Fantasy films offer a unique depiction of stories stemming from our deepest pools of imaginations. Sometimes it’s difficult to find that perfect fit with a fictional tale that captures our hearts, but movie reviews on Rotten Tomatoes can help.
Here are five modern fantasy movies that RT recommends.
1. “Toy Story 3” (2010)
This beloved film brings back the well-known Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy’s toys for another adventure. After Andy leaves for college, the toys find themselves donated to a daycare, where unfortunately the children don’t play nice. While planning their escape, the gang meets new toys and encounters various obstacles along the way. For its comedy, adventure, and honest emotion, Rotten Tomatoes gave it a rank of 99 percent, calling it a rare sequel that really worked.
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2. “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
This thrilling tale follows a young Viking boy and a dragon, who become the most unlikely pair as they go against ancient traditions and set out to prove that dragons aren’t to be feared. The dazzling animation, dramatic depth, and amazing 3-D sequences earned this film a 98 percent rating. The charming, funny style makes it a movie the entire family can enjoy, and its important message of tolerance rings true throughout life.
3. “Paddington” (2015)
This film ranked No. 3 on the Rotten Tomatoes site with a rating of 98 percent (set below second place because of an 82 percent audience rating). The charming story of Paddington the bear, who just wants to find himself a home, brings to life the well-known children’s character with spectacular animation. The film was a hit with all ages, and according to the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, “Paddington brings a beloved children's character into the 21st century without sacrificing his essential charm, delivering a family-friendly adventure as irresistibly cuddly as its star.”
4. “Spirited Away” (2001)
This Hayao Miyazaki film tells the Alice in Wonderland-like tale about a lost little girl. Rotten Tomatoes gave this film a 97 percent as a dazzling, enchanting, and beautifully drawn fairy tale that will leave the viewers in awe. With many lessons to teach and wonderfully artistic scenes, this film will capture one’s full attention until the very end.
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5. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” (2011)
All of the Harry Potter movies probably belong here, but when Rotten Tomatoes put together its top 100 fantasy movie list, this movie came in at No. 4. Calling the movie “thrilling, powerfully acted, and visually dazzling,” the movie earned 96 percent on RT.
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