10 children’s fantasy films that became different in adulthood

While the children fantasy films are generally characterized by their happy endings and light themes. Revisiting these projects as an adult can provide new insight into the deeper messages. Most of the time, the nostalgic aspects of children’s films reach older viewers more since these narratives remind us of a time gone by. The ephemeral nature of childhood and the unexpected hardships of adulthood are put into sharp perspective through the lens of a story designed to attract and delight young audiences. Occasionally, Easter eggs aimed at adults provide a fun hidden layer of meaning for returning viewers to enjoy.

These films come from many different eras and niches, with some fantasy film box office flops turning into cult classics over time, especially with adults rewatching these projects. Understanding the context and setting of these films is a big part of what makes them special for adults, as these parts of stories can sometimes go over children’s heads. However, the desire to revisit these films as an adult begins in childhood, as their impact and emotional power transcend age groups, providing something for all viewers to enjoy.

10

Pedro Pan (2003)

Directed by PJ Hogan

The source material for Pedro Pan it is already imbued with nostalgia and the familiar feeling of longing for childhood. However, even though the 2003 iteration hits the same beats as the old Disney animated film and many other adaptations, it’s one of the freshest takes on the story while still sticking to the core messages. Plus, first love is a big part Pedro Panthe story. The doomed romance between Peter and Wendy is something adults can look back on with empathy and regret, remembering the early pangs of young love.

The magic of this version of Pedro Pan is not lost on children, as the bright colors and fun practical effects make for an immersive experience. However, looking at the cohesive aesthetic with a more discerning eye allows for an even greater appreciation of the film’s technical aspects. Sure, this is a benefit of revisiting childhood classics, but the true beauty of Pedro Pan it’s the way it instantly transports the viewer back to childhood and the desperate fear of growing up.

9

Jumanji (1995)

Directed by Joe Johnston

The original 1995 Jumanji It wouldn’t be as remembered without the seminal performance of Robin Williams, who plays the adult version of Alan. To this day, Jumanji is surprisingly scary and emotionally resonant, as the game’s effects pose a real danger, with the characters’ lives at risk. Witnessing Alan trapped inside Jumanji for decades and forced to survive in isolation is an intense storyline, and the gravity of the situation only becomes clearer as the audience ages.

Alan’s fate is genuinely frightening and steals his life, an experience with consequences that would terrify anyone, no matter their age. Although he eventually gets his life back, parallel universes and deviated timelines are heady, complex subjects that push the boundaries of what children can understand. However, this did not stop Jumanji to continue as a beloved franchise. The next Jumanji 4 is confirmed and will continue the story of the spinoff characters, including Dwayne Johnson.

8

The Neverending Story (1984)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

The protagonist of The never ending storyBastian, will touch the heart of anyone who has ever felt out of place as a child or struggled with big feelings at a young age. As time passes, the connection the viewer feels with Bastian and empathy for him only increases as he The never ending story struggles directly with pain and loss. Both Bastian and the reader of the story and its characters experience the death of a loved one and must move forward in the face of even greater threats to the universe.

This comes through in the unforgettable death of the beloved horse Artax, who dies in the Swamps of Sorrow, a moment from which few viewers easily recover. However, from an age perspective, the audience can see how these losses are part of life and that Bastian manages to persevere thanks to his belief in himself and the realization that everyone is creating their own story. This sense of agency and power over one’s destiny, even when events unfold outside of Bastian’s control, is a meaningful message for adults who can identify even more with Bastian.

7

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, Clyde Geronimi and David Hand

One of the best fantasy films of the 1960s, The sword in the stoneis loosely based on the first part of TH White’s seminal novel, The Once and Future King. The film chronicles Arthur’s less-discussed early years before he knew his destiny as king. This involves Merlin teaching him important lessons that will make him a great leader. Seeing Arthur as a boy and knowing who he will become is very emotionally impactful, even within the lens of the musical comedy that Disney uses.

While The sword in the stone may not capture the attention of younger audiences as much as some of Disney’s more classic animated fairy tales, adults can appreciate his style and influence with fresh eyes. The film’s more experimental aesthetic and tone make it stand out from Disney’s other offerings at the time, thanks to its darker and more transgressive nature. Merlin’s characterization and his quirky, humorous affectations probably served as inspiration for later great wizards in films like Dumbledore and Gandalf.

6

Legend (1985)

Directed by Ridley Scott

It probably wouldn’t mean much to the kids who Legend features the work of a young Tom Cruise, Tim Curry, and was directed by Ridley Scott. However, these curiosities could be the perfect incentive to lure adults back to the year 1986. Legend or even discover it for the first time. Of all the great fantasy films of the 1980s, Legend is often overlooked, which is surprising considering how star-studded the cast is and how Curry creates such a terrifying villain in his work as Darkness.

