Children’s live-actionfantasymovies are some of the most popular within the genre among audiences of all ages. Just because a film is meant for kids doesn’t mean it won’t connect with adults or prove to be a classic in the decades to come. Darker themes and elements are a key part of any children’s story, and many of these films are so highly rated and well remembered because they take kids and their opinions seriously.Incorporating scary moments and more mature themes within a safe story is a great way to connect with younger audiencesand convey deeper messages.
Despite it being considered a more kid-friendly genre, there are plenty ofanimated movies that are pretty dark, demonstrating how versatile the medium is. Similarly, live-action can prove to be just as magical and immersive as animation, creating innovative sets and creatures withpractical movie sets that aren’t CGI. While animation makes magic possible in many instances,the performances of actors get to shine in live-action.In all of these films, the acting is what elevates the project and makes the characters so compelling. Viewers identify with the people they see onscreen and feel seen in the stories they tell.
Labyrinth
Cast
Directed by Jim Henson and written by Monty Python’s Terry Jones, Labyrinth stars Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a teenage girl whose accidental wish that her baby brother be taken by the Goblin King results in an epic quest to save the baby from the King through a vast labyrinth, accompanied by its inhabitants. David Bowie also stars as Jareth, the Goblin King, and many of the characters are played by puppets created by Henson.
Labyrinthis afantasy movie that’s pretty dark, with stakes that feel real and urgent when rewatching the classic film today. Starring Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a young girl who gets trapped in the mystical maze of the Goblin king, Jareth (David Bowie),Labyrinthputs Sarah in many dangerous situations. However, thanks to the work of the director, Jim Henson,the practical effects and stylization of the project are eternally memorable.
Labyrinthand other works by the Henson Company have been highly influential in defining the aesthetics of 1980s fantasy films.
While the dynamic between Jareth and Sarah can get a little uncomfortable inLabyrinth, this doesn’t detract from the strongest elements of the movie.Labyrinthand other works by the Henson Company have been highly influential in defining the aesthetics of 1980s fantasy films. However, there’s more to recommendLabyrinththan the way it looks. At its heart,Labyrinthblends the coming-of-age genre with a fantastical journey of love and acceptance,making it universally relatable.
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15 Iconic Fantasy Movie Quotes That Are Instantly Recognizable
These famous fantasy movie quotes are instantly recognized by anyone who hears them, reminding people of grand adventure and magic found in movies.
Peter Pan
Peter Pan (2003) is an adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale directed by P.J. Hogan. Jeremy Sumpter stars as Peter Pan, who whisks Wendy Darling, played by Rachel Hurd-Wood, and her brothers to the enchanted world of Neverland. Jason Isaacs portrays the dual roles of Mr. Darling and the malevolent Captain Hook. This film showcases the adventures and conflicts in a land where children never grow up.
Though some of the effects and plot points in the 2003 adaptation ofPeter Panare dated, it’s one of the few movies that captures the spirit of the classic novel so well. Featuring performances from fantastic actors like Jason Isaacs and Olivia Williams,Peter Panfeels as if it sprung straight from a child’s imagination.Through the vivid colors and expert world-building, it doesn’t take long for the viewer to want to stay in Neverland. However,Peter Panisn’t afraid to show the darker parts of the story as well.
Peter Panis unabashedly romantic and leans into its fairy tale roots,which come through in the look and feel of the world. The bittersweet ending of the story hits home in the film’s final act, creating a strong emotional appeal to the audience. WhatPeter Pangets right about the narrative and universe where other adaptations fail is in the way it treats Peter (Jeremy Sumpter) and the other children so seriously, understanding that their feelings are real and important.
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Jumanji
Jumanji is an action-adventure comedy film by director Joe Johnston and starring Robin Williams. Two orphan siblings move into a home occupied by the former Parrish family, whose son disappeared years ago. When the two start playing a mysterious board game known as “Jumanji,” they unknowingly release the missing Alan Parrish later, along with various other jungle-themed dangers that can only be stopped if they finish the game.
Starring Robin Williams as Alan, the man trapped inside the titular game inJumanji, the movie inspired a whole spinoff franchise. While these updated films are fun, nothing can beat the originalJumanji, which packs an emotional punch in addition to its visually engaging story.Williams' performance as Alan is both funny and tragic,as the audience feels deeply for this poor character who has been trapped in the game for years and lost everything.
