Adventure movies often feel old-fashioned, but the best ones don’t feel old-fashioned in bad/detrimental ways. It’s more to do with stories about adventure having always been appealing and entertaining for hopefully obvious reasons, so there are plenty of iconic ones that have existed long before cinema was ever a thing (take The Odyssey, arguably… though, yeah, that one’s being made into a high-budget film in 2026).

Some of the best adventure movies of the past four decades have felt old-fashioned in good ways, and then a few have excelled in other regards, while feeling debatably a little more modern. There are a range of them below, but they all share a couple of things in common: they’re pretty much perfect, and they all belong either wholly, or in part, to the adventure genre.

10

‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’ (2003)

Image via 20th Century Studios

It might not have been as successful or as widely-seen as other war movies considered to be among the best of all time, but Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World debatably should’ve been. It’s remarkable, as both a war and adventure movie, being set during the Napoleonic Wars and mostly centering on the captain of a warship being driven to pursue another ship following a disastrous attack.

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is kind of a chase movie, and one with a commitment to both realism and good old-fashioned spectacle/entertainment at the same time, somehow. It’s juggling a lot all at once, and manages to keep all those balls in the air the whole time, so to speak, being one of the best movies of the past couple of decades (or so) that deserved at least one sequel, but never got any.

9

‘Until the End of the World’ (1991)

Image via Warner Bros.

This is the most obscure and underrated movie that’s going to be mentioned here, and it is admittedly quite a commitment if you want to appreciate it, but Until the End of the World is worth the effort. The theatrical cut was an already lengthy 179 minutes, yet you do have to watch the director’s cut of Until the End of the World instead, and that one’s almost two hours longer.

Since it goes for a bit under five hours, it manages to feel particularly expansive and globe-trotting in nature, even by the standards of the adventure genre, since it’s basically a road trip movie that spans different continents, and has its characters go around much of the world. On top of that, Until the End of the World is also forward-thinking (and maybe even prophetic) as a work of science fiction, all the while boasting one of the most impressive soundtracks in cinema history, too.

8

‘The Mission’ (1986)

Image via Columbia-Cannon-Warner Distributors

There are a few different genres tackled throughout The Mission, so it’s not “just” an adventure movie, but the same can be said for other movies that were written by Robert Bolt (his best-known screenplay is – and probably always will be – Lawrence of Arabia). Both its main characters do undertake a journey deep into the jungles of South America, though, one of them wanting to build a mission, and the other later traveling to that mission to seek redemption.

After all that, The Mission starts to feel almost like a war movie, or at least a historical action movie, maybe a little in line with something like The Last of the Mohicans. There’s also music in The Mission that’s well worth highlighting, though instead of being a soundtrack like with Until the End of the World, it comes in the form of one of the very best scores the great Ennio Morricone ever composed.

7

‘Avatar’ (2009)

Image via 20th Century Fox

You can liken James Cameron’s work to the cinematic equivalent of great pop music. It’s easy to look down on both, because such blockbusters and such popular music look kind of easy to make, or at least there’s a sense that those behind such things might be lazy compared to those who make more complex and challenging stuff, and yet there’s such a challenge when it comes to actually delivering truly crowd-pleasing entertainment.

Cameron can do so in a seemingly effortless way, and Avatar might not demonstrate that as much as Titanic, but Titanic’s not really an adventure film, so Avatar is the Cameron film that feels most worth shouting out here. It goes to some wild and visually spectacular places, and it’s still a pretty undeniable technical achievement all these years later, which isn’t something that can be said about many movies from the 2000s that featured so much computer-generated animation.

6

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

Image via 20th Century Studios

No exaggeration: The Princess Bride really does have one of the best screenplays of all time, and then it’s also great in all the other ways that a movie needs to be great if it wants to be considered a masterpiece, which The Princess Bride well and truly is. It’s a fantasy/adventure/romance/comedy movie all at once, and is technically a story within a story that celebrates and gently parodies fairy tales simultaneously.

