The Best New Fantasy Movies Of The Last Few Years, Ranked

Fantasy films are more popular than ever, thanks to improved special effects and a desire for fresh, imaginative stories. We’ve seen everything from big-budget blockbusters to unique animated films drawing on myths, legends, and magical worlds in exciting new ways. Filmmakers are now combining classic fairytale themes with modern ideas and deeper character studies. Here’s a collection of the most highly-rated and influential fantasy movies released between 2020 and 2024.

‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ (2022)

In Istanbul, a solitary researcher meets a Djinn who promises her three wishes if she’ll set him free. As they talk, the Djinn shares incredible tales from his long life, spanning thousands of years. The story delves into what people truly want and how myths have changed throughout history. This magical and historically rich film, directed by George Miller and starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton, celebrates the enduring power of stories.

‘A Whisker Away’ (2020)

Miyo Sasaki, a young middle schooler, is dealing with family problems and a secret crush. When she finds a magical mask that turns her into a white cat, she hopes it will help her get noticed by the boy she likes. But spending too much time as a cat starts to make her human life and the world of cats dangerously mixed up. The film is inspired by Japanese stories about spirits and the importance of staying true to who you are. It’s an animated movie made by Studio Colorido and is available to watch on streaming services worldwide.

‘The House’ (2022)

This animated film is a collection of three separate stories, all taking place in the same strange house, but at different times and in different worlds. One story is set in the 1800s with a family, another follows a developer today, and the last is about a landlord in a future where the world is flooded. Each story uses dreamlike imagery to examine ideas about being consumed by things, feeling alone, and the impact of money. The film is made up of characters with animal traits and has a unique look created by several independent animators. It’s known for being dark, creating a strong mood, and telling its stories in an unusual way.

‘Wonka’ (2023)

This movie tells the story of a young Willy Wonka as he first arrives in the city to begin his chocolate-making career. It’s a prequel to the well-known tale, showing how he overcame obstacles from a strong chocolate industry group, found friendship with an orphan, and met his first Oompa-Loompa. Filled with music and imaginative inventions, the film reveals the beginnings of Wonka’s famous chocolate factory and explores themes of hope, friendship, and the struggle to follow your dreams when others try to hold you back. Timothée Chalamet stars as the young and inventive Wonka in this charming origin story.

‘The Northman’ (2022)

This movie, directed by Robert Eggers and starring Alexander Skarsgård and Anya Taylor-Joy, takes place in 10th-century Iceland. It tells the story of a Viking prince who seeks revenge for his father’s death and attempts to save his mother. The film blends historical realism with elements of Norse mythology – including visions, Valkyries, witches, and ancient prophecies – to create a dark and immersive experience. The filmmakers paid close attention to historical detail in the costumes and locations, while also creating a sense of inescapable fate.

‘Turning Red’ (2022)

Meilin Lee is a 13-year-old girl facing the challenges of growing up when she discovers a family secret: strong feelings turn her into a giant red panda. She has to deal with this new, magical ability while also navigating a close, sometimes overbearing, relationship with her mother. The movie cleverly uses the red panda transformation to represent the ups and downs of puberty and the unique pressures within a Chinese-Canadian family. Set in Toronto in the early 2000s, the story combines typical teen experiences with a touch of ancient magic. Notably, this Pixar film was the first to be directed solely by a woman.

‘Leo’ (2023)

Leo, a very old tuatara lizard, has been a beloved fixture in a Florida classroom for many years, sharing the space with a turtle companion. When Leo learns he doesn’t have much time left, he attempts to run away, but instead finds himself unexpectedly helping a group of worried students by going home with them. The movie, filled with talking animals and songs, deals with the difficulties kids face growing up and the challenges of getting older. Leo shares his life experience to help the children with their problems, and in the process, rediscovers his own reason for being. Adam Sandler voices Leo and also helped write the story.

‘Kingdom: Ashin of the North’ (2021)

This movie is a prequel to the hit Korean series, revealing the story behind a strange plant that can bring people back to life. It centers on Ashin, a woman determined to avenge the loss of her village and family. Her search leads her to the plant, which she unknowingly uses to create a deadly plague that turns people into zombies. The film blends historical drama with dark fantasy and horror, offering key insights into the origins of the zombie outbreak in the Joseon period.

‘The Sea Beast’ (2022)

In a world that reveres monster hunters, a young girl secretly boards the ship of Jacob Holland, a famous hunter. Together, they set out on a grand adventure across unknown seas to track down the ocean’s most fearsome beast. As they journey, they uncover surprising truths about the long-standing conflict between humans and creatures of the sea. The movie boasts stunning animation and a richly imagined world inspired by seafaring legends and colossal sea monsters, delving into themes of understanding, courage, and challenging what you’ve been told.

‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ (2021)

This film tells the story of a Scottish nobleman who, after hearing a prophecy from three witches that he will be king, becomes consumed by ambition. Encouraged by his wife, he murders his way to the throne, but is quickly haunted by guilt and descends into madness. This version of Shakespeare’s play leans heavily into the supernatural, using dramatic visuals and dreamlike sets. The witches and their powers are central to the story’s conflict. The film stars Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, and is directed by Joel Coen.

