People are constantly looking for a way to escape, and what better way than through fantasy? Not only does this genre allow readers to explore different worlds, but often it allows them to cheer for the underdog and see good triumph over evil.
Some of the most popular fantasy works of the last few centuries have been books, some of which have since been adapted movies or television shows. For some of these works, the adaptation has become so popular that they've taken the place of the books in people's minds.
Gretel and Hansel
This 2020 adaption of the classic Grimm fairytale follows siblings Gretel and Hansel as they are lost in the woods. They find a house that belongs to who they think is a sweet old woman at first, but then all hell breaks loose. This new version of this ages-old story features a moody mystique that makes this fairy tale feel like as much of a horror film as a fantasy one.
The main characters, played by It's Sophia Lillis and newcomer Sam Leakey, have remarkable chemistry and navigate this strange tale with ease. Additionally, this beautifully shot film gives audiences a lot of scenery to enjoy as they face the mounting dread of finding out what becomes of the siblings.
The Hobbit Trilogy
With one of the most recognizable first lines in literature, The Hobbit has been near the top of every fantasy lover's list of favorites. Before Lord of The Rings director Peter Jackson turned this classic into a movie, it was made to a cartoon film in 1977.
However, Jackson took Tolkien's writing and translated it onto the screen; not only did he cast the perfect Bilbo (Sherlock and Fargo's Martin Freeman) but he imbued the films with the same whimsy and wonder as the book. Jackson is always thorough, so it's no wonder that the costumes, the set designs, and the battle sequences are wonderful as well.
The Witcher
This series took Netflix audiences by storm in the early part of 2020. Based on a series of Polish novels, The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster-hunter who happens to have a few supernatural enhancements himself. It also follows a woman named Princess Ciri, who is linked to Geralt by destiny.
The show features separate timelines for Geralt, Ciri, and other characters before converging into one. The show's worldbuilding is part of what makes it such an effective adaptation. Given that there are multiple timelines and characters to grapple with, it does a great job of making the ends meet.
Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
The film is based on the beloved children's book series of the same name, written by C.S. Lewis. It follows the Pevensie children as they venture into a wardrobe in their new home, and enter the world of Narnia. There, they are told they must help the magical Aslan to restore order to Narnia, which has been cursed with endless winter by a powerful witch, Jadis.
Along the way, they befriend several anthropomorphized animals including beavers and a wolf. This is perhaps the only one on this list that is geared more towards younger children, but it is still a great film even for adults. The special effects are spot on, and the conflict between the siblings is relatable. Additionally, it does a great job of empowering the children to find their own destinies, again making it a great film for kids.
Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring
The film that started it all, The Fellowship Of The Ring is the first film in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, and the first film to bring the tale of the One Ring to modern audiences. The film, which follows Frodo Baggins and a fellowship of humans, hobbits, an elf, and a dwarf to destroy an evil bit of jewelry, is one of the most effective pieces of world-building in modern cinema.
Like The Hobbit, director Peter Jackson excels at creating a world that feels lived in and authentic, even in the scenes in which magic is utilized. Additionally, the film's score and cinematography give the film an ethereal quality that exists throughout.
Princess Bride
Princess Bride is perhaps the ultimate cult classic. This film spawned several lines that have been GIFed and memed extensively, including "As you wish," and "I do not think it means what you think it means." For anyone who hasn't seen director Rob Reiner's masterpiece, Princess Bride follows a man named Westley who goes on a quest to reunite with the love of his life, Princess Buttercup, before she is forced to marry the terrible Prince Humperdinck.
Along the way, he battles pirates, a giant, and a Spanish fencer determined to avenge his father's death. The film is equal parts fantasy and funny, and one that makes audiences root for every character to succeed, except for the Prince, of course.
Hook
Perhaps one of Robin Williams' most beloved films, Hook follows a man named Peter Banning who travels back to Neverland after his children are kidnapped by Captain Hook. Banning, who is the grownup version of Peter Pan, not only has to reconnect with Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys, but he has to rediscover the child in himself in order to beat Hook.
The film takes the beloved novel by J.M. Barry and the 1953 Disney film and adapts them for a new generation. The chemistry between Williams and Dustin Hoffman, who plays Hook, is palpable and helps to reinforce the hero versus villain of it all. Additionally, this is the film that gave Millennials several catchphrases, including the iconic "bangarang."
Stardust
This isn't the only Neil Gaiman adaptation on this list, but it is the first. Stardust follows a young man named Tristan who, in order to win the heart of the woman he loves, promises to bring her back a star. However, Tristan learns that the star that fell to earth the night before is in fact a woman named Yvaine. He also learns that he's not the only one looking for her, both a witch and prince are searching for Yvaine for the power boost she'd provide.
This star-studded film uses a lot of special effects to achieve its ethereal world, especially in the sequences in the fairy market. The chemistry between the lead characters is evident, which is important given that this is a fantasy romance film. It is quick to watch, but also a fun ride all the way through.
Game Of Thrones
Game Of Thrones became the cultural phenomenon of the last decade. Though fans have mixed feelings about the show's last season, the series as a whole is considered a masterpiece. It follows the lives and political machinations of dozens of characters in a fictional land called Westeros. Some of the more popular characters include Jon Snow, Arya Stark, Cersei Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.
In addition to the incredible special effects and costuming, the show's writing was phenomenal, as it was able to weave several plots together at once and over several seasons. Fans who enjoy the works of Tolkien will also enjoy this series.
Good Omens
Good Omens, which was written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchet, is a campy take on the end of the world as detailed in the Judeo-Christian religion. It takes the idea of the antichrist, the four horsemen, and other events and flips them on their head. The book was irreverent, and so the show had to be the same. Thankfully the show's director Douglas Mackinnon rises to the challenge.
The show's success is largely due to the writing, but the casting choices also help. The two main characters, angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley are played by Michael Sheen and David Tennant, respectively. Tennant and Sheen have great chemistry as the dynamic duo hellbent on stopping the apocalypse, despite it being the event that both of their colleagues are looking forward to.