Before, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was mentioned as a movie that did a great job of juggling various things/genres at once, but The Princess Bride arguably balances even more, and does so within a briefer runtime, too. It’s one of those rare films that truly has something to offer for everyone, regardless of one’s age or general outlook on life (be it cynical or optimistic/romantic).

5

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

It’s such an obvious pick, alongside a trilogy of fantasy/adventure movies that are going to be outlined in a bit, but Mad Max: Fury Road deserves to be here, since it’s very hard to fault as an action/sci-fi/adventure movie. The adventure here is a dark and particularly desperate one, though, since like the other movies in the Mad Max series (besides the first, which is more dystopian), Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic film.

Much of it’s one extended chase sequence, plus a few scenes that are more focused on character development and non-action stuff sprinkled throughout… though never so many that the film stops feeling relentlessly energetic. So much has already been written and said about how thrilling and non-stop Mad Max: Fury Road feels, and so much more will probably continue to be written as the years go on, and this film continues to age well (in all likelihood… it’ll be surprising if it doesn’t hold up 10, 20, or even 50 years from now).

4

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of the best animated movies of all time, and it also happens to be a sci-fi/adventure/action movie (plus some other genres, probably), so here it is. It’s all about different universes colliding, and various Spider-people having to band together to take on something that threatens all the universes, and then it’s also an origin story for Miles Morales at the same time.

And origin stories already felt a bit played-out and a little too everywhere, in 2018, yet this movie found a way to do that whole kind of narrative in an enjoyable and sometimes quite surprising way. It’s hard to say whether it’s the very best Spider-Man movie, when Spider-Man 2 (2004) also exists, but it’s more of an adventure film than that one, and it has to be admired for finding new things to do with one of the more ubiquitous superheroes in the movie world.

3

‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)

Image via Toho

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There’s an argument to be made that most of Hayao Miyazaki’s movies come pretty close to being perfect, with Princess Mononoke being especially so. It’s the best of a great bunch, in other words, and is simultaneously a fantasy movie, an adventure film, and an allegorical one about humanity and its relationship/conflict with the natural world, as much of the premise here concerns the people of an industrial town warring with beings living in a nearby forest.

Obviously, since it’s directed by Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, Princess Mononoke is stunning throughout, on a visual front, and proves similarly enthralling as far as the aural side of things is concerned, too (since it might well be the best-composed score of Joe Hisaishi’s). You can’t really go wrong with anything here, so this being considered an all-timer however you want to define or classify it feels fitting.

2

‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)

The Jurassic Park series has just kept on trucking, post-1993, and is now technically the Jurassic World series (probably/maybe?), but it’s unlikely that anything will ever top the original. This is almost as good as sci-fi/adventure movies get, being about a group of people visiting a theme park featuring dinosaurs that have been brought to life through science before the park officially opens, but then pretty much everything goes wrong.

Once they’re on the island, the film stays there as well, which might make it a little different from a globe-trotting sort of adventure movie, but it fits within the genre because there’s an element of adventuring inherent to the premise, what with people going to that island and all. It’s got some fierce competition for the title of “best Steven Spielberg adventure movie,” seeing as Raiders of the Lost Ark exists, though that one’s more than 40 years old, so Jurassic Park wins out – and gets included – here.

1

‘The Lord of the Rings’ (2001–2003)

Image via New Line Cinema

You could put any of the movies in The Lord of the Rings trilogy here, or you can put the trilogy as a whole, including it as one big three-part film, and either way, placement in the top spot’s earned. This is maybe the greatest achievement in blockbuster filmmaking of the century so far, and it’s a monumental epic that does justice to J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel of the same name, even if it’s not 100% faithful, as an adaptation.

It gets the basics across and then some, and it makes the story work well in a different format, which might’ve seemed like too challenging a task until it was actually pulled off by Peter Jackson and co. Sorry to be a bit predictable, by celebrating this particular trilogy here, at the end of all lists, but it really is that good, and all the praise that’s been thrown its way over the past 20+ years has been more than well-earned.

