The 10 best fantasy films of the 1960s

Fantasy The films of the 1960s are a time capsule of an era of imagination that inspired some of the greatest fantasy films and performances of all time. Although these films mix a variety of genres and story types, Many of the decade’s most prominent fantasy films were produced by Walt Disney Studios. Both animated and live-action films were highly successful for Disney during the ’60s, but this family fare isn’t all the decade had to offer. Darker, more adult fantasy films have drawn older audiences to theaters and are great projects to rewatch today.

One of the reasons it’s so fun to look back on works of speculative fiction from the 1960s is because filmmakers had to be very creative in their use of visual effects. These projects use beautifully constructed miniatures and hands-on sets and make initial forays into using animation in live-action projects. When a film’s effects are practical rather than CGI, they immerse the viewer into the world of the story and create a unique aesthetic that sets the film apart from other fantasy projects. Returning to the fantasy films of the 60s transports the audience to another time.

10

Doctor Dolittle (1967)

Directed by Richard Fleischer

Rex Harrison plays the magical Doctor Dolittle in the 1967 adaptation from the Hugh Lofting series of novels. It was a complicated and complicated task bringing the film to life, and the disappointing box office performance created a complicated legacy for Doctor Dolittle. However, the project has a lot of heart and the many animals the film used to create the magical world of Dolittle. Despite the disappointing reception, Doctor Dolittle It was nominated for several Academy Awards, winning in the Best Song and Best Effects categories.

Doctor Dolittle has been adapted for the screen many times, and while the 1967 iteration has its problems, it’s incredibly nostalgic, especially for fans of great classic musicals. Harrison’s performance is considered a highlight of the film, and the song appeals to audiences of all ages. The almost surrealist tone Doctor Dolittle makes it stand out from Disney’s other live-action projects and it gives an edge that translates well into the modern day.

9

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Directed by Ken Hughes

Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes have incredible chemistry in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang like Caractacus Potts and Truly Delicious. Van Dyke cements his legacy as an iconic musical and children’s artist, playing the romantic lead and the caring father with the same credibility and care. The framework story of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang allows the viewer to imagine that they could easily be taken by a fantastic flying car and have the adventure of a lifetime.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is an incredible musical film that seems straight out of a child’s imagination, but that doesn’t mean the film doesn’t have some emotional depth. The Child Catcher is one of the most genuinely scary villains in any children’s film, adding significant stakes and tension to the story. However, these moments of fear are easily overcome by the stunning visuals and Technicolor dreaminess that make Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a family favorite for generations of viewers.

8

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, Clyde Geronimi and David Hand

The 1960s was a transitional period for Disney animation, as the studio was not yet in the era dubbed Disney’s Dark Ages, a period from 1970 to 1988 (via FilmWeb). Although it was a box office success The sword in the stone It was not a critical success like other Disney projects have been in the past. Despite that, has gained a cult following in the decades since it debuted and is remembered for his unique style and the fact that the film contains such complex material.

A large part The sword in the stoneThe book’s enduring nature is due to the incredible novel from which it draws its story, The former and future king by TH White. Of course, The sword in the stone summarizes White’s book and makes the narrative more childish, but the spirit of the King Arthur legend is still present in the project. With fun music and imaginative animations, The sword in the stone it’s easy to rewatch today, generating enjoyment for contemporary audiences.

7

Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968)

Directed by Robert Stevenson

The eccentric buddy comedy Blackbeard’s Ghost isn’t as remembered as some of Disney’s other live-action projects of the 1960s. Worlds collide in Blackbeard’s Ghost while mild-mannered professor Steve Walker inadvertently summons the ghost of infamous pirate Edward Teach. Although Teach’s aggressive ways are shocking to Walker, the pair quickly join forces to save a local inn to free Blackbeard from his curse and bring Walker closer to his love interest, Jo Anne.

Director Robert Stevenson has helmed some of the studio’s most successful live-action fantasy films and brings the signature charm and whimsy of Blackbeard’s Ghost how he does his other work. Despite the unconventional story, Blackbeard’s Ghost It uses its premise well and successfully exploits it in classic comedy moments. Fun and well played by Peter Ustinov, Blackbeard, and Dean Jones, Walker, Blackbeard’s Ghost It has a lot to recommend it. A pirate adventure and a morality tale, Blackbeard’s Ghost hits all its marks.

6

Yellow Submarine (1968)

Directed by George Dunning

Although A difficult day’s night was the first feature film in which seminal rock band The Beatles performed, Yellow Submarine is by far their most memorable foray into the world of cinema. It utilizes a distinctive animation style, incorporating the Beatles’ contemporary hits and weaving them into the narrative that appeals to the countercultural revolution of the 1960s. Like many other classic jukebox musicals Yellow Submarine uses the words and themes of the original songs to influence the look and narrative arc of the film.

