20 finest fantasy films on Netflix for a whimsical escape

In search of some thrilling escapism? What may very well be extra satisfying than fabulous fantasy movies? This wonderous style leads viewers down a path into magical realms, the place myths and monsters roam, surprises lurk round each nook, and heroes set forth on adventures epic and enthralling.

Whether or not you’re looking for a film that is scary, family-friendly, mind-bending, heartbreaking, or pulse-pounding, we’ve acquired you coated with a curated number of fantasy movies from around the globe…and past.

Listed below are the 20 finest fantasy movies on Netflix now out there.

1. Damsel

Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown) accepts her impending organized marriage with a way of responsibility. In any case, her ravenous individuals want the riches her new household will present. However she begins to get her hopes up when she meets the good-looking prince (Nick Robinson). Sadly, the prince’s household has a darkish secret, one for which they intend to sacrifice Elodie’s life. Damsel is not your common fairy story. It is an action-packed journey about survival… and vengeance. Ray Winstone, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Angela Bassett, and Robin Wright additionally star on this entertaining twist on the damsel-in-distress narrative. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

Learn how to watch: Damsel is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Satan

For those who love Pan’s Labyrinth, then you definitely’ll get pleasure from this fantasy interval piece, which pitches a plucky younger heroine right into a world of war-ravaged males and manipulative monsters.

Co-written and directed by Paul Urkijo Alijo, Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Satan begins in 1835, when the First Carlist Struggle plagued Basque Nation, Spain. There, a blacksmith makes a cope with a satan, which could have a depraved affect on his village and the life of 1 courageous little lady (Uma Bracaglia) on a quest for solutions about her dearly departed mom. Folding folklore and non secular horror in with a cheeky humorousness and darkish thread of journey, this fascinating movie takes audiences to hell and again. Actually! — Kristy Puchko, Movie Editor

Learn how to watch: Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Satan is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Okja

For those who ever dreamed of being besties with a fantastical beast, then you definitely’ll relish each step of this buddy journey from Bong Joon Ho. With Okja, the internationally acclaimed South Korean author/director spun a narrative a couple of massive and lovable “super pig” named Okja and the farm lady who’d do something to reserve it from slaughter. Alongside the best way, this lovable duo will meet zealous animal-rights activists, an unnervingly energetic TV persona (Jake Gyllenhaal), and a chic entrepreneur (Tilda Swinton) whose good intentions are as false as her smiles. Racing by means of fertile jungles, crowded procuring malls, and the bustling metropolis of New York Metropolis, Okja is a wild trip that brings fantasy into actuality. — Ok.P.

Learn how to watch: Okja is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Nightbooks 

From David Yarovesky, the director of Brightburn, comes a spooky story that’ll thrill on household evening.

Based mostly on the horror-fantasy novel of the identical identify by J. A. White, Nightbooks facilities on a Brooklyn bookworm (Winslow Fegley) who’s kidnapped by a depraved witch (Krysten Ritter). Held captive in her magical house, he is pressured to inform her a brand new scary story every evening in trade for his survival. Fortunately, he isn’t alone. A tough-nosed fellow prisoner (Lidya Jewett) not solely helps him keep away from the pitfalls of this precarious jail, but in addition helps him unlock the secrets and techniques that would get them each out!

Peppered with PG-level scares and loads of type (we would die for Ritter’s witch wardrobe), Nightbooks is a rollicking good time for kiddos (and grown-ups) who admire bump within the evening. — Ok.P.

Learn how to watch: Nightbooks is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Over the Moon

Pining for a fantasy journey threaded with unbelievable songs? Then, you may revel within the animated musical Over The Moon.

After many years of working in Disney animation, Glen Keane takes the helm in his directorial debut, which is impressed by the Chinese language legend of Chang’e, the goddess of the moon. When a 13-year-old lady (Cathy Ang) decides a DIY rocket will jettison her not solely to their celestial deity but in addition to a greater life, she discovers happiness is far nearer than she may have dreamed. Along with pop jams and  loads of charismatic characters — amongst them a star-bright pangolin — this Netflix Authentic boasts a star-studded voice solid, together with Sandra Oh, Kimiko Glenn, Phillipa Soo, John Cho, Margaret Cho, and Ken Jeong. — Ok.P.

