Director Robert Eggers' The Northman has already left its mark in the movie industry, thanks to powerhouse performances, an epic narrative, and its fantastical elements. The film reflects some of the best aspects of the fantasy genre, which is why it's not surprising that Letterboxd users have chosen it as the highest-scoring fantasy movie of this year so far.
Fans on the social media platform for film buffs have made it easy for audiences who want to see more of the renowned fantasy movies from the past decade. Each year's top-rated film represents the best, often award-winning movies that year has to offer.
The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya (2013) - 4.2
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Director Isao Takahata depicts a classic Japanese literary tale in the underrated Studio Ghibli film, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. It revolves around the experiences of a bamboo cutter and his wife after they find a child in a bamboo shoot. Thinking the gods sent her, they raise her as their own, only to learn that she has a storied past.
The animated movie's heartfelt story is perfectly complemented by its beautiful art style, which makes the entire film seem even more magical. The titular character's narrative is also surprisingly complex, with its twists and turns bound to keep fans glued to their screens.
Song Of The Sea (2014) - 4.1
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Song of the Sea is a movie full of magical creatures from the ocean, with its main characters Ben and Saoirse shown learning their important place in the fantastical world. Their search for truth leads them to unexpected places, with their journey permanently changing their messy relationship in the process.
Director Tomm Moore's film masterfully depicts the emotional narrative, which is only made better by its stunning art style. The animated movie is inspired by Irish folklore, so fans can expect to meet faeries and selkies as the siblings go on their extraordinary adventure.
Ivy (2015) - 4.1
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Often compared to 2019's The Lighthouse, Ivy takes place in a Turkish cargo ship forced to anchor offshore by the Egyptian port authority. It explores the disgruntled crew's ever-growing frustration after their passports are seized, effectively leaving them with no way out. On top of the already heated situation is an irrational captain who has control over their limited food supply.
The award-winning film is one of the best fantasy movies of the 2010s, with its magical elements appearing in surprising ways. It's well-known for its controversial ending that will stay with viewers long after they've seen the film.
A Lullaby To The Sorrowful Mystery (2016) - 3.9
Director Lav Diaz is known for his unbelievably long films, and A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery is no exception. The 8-hour fantasy-drama movie explores the widely accepted fact that Andrés Bonifacio is a national hero in the Philippines, thanks to his heroic actions during the Spanish occupation.
The movie raises important questions and boldly tackles themes of nationalism, patriotism, and national identity. It's certainly not something everyone can sit through, but those who manage to watch it from start to finish will likely appreciate the daring message it sends about the country's complicated history.
Coco (2017) - 4.2
Available to stream on Disney+.
The massively popular animated movie Coco is often cited alongside some of the best Pixar films ever made. Directed by Lee Unkrich, it tells the story of the likable Miguel, a young boy with big dreams of becoming a great musician. His family's bizarre ban on music has prevented this, though, but everything changes when he ends up in the land of the dead.
With its gorgeous visuals, endearing characters, and surprisingly profound story, the movie is a must-see for Disney fans. Its otherworldly sequences will transport fans to a magical world where some tear-jerking scenes unfold as Miguel learns more about his family's secrets.
The Wolf House (2018) - 4.0
Available to stream on AMC+.
Directed by Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña, The Wolf House is a stop-motion horror film that has a deceptively simple premise. It tells the story of María, who is running away from home after accidentally losing three pigs. She stumbles upon an abandoned house in the forest and stays there, but it's soon apparent that it's not an ordinary structure.
The entire movie has countless references and symbolism rooted in Chilean culture, most of which would likely fly over viewers' heads if they aren't familiar with the country's history. That said, it's still worth checking out if only for the absurdist style and mesmerizing transformations that its characters go through.
The Lighthouse (2019) - 4.1
Available to rent on Apple TV.
It's not an overstatement to say that The Lighthouse is already considered a classic at this point. Set in the 1890s, the black-and-white film is centered on two lighthouse keepers who are trapped in a New England outpost due to a destructive storm. Things escalate quickly as the pair struggle with their situation and slowly lose hope.
Director Robert Eggers' masterpiece has won numerous accolades, with fans and critics alike praising the film for its eccentric story, powerhouse performances, and phenomenal script. Its fantastical elements are genuinely surprising, as they reflect the characters' increasingly unreliable perceptions of reality.
Wolfwalkers (2020) - 4.1
Available to stream on Apple TV+.
Audiences looking for great non-Disney animated movies should consider Wolfwalkers as essential viewing. Directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart draw inspiration from Irish folklore, with the film depicting a young hunter's life-changing adventure after she makes a new friend who opens her eyes to the truth about the last wolf pack.
Its magical story is enhanced by its flawless woodblock art style, which creates a dreamlike quality throughout the movie. It's a film that has something to offer for viewers of all ages, making it an excellent choice for a family movie night.
Petite Maman (2021) - 4.0
Eight-year-old Nelly has a lot on her mind after her grandmother's sudden passing in Petite Maman. Things become even more confusing for the young child after her mother disappears, but she soon finds an unexpected companion out in the woods. Together, they build an important treehouse.
Despite dealing with heavy themes like grief and loss, director Céline Sciamma's acclaimed work delivers its poignant story with tenderness and grace. Its thoughtful portrayal of the subject matter is tinged with subtle optimism and hope, which is obvious in the magical elements it uses as symbolism.
The Northman (2022) - 4.0
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Director Robert Eggers weaves an incredible tale of revenge in the recently released The Northman. The critically-acclaimed epic film takes viewers on a breathtaking adventure alongside its protagonist Amleth who is on a quest to save his mother. Prince Amleth is a figure based on a Scandinavian legend, which also inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet.
The grand scale and phenomenal production value alone make the movie worth watching. On top of its well-written narrative are the unforgettable performances from its stellar cast, which make the film truly unforgettable.