It’s agreed upon by most film fans that the ‘70s were the greatest decade in film history, which is why they are often referred to as the “New Hollywood” era. It was after a series of significant box office disappointments in the 1960s that studios began to give more creative control to directors, many of whom were young, and fresh out of film school. Since this rising crop of filmmakers tended to cite international cinema as an influence on their work, the definition of what a “Hollywood” film was transformed dramatically.

It’s incredible to look back at the films of 1976 because so many of them have had a lasting impact on popular culture, and still are perceived to be a significant influence on the cinema of 2026. It was a robust year filled with classics in nearly every genre.

10

‘Carrie’ (1976)

Image via United Artists

Carrie was the first adaptation ever of a Stephen King novel, and it remains one of the best. What made King’s story so good was that it was a haunting horror story that also presented itself as a coming-of-age tale with a relatable protagonist, and Carrie featured a standout performance by Sissy Spacek that launched one of the most significant stars of the next decade.

Carrie was also a major film for director Brian De Palma, who had his first major success after making a few smaller titles earlier in the decade. De Palma was often cited as being a “modern Alfred Hitchcock” because of the way that he used suspense and intrigue, and Carrie showed how he was willing to tear down taboos when it came to graphic content, thanks to the film’s horrific, bloody ending scene at the school dance.

9

‘The Killing of a Chinese Bookie’ (1976)

The Killing of a Chinese Bookie was a very unique film for director John Cassavetes, as for the most part he had made smaller arthouse dramas, many of which starred his partner, Gena Rowlands. Comparatively, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie was an anxiety-inducing crime thriller that became a masterclass in escalation, as Cassavetes was able to dig deep within the criminal underworld to tell a story of regret and retaliation.

The Killing of a Chinese Bookie came out only a few years after The Godfather, and proved once again that the crime genre was malleable to tell many different types of stories that could be considered “elevated.” While the original cut of the film released in theaters is a masterpiece, Cassavetes also released a director’s cut (that is widely available on streaming) that is much closer to his original vision.

8

‘Mikey and Nicky’ (1976)

Image via Paramount Pictures 

Mikey and Nicky was the third film directed by Elaine May, a filmmaker who sadly didn’t receive as many opportunities as she deserved. Although May had a famously intense production process that required fine-tuning and countless takes, the results were all masterpieces, as Mikey and Nicky is one of the best films ever made about male friendship and the impossibility of paying off debts.

May was able to get a great performance out of Cassavetes, who proved that he was capable of completely transforming for a role, even if it was for a film that he did not personally direct. That being said, the true scene-stealer of Mikey and Nicky is the late great Peter Falk, who was able to give a performance so charming, amusing, haunting, and tragic all at once that it makes the film even thoriner upon rewatch.

7

‘Marathon Man’ (1976)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Marathon Man was a truly unique spy thriller that was based on a very popular book, yet still managed to be just as popular. Although Dustin Hoffman was already one of the most respected actors of his generation, he stepped outside of his comfort zone to play a university student that goes on the run after his brother (Roy Scheider) is killed trying to prevent a powerful Nazi (Laurence Olivier) from gaining a powerful treasure.

Olivier was a shocking choice to play the main villain, as he was a more classical British actor who was best known for his work in the adaptations of William Shakespeare and other classic novelists. Nonetheless, Olivier succeeded in giving a transformative and terrifying performance, which was made all the more scary thanks to one of the most realistic torture scenes ever captured on film.

6

‘Rocky’ (1976)

Image via United Artists

Rocky isn’t just the greatest inspirational sports film of all-time, but the classic that basically redefined the genre and has inspired countless imitators. Although it inspired a terrific franchise that is still going strong to this day, the original Rocky is almost underrated at this point for what a thoughtful, grounded character drama it is, as director John Avildsen avoided some of the more outlandish feats of spectacle that became more prominent in the sequels.

Sylvester Stallone is a movie star with a mixed track record when it comes to hits and misses, but he wrote the original screenplay for Rocky and clearly poured all of his efforts and companion into the story of the ultimate underdog. Stallone has now become a massive action star with many franchises to his name, but Rocky is still the film and performance that he will always be best known for.

