Most of the time, fantasy The films include an element of romance in their stories, as these two genres easily go hand in hand. Since the aspects of fantasy that make it supernatural, such as magic and mystery, are used to reflect real-life struggles and topics, It is natural that love and relationships are also addressed. However, that doesn't mean every film ends happily for its central couple, as the fantasy is as full of violence and tragedy as it is of magic and kindness. This makes it even more exciting when the lovers get a happily ever after.
The best fantasy romance films ever made are notable for their stories and visuals, but they are often elevated to classic status thanks to the performances. For the audience to invest in the romantic angle of a narrative, Love interests must have dynamic, believable chemistry. In movies where the main couple wins the day and rides off into the sunset together, the actors are clearly having fun together and have the kind of spark that can't be manufactured.
10
The Princess Bride (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
The princess bride is an iconic film that mixes fantasy and romance, and as time has passed, the film has only continued to demonstrate that it will never lose its classic status. The central romance between Buttercup and Westley was written to be as epic and sweeping as possible, tearing them apart only to bring them back together with dramatic intensity. Robin Wright and Cary Elwes' chemistry helps make the audience care about their relationship, but it's the script that makes it so moving.
However, romantic love is far from the only type of love shown in The princess brideas much of the story depends on a grandfather's affection for his grandson in the frame's narrative. Furthermore, friendship plays an important role in the film, as Westley enlists the help of Inigo and Fezzik to reunite him with Buttercup. and save the day. Although it's clear everywhere The princess bride that love will conquer all, that doesn't make the journey there any less pleasurable.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
The Princess Bride (1987) |
96% |
94% |
9
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
A selfish prince is doomed to become a monster for the rest of his life unless he can fall in love with a beautiful young woman.
- Release date
-
November 21, 1991
- Execution time
-
84 minutes
- Cast
-
Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Bradley Pierce, Jesse Corti, Richard White
- Director
-
Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
Beauty and the beast is one of the best films of the Disney Renaissance, the period from 1989 to 1999 when the studio released some of its most enduring hits. Based on the French fairy tale of the same name, Beauty and the beast is a story about finding love in unlikely places and seeing beyond someone's physical appearance to see their soul. Although Belle is unsure about the Beast's true nature, as he is afraid of letting anyone in, they slowly grow closer over the course of the story.
Of course, Beauty and the beast updates some of the more mature and old-fashioned aspects of the fairy tale, as the studio does with most princess films. However, the heart and core messages remain the same, as Beauty and the Beast not only find love and comfort in each other, but also defend their love in the face of prejudice. Although many Disney films have love stories, Beauty and the beast is one of the most unabashedly romantic.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Beauty and the Beast (1991) |
95% |
93% |
8
Stardust (2007)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Before Charlie Cox and Claire Danes were known for their action-packed TV shows Reckless and Homelandthey played love interests in the fantasy romance Stardust​​​​​. Based on the novel of the same name, Star transports the protagonist, Tristan, and the audience to the world beyond the wall, where magic is real, princes fight to the death for the throne, and fallen stars transform into human women. Yvaine is one of those fallen stars, and when she and Tristan meet, all she wants is to go back to heaven.
Although their relationship may start out in difficult territory, they learn and grow together, allowing the viewer to root for them without reservation.
However, Yvaine discovers that there are things on Earth worth staying for. One of the best parts Stardust it is the fact that by falling in love with Yvaine and traveling, Tristan has not changed, but has recovered and has the confidence to test his limits. Although their relationship may start off in difficult territory, they learn and grow together, allowing the viewer to root for them without reservation. Although the film's climax is dark and a little scary, Tristan and Yvaine come out on top.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Stardust (2007) |
77% |
86% |
7
It's About Time (2013)
Directed by Richard Curtis
Many time travel films address the impact it has on romantic love, but It's about time is a gentle fantasy that uses its magical elements to elevate the everyday aspects of the story. When Tim, played by Domhnall Gleeson, discovers his gift for time travel, He realizes that what he wants most in the world is to find the person he loves. Although he ends up making things worse for himself more often, most It's about time It's formatted like a classic romantic comedy with typical triumphs and failures.
