Top 10 Cult FAVORITE Fantasy Movies

Warwick Davis plays the novice sorcerer Willow, who teams up with a mercenary to protect a baby destined to liberate an enchanted kingdom from evil. Ron Howard’s reunion with George Lucas was clearly quite different from “American Graffiti”. But it confirmed Howard’s capability to direct high-concept genre movies. What “Willow” lacks in an original story is made up for in epic adventure with groundbreaking effects. It also stands out among contemporary fantasies in striking a chord with families. While the movie critically and financially underperformed, its success on home video spawned sequels in the form of a book series and a Disney+ show. Now, “Willow” is considered a true classic by fans of wholesome high-fantasy.

There have been surprisingly few film adaptations of Thomas Malory’s definitive literature on Arthurian legend. John Boorman’s “Excalibur” chronicles the epic rise of King Arthur and his chivalrous Knights of the Round Table. Future acting greats like Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne and Liam Neeson held their own with renowned stars of the British stage. Still, Boorman’s ethereal visual style practically dominates the show. “Excalibur” brought a unique level of artistry to the fantasy blockbuster, without losing any of the romance or action. Its success also helped propel Ireland as an international filmmaking location and industry. Some might even say it remains one of the most distinct screen interpretations of a British cultural touchstone.

Horror and sci-fi visionary John Carpenter showed a more playful side with “Big Trouble in Little China”. When a trucker and his friend embark on a rescue mission in San Francisco’s Chinatown, they encounter an immortal sorcerer with sinister plans. It’s a bizarre concept, hastily produced to compete with Eddie Murphy’s own Eastern fantasy “The Golden Child”. “Big Trouble” unfortunately bombed at the box office, but was a surprise hit with critics. The genre-bending adventure shows the full range of Carpenter’s creativity, while evenly matching Kurt Russell’s charisma with James Hong’s nefarious Lo Pan. The latter even influenced many characters in pop culture. As a whole, though, Carpenter’s daring romp wound up bigger than anyone expected.

“Alien” and “Blade Runner” director Ridley Scott was sure to realize dark fantasy as pure art with “Legend”. He does owe a lot to Tim Curry’s iconically chilling portrayal of the Lord of Darkness. Tom Cruise also made his action debut as the hero destined to save an enchanted realm from being stripped of all light. But the real stars of the show were the surreal special effects, expressionistic style, and thought-provoking symbolism. The box office suggested it was a tough sell to mainstream audiences. But camp curiosity has turned into artistic discussions, especially since Scott released his director's cut. “Legend” has now passed into its namesake as an ambitious fantasy gem that's still worth remembering.

A troubled 10-year-old becomes a figure of hope when a book pulls him into the endangered land of Fantasia. And so begins this adaptation of Michael Ende’s beloved novel “The NeverEnding Story”, which is so epic that the movie ironically just tells half of the story. The English-language production was still the most expensive film ever made in Germany at the time. The investment paid off, as critical and commercial success inspired a sequel to complete Ende’s saga. Then “The NeverEnding Story III” appropriately kept the story going. Still, the original carries more ‘80s nostalgia than most contemporary family fantasies. With unforgettable visuals, whimsy, and Limahl’s infectious theme song, [“The NeverEnding Story”] has a permanent place in pop culture.

Arnold Schwarzenegger had just retired from bodybuilding when he flexed more than his muscles in “Conan the Barbarian”. Based on Robert E. Howard’s groundbreaking pulp character, the epic follows a warrior’s quest for revenge against a mystical cult. Audiences were ultimately taken aback by the effects-heavy, ultraviolent machismo of it all. For fans, though, it was an instant pop culture phenomenon that launched Schwarzenegger as a leading man. The successful sequel “Conan the Destroyer” cemented this breakout. The mighty legacy of these movies eventually gave Jason Momoa his own break as an action lead with a 2011 reboot. Of course, there's nothing like the quotable spectacle of John Milius’s “Conan the Barbarian”, or its sterling star for that matter.

A tough night of babysitting gets tougher when a teen wishes for goblins to take her brother away. When the Goblin King realizes that terrible wish, it can only be undone by solving his dangerous labyrinth. Director Jim Henson’s last feature skillfully navigates his passion for high-fantasy and musical puppetry. It can’t hurt to have music legend David Bowie as the cast’s headliner. Still, “Labyrinth” had an initially underwhelming run with critics and the box office. Since Henson’s death, however, its majesty has won over audiences to become a viewing tradition. It’s still being spun off into books, video games, and more after four decades. Despite the initial trials, Henson’s “Labyrinth” has come out a staple of ‘80s fantasy.

Inspired by Ancient Greek myths, “Clash of the Titan” follows the demigod Perseus’s quest to save Joppa without the sacrifice of its princess. Divine action-adventure ensues, with iconically designed stop-motion effects by the immortal Ray Harryhausen. His final project was a hit, but its clash with blockbusters like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” meant an uncertain legacy. Ultimately, “Clash of the Titans” thrived as one of Hollywood’s last great Greek epics. It had such an impact on pop culture that the god Zeus is almost synonymous with the decree, [“Release the Kraken!”]. It also spawned a franchise, featuring a 2010 remake and its sequel “Wrath of the Titans”. But the phenomenon that started it all has become mythic itself among fantasy cinephiles.

Muppets fans were probably expecting Jim Henson and Frank Oz to direct a lighter fantasy flick. In fact, “The Dark Crystal” lives up to its title in the realm of Thra, where a humble Gelfling must repair an artifact to defeat the evil Skeksis. Henson’s Tolkienian vision is uniquely realized by elaborate art direction and animatronics that make this surreal world feel real. Even with this playful format, the movie manages to be as epic and artful as any fantasy adventure of its era. As audiences came to appreciate this ambitious aesthetic, “The Dark Crystal” was hailed as a serious breakthrough in its format and genre. It’s hardly kid’s stuff, but Henson and Oz’s gem has enthralled fans for generations.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Last Unicorn” (1982)
Nostalgia Lives On for Rankin/Bass’s Charming & Poetic Love Story About an Endangered Unicorn

“Stardust” (2007)
The Mismarketed Journey of an Unlikely Hero & a Living Star Still Shines for Fantasy Fans

“Jason and the Argonauts” (1963)
A Prospective King Must Find the Golden Fleece in This Indie-Produced Underdog of a Greek Epic

“The Lord of the Rings” (1978)
Before Peter Jackson, One Film Ruled Tolkien's Trilogy with Concise, Richly Animated Spectacle

“The Fall” (2006)
Two Hospital Patients Spin a Tale with Astonishing Visuals & Heart to Stun a Growing Audience

It doesn't get much more quintessentially fantasy than “The Princess Bride”. An old man tells his grandson a bedtime story about outlaws rescuing a fair maiden from a villainous prince. William Goldman adapts his own novel with an ingenious mix of celebration and spoof of fairytale tropes. Director Rob Reiner naturally nails the comedy, while living up sincere production values, action and heart. The movie was instantly beloved, despite having only a modest box office performance. Home video and the Internet turned it from a niche critical darling to a pop culture institution. Endlessly dazzling, funny and quotable, “The Princess Bride” is not only one of the great classics of the ‘80s. It may be the ultimate fan-favorite fantasy film.

What cult fantasy flicks do you worship? Are there any that deserve more appreciation? Conjure a conversation in the comments.