10 “Rotten” Fantasy Movies That Were Really Great

fantasy Movies, like many other works of speculative fiction in film, are judged more harshly by critics and audiences. Whether it’s because of their campy elements or lackluster special effects, many aspects of fantasy stories are difficult to translate to the screen and easier to mess up. However, technical aspects of a movie are not the only parts that are important, as the script, acting and humor can all add a lot to the film. As time progresses and the trends of imagination change, Many older movies have been reassessed to be better than their Rotten Tomatoes scores.

Although some movies have a higher critic score than the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, this does not necessarily mean that the film will stand the test of time. Filmmaking, like all art, is subjective, and One movie that fails to connect with one audience member may arrive at a poignant time for another. It ultimately doesn’t matter how a film is reviewed when it comes to personal opinion. As long as a viewer’s experience of the film is positive, it means that the film has value. In some cases, a large group of audience members can help revitalize the film’s popularity.

10

Warcraft (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 29%

Contemporary works of cinema and television have made it seem that the media has entered a golden age of video game adaptations. Warcraft Released in the mid-2010s, when video game adaptations weren’t that common yet, And the movie was partly misunderstood by audiences and critics unfamiliar with the games. It is challenging to please everyone when adapting such a beloved work of fiction for the screen, and Warcraft Struggled to live up to the different expectations for the film.

However, the fact that Warcraft Try to tell a deeper and more meaningful story with its high-profile platform is admirable. It expanded on the conflict between humans and orcs established in the games and pushed further in the development of its characters than many other fantasy movies. Today, the effects and stylization of the orcs remain surprising, and the performances of the actors are a highlight of the film, because each character is brought to life with empathy and understanding.

9

Masters of the Universe (1987)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 21%

After the success of Barbie and other live-action toys and animated TV show adaptations for Mattel, the new live-action Lords of the Universe The movie release date will hopefully be in the next few years. Although the first attempt to translate the beloved franchise to live-action was a failure at the box office, few audience members have forgotten the iconic 1980s project. Starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man, The movie is a comedic celebration of the best parts of ’80s fantasy movies and is a nostalgic addition to the he-man Canon.

While Lundgren physically fits the bill of playing He-Man, Frank Langella stole the show as Skeletor, He-man’s sworn enemy. Lords of the Universe Understand that a hero is only as good as his villainous counterpart, and this is an aspect of the film. Enough time has passed Lords of the Universe To be celebrated for its technical failures and to be rewarded for the iconic style and storytelling that connected with so many young viewers at the time of its release.

8

legend (1985)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 41%

Legend is an underrated fantasy collaboration between Ridley Scott and a young Tom Cruise Which initially missed its target but had amazing elements. Also starring Tim Curry as the Lord of Darkness, one of the most terrifying fantasy villains of the 1980s, Legend Is not afraid to get dark and push the boundaries of imagination. Some of the best aspects of Legend It is the visuals and the sets that immerse the viewer in the world of the story. Although some of the creatures may be dated, the practical effects are on par with Scott’s other monsters.

Much of the narrative is a love story between Cruz’s Jack and Mia Sara’s Lily, And that’s a welcome storyline considering how terrifying Darkness really is. While not as gruesome or graphic as some of the best R-rated fantasy movies, Legend After some intense scenes that are balanced by the softer moments. Although Legend is a lesser-known project for the creative team involved, it remains a uniquely original addition to the genre. It should be praised for conceiving an entirely new story when other studios are adapting traditional fairy tales.

7

Practical Magic (1998)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 24%

Critics and audiences could not be more divided about the legacy and impact of Practical Magiclike The cult classic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman is a fall favorite for many viewers. Based on the novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic Makes some changes from the source material but is just as much of a romance as the book. However, for all the romantic elements of the movie, the most important message is about the bond of sisterhood and embracing yourself for who you really are.

The imagination in Practical Magic Entered by the fact that Sally (Bullock) and Gillian (Kidman) are witches, and they must use their combined powers to stop a curse on Gillian. tonal, Practical Magic Has its ups and downs, as it oscillates between dark and heavy themes like grief and more campy fun moments. however, The movie’s aesthetic is cohesive and matches the story perfectly. Both the dark and happy scenes in Practical Magic come together to make this film a solid fantasy rom-com.

6

Jabberwocky (1977)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 45%

Terry Gilliam’s comedic fantasy adventure, Jabberwockyhas long been understood, Like some of Gilliam’s other fantasy movies that are well-remembered but received a lukewarm critical reception. Only a few years later Gilliam collaborated with Monty Python on Monty Python and the Holy GrailHe directs Jabberwocky By himself, and much of his later creative sensibility can be seen in the project. Starring Michael Palin as Dennis Cooper, a misguided young man who is underestimated by his loved ones and leaves his small village to seek his fortune.