Learn how to watch: Over the Moon is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Vampires vs. the Bronx

Need a film that is acquired pleasure, comedy, a scorching message concerning the evils of gentrification, and is a kid-friendly fantasy romp? Then take a chew out of Vampires vs. the Bronx.

Oz Perkins’ PG-13 horror-comedy facilities on Afro-Latino teenagers, who acknowledge {that a} flurry of lacking particular person posters and inflow of wealthy white people with tote luggage means dangerous information for the neighborhood. Collectively, they group up Monster Squad-type to take down the bloodsuckers and save their group. With a pointy wit, a heat coronary heart, a wealthy sense of environment, and an equal appreciation for the Blade films and ’80s Amblin, Vampires vs. the Bronx is a simple watch (simply 85 minutes!) filled with rewards.* — Ok.P.

Learn how to watch: Vampires vs. the Bronx is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Suzume

Suzume is tough to explain. Inside the first quarter-hour of the film, teenage Suzume meets a good-looking stranger, discovers a mysterious free-standing door to an ethereal aircraft she will be able to’t entry, picks up a rock that turns right into a speaking cat, and unknowingly units off a collection of occasions that threaten to devastate Japan underneath a cataclysmic earthquake. And that is simply how the film begins!

Makoto Shinkai’s emotional and optimistic journey is a lovely story that provides bodily stakes to non-public introspection. The animation, like his different movies (Your Identify, 5 Centimeters per Second, and The Backyard of Phrases), is characteristically beautiful, and the story is in contrast to any you have ever seen. Suzume is perhaps the one film in existence the place a three-legged stool will make you cry. — Ok.G.

Learn how to watch: Suzume is now streaming on Netflix.

8. The Previous Guard

For fantasy with a superhero flare, take a look at this action-packed thriller from critically cheered director Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Mashable High Tales

Charlize Theron stars as Andy, the chief of a covert band of almost-immortal mercenaries. For hundreds of years, they’ve fought collectively to save lots of humanity from wreck. Nevertheless, as a brand new member is added to the group (a mesmerizing Kiki Layne), this previous guard tangles with a menace that would tear them to shreds for good. Tailored from Greg Rucka’s graphic novel of the identical identify.

The Previous Guard brings a pointy edge and an R-rating to the shiny and cold superhero commonplace. The sprawling and graphic struggle scenes hit exhausting, however the unimaginable ensemble, which incorporates Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, hits tougher. Collectively they bring about a complicated pathos that doesn’t have a tendency to suit with the flashy capes crowd. — Ok.P.

Learn how to watch: The Previous Guard is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Bleach

Few issues are as fantastical and enjoyable as a Manga made live-action. Based mostly on the favored Japanese comedian by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a moody teen who turns right into a Soul Reaper by means of a twist of face and courageous sacrifice. By day, he should endure all of the drama inherent in highschool. By evening, he—with the assistance of his pestering mentor Rukia Kuchiki—should information good ghosts to their peaceable afterlife and battle again sinister spirits. Director Shinsuke Sato brings an anime-like verve to the movie, using zipping graphics, a full of life soundtrack, a bouncy tone, a barrage of frightful foes, and kick-ass martial arts motion. Stars Sôta Fukushi and Hana Sugisaki are completely in tune, delivering performances that pop with persona. — Ok.P.

Learn how to watch: Bleach is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Orion and the Darkish

Eleven-year-old Orion (Jacob Tremblay) is afraid of every thing: bees, bullies, bears, you identify it. However what retains him up at evening is his deepest worry, the largest and baddest of all of them: the darkish. All that’s about to vary when The Darkish (Paul Walter Hauser) decides to pay Orion a go to and show that he isn’t so scary in spite of everything. 