5

‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’ (1976)

Image via Warner Bros.

The Outlaw Josey Wales was a significant achievement for Clint Eastwood, who was quickly proving that he was just as good at directing Westerns as he was at starring in them. Although Eastwood has succeeded in making a smaller, grittier Western thriller just three years prior with High Plains Drifter, The Outlaw Josey Wales was a true war epic that was far more expansive in terms of scope.

The Outlaw Josey Wales showed how brave Eastwood was willing to be when casting himself, as it was far from the type of egocentric role that many other actors-turned-directors would take. He cast himself to play a truly violent, often scary anti-hero, and was able to explore the complex ethical ramifications of the situation by creating a flawed protagonist. Few better films have ever been made about the aftermath of the American Civil War.

4

‘Assault on Precinct 13’ (1976)

Image via The CKK Corporation

Assault on Precinct 13 was a true step up from director John Carpenter, whose previous film Dark Star had really only been a slightly more polished student project that was aimed at satirizing science fiction space operas. Assault on Precinct 13 may have looked on its surface to be another traditional cop thriller, but Carpenter had a trick up his sleeve; he was deeply indebted to the Western cinema of Howard Hawks, as Assault on Precinct 13 served as a loose remake of Rio Bravo that changed the setting from the Wild West to a contemporary police station.

Assault on Precinct 13 featured incredible shootout and fight scenes, even though it was released long before the “action genre” took off in the wake of Die Hard. It’s one of Carpenter’s toughest movies, and is often remembered for its particularly gritty opening scene.

3

‘Network’ (1976)

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Network is the rare film from 1976 that remains just as relevant today and it did during its initial theatrical release, as it explored the idea of media sensationalism and overconsumption in a way that resonates even more deeply in the era of the Internet. Although the line “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore” is what the film might be best remembered for, Network has countless amazing pieces of dialogue, as it is one of the best screenplays ever written.

Network has a truly incredible lineup of the most acclaimed actors who were starring in all the best films of the ‘70s, with Peter Finch becoming one of the few stars to win a posthumous Academy Award for Best Actor. Although he was one of the few cast members that wasn’t nominated for an Oscar, Robert Duvall also gives one of his best performances in Network.

2

‘All the President’s Men’ (1976)

Image via Warner Bros.

All the President’s Men is one of the most important political films ever made because it tackled the controversies surrounding the “Watergate” scandal in the administration of President Richard Nixon only a few years after they transpired. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman gave some of their greatest performances ever as Woodward and Bernstein, respectively, the duo of reporters whose report led Nixon to become the first President of the United States in history to resign from office.

All the President’s Men is still cited as being one of the most accurate and important films about the journalistic process, as it examined aspects of an investigation that must be followed in order for the reporters to make their proclamations with absolute certainty. It’s also a great piece of entertainment, as Alan Pakula was a director who could take important stories and make them very engaging for general audiences.

1

‘Taxi Driver’ (1976)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Taxi Driver was a groundbreaking film for Martin Scorsese because it crafted one of cinema’s most defining anti-heroes in Travis Bickle, the unusual main character played by Robert De Niro in one of his greatest performances ever. Bickle was meant to reflect the disillusionment of a generation of Vietnam War veterans who discovered that the country was in shambles, and turned to the underworld as a means of reaching self-actualization.

Taxi Driver is a magnetic thriller because it’s intense to see whether Bickle will lose his mind completely, or if his ethics will come through so that he can do the right thing, even if he only does it inadvertently. Although Scorsese and De Niro had previously worked with one another on the 1973 film Mean Streets, Taxi Driver marked the true inception of one of the greatest director-actor collaborations of all-time.

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Taxi Driver

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Release Date

February 9, 1976

Runtime

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114 minutes

Writers

Paul Schrader

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Former NBA star Jason Collins has died following a battle with brain cancer. He was 47.

“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” Collins’ family told the NBA in a Tuesday, May 12, statement, confirming the former athlete’s death.

Collins — the first openly gay player in the NBA — will be remembered for not only his athleticism on the court but the legacy he solidified beyond the sport.