Although there is sadness and regret in It's about time​​​​​​, this is framed as something that is simply part of life and inevitable. Even when Tim is at his lowest and suffering loss, he finds comfort in Mary, Rachel McAdams and their family. The final monologue in It's about time explains that Tim found joy in no longer using time travel, as his life with Maria and their children brings him all the happiness he could want.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
It's About Time (2013) |
71% |
82% |
6
Ella Enchanted (2004)
Directed by Tommy O'Haver
Ella Enchanted is a fantasy film directed by Tommy O'Haver, based on the novel by Gail Carson Levine. The story follows Ella (Anne Hathaway), who is under a spell that forces her to obey any command given to her. As she embarks on a mission to break the enchantment, she encounters several characters and challenges. The film also stars Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes and Minnie Driver, mixing humor, romance and adventure.
- Release date
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April 9, 2004
- Execution time
-
96 minutes
- Director
-
Tommy O'Haver
- Writers
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Kirsten Smith, Karen McCullah, Laurie Craig, Jennifer Heath, Michele J. Wolff
This eccentric version of a classic Cinderella the story stars Anne Hathaway as Ella, a young woman who leaves home to change her destiny. Although it is not her fault, Ella is cursed with obedience, depriving her of her agency and forcing her to do whatever people tell her. Although this is an extreme example, it is an understandable experience for many young audiences, as coming of age means asserting one's desires and needs, even if it means breaking from the norm.
One of the biggest ways Ella finds herself is through her growing connection with Prince Charmont, played by a charming Hugh Dancy.
One of the biggest ways Ella finds herself is through her growing connection with Prince Charmont, played by a charming Hugh Dancy. Char learns about the kingdom's injustices from Ella, and Ella discovers that the power to break her curse was within her all along. thanks to his love for Char. After many hardships and terrible treatment from the people who wanted to keep her down, Ella deserves every moment of her triumph.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Ella Enchanted (2004) |
51% |
57% |
5
Practical Magic (1998)
Directed by Griffin Dunne
Practical Magic is a romantic fantasy film directed by Griffin Dunne, featuring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, born into a family of witches. Living under a curse that condemns any man they fall in love with to an early death, the sisters navigate love, loss, and their magical heritage while confronting family secrets and social prejudices.
- Release date
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October 16, 1998
- Execution time
-
104 minutes
- Director
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Griffin Dunne
- Writers
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Alice Hoffman, Robin Swicord, Akiva Goldsman, Adam Brooks
The sisterly love between Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gilly (Nicole Kidman) is the strongest force in Practical Magicbut that doesn't make it any less satisfying to see Sally find love once again. Both sisters have a difficult journey in Practical Magicwhile Sally loses the man she loves and Gilly chooses all the wrong men. Practical MagicThe inciting incident finds the women trying to cover up a murder in their small town, while Sally finds herself inexplicably falling in love with the man investigating them.
Thanks to its cult classic status, Practical Magic 2 is confirmed, and it's likely that the sequel will maintain the cozy and beautiful aesthetic of the first film's atmosphere. It will be interesting to talk to Sally and Gilly, as Practical Magic made Sally happy with her new man, and her family was finally accepted by the community, who are no longer afraid of their magical powers. Although critical reception is mixed for Practical Magicit's easy to watch Bullock and Kidman at work on screen.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Practical Magic (1998) |
26% |
73% |
4
Howling's Moving Castle (2004)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
From Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, Howl's Moving Castle is based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows Sophie, a shy milliner who lives in a fictional magical kingdom and is cursed by a witch to look like an old woman. Leaving home in search of a cure, Sophie encounters Howl, a powerful magician, and becomes the housekeeper of his magical traveling castle. The English dubbed version stars Emily Mortimer and Christian Bale as Sophie and Howl.
