaking, this movie explores themes of grief, change and growing up.
Parent heads-up: This movie has some complex themes, intense emotions and some surreal imagery.
Stream on HBO Max, rated PG-13
Mythic worlds and epic journeys
Buckle up for some big adventures and truly epic quests!
“Avatar: The Last Airbender”
Why we love it: My oldest son is a big fan of the fantasy genre, and he absolutely loves this show. A rich, character-driven adventure, the show follows Aang, the last surviving Air Nomad and the Avatar, who is responsible for maintaining balance across the four elemental nations. You’ll find plenty of magic and adventure in this exciting fantasy series.
Parent heads-up: There is some fantasy violence and emotional storylines.
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-PG
“Kubo and the Two Strings”
Why we love it: This is one of my all-time favorite kids movies. The stop-motion animation is incredible, and the story is wild and intriguing. It tells the story of a magical boy, Kubo, who embarks on an epic quest with an enchanted monkey and a cursed beetle to find his late father’s magical armor and defeat a vengeful Moon King. Intrigued? You should be.
Parent heads-up: Some scary creatures and intense emotional themes. Kubo’s aunts, Karasu and Washi, are legit scary.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians”
Why we love it: If you’ve got a fantasy fan in your house, you are probably very familiar with Percy Jackson. The wildly popular books have been made into several movies and an ongoing show. A fun modern take on Greek mythology with a relatable teen hero, this is a go-to for fantasy adventure.
Parent heads-up: Expect some fantasy violence and mythological monsters.
Stream on Disney+, rated TV-PG
“Spirited Away”
Why we love it: This magical Studio Ghibli masterpiece is filled with wonder and mystery transformations. The first time I watched it I remember being blown away by the strange creatures and spirits and completely enthralled in the magical story.
Parent heads-up: This movie has some genuinely creepy spirits and scary transformations, and intense scenes may be too much for younger viewers.
Stream on HBO Max, rated PG
“Spiderwick Chronicles”
Why we love it: Based on the popular book series, this fantasy movie turns an ordinary old house into the gateway to a hidden world, reminding kids of all ages that magic might be lurking just beyond what we can see.
Parent heads-up: The movie has creepy magical creatures, suspenseful chase scenes and frequent danger. While the violence isn’t graphic, there are several moments that could frighten younger viewers.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
Lord of the Rings trilogy and “The Hobbit”
Why we love it: I think we can all agree, Tolkien is the all-time king of fantasy. The world building, the details, the epic stories — no one else even comes close. These are some of my favorite movies when I want to escape reality for a few hours and watch something exciting where hope, bravery and friendship always win.
Parent heads-up: These movies are heavy on the violence, the orcs are no joke, and there are some seriously evil wizards and bad guys. Best for tweens and older.
Stream them all on HBO Max, rated PG-13