“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” Collins’ loved ones said in their statement. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”

Related: NBA Star Jason Collins Diagnosed With ‘Deadliest’ Form of Brain Cancer

Former NBA player Jason Collins has been diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer. “A few months ago, my family released a short statement saying I had a brain tumor. It was simple, but intentionally vague,” Collins, 47, wrote in an essay for ESPN published on Thursday, December 11. “They did that to protect my privacy […]

NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued his own statement on Tuesday, praising Collins, a former NBC Cares Ambassador, for all he accomplished in his life.

“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” Silver wrote. “He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.”

The commissioner added, “Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.”

Related: NBA Star Ja Morant Reacts to the Sudden Death of Teammate Brandon Clarke

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Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant shared his emotional reaction to the sudden death of his teammate, Brandon Clarke.  “This hurt BC 💔,” Morant, 26, posted via his Instagram Story on Tuesday, May 12. “Love you broski. Gone way too soon.” He added, “It’s bigger than basketball.” Morant and Clarke played all seven seasons of their […]

Silver concluded, “On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”

Collins was a professional basketball player for 13 years, playing for the New Jersey Newts, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets.

One year before his retirement in 2014, Collins publicly came out as gay in a 2013 Sports Illustrated cover story. With his announcement, Collins became the first publicly gay athlete to play not only in the NBA, but to participate in any of the four main sports leagues in North America, according to ESPN.

“When I chose to come out, there was no scandal or anything,” Collins wrote in a December 2025 essay for ESPN. “This was like, I feel that I am good enough to play in the NBA and by the way, I’m gay. Just so everyone knows cards on the table, this is where I am.

The athlete recalled getting calls from some of the most famous people in the world after his cover story, including President Barack Obama.

“President Obama said, ‘Congratulations, what you’ve done today will have a positive impact on someone you might not ever meet in your lifetime,’” Collins explained at the time. “I think that’s a really cool thing and I want to do that again as far as having an opportunity to help someone that I might not ever meet in my lifetime.”

Outside of his NBA career and openness about his sexuality, Collins made headlines again in September 2025 when he revealed he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.

Three months later, he wrote his essay for ESPN, confirming that he was diagnosed with Stage IV glioblastoma.

“A few months ago, my family released a short statement saying I had a brain tumor. It was simple, but intentionally vague,” Collins wrote in December 2025. “They did that to protect my privacy while I was mentally unable to speak for myself, and my loved ones were trying to understand what we were dealing with. But now it’s time for people to hear directly from me.”

He shared, “I have Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer. It came on incredibly fast.”

Collins later traveled to Singapore to receive experimental treatments that are not yet authorized in the United States. He documented his journey via social media, including a health update video posted in January.

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“I have just finished cycle one of EDV treatment here in Singapore and the results are very encouraging,” he shared on January 15. “The scan I had is called FET-PET/MRI which distinguishes actively growing cancer cells from necrotic (essentially dead) tumor cells, and my tumor cells appeared to be non living. This is exciting news and pending FDA approval I am continuing further doses of EDV’s back in the US.”

The following month, Collins participated in a health walk in Inglewood, California, in support of NBC Cares. He was also seen sitting courtside at a Stanford University basketball game in February.

Collins is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, whom he married in May 2025, his parents, Portia and Paul Collins, and twin brother, Jarron Collins.

Every decade is home to some fantastic films, and one of the greatest genres that fans have been enjoying for centuries is fantasy. The sense of adventure paired with the mystical worlds, fascinating creatures, and overall feeling of wonder is unrivaled. The best part of the genre is that it can be so many different things, from epic high fantasy films like The Lord of the Rings trilogy to a more grounded movie that bends realism into fantasy, such as Life of Pi. Whatever fans want, this genre can provide.