However, there is more to Legend than the actors and performances, even though those are some of the best parts of the film. The love story between Jack and Lili, the two young protagonists, is so innocent and genuine that It’s almost impossible not to root for these kids to save the world and live happily ever after. Furthermore, although Scott made his name in works of science fiction, Legend proves that he knows how to realize a fantasy world with dazzling precision that any adult would appreciate.

5

The Secret of Kells (2009)

Directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey

Animated films with a connection to folklore become even more intriguing to audiences as they grow, as the source material behind the fantasy projects is just as interesting as the films themselves. The creative team behind The Secret of Kells produced some of the most beautiful and innovative animated films of recent years, producing both Song of the Sea and Wolf Walkers in the following years The Secret of Kells. All in keeping with Irish folklore and legends, these films stand out among the traditional fairy tales that typically come to life on screen.

Not only is it The Secret of Kells visually surprising, but The story addresses serious subjects such as war, the preservation of knowledge and the struggle to be understood and accepted by one’s family. All of these aspects of the story only become clearer to older audiences, as do the motivations of the young protagonist Brendan and his well-meaning uncle, Abbot Cellach, who just wants to protect his family and home. While it’s easy to root exclusively for Brendan as a kid, the fear and anxiety that drives Cellach becomes more obvious with age.

4

Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

Directed by Spike Jonze

It’s surprising that Spike Jonze was able to mine Maurice Sendak’s short but classic children’s book of the same name and create the vividly realized 2009 Where are the wild things. For viewers who grew up reading the book, the way the Wild Things are designed and brought to life is perfect, balancing the supernatural aspects of the monsters with the realism of the story. Additionally, Jonze focuses on the conflict between Max and his mother, facing the difficult transition to adolescence and how it affects parents and children.

However, observing Where are the wild things as an adult doesn’t simply make the viewer automatically side with Max’s mother. On the contrary, the audience is able to see how hurt they both are and how each is doing the best they can with the emotional tools available. It is in the disconnection between their levels of communication that conflict arises, and this is the real tragedy. However Where are the wild things received mixed reviews, it’s probably on its way to becoming a cult classic as the years go by.

3

Spirited Away (2001)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Away from spirit is without a doubt the best Studio Ghibli film ever made and has long been considered simply an amazing fantasy film, regardless of its intent for children. The director, Hayao Miyazaki has consistently encouraged viewers to engage with complex themes of coming of age, pacifism, and the intersection between childhood and life during war. in much of his work. However Away from spirit doesn’t directly address the war, it still sees Chihiro’s childhood disrupted by displacement and forces her to navigate an unfamiliar world without the security of a parental figure.

As a child, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical and visually fascinating world of Away from spirit. Although this does not disappear with time, it’s easier to recognize the pain Chihiro feels long before she is transported to the spirit world and why she manages to find herself and her parents at the end of the film. The idea that part of her identity could be taken from her and potentially lost forever is a serious threat and one that will ring true with adults.

2

Maleficent (2014)

Directed by Robert Stromberg

Maleficent is one of the most engaging and effective live-action iterations of Disney films, as it brings a new vision and perspective on the traditional tale of Sleeping Beauty. Angelina Jolie is excellent as the titular fairy who begins the film perfectly happy to play the villain after all the betrayal and persecution she has faced at the hands of humanity. However, Maleficent it quickly turns into a story of motherhood and forgiveness, as Maleficent finds herself loving young Aurora like a daughter, even though she doesn’t want to.

While this encourages older viewers to identify with Maleficent, especially if they are parents, it’s not just her relationship with Aurora that will affect the audience. Maleficent explores how easy it is to misinterpret the intentions of the so-called villain and how it is often the people in power who twist these narratives to make themselves look better. This nuance and the injustice of Malefient’s situation are not lost on older viewers.

1

The Iron Giant (1999)

Directed by Brad Bird

The iron giant It is always discussed in the ranking of the best children’s films of all time. Famous for its poignant final scene and emotionally resonant message, The iron giant is a fantasy film for everyone, regardless of age. Hogarth, the protagonist, is the curious and brave child that every young person dreams of being, but he is also equally relatable as he feels out of place at school and in life, finding solace with the Giant. Despite being an anthropomorphic robot, the Giant is a complex character that the audience comes to love as much as Hogarth.

While the emotion reaches younger audiences, the gravity of the Giant’s sacrifice and Hogarth’s isolation reaches adults with even more nuance. Contrary to the paranoia of the Cold War, adults assume this context and are able to empathize with adults with Hogarth’s life as they try to keep him safe, even if it’s misguided. While the relationship between Hogarth and the Giant is the most compelling, as an adult, audiences can see how the other character dynamics work to build the film’s impact.