There’s no question that without Williams,Jumanjiwouldn’t be half as good and as well remembered today.
There’s no question that without Williams,Jumanjiwouldn’t be half as good and as well remembered today.Jumanjiinitially received mixed reviews, but that hasn’t stopped it from remaining culturally relevant. While there are scary elements, there’s something familiar and universal about playing a board game and finding that the players' imaginations have started to run wild. Though the happy ending wraps up the story neatly,it’s well-deserved and a classic feel-good conclusion.
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Matilda
Matilda is the 1996 live-action movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel of the same name. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a child prodigy who develops telekinetic powers while dealing with her abusive family and her school’s dictatorial principal Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris) with the help of her teacher Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz). Danny DeVito directs the film and plays Matilda’s father, Harry.
Bringing the work of Roald Dahl to life is no easy task, butMatildais one of the most successful adaptations of his work.Based on Dahl’s 1988 novel,Matildais a celebration of childrenwho feel a little different and shows that there’s something magical and important inside them. Matilda’s (Mara Wilson) wisdom and abilities are brilliantly expressed inMatilda, which matches the whimsy and outlandish nature of Dahl’s book while making the audience care about the characters.
Miss Trunchball (Pam Ferris) is one of the best villains in any children’s movie, sparking genuine fear in the audience while maintaining the sense of humor required for the role. Danny DeVito directed the project while also starring as Matilda’s father and proved that he’s just as skilled behind the camera as in front of it.Despite her many hardships, Matilda’s kindness and strength inspire the audience to face their bulliesand be the best versions of themselves.
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Enchanted
Starring Amy Adams as Giselle, Enchanted follows its heroine as she is cast out of her animated fantasy world by an evil queen, ending up in the middle of New York City where she meets Robert, a jaded lawyer who reluctantly takes the clueless Giselle in. As Giselle begins to adjust to life in the real world, and her relationship with Robert deepens, she must reconcile what she thought she wanted with where life has taken her. Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and Susan Sarandon also star.
Enchantedproves that a children’s movie can be subversive and satirical while also having a lot of heart. Amy Adams leads the cast as Giselle, the animated princess who gets transported into the harsh realities of the live-action world. Through this framework,Enchantedgets to play with the tropes and unrealistic story elements of classic Disney fairytales,but the movie doesn’t give up on true love. Watching Giselle assert her independence and free will while holding on to her idealism is inspiring.
In every scene, it’s obvious that the actors are enjoying themselves, and this encourages the audience to do the same.
Patrick Dempsey does a great job playing the straight-man to Adams' outlandish portrayal of Giselle,while James Marsden and the other residents of the fairy tale realm get to have tons of fun onscreen. In every scene, it’s obvious that the actors are enjoying themselves, and this encourages the audience to do the same.Enchantedis amovie-musical everyone can enjoy, as it pokes fun at the genre and uses its musical numbers playfully, while also making them well-performed and choreographed.
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Bridge to Terabithia
Bridge to Terabithia is an adaptation of the novel by Katherine Paterson which follows a group of children with challenging backgrounds who create their own fantasy realm to escape from the troubles of life.
Bridge to Terabithiais one of the most devastating children’s novels of all time, and the film adaptation makes the events even more tangible.Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robbdden star as the two young friends who imagine/discover the magical world of Terabithiawithin the forest. Both looking to escape something in their lives, they create a perfect and exciting world just for the two of them. However, it’s easy for things to get in the way of their hidden universe.
Though there are bullies and monsters both outside Terabithia and within,the story encourages audiences to see the best in people and realize that it’s impossible to know what’s happening in someone’s home life.Jess (Hutcherson), is quick to judge others and make decisions about them before he knows them at the start of the movie. However,Bridge to Terabithiasees him and the audience learn to give others grace for their mistakes, as well as oneself.
Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
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The Neverending Story
Based on the German novel of the same name, The NeverEnding Story centers on Bastian Bux, a young boy who finds a book about a fantasy world called Fantasia, and becomes inexplicably connected to the book’s plot as he begins to read it. Barret Oliver stars as Bastian, with Noah Hathaway, Tami Stronach, and Alan Oppenheimer as part of the main cast.