Orion and the Darkish is a beautiful, shifting, and enjoyable household journey that is smarter and extra introspective than a complete heck of a number of grown-up films. That is as a result of this charmer was written by Charlie Kaufman, the Hollywood veteran behind existential favorites like Being John Malkovich, Everlasting Sunshine of the Spotless Thoughts, and I am Considering of Ending Issues. Whereas Orion and the Darkish is a a lot lighter and kid-friendly movie than Kaufman’s most iconic work, its material isn’t any much less weighty and its message no much less affecting. A winner for all ages! — Ok.G.

Learn how to watch: Orion and the Darkish is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Matilda the Musical

this story: Matilda, a form, remoted child with newly found powers of telekinesis, finds herself enrolled at a horrible college run by the detestable Miss Trunchbull. Trunchbull abuses and humiliates her college students, and Matilda makes use of her powers to attempt to change issues for her and her friends. 

It is a beloved Roald Dahl youngsters’s e book that was tailored into the hit 1996 movie, then a profitable stage musical, and eventually, a 2022 film based mostly on the musical. And sure, it’s simply as full of life and lovable as its predecessors! Matilda has excessive vitality choreography, unbelievable performances (Emma Thompson as a very repulsive Trunchbull is a stand-out), and a rating you will not be capable of cease singing. — Ok.G. 

Learn how to watch: Matilda the Musical is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Nimona

Nimona transports us to a futuristic medieval world the place knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) is on the run for against the law he didn’t commit. Nevertheless, it is his label as a “villain” that brings shapeshifter Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) into his life. Extra comfy as a shark than a human lady, Nimona is a delightfully deviant fiend who desires nothing greater than to stay it to the omnipotent Institute. She and Ballister make fairly the odd pair — she desires to wreak havoc, he simply desires to clear his identify — however collectively, they might simply defeat an evil lurking of their kingdom.

Between some electrifying struggle scenes and its graphic animation type, Nimona is a blast of a viewing expertise. However its message and LGBTQ visibility is what actually units it aside. Not solely is Ballister’s relationship with knight Ambrosius Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang) a key aspect of the movie, however Nimona’s personal fluidity and negotiation of her identification calls to thoughts transness in a significant, necessary manner.* — Belen Edwards, Leisure Reporter

Learn how to watch: Nimona is now streaming on Netflix.

13. The Imaginary

The Imaginary was written by Yoshiaki Nishimura and directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, each previously of Studio Ghibli, so you recognize it should be visually beautiful, fantastical, and filled with emotions. 

When Rudger, an imaginary buddy, is separated from his creator Amanda, he should enlist assist from different imaginaries to seek out his manner again dwelling. However the journey is nothing however easy — lurking within the shadows is the inescapable, existential dread of being forgotten, in addition to the very current menace of Mr. Bunting, a despicable man who consumes imagined beings. The Imaginary is each whimsical and darkish in equal measure, elegantly tackling massive topics like loss of life and loss alongside lighter themes, just like the significance of play. — Ok.G.

Learn how to watch: The Imaginary is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Troll

Impressed by Norwegian folklore, 2022’s Troll is a monster film that feels each recent and acquainted. We have an unlimited creature wreaking havoc, a novel mythology, and satisfying spectacles — there’s one thing for everybody!  

When a drilling operation ends in the deaths of a number of employees, Norwegian scientists blame a pocket of methane. Younger Nora (Ine Marie Wilmann), nevertheless, suspects one thing larger and extra sinister: a troll.  Luckily for Nora, when a 300-foot behemoth emerges from the mountains, she’s proved right! Sadly for Norway, the troll is pissed, and it is headed straight for Oslo. — Ok.G.

Learn how to watch: Troll is now streaming on Netflix.

15. The Sea Beast

In a world the place oceans are terrorized by huge and ferocious beasts, no sailors are extra famed for his or her monster-killing exploits than the crew of the Inevitable. And nobody is an even bigger fan of the beast hunters than younger orphan Maisie Brumble, who stows away on the Inevitable to change into a hunter herself. However when she and crewmember Jacob Holland are thrown overboard and swallowed by the mightiest monster of all of them, the Purple Bluster, they’re pressured to think about a much less violent method, even perhaps working with the beasts, to get themselves to security. An exciting, kid-friendly journey with a top-notch voice solid (Karl City, Jared Harris, and extra), The Sea Beast is a swashbuckling — and heartwarming — journey throughout the excessive seas. — Ok.G.