‘Encanto’ (2021)

The Madrigal family lives in a magical house tucked away in the mountains of Colombia, and each child has been blessed with a special gift. But Mirabel is different – she didn’t receive a power, making her feel like she doesn’t quite fit in. When the family’s magic starts to disappear, Mirabel steps up to uncover the reason and protect her family’s extraordinary legacy. The movie uses its fantastical world to thoughtfully explore difficult family dynamics, inherited emotional burdens, and the weight of expectations. It also features original music by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2021)

Raya, a brave warrior in the divided land of Kumandra, embarks on a quest to find the last dragon and save her father, hoping to bring peace back to a broken world. Kumandra was once a beautiful place where humans and dragons lived together, but a powerful ancient evil turned many people to stone. To defeat the darkness, Raya must bring together the five separate tribes and learn to trust others again. The movie’s stunning visuals and story are inspired by the cultures and myths of Southeast Asia, and stars Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as the voice of the dragon, Sisu.

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023)

A charming thief joins forces with a diverse group of adventurers on a grand quest to find a lost artifact and save his daughter. Their journey takes them through a fantastical world brimming with magic, mythical beasts, and treacherous dungeons. They must team up to prevent a powerful Red Wizard from raising an army of the undead and unleashing it upon the realm. The movie is based on the story and rules of a well-loved role-playing game, blending exciting action, humor, and classic fantasy elements.

‘Luca’ (2021)

Luca is a heartwarming story about a young sea monster who has an unforgettable summer on the Italian Riviera. When he goes ashore, he discovers a magical secret: sea monsters can transform into humans when they’re dry! He and his new friend, Alberto, explore a charming town nearby, but they have to keep their true identities hidden from the suspicious locals, who hunt sea creatures. The film beautifully captures themes of friendship, embracing your curiosity, and finding the courage to be yourself, all with a vibrant art style inspired by Italy and the Mediterranean coast.

‘Onward’ (2020)

In a world that looks like a typical suburb but was once filled with magic, two elf brothers inherit a wizard’s staff from their deceased father. They attempt a spell to briefly bring him back, but it malfunctions, leaving only his legs visible. Now, they must embark on a quest to find a rare gem and complete the spell before time runs out. Along the way, they’ll decipher old maps, encounter mythical creatures, and rediscover forgotten magic. The story centers on the brothers’ relationship and their journey through grief.

‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’ (2023)

A rich man learns about someone who can ‘see’ without eyes and becomes fascinated. He dedicates years to studying old books and meditating, hoping to gain this same extraordinary ability. When he succeeds, he initially uses his newfound power to win money gambling, but this gradually changes how he views right and wrong. This film, based on a story by Roald Dahl, is known for its distinctive, stage-like visuals and was directed by Wes Anderson, earning it an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

‘Nimona’ (2023)

Okay, so I just saw this amazing animated movie, and let me tell you, it’s a total ride! It’s set in this really cool world – imagine medieval knights, but with futuristic tech thrown in. The story follows a knight who gets falsely accused of something awful and has to go on the run. Luckily, he teams up with Nimona, this hilarious and unpredictable shape-shifter who’s the only one who believes him. As they try to prove his innocence, they stumble onto some seriously messed up corruption at the heart of their society. What I really loved is how it deals with being different, what it means to be a ‘monster,’ and how easily people are cast aside. It’s based on a graphic novel by ND Stevenson, and the visuals are incredible – a really unique mix of fantasy and cyberpunk. Seriously, check it out!

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

Following his mother’s death, a young boy named Mahito relocates to the countryside. There, he meets a strange, talking heron who guides him to a secret world where life and death aren’t clearly separated. In this imaginative place, Mahito encounters unusual beings and discovers more about his family’s past and what his own future might hold. This film is deeply personal for director Hayao Miyazaki, drawing on his own life, and deals with themes of loss and the power of making things. It was highly praised by critics and won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)

More than ten years after the first movie, Jake Sully and Neytiri have built a family life on the planet Pandora. But when an old enemy returns, they’re forced to leave their forest home and find safety with the Metkayina, a clan who live in the ocean. The film explores stunning new underwater worlds and creatures, adding to the rich history and spirituality of Pandora. It centers on the Sully family’s fight to survive and highlights how everything in nature is connected. Directed by James Cameron, this expensive sequel used cutting-edge technology to capture performances underwater.

‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)

This beautifully made stop-motion film retells the story of Pinocchio in 1930s Italy, a time when fascism was growing. Geppetto, a sad woodcarver, creates a wooden boy who magically comes to life. But this isn’t your typical Pinocchio story; it delves into heavier topics like war, death, and the pressures of living up to expectations. The film follows Pinocchio as he tries to navigate a world filled with political unrest and unfair treatment. It won an Academy Award for its impressive animation and thoughtful storytelling.