The NeverEnding Storyis based on the iconic novel of the same name by Michael Ende, but has transcended its roots and is one of the best-known children’s movies of all time. Using puppetry, massive set pieces, and practical effects,The NeverEnding Storytakes the viewer and the protagonist, Bastian (Barret Oliver), on an epic questthat teaches them about overcoming grief and accepting oneself. Though Bastain attempts to escape his circumstances by reading the book inThe NeverEnding Story, he really comes face to face with himself.
The NeverEnding Storytells him that Bastian himself is the hero he’s been waiting for, and that he has the power to uplift himself from his circumstances.
However,The NeverEnding Storytells him that Bastian himself is the hero he’s been waiting for, and that he has the power to uplift himself from his circumstances. This isn’t to say thatThe NeverEnding Storydoesn’t have its moments of darkness, asthere is significant loss and sacrifice throughout the film that will bring a tear to any viewer’s eye.Though there are plans for aremake ofThe NeverEnding Story, it will be difficult to one-up the original.
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Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a 1971 film featuring Gene Wilder as the reclusive candy maker Willy Wonka. The plot follows young Charlie Bucket’s quest for a golden ticket, granting him a tour of Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory with a lifetime supply of sweets as the ultimate prize.
There will never be as synonymous an actor with the role of Willy Wonka as Gene Wilder, and though there have been plenty of other fun iterations of the story, the 1971 version is often singled out as the best. Like many other great children’s fantasy films,Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factoryis a musical, butit’s a much darker and surreal take on the genre than viewers might expect.However, this edge is what sets the movie apart from the other offerings and has helped it age so well over the years.
Imagination is a key feature ofWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factoryand is something that the candy-maker sings about himself. There are aspects of the movie that are slightly unnerving, but this lends itself to the overall atmosphere and makes Wonka an ephermal figure that the characters can’t quite pin down. However, it’s Charlie (Peter Ostrum) that the audience relates to the most as he’s taken on an incredible journey, but never strays from his morals.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
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The Princess Bride
Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a comical fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows farmhand Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.
The Princess Bridehas only become more beloved and praised in the years since its release, transcending the moniker of a cult classic and fully transitioning into a universal favorite. A large part of this is thanks to the incredible cast who bring the characters to life with equal parts empathy and humor.It’s a rare film that can be so hilarious while simultaneously telling one of the most moving love storiesof the 20th century. Full of grand adventure and magical elements, there’s little to criticize aboutThe Princess Bride.
10 Fantasy Movies From The 1980s That Still Bring A Sense Of Magic & Wonder
The fantasy genre is more mainstream today than ever before, but there is still nothing quite like a 1980s classic full of magic and wonder.
ThoughThe Princess Brideis a little more mature than some other kids' movies, it’s still appropriate for most young viewers. Told through a frame narrative,The Princess Bridemanages to incorporate both the fantasy elements of the story while rooting the stakes in reality.This is done through the narrative of the grandfather reading to his sick grandson. This also allows for breaks in the tension during some of the scarier scenes, allowing the film to be enjoyed by all audiences.
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Mary Poppins
Based on the classic book series by P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins stars Julie Andrews as the famous magical nanny, who arrives under mysterious means to look after the Banks children in early 1900s London. Considered one of Walt Disney’s crowning achievements, the film blends live-action and animation with whimsical storytelling and song and has been a staple children’s movie since its release in 1964.
Thebest fantasy movie of the 1960shas remained well-known for a reason sinceMary Poppinsprovides all the magic and excitement anyone could ask for. With stellar musical numbers and a visionary blend of animated sequences in the story,Mary Poppinsseamlessly weaves a powerful message into its delightful tale.Despite being made many decades ago,Mary Poppinshasn’t lost its touch or grown overly dated. It feels as relevant today as it did the day it premiered.
Julie Andrews is a once-in-a-generation talent, leading other amazing projects likeThe Sound of MusicandThe Princess Diaries, which are seminal children’s classics. However, within thefantasygenre, nothing can beatMary Poppins. Andrews and Dick Van Dyke work beautifully together, communicating a charming chemistry that jumps off the screen. Disney is at its best withMary Poppins, and it will doubtlessly continue to be the benchmark for films of its class for years to come.
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