Learn how to watch: The Sea Beast is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Wendell and Wild

Written by Jordan Peele and directed by Henry Selick (Coraline, The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas), Wendell and Wild has all of the makings of a brand new basic. That includes the attractive and macabre stop-motion animation paying homage to Selick’s previous masterpieces, this newest installment provides a contact of youngster angst to his ghoulish canon. Kat (Lyric Ross) is a hardened foster child who blames herself for her mother and father’ loss of life. So when two bombastic demons (performed with glee by Key and Peele themselves) promise they know tips on how to convey her mother and father again, she places her fears apart and makes a deal. 

Learn how to watch: Wendell and Wild is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Mary and the Witch’s Flower

Mary is an keen younger lady with vibrant crimson hair who can not seem to get something proper. When a pleasant cat leads her to a mysterious flower that grants her non permanent magical powers, Mary discovers a hidden world of journey the place all is just not because it appears. Mary and the Witch’s Flower is an exuberant, lovable story from Hiromasa Yonebayashi, a former Studio Ghibli animator. Brimming with coronary heart and pleasure, this superbly animated movie whose English dub options the voice skills of Kate Winslet and Jim Broadbent, will quickly change into a household favourite.* — Ok.G.

Learn how to watch: Mary and the Witch’s Flower is streaming on Netflix.

18. The Fantastic Story of Henry Sugar

Arch, quirky, and extremely choreographed, The Fantastic Story of Henry Sugar is a narrative inside a narrative inside a narrative, and so forth. Based mostly on the quick by Roald Dahl, the film opens with Dahl himself (Ralph Fiennes) introducing after which narrating the story of a person, Henry Sugar, who does nothing along with his cash however gamble. Sugar (Benedict Cumberbatch) takes over the narration to inform of the second he first discovered of a health care provider who met a person who may see with out utilizing his eyes. Inside that story is the story of how this man met a guru who taught him every thing he is aware of. This story-Russian-nesting-doll impacts Sugar profoundly; he abruptly modifications the course of his life. For those who like Wes Anderson, then you definitely’ll love this candy and stylized quick movie.* — Ok.G.

Learn how to watch: The Fantastic Story of Henry Sugar is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Hilda and the Mountain King

Within the wonderful Netflix collection Hilda, a younger blue-haired lady (voiced by Bella Ramsey) strikes together with her mom to the town of Trolberg, a hamlet tormented by indignant trolls who assault any who enterprise exterior of the town partitions at evening. At the beginning of the 2021 movie Hilda and the Mountain King, Hilda has been reworked right into a troll herself, misplaced in an enormous cave and unable to tolerate daylight — however fortunately, she will be able to additionally perceive every thing the opposite trolls are saying. Maybe she would possibly be capable of be taught one thing about why they preserve attacking the town whereas she’s attempting to flee. 

With the trademark animation and emotional grounding of the collection, Hilda and the Mountain King is a darkish, thrilling, and philosophical youngsters’ flick that may simply enthrall any adults within the room. — Ok.G.

Learn how to watch: Hilda and the Mountain King is now streaming on Netflix.

20. The Lego Film

Emmet (Chris Pratt) is an bizarre Lego citizen of Bricksburg. He is pleasant, follows the foundations, and all the time adheres to the Lego constructing directions. However an opportunity encounter with a mysterious Lego (Elizabeth Banks) and a legendary merchandise referred to as the Piece of Resistance, sends him on an journey that may break by means of each the boundaries of his metropolis and his total understanding of what Legos are able to. 

The Lego Film is a brilliant, fast-paced, and hilarious trip that packs a surprisingly potent emotional punch for a film about plastic collectible figurines. The solid (Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman) is on the prime of their recreation, and the visuals are a unending deal with. It is a smash-hit for a purpose!* — Ok.G.

Learn how to watch: The Lego Film is now streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: Aug. 21, 2024, 4:13 p.m. EDT This text was first revealed on Sept. 30, 2021. It has since been updating to mirror present streaming choices.