Jabberwocky Makes many tongue-in-cheek jabs at the fantasy genre And fairy tales like Alice through the looking glass And these Legends of King ArthurBut they are all in good fun. Gilliam’s films are satirical, but they are also imbued with respect and love for the other works they reference and are in conversation with. Dennis is a bumbling but relatable hero, and he’s a welcome change from the overpowered protagonists who are usually at the center of fantasy adventures.

5

Hawk The Slayer (1980)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 40%

Hook the Slayer adheres to the classic tropes of the sword and sorcery story, But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have original elements or a fun premise. Starring a young John Terry as Hawk, Hook the Slayer Sees him fight Voltan (Jack Palance), his brother, in a fight for power and succession that is akin to great works of historical fiction. After their father denies Voltan the sword and magic of the kingdom and gives it to Hawk, a deadly battle ensues.

As time has progressed, more audiences have discovered Hook the Slayer And its merits, enjoying the look of the effects and the performances. The ensemble is filled with great character actors like W. Morgan Sheppard, and the team that Hawk assembles to save the day has many of the familiar fantasy archetypes audiences see today. moreover, The dynamic between Hawk and Voltan is complex and compelling enough to carry the film.

4

Zardoz (1974)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 49%

Sean Connery is unrecognizable in ZardozA sci-fi fantasy film set thousands of years in the future which was written and directed by John Boorman. Also starring Charlotte Rampling, the off-beat project features amazing actors pushing themselves out of their comfort zone in a new and innovative story. The world of Zardoz There seems to be a conflict between the eternal and the brutal, because the brutal are kept in a lower social status and forced to serve the eternal. Since the Eternals are immortal, they have descended into a dystopian future of self-medication and betrayal similar to stories like Brave New World.

Connery plays Zid, a brute who gains access to the world of the eternal and sees that although they live in luxury, their lives have lost meaning. Although the world of Zardoz can be confusing and convoluted, The central themes and messages of the story are timeless and terrifying. As Zed, Connery differentiates himself from his past role as James Bond and becomes a fantasy adventurer worth following. Zardoz Comments on immortality as a concept and what it would do to the human race if it were possible.

3

Season of the Witch (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 11%

Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Claire Foy and Robert Sheehan are all part of the reason why Season of the Witch Should be reassessed and treated with more interest. Set in the 14th century, Season of the Witch Follows Cage and Perlman’s characters after losing their company of Knights. They are forced to transfer Anna (Foy), a woman accused of witchcraft, to a monastery where she will be cleansed of her powers. However, it soon turns out that there is much more to her than accusations of magic.

Season of the Witch Delves quickly into religious territory and is deeply linked to the stories of demons and exorcisms that populate many horror films. however, Season of the Witch is more fantasy than horror because it is more focused on action and adventure which accompany the threat of demons rather than the terror. Although Cage’s performance was knocked down by critics, there’s still a lot to enjoy Season of the Witch And plenty of thrilling action sequences.

2

Krul (1983)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 35%

Curl is a nostalgic favorite of director Peter Yates that features a young Liam Neeson in a small role. Ken Marshall plays the protagonist, Colvin, a prince who is set to marry Princess Lyssa (Lisette Anthony) to unite their warring kingdoms. However, their plans are thwarted by the evil beast, who kidnaps Lisa and tries to sabotage Colvin. much of Curl Revolves around the idea that the love between Colwyn and Lyssa is what will heal the realm of Krull and send the Beast and his minions back into space.

There are elements of sci-fi along with the magic and fantasy creatures found in Curl. The sci-fi aspects have to do with the arrival of the beast on the planet, while the rest of the story is made up of mystical forces and legendary prophecies. Strong visuals and solid direction make up for some of that Curl missing, But the movie was reviewed a little too harshly when it premiered. Although Curl Does not push boundaries with his story it still warrants to be remembered.

1

Bewitched (2005)

Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score: 24%

Nora Ephron’s updated take on the beloved TV show Captivated was one of her worst-received projects, but the iconic writer and director knew what she was doing. The movie is filled with the classic quips and one-liners that Efron is known for, And Kidman gets to flex her comedic muscles alongside a charming Will Ferrell. In conversation with others worthy of romance and fantasy, Captivated Pay tribute to the original TV series while exploring the issues of Hollywood.

Part of the reason Captivated is not as well received as his Fantasy Television counterpart is likely because audiences assumed that the movie will be more similar to the series. however, Captivated was firmly set in the present day and expanded upon the formulaic elements of the older sitcom. It tried to be an original work that deviated from expectations. and took advantage of the chemistry between Kidman and Ferrell. The magic of Hollywood blends well with the magic of romance in the underrated Efron project.