Out of all the decades, the 2010s are one of the most peculiar when it comes to fantasy films, providing a mix of animation, high fantasy, and altered fantasy. There may be a lot of great movies, such as A Monster Calls, but there are only a handful of masterpieces. That is why this list will determine the only five fantasy movie masterpieces from the 2010s based on originality, story, influence, staying power, themes, directing, acting, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. The status of masterpiece is a title few movies achieve, but these five films wear it proudly.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)

Image via DreamWorks Animation

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Live-action remakes are here to stay, unfortunately, creating soulless rehashes of beloved animated classics. One of the most recent adaptations is How to Train Your Dragon, and even though it was almost entirely one-to-one, the original is still far better. The village of Berk is home to some of the strongest Vikings in the land, but they have been at odds with dragons for as long as time. It is a rite of passage to slay a dragon, but the Chief’s son, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), is against the murder of these creatures, leading to a rough relationship with his father. After finding a rare dragon, Hiccup decides to befriend it, leading to the realization that humans and dragons can coexist. However, he is going to have a lot tougher time trying to convince the people of Berk.

DreamWorks used to be known for its pop-culture gags that, while relevant at the time, didn’t always age well. However, How to Train Your Dragon moved away from this, instead delivering a family movie that aged perfectly. The flight scenes were absolutely gorgeous, using revolutionary technology to create a kinetic sense of action that was both beautiful and exhilarating. Technical craftsmanship aside, this movie also features a classic story with emotional weight. The characters are endearing, the humor is funny, and the scale is magnificent, all coming together to make How to Train Your Dragon an iconic staple of the 2010s and a universally beloved animated film.

‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

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Woody Allen is a controversial figure, but no matter what fans think of him, they have to at least acknowledge his proficiency in filmmaking, specifically in the romance genre. One of his best modern works is Midnight in Paris, which blends his usual style of romance and comedy with a little fantasy spice. Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) is a Hollywood screenwriter and aspiring novelist, but he and his fiancée (Rachel McAdams) are in a tough spot. Vacationing in Paris, Gil takes to wandering the streets alone at night, only to find himself transported back in time to the 1920s. Here, he meets icons like Ernest Hemingway (Corey Stoll) and F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston), who may help solve his problems.

Midnight in Paris is a forgotten fantasy film, but that doesn’t take away its status as a masterpiece; it just means more fans need to rediscover this flawless movie. Magic and fantasy go hand in hand, but where most films use them for spectacle and mysticism, Midnight in Paris uses them as a precise storytelling tool to explore the philosophical nature of the film and its themes. This profound touch creates a distinct fantasy masterpiece that is much different than the other movies on this list, but this separation further proves its genius. By deconstructing the Golden Fallacy, Midnight in Paris creates a psychological evolution of its protagonist that is grounded and bittersweet.

‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’ (2013)

Image via Toho

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Anime is one of the biggest media as of late, and it also contains some of the greatest fantasy films, mostly from the acclaimed animation studio, Studio Ghibli. However, out of their impressive catalogue, the only fantasy masterpiece of the 2010s they have is The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Based on a 10th-century Japanese folktale, it follows the titular princess born from a bamboo shoot. Now forced to live in luxury with a restrictive life, she must choose a suitor to spend the rest of her life with. However, Kaguya only wants to be free and live a normal human life.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya doesn’t use the whimsical narrative style as other Studio Ghibli films do, but rather adopts a tragic and somber story. This timeless tale works perfectly with this modern adaptation because it uses a sketch-like watercolor style that mimics the sumi-e style, creating a visual masterclass with one of the most engaging art styles in animation. The narrative reflects its themes in the art, thus providing a beautiful contrast that highlights the excellence of The Tale of Princess Kaguya. The technical innovation, when paired with its emotional story, creates an unforgettable movie that might be Studio Ghibli’s best.

‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (2016)

This list features a good amount of animated films, which is only natural since the fantasy genre works best in this creative and ambitious medium. How to Train Your Dragon is a Western animation, and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is an anime film, so Kubo and the Two Strings perfectly rounds out this trifecta as a stop-motion masterpiece. When the titular character accidentally summons an evil spirit, he must travel around ancient Japan in search of his father’s spirit, hoping to defeat the Moon God.

