Movies

Had Enough of Harry Potter? Try These 15 Fantasy Movies Instead

Had Enough of Harry Potter? Try These 15 Fantasy Movies Instead
Image credit: Legion-Media, globallookpress, MGM, Warner Bros.

It's hard to argue that Harry Potter is one of a kind franchise; still, these fantasy movies worth a watch, too.

1. Legend (1985)

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In a magical forest, Lord of Darkness schemes to cover the world in eternal night by destroying the last unicorns. Jack, a forest dweller, and Princess Lili must rescue the unicorns and thwart his wicked plans. With elves, fairies, goblins, and Tim Curry as the menacing dark lord, this film is a visual treat. It's a battle of light vs. dark with pure 80s charm.

2. The Golden Compass

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Lyra Belacqua's world is an odd one, where everyone has a daemon, an animal-shaped manifestation of their soul. But things go sideways when children start disappearing, and Lyra's friend is one of them. Armed with a mysterious golden compass and a determined spirit, she travels to icy wastelands, facing armored bears and sneaky adults. And let's not forget about the controversial substance called "Dust" – a secret that can shake the foundation of her universe.

3. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

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Being a teen is tough. It's even tougher when you find out you're a demigod! Percy Jackson discovers he's the son of Poseidon after being accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. Mythological creatures on your tail, and the entire Olympian world thinking you're a thief? Talk about a bad week! Percy, with pals Annabeth and Grover, races against time to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods. Greek mythology nerds, this one's your jam!

4. Eragon

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So, Eragon's a farm boy who finds a mysterious blue stone, and guess what? It hatches a dragon! Named Saphira, she and Eragon form a bond and become Dragon Riders. But their joy is short-lived. The evil King Galbatorix, a former Dragon Rider who wants to control all remaining dragons, is after them. As Eragon sets out with Saphira and a wise storyteller, Brom, to train and challenge Galbatorix, he learns of his past and destiny. Dragons and prophecies? Classic fantasy feels.

5. Stardust

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Imagine crossing a wall and ending up in a magical realm? That's precisely what Tristan does to fetch a fallen star for his crush. Plot twist? The star is a celestial being named Yvaine. But she's wanted by three ancient witches who crave her heart for eternal youth. As Tristan and Yvaine traverse the magical realm to return home, they meet pirates, princes, and a lot of trouble. It's a whimsical story with romance and magic – what's not to love?

6. Bridge to Terabithia

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Two friends, Jess and Leslie, create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia. This isn't your average hideout. It's filled with magical beings, dark overlords, and adventures galore. But this kingdom is more than a play place – it's a haven from their everyday troubles. When tragedy strikes, the strength and lessons from Terabithia provide a much-needed anchor. This tale is equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching.

7. The Spiderwick Chronicles

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The Grace siblings – Jared, Simon, and Mallory – have just moved into the creepy Spiderwick Estate. But it isn't long before they uncover a secret world teeming with magical creatures. After stumbling upon Arthur Spiderwick's journal detailing the unseen world, they find themselves caught between goblins, trolls, and an ogre named Mulgarath who wants the journal for sinister purposes. Protective circles and hidden realms? This one's packed with magical escapades.

8. The NeverEnding Story

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Remember how cool it felt reading a captivating book? Bastian feels the same when he reads The NeverEnding Story. He's immersed in Fantasia, a realm being consumed by a malevolent force called "The Nothing". Atreyu, a warrior child, is chosen to find a cure, encountering a luck dragon, giant turtles, and a wolf-like creature. But as the lines blur between reader and tale, Bastian realizes he might be Fantasia's only hope. So, a book within a movie? Mind. Blown.

9. Labyrinth

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When Sarah wishes for her baby brother, Toby, to be taken away, she doesn't expect the Goblin King, Jareth, to grant it. To retrieve Toby, Sarah must navigate a maze that Jareth rules. From talking worms to sassy door knockers and a city made of stairs (MC Escher style!), the labyrinth is filled with mind-bending obstacles. Sarah learns about friendship, love, and the challenges of growing up amidst her quest. Dance magic, dance!

10. Pan's Labyrinth

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Set post-Spanish Civil War, young Ofelia moves with her pregnant mother to live with her new stepfather, a cruel army captain. In this harsh reality, she discovers an ancient maze, and meets a faun who believes she's a lost princess. To prove herself, Ofelia must complete three daunting tasks. With mythical creatures, magical tasks, and a dark, intertwined real-world story, director Guillermo del Toro offers a beautiful yet haunting tale. It's fantasy with a touch of the macabre.

11. The Secret of NIMH

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Mrs. Brisby, a timid field mouse, discovers a perilous secret after her son falls ill. A nearby farmer's plowing threatens their home, and the rats that live nearby, escapees of cruel experiments from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), might hold the key to help. With magic, a mysterious amulet, and some unexpected allies, Mrs. Brisby embarks on a quest to save her family. Tiny heroes, big hearts!

12. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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Hold onto your hats; we're headed to Narnia! When the Pevensie siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy – discover a magical wardrobe during a game of hide-and-seek, they're transported to a wintry land called Narnia. But it's not all fun and games. Narnia is under the thumb of the icy White Witch, and the siblings learn they're prophesied to free the land with the help of the majestic lion, Aslan. Talking animals, epic battles, and cheeky fauns? Yes, please!

13. The Dark Crystal

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In a world on the brink, Jen, the last of the Gelfling race, is on a mission to heal the Dark Crystal by replacing a lost shard. Why? To end the tyranny of the grotesque Skeksis. But this isn't a simple fetch-and-replace job. With mysterious Mystics, adorable Podlings, and haunting landscapes, this puppet-driven world by Jim Henson is captivating. Puppetry magic at its finest!

14. Willow

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A young farmer and aspiring sorcerer, Willow, finds himself entrusted with a baby destined to end an evil queen's reign. On his quest, he's joined by the sword-wielding Madmartigan, fairies, brownies, and sorcerers. It's a battle against time, dark magic, and monstrous soldiers. Magic wands, shape-shifting, and epic transformations make this a must-watch. Go, Willow!

15. The Princess Bride

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Inconceivable, right? A tale told by a grandfather to his sick grandson, it's a classic story of love and adventure. Buttercup and Westley's love story is interrupted by kidnapping, the mysterious Dread Pirate Roberts, a gentle giant, a genius Vizzini, and the vengeful Inigo Montoya. Castles, sword fights, and the Cliffs of Insanity – it's an enchanting world where true love and miracles exist.