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Fantasy is one of the movie genres that lend themselves best to filmmakers letting their imagination run as wild as they could possibly want. Though that has resulted in some truly exceptional original fantasy films over the years, it just so happens that several of the best fantasy movies ever made have been based on equally incredible books.
From those fantasy films based on books, many have attained tremendous praise; but only a handful of them can be said to be universally loved through and through. It could be a nostalgic childhood classic like The NeverEnding Story, an animated gem like How to Train Your Dragon, or even an adult drama like The Green Mile. Regardless of what subcategory of fantasy these ten masterpieces fall into, they're proof that fantasy movies based on books can be absolutely legendary.
'The NeverEnding Story' (1984)
Based on only the first half of Michael Ende's 1979 novel of the same name, the German-American co-production The NeverEnding Story is one of the most iconic family movies of the '80s as a whole. Since it's based on one of the most perfectly-written high fantasy books ever, it should come as no surprise that it, too, is the perfect way to introduce the little ones of the family to the fantasy genre.
But make no mistake: The NeverEnding Story may be aimed at kids, but it can be an infamously dark and poignant movie at times. This is precisely what has allowed it to remain not only timeless, but perfect for older fantasy fans as well. It's every bit as creative as its source material, and the wonderfully '80s-y images it offers are impossible to not fall in love with.
'Mary Poppins' (1964)
Walt Disney's daughters reportedly fell in love with P. L. Travers' Mary Poppinsbook series so deeply that they made their father promise to make a film based on them. Disney's attempts at convincing Travers to sell him the film rights was so long and arduous that they eventually became the subject of an entire feature film, Saving Mr. Banks. Eventually, however, Travers gave in. Though she hated the result, cinephiles around the world still remember it as one of the most timeless family fantasy films of all time.
You'd need to have a cold, cold heart of stone to find Mary Poppins entirely unappealing. It's profoundly moving, visually dazzling, full of catchy tunes, and elevated by the transcendental performances offered by the Oscar-winning Julie Andrews and the ever-endearing Dick Van Dyke. It's colorful, it's touching, it's sweet in just the right amount, and it has only gotten better with age.
'How to Train Your Dragon' (2010)
DreamWorks Animation are no strangers to adapting children's books into equally—or even more—universally beloved animated films, but never has the result been better than when they turned Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon book series into one of the best animated movies of the 21st century. Indeed, the sequels that it spawned are phenomenal, but the original How to Train Your Dragon is unbeatable.
It's the wonderful origin of one of the best fantasy movie trilogies of all time, a beautiful story about a forbidden friendship and a coming-of-age boy finding his place in his community. Coupled with some of DreamWorks' most striking animation and John Powell delivering one of the best film scores of the 2010s, it genuinely is one of the best animated fantasy films of all time.
'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' (1971)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factoryis another instance of a book adaptation hated by the source material's author, but then again, Roald Dahl wasn't exactly known for being a big fan of his work being turned into films. The fact of the matter is that this Mel Stuart masterpiece is one of the most perfect family movies ever created, a classic that simply doesn't age.
Bolstered by Gene Wilder's flawlessly enigmatic performance, Stuart's stunning visuals and imagination, and several unforgettable songs, Willy Wonka is one of those perfect fantasy movies that get better with every rewatch. It's vibrantly colorful, irresistibly funny, surprisingly dark at times, and a '70s gem that every kid—no matter when they were born—deserves to grow up watching.
'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' (2004)
Far and away the best-selling speculative fiction book series of all time, J. K. Rowling's Harry Potterseries had an impact on pop culture so large that it simply can't be put into words. Its movie adaptations, too, proved to be massively influential from the first until the last. But as far as Harry Potter movies go, it doesn't really get more universally beloved than Alfonso Cuarón's take on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
There are those who may go so far as to call it one of the best fantasy movie masterpieces of the last 80 years, and it would be hard to argue against them. Just like the source material was a turning point for the book series, so too was Cuarón's incredibly creative expansion of the cinematic Harry Potter universe a turning point for the film franchise. Charming, magical, emotionally stirring, and dark yet entirely family-friendly, it's the most beloved Harry Potter film for a reason.
'Howl's Moving Castle' (2004)
Hayao Miyazaki is undeniably one of the biggest kings of animation in history, the poster boy of the cinematic anime medium. He's made several masterpieces over the course of his career, most of them original works. Howl's Moving Castle, on the other hand, is based on Diana Wynne Jones' 1986 novel, and it's one of the best animated epic movies of all time.
Heavily influenced by Miyazaki's vocal opposition to the United States' invasion of Iraq, it's one of the strongest and most powerful anti-war movies of the 2000s, yet still entirely family-friendly. The animation is colorful and striking, the plot is thrilling and profoundly emotional, and Miyazaki's vision of the world created by Jones is nothing short of hypnotizing.
'The Green Mile' (1999)
Many movies based on stories and books by Stephen King have been made over the years, a few of them quite sad, but none sadder than The Green Mile. And yet, even though it's one of the most devastating blockbusters Hollywood has ever produced, it's still a must-see even for those who aren't fans of Stephen King. It isn't at all similar to the many horror movies that have been produced based on his work, instead standing as one of the most tenderly emotional fantasy films of the '90s.
Bolstered by Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan both delivering some of the most potent acting of the '90s, The Green Mile has aged wonderfully as a low fantasy classic that everyone should watch at least once in their lives. Just like the novel it's based on, it's a deeply moving exploration of themes of justice, morality, and systemic racism. It's a rousing celebration of the value of all life, and one of the biggest tear-jerkers the genre has ever seen.
'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)
The Wizard of Ozis one of the biggest and most influential classics of Hollywood's Golden Age. Though many great fantasy movies were made before it, the genre was never the same after its release. Though it takes many creative liberties in adapting L. Frank Baum's iconic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, it's still one of the greatest book-to-screen adaptations of all time.
Where can one even begin singing The Wizard of Oz's praises? There's Judy Garland's timeless performance as Dorothy and Margaret Hamilton's legendary portrayal of the Wicked Witch; there's catchy songs like the iconic "Over the Rainbow"; there's the unforgettable, game-changing three-strip Technicolor cinematography; there's the timeless Hero's Journey story that gives the film its narrative fuel. There's virtually nothing to complain about when watching this undisputed classic.
'The Princess Bride' (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner, written by the great William Goldman, and based on Goldman's own book (one of the best books of the 1970s), The Princess Brideis one of the most iconic family films of all time, and easily one of the most universally beloved. How could it not be? There's something here for absolutely everyone: Romance, action, vengeance, humor, and a story that never lets up.
Perfectly bookended by one of the most brilliant framing devices in movie history, The Princess Bride tells a tale that feels like a love letter to and celebration of the very art of storytelling. It's a perfectly postmodern swashbuckler that's as hilarious as it is well-paced, simultaneously functioning as an irresistible fantasy satire and a flawless addition to the genre's pantheon in its own right.
'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' (2003)
There are arguably no movie adaptations of a fantasy book more universally beloved than Peter Jackson's take on J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, and there is almost inarguably no Lord of the Rings film more universally beloved than the 11-Oscar-winning The Return of the King. It's the most perfect trilogy-capper in movie history, a wonderful send-off to what's easily the best fantasy movie series of all time.
It is, indeed, one of the best fantasy movies of the 21st century. Epic in scale, grand in its emotional scope, timeless in its approach to the Hero's Journey story archetype, and absolutely perfect in how it portrays Tolkien's Legendarium while still adding plenty of Jackson's own auteurial spice, The Return of the King is masterpiece as legendary as it is universally revered.
