The 10 best fantasy films of the 2000s

Although each decade has a unique twist on the fantasy genre, there is something enduring and nostalgic about the 2000s. While the 1980s are typically remembered as a groundbreaking era for science fiction and fantasy, the 2000s will likely continue to be considered an equally influential period in cinema. Some of the most iconic franchises such as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Ringswere released throughout the 2000s. However, it wasn’t just cinematic universes that shined during this period, as independent projects were just as successful in creating intricate worlds that audiences could escape into.

It’s true that visual effects and CGI technologies have come a long way since the start of the 21st century, but despite the dated aspects of older works, there’s still a lot of charm. The best of the genre stands up to the fantasy films released today and are still incredible to watch. On the other hand, the early 2000s were full of fantasy films that would have been more successful ten years later, but the decade also boasts some of the best magical works of all time. Looking back at the fantasy films of the 2000s is a reminder of what the genre is capable of.

10

Stardust (2007)

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

Based on the 1999 novel of the same name the Stardust the film is a little lighter and more romantic than the source material, but maintains the whimsy and world-building of the original story. Although the magic system Stardust is unconventional, the fact that it is soft leaves room for experimentation in the narrative. Stardust combines elements from many great niche fantasies, with swashbuckling adventures and a relentless battle between princes forming the context for the heartwarming romance and story of self-acceptance.

Charlie Cox and Claire Danes star as Tristan and Yvaine, but they’re just two of the cast that balances the humor and action of Stardust. Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer are at their best as raucous heroes and villains who lend their considerable reputations and skills to the work. However Stardust It exercises its ironic humor well, this does not take away from the emotional core of the story, which keeps the audience rooting for Tristan and Yvaine.

9

Night at the Museum (2006)

Directed by Shawn Levy

The first Night at the Museum the film was released in 2006 and kicked off the beloved franchise with Ben Stiller starring as Larry Daley. Although some of the film’s humor is a little silly, is a sweet and engaging film, anchored by Stiller’s physical comedy and hidden emotional depth. Although critics did not immediately hail the film as a classic work of fantasy, it is filled with enchanting, imaginative stories that recall the viewer’s childhood and wildest youthful dreams.

Night at the Museum was a box office success, and the way it connected with audiences is an endorsement of the film’s longevity. Subsequent sequels expanded the story concept, seeing Larry travel to museums around the world and learn more about the history and importance of art through the lens of a fascinating adventure. One of the most important pieces Night at the Museum It’s Larry. He is the everyman and a great protagonist that the audience can see themselves in.

8

Big Fish (2003)

Directed by Tim Burton

Big Fish is an underrated installment of all Tim Burton films. Although it is magical, it doesn’t have as many gothic influences as some of Burton’s other works. The impulse to Big Fish it has to do with finding the difference between fact and fiction in the stories that are passed down from father to son. However, the characters in Big Fish come to realize that There is a lot of truth hidden in these fantastic stories, even if they are not always rooted in reality.

Ewan McGregor and Billy Crudup star as Edward and Will, the father and son who try to connect with each other throughout the film. Big Fish. Their relationship takes center stage in the film, but the gorgeous sets and beautiful costumes that Burton is known for help transport the audience into an incredible world. Both the scenes that unfold in the imagined world Edward creates for himself and the realism of Will’s attempts to connect with him are equally compelling, allowing imagination to collide with facts.

7

Enchanted (2007)

Directed by Kevin Lima

Of all the live-action Disney fairy tales, Enchanted It’s by far the best. Not only does the film feature Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, and Idina Menzel as part of the cast, but it also manages to seamlessly blur the line between fantasy and reality to make the story a crossover hit. At once serious and emotional while poking fun at the tropes and pitfalls of the fairy tale genre, Enchanted It has something for everyone and has aged beautifully.

Adams’ performance as Giselle is a highlight of the film, as her evolution and journey to self-acceptance are a critical part of the story and add depth to the narrative. Enchanted premiered to near-universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike because of its self-awareness and the theme of balancing the magical and the practical in life. However Enchanted falls victim to the predictability of the happily ever after fairy tale, never tries to be something it isn’t, and embraces the tropes in the story.

6

Coralina (2009)

Directed by Henry Selick

Rewatching Coraline Today, it’s even clearer why this gothic children’s fantasy story is a favorite not just during the fall months, but any time of year. The precocious and misunderstood Coraline is a perfect protagonist which is familiar to children and adults alike as they seek solace for their loneliness. Although there are parts Coraline which are undeniably frightening, are balanced by an eccentricity that seems to have sprung from the imaginations of young viewers who have been fascinated by the story for generations.