- Release date
-
November 20, 2004
- Execution time
-
119 minutes
- Cast
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Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa, Tatsuya Gashûin, Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Mitsunori Isaki
- Writers
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Diana Wynne Jones
Based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl's Moving Castle is a loose adaptation of the story, but it successfully captures the emotional core of the relationship between Sophie and Howl. Studio Ghibli films are known for their incredible visuals and delicate character development, but there's no doubt that Howl's Moving Castle is the most explicitly romantic film in Miyazaki's work. There's something so beautiful and inspiring about Howl falling in love with Sophie when he can't really see her.
However, It's clear that Howl isn't fooled by the curse because he knows Sophie's heart, and it encourages you to take on your own burden. Howl's Moving Castle reminds the audience that the pain and suffering of living is worth it for the moments of love and happiness that come with it. Despite, or even because of, the many flaws that the two don't bother to hide from each other, Howl and Sophie have no problem falling in love.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Howling's Moving Castle (2004) |
88% |
93% |
3
The Mummy (1999)
Directed by Stephen Sommers
With a combination of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, it's hard to argue that The mummy it has the kind of old-fashioned Hollywood romantic chemistry that's missing from many modern romance films. Fraser is Rick, the carefree adventurer in search of treasure, while Weisz plays Evelyn, the bookish librarian who is ready to break out of her world of research and experience the thrill of danger. Between his courage and her intelligence, there's little the duo can't accomplish, and they can't help but notice how well they work together.
However, As Rick and Evie fall in love, the world around them falls apart as the titular mummy, Imhotep, releases his curse on the universe because his long-lost love has been stolen from him. Unfortunately, not everyone can find their happy ending in The mummywhen Imhotep's time was up and instead of dying peacefully, he transferred his evil onto others. However, in their quest to defeat him, Evie and Rick cement their connection and let each other fall head over heels.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
The Mummy (1999) |
62% |
75% |
2
Ladyhawke (1985)
Directed by Richard Donner
Ladyhawke is a fantasy adventure film directed by Richard Donner. The story follows a young thief, a disillusioned knight, and a beautiful noblewoman cursed to transform into a falcon during the day. Set in a medieval setting, the trio seeks to deceive the malevolent bishop responsible for the curse. Starring Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer, the film combines elements of romance, action and supernatural intrigue.
- Release date
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April 12, 1985
- Execution time
-
121 minutes
- Cast
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Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leo McKern
- Writers
-
Edward Khmara, Michael Thomas, Tom Mankiewicz, David Webb Peoples
A tragic curse destroys young lovers in Ladyhawkethe slightly campy but very memorable fantasy romance film from the 1980s. Starring young Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer, Ladyhawke is told from the perspective of Broderick's character, Phillipe, who encounters Isabeau and Etienne, a couple cursed to be separated forever. Isabeau transforms into a hawk during the day, while Etienne is a wolf at night, forcing them to miss each other forever.
The thrust of the story revolves around Phillipe's determination to help them break the curse and maintain their human forms.
The thrust of the story revolves around Phillipe's determination to help them break the curse and maintain their human forms. Of course, there are evil dukes and terrible villains who try to stop them from lifting the spell, but Phillipe maintains faith that love will conquer all, and the pair must not give up hope. While it would be better if the curse never happened, it is even sweeter when it is broken, allowing the couple to find true happiness.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
Ladyhawke (1985) |
67% |
74% |
1
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Directed by Frank Capra
The seminal Christmas classic, It's a wonderful lifeis one of the best collaborations between Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra, the actor and filmmaker who defined the traditional American film genre about family and class. Although it ends happily, It's a wonderful life it's surprisingly dark, with Stewart's character, George, facing tremendous setbacks and failing to achieve the big dreams he had for himself as a young man. All of these feelings of failure change when George sees what the world would be like without him.
At the end of fantasy In the film, George realizes that the life he has is the one he wants and that he has touched more people than he ever imagined. Mary, played by Donna Reed, George's wife, is his faithful companion in life, standing by his side and supporting him even in his darkest moments. Although he never stops loving her, George sees what a gift their life is and understands that falling in love is an adventure in itself.
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) |
94% |
95% |