‘Justice League Dark: Apokolips War’ (2020)

After a disastrous attempt to defeat the villain Darkseid, Earth is in ruins and its heroes are broken. The few remaining members of the Justice League, with John Constantine and Superman taking the lead, must gather powerful magical allies for a last-ditch effort to save the planet. This film is a dark, fantasy-filled conclusion to a long-running animated series, set in a world destroyed and filled with danger. It’s packed with intense action, explores the consequences of failure, and combines classic superhero battles with elements of magic, mythology, and cosmic horror.

‘Suzume’ (2022)

Suzume is a story about a teenage girl who teams up with a mysterious traveler to prevent disasters. He’s on a mission to close magical doors across Japan that are unleashing destruction, and she accidentally reopens one. Together, they race against time to stop a massive creature from causing devastating earthquakes. The beautifully animated film touches on themes of healing from environmental damage and remembering places lost to time, all while drawing on Japanese folklore and history. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, it quickly became a hit with audiences around the world.

‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ (2021)

A filmmaker meets Marcel, a miniature shell who can talk, and his grandmother, Connie. They live in an Airbnb, and Marcel shares the story of his lost community of shells – a disappearance linked to the house’s previous owners. The film follows Marcel’s journey to find his family, all while navigating sudden internet popularity and caring for his grandmother. It’s a unique blend of real-life footage and stop-motion animation, creating a charming and believable world. Ultimately, the story explores the importance of community, finding strength in difficult times, and appreciating different viewpoints.

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

The film centers on Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American laundromat owner facing hardship, who unexpectedly finds herself on a journey to save the multiverse. She discovers she can tap into the abilities and memories of versions of herself from alternate universes – a skill called ‘verse-jumping.’ The story is filled with bizarre and imaginative worlds, like one where people have hot dog fingers or live as rocks. Beneath the fantastical premise, the film is a moving exploration of family, especially the complex bond between a mother and her daughter. It was a critical success, winning seven Academy Awards, including the award for Best Picture.

‘Poor Things’ (2023)

This visually stunning film presents a reimagined Victorian London where a scientist revives a young woman by transplanting her unborn child’s brain into her head. The film follows her incredible journey across the globe as she quickly learns about the world, language, and what it means to be human. It’s told through a unique and fantastical style, exploring ideas about freedom, breaking societal norms, and challenging traditional expectations for women. Emma Stone delivers an Academy Award-winning performance in the leading role.

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

Puss in Boots, the famous outlaw, is down to his last life after a lifetime of daring adventures. He sets off on a dangerous quest to the Black Forest, hoping to find the magical Wishing Star and get his lives back. But his journey is complicated by encounters with classic storybook villains and a frightening figure representing Death itself. The movie is praised for its unique animation and its thoughtful look at growing older and what we leave behind. It’s a follow-up to the 2011 ‘Puss in Boots’ film and connected to the larger ‘Shrek’ universe.

‘Soul’ (2020)

A middle school music teacher who dreams of being a jazz pianist has an accident and his soul leaves his body. He ends up in ‘The Great Before,’ a place where souls develop before coming to Earth. He teams up with a new, unborn soul named 22 to find a way back to his life, and along the way, they both learn what really makes life meaningful. The movie is visually stunning, with imaginative settings, and asks big questions about why we’re here and what drives us. It won two Oscars, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)

In 1600s Ireland, a young hunter’s apprentice named Robyn joins her father in Kilkenny with a mission to eliminate the last wolf pack. While venturing into a mysterious forest, she encounters Mebh, a girl who belongs to a secretive tribe said to turn into wolves during their sleep. As Robyn uncovers the truth about these ‘Wolfwalkers,’ she finds herself torn between her father’s task and the enchanting world she’s discovered. The film is beautifully animated in a unique hand-drawn style influenced by Celtic designs, and it concludes director Tomm Moore’s trilogy inspired by Irish folklore.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train’ (2020)

Picking up where the TV series left off, Tanjiro Kamado and his friends team up with the strong swordsman Kyojuro Rengoku to investigate a series of disappearances on a mysterious train. Over forty people have vanished, and a powerful demon is responsible. This demon uses illusions and dreams to trap its victims, feeding on their spirits. The movie is packed with exciting battles and explores ideas about responsibility, selflessness, and inner strength. It became the highest-earning film in Japanese history.

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Miles Morales is unexpectedly sent traveling through the Multiverse, where he meets the Spider-Society – a group of Spider-People dedicated to safeguarding all realities. Disagreements arise within the team about how to deal with a new danger, leading to a conflict where Miles finds himself opposing the other Spiders and having to decide what being a hero truly means. The movie showcases a variety of animation techniques and delves into challenging ideas about destiny, family, and making your own choices. It features a huge number of characters pulled from different comic book stories, and ends with a suspenseful moment that hints at what’s coming next in the series.

Share your favorite modern fantasy films and tell us which ones we missed in the comments.

2026-02-10 09:57