Top 10 Fantasy Movie Cliches
Despite being predictable, magic and supernatural phenomena are essential to the stories in this genre. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 fantasy movie clichés. For this list, we've chosen the most common fantasy clichés that are overused and regurgitated over and over on the big screen. These clichés are so common, we have spotted them in many fantasy films.
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Top 10 Fantasy Movie Clichés
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Despite being predictable, magic and supernatural phenomena are essential to the stories in this genre. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 fantasy movie clichés. For this list, we’ve chosen the most common fantasy clichés that are overused and regurgitated over and over on the big screen.
#10: Haunted Forests
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Nothing is scarier than wandering into a creepy forest. For that reason, it must be included in a fantasy adventure, and the heroes must cross it in order to continue on their perilous journey. Usually housing menacing creatures and unknown dangers, the haunted woods are used as an obstacle to overcome. In many instances, the spooky forest is also home to the main villain. Whatever the case, be prepared to flee from or fight some dangerous monsters in here.
#9: Old English Accents
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What’s the obsession with the English accent when it comes to fantasy movies? Apparently all people from mythical lands and fantastical settings require the accent. Whether pleasing to thy ears or shudder-inducing, depending on who speaketh, the accent has just somehow become synonymous with fantasy movies. No matter what the conflict may be, there’s one thing both good guys and bad guys can agree on: ye olde English accents are the way to go.
#8: Magic Spells
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What would a grand adventure be without the use of some magic? Whether it is to inflict some damage, protect a friend or to help out with some chores, magic spells are a common cliché found in the fantasy genre. Both good guys and bad guys have the ability to use magic, and oftentimes they’ll duel it out to see who is the superior spell-caster. Magic is a staple in fantasy movies, offering awe-inspiring visuals and grandiose power that make our imaginations run rampant.
#7: Different Races
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When giving life to a fantasy world, it’s a good idea to think outside the box and create races beyond humans. It’s thus common to have a diverse cast of characters from different races such as elves, dwarves, goblins and giants. It’s a cliché because it works: people love to see these different types of humanoid or even non-humanoid beings interact with us humans. As is the case with a lot of these entries, different races can help or hinder the hero’s path.
#6: Magical Items
Spells are always good, but having items with magical properties is almost a necessity when creating a fantasy film. They can aid in battle, cure some ailment or maybe even help with travel. Some items are more powerful than others, though; mystic artifacts that can grant their owners enormous power are usually highly sought after by both the baddies and our heroes. Many times, the magical item will bring about the end of the main villain, or, in the wrong hands, can bring about the world’s destruction.
#5: Mythical Creatures
In addition to different races, it’s a good idea to include some fabled creatures that don’t exist in our boring world in your fantasy movie. Enter dragons, unicorns and all sorts of mythical creatures to interact with our cast of characters, both good and evil. A lot of times, the mythical creature is an enemy that brings forth much destruction and chaos that needs to be felled by the heroes. Other times, it helps the heroes on their journey by providing a means of travel and guidance. One thing’s for sure: mythical creatures are not to be messed with.
#4: The Wise Old Wizard
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How is our poor, inexperienced hero supposed to embark on a dangerous journey without any sort of training or guidance? Not to worry, the next cliché on our list will take care of all that. The wise old wizard, most likely bearded and generally in robes, usually possessing a magic staff and a wizard’s hat, will teach any amateur the art of magic or sword fighting, and will also provide invaluable life lessons and a sense of security. He may sometimes be tough, but it’s only because he’s a father figure who cares.
#3: The Dark Lord
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For every hero, there must be a villain. No, the baddie can’t just be a thief or a criminal; in fantasy movies, the more evil and menacing, the better. The Dark Lord adds the necessary conflict and danger to a story, providing the hero with the perfect foil. A god-like figure with immense power and a number of followers, the Dark Lord usually has his own domain, kingdom or impenetrable fortress, with a goal of conquering the rest of the land and becoming ruler, normally by spreading fear, terror and panic.
#2: The Prophecy
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If there’s going to be a confrontation between good and evil, you know there’s a prophecy out there predicting the outcome. Foretelling how the good guys will triumph and who will be the one to bring an end to the bad guy’s reign of terror, the prophecy is a staple in fantasy movies that is said by some fortune teller, witch or old hag. The good guys usually find strength and hope from this foreshadowing, while bad guys scoff and generally do everything in their power to prevent the prophecy from coming true. Before we reveal our number one fantasy movie cliché, here are some of honorable mentions: - Strange Spellings & Fictional Languages - Darkness Has Fallen Over the Kingdom - Bumbling Idiot - Royal Families - Epic Final Battle
#1: The Chosen One
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The Chosen One is our number one. Usually orphaned, sometimes a farm boy, the chosen one is the only character in the whole story that is able to bring down the Dark Lord, restore order to the kingdom and save the world. The chosen one isn’t necessarily alone to deal with the task at hand; there’s always help to be had, usually from the childhood best friend and the wise, old wizard. However, at the end of the day, the chosen one will predictably succeed and be the sole owner of the title of Savior. Do you agree with our list? Which fantasy movie cliché do you think is overused? For more awesome Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