While there are many stop-motion animated films that are not horror, many of the best are, including Coraline. The fantastic horror niche that Coraline Opera Within is well-suited for stop-motion, as the look and tone of the story fit the equally beautiful and mysterious world of the narrative. The film takes liberties with the original 2002 short, but all of these changes serve to expand Coraline’s world while preserving the integrity of the story.

5

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Directed by Gore Verbinski

What began as a film adaptation of a beloved Disney Park ride has turned into a far-reaching franchise that owes much of its success to the vision of the first film. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is everything a supernatural swashbuckling adventure should be, and it’s helped by the convincing chemistry between Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. As the series progressed, the story world leaned further into high-sea lore and mysticism, but The Black Pearl It balances historical context and magic very well.

It was clear that the studio and filmmakers understood the potential of the franchise The Curse of the Black Pearl when it was being done. While the film resists contemporary viewing as an independent film, it still lays the groundwork for future episodes, expertly making the audience wonder about the deeper magic hidden in the world. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is just as dedicated to showing the viewer a good time as the original theme park ride, creating a film that’s easy to get lost in.

4

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón

At the time it was a surprise that Alfonso Cuarón was chosen to direct the third film in the Harry Potter franchise, but in retrospect, he was the perfect person for the job. Cuarón managed to perfectly bridge the gap between the initial innocence of the first two films and the darkness of the later years. He not only transitioned between eras and tone Harry Potter possible, but it also made the project the best adaptation of the wizarding world.

Many of the stylistic choices Cuarón made in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban taken to subsequent work, like the reimagining of the Hogwarts grounds and the slightly more harrowing characterization of Harry and his friends. Of course, much of this can be attributed to history, but there is little doubt that without The Prisoner of Azkaban​​​​​​, the remaining films would be completely different. Although it stands out from other films, this is good and makes the project memorable.

3

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Directed by Peter Jackson

Each installment of Peter Jackson’s adaptations of The Lord of the Rings trilogy is vital to the story. However, the final film completes the franchise and takes the narrative to another level. Packed with action, tragedy and the final moments of Frodo’s journey to destroy the One Ring, The Return of the King it was immediately hailed as a genre-defining work of fantasy. The film made Oscar history, becoming the first fantasy film to win Best Picture.

This was an incredible feat in and of itself, but it’s doubly impressive because it’s a sequel, even though all three films are often considered a continuation of the same story. However, just because The Return of the King swept away during awards season, that’s not the only reason it should be remembered as a fundamental work of cinema. The performances of each cast member demonstrate the intensity and gravity of the project. Furthermore, the sensitivity with which Jackson shows the characters’ simultaneous strength and weakness is impeccable.

2

Spirited Away (2001)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki’s best film, Away from spiritremains Studio Ghibli’s crown jewel. Not only was its legacy cemented by a flood of accolades and accolades during awards season, but the relevance and influence it still maintains in cinematic spheres is considerable. Chihiro, the young girl who is transported to the spiritual world, goes through the classic rhythms of coming of age and the loss of innocence throughout the story. However, the way his narrative is imagined in Away from spirit is so emotionally resonant that it sets the film apart from any other formative romance.

It is impossible to compare other animation works with Spirited Away. Miyazaki demonstrates such a deep understanding of the medium and how best to use it to capture a story whose importance few other films can match. Every piece of Away from spirit works in harmony to transport Chihiro and the audience to the bathhouse. The visual language of Away from spirit is impressive and complex, revealing something new with each viewing of the film.

1

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Not just one of the best fantasy films of the 2000s, but one of the best of all time, Guillermo del Toro Pan’s Labyrinth will never be forgotten. As with all of del Toro’s projects, Pan’s Labyrinth Features incredible character design on both monsters and humans that inhabit its mystical world, as well as its iconic practical effects. Not only does Pan’s Labyrinth it follows the familiar beats of a dark fairy tale, but it also speaks to the political and social messages that del Toro infuses into all of his projects.

The bets of Pan’s Labyrinth seems immediate in every aspect of the narrative, with the fantasy side looking as real as the historical elements. Set in Francoist Spain in the 1940s, the film focuses on both the revolution and the coming-of-age and turbulence of the protagonist, Ofelia’s youth during this upheaval. Like all great works of this genre, Pan’s Labyrinth leaves it up to the viewer to determine what is real and what is imagined, as the message of the story remains the same regardless.