Yellow Submarine came out during a much more experimental period in the Beatles’ career, which influenced the psychedelic visuals and surreal narrative. The film is an early example of how slow transition animation became an art form for everyone rather than just a genre aimed at younger audiences. The Blue Meanies added to this more adult atmosphere, as the antagonists are a frightening addition to the film. Critical and public reception for Yellow Submarine propelled the project to prominence today.

5

Barbara (1968)

Directed by Roger Vadim

Barbarella went down in history as a classic science fiction fantasy sex comedy which became beloved for its exaggerated style and storytelling. Jane Fonda stars as the titular Barbarella, a space traveler from Earth in search of the film’s antagonist, Durand Durand. Throughout her travels, Barbarella meets many interesting people and finds herself in complicated situations that she needs to use her intelligence, and often her sexuality, to get out of. Although gender dynamics Barbarella are undoubtedly dated, they mock the exploitation genre more than they defend it.

The details of Barbarella The remake starring Sydney Sweeney is still airing, but the project would certainly be updated considerably for modern audiences. However, there are parts Barbarella that are too iconic to change, like the incredible sets and costumes that bring the comic book source material to life. The influence of Barbarella passed through generations, as both sex comedies and comic book adaptations owe much to the legacy of Barbarella.

4

Fantastic Voyage (1966)

Directed by Richard Fleischer

Fantastic Journey is set against the backdrop of the Cold War, a conflict that influenced many of the best films of the 1960s. The premise of the story is something out of a Magic school bus special, when a team of military men and scientists are reduced to miniature size and injected into the body of a prominent scientist, Dr. Jan Benes. They have one hour to repair the blood clot in Benes’ brain until it returns to normal size.

While this premise is undeniably strange, it is handled perfectly in terms of tone and style, doing Fantastic Journey a fantasy and science fiction classic. The time constraint, combined with the risk that Benes is the only person who knows how to properly expand the use of shrinking technology, gives the film an edge and keeps the audience on edge. Using natural elements of the human body as the antagonist in the film is a fun subversion and creates memorable visuals.

3

Planet of the Apes (1968)

Directed byFranklin J. Schaffner

However Planet of the Apes leans towards both science fiction and fantasy, the revolutionary work of speculative fiction rises to the top in terms of quality and influence across all niches of cinema. The fact that the 1968 film was so revolutionary that it inspired a long-running franchise that it has found high levels of success in the 21st century shows the enduring nature of the story. Charlton Heston stars as the human George Taylor, who finds himself in another world where apes have become the ultimate species.

The unbelievable twist at the end of Planet of the Apes remains one of the most effective twists in science fiction and fantasy, and the philosophical questions about what it means to be human Planet of the Apes besides most kitschy adventure films. Additionally, the quality of the sets and prosthetics used to create the film’s apes are well made and stand up to contemporary scrutiny. Although the new Planet of the Apes the films are more high-tech, they owe their success to the original.

2

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Directed by Don Chaffey

Based on the Greek myth about the adventures of the hero Jason, Jason and the Argonauts follows the story of Jason’s quest to find the Golden Fleece and usurp the corrupt king Pelias. Starring Todd Armstrong as Jason, the film features incredible uses of animated and practical effects as Jason and his crew sail the high seas and encounter dangerous gods and monsters. Each installment of his mission finds Jason facing a terrifying threat but persevering through well-choreographed action sequences that thrill audiences.

The iconic scene in which the characters fight skeletons in stop-motion was a landmark moment in fantasy cinema. Unfortunately, this moment was not enough to help Jason and the Argonauts It was a hit at the box office, but time has been kind to the film’s legacy. While the monsters aren’t the most realistic, that’s not the point of a fantasy film like Jason and the Argonauts. Although modern adaptations of Greek myths may have more advanced effects, Jason and the Argonauts captures the spirit of your hero with ease.

1

Maria Poppins (1964)

Directed by Robert Stevenson

Easily one of Julie Andrews’ best films and best performances, the magic of 1964 Mary Poppins could never be recreated. Based on the book series about the magical nanny herself Mary Poppins updated the story and made it much more whimsical and light-hearted than the novels, establishing the version of Mary Poppins that most modern audiences associate with the character. Although the film received a sequel in 2018 as Mary Poppins Returnsthis project did not live up to the standards set by the original film.

Mixing animation and live action, Mary Poppins was well ahead of its time and perfectly balanced the emotional realism of the story with the escapist fantasy elements. A huge critical and commercial success, Mary Poppins swept during awards season and is still considered a classic by many members of the modern audience. From the beautifully performed songs to the genuinely moving story, there’s little about Mary Poppins that doesn’t hold up well today.