When done right, stop-motion is one of the most visually stunning mediums ever, and Kubo and the Two Strings is the height of the genre. Putting together intricate characters, creations, and one of the largest set pieces with a giant skeleton, this movie builds an immersive world that is a spectacle to witness. Furthermore, the painterly woodblock aesthetic makes Kubo and the Two Strings feel more authentic, accentuating the style and themes. By blending CGI with its puppets, Kubo and the Two Strings becomes one of the greatest fantasy adventure films, not to mention its profound themes of grief and memory that create a daring and captivating masterpiece.

‘The Shape of Water’ (2017)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Guillermo del Toro is a cinematic mastermind, creating some of the most unique, bizarre, and creative fantasy films that have all become cult classics. However, the one that won him the Oscar was The Shape of Water. Set in the 1960s, it follows a mute cleaner at a government facility, who discovers the secret they have been harboring: a mutated fish-man creature from the Amazon. Instead of being afraid, Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is fascinated by the monster and forms an unlikely bond with it, eventually orchestrating an escape when it doesn’t have much time left.

The Shape of Water might not be for everyone, but its distinct atmosphere and unique story make for a touching tale that uses del Toro’s signature style in its favor. Here, the renowned director flipped the classic Monster Movie formula into an endearing romance that was fresh, daring, and bold. The Shape of Water cemented itself as one of the best modern fantasy movies because it blends genres so masterfully, mixing spy thriller in the Cold War era with monster madness, romance, and fairy tale. It may not be a traditional fantasy movie, but that is exactly why it is a masterpiece from the 2010s that will be remembered forever.

Three months after losing James Van Der Beek, Kimberly Van Der Beek is opening up about the painful reality of life without her husband.

The actor’s widow shared an emotional message alongside family photos on Instagram, admitting the shock surrounding his death has started to fade.

As grief settles in, Kimberly says the absence left behind by the beloved television star feels impossible to ignore.

Kimberly Van Der Beek poured her heart out in a deeply personal Instagram post marking three months since the actor’s death.

The “Dawson’s Creek” star died on February 11 in Texas after battling stage three colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.

In her emotional tribute, Kimberly reflected on how different life feels now that the initial shock surrounding his death has worn off.

“Yesterday was three months since we lost @vanderjames. To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement,” she wrote.

She continued, “Words just don’t capture what grief is. The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in… and I miss him. We all miss him.”

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The heartbreaking post included old family photos and memories featuring James with their six children.

While mourning his absence, Kimberly also admitted she still feels spiritually connected to her late husband.

“Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. I feel him. I know him more deeply,” she shared. “My conscious connection to God has deepened. The veils of the universe have thinned. And I trust that this is the path me and my family have always been intended to walk.”

James Van Der Beek’s Family Leaning On Support

Alongside her reflections on grief, Kimberly spoke about the support her family has received since the actor’s passing.

She revealed that friends, loved ones, and even fans have surrounded the family with kindness during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

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According to Kimberly, the response has been overwhelming in ways she never expected.

“It’s held our family in the most beautiful of ways,” she wrote. “You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James. I am deeply grateful. There is so much more to share here. And in time — I will.”

Kimberly was also the person who first confirmed James Van Der Beek’s death publicly back in February.

At the time, she shared a heartbreaking statement about his final moments.

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“James passed peacefully this morning… He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she wrote after his death.

The actor’s passing devastated longtime fans who had followed his career since the late 1990s, when he rose to fame as Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek.”

James Van Der Beek Opened Up About Cancer Battle

Before his death, James Van Der Beek publicly addressed his cancer diagnosis and spoke honestly about the difficult road ahead.

The actor revealed in November 2024 that he had been privately battling colorectal cancer since the previous year.

“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said at the time.

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Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, he also tried to remain hopeful.

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.

During an appearance on the “Today” show, Van Der Beek also explained how he and Kimberly approached discussing his illness with their children.

“I’m far from an expert, but our approach was just to be as honest as possible, as honest to the degree of their understanding, right? Because they know,” he said.

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The actor and Kimberly shared six children together: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

Over the years, James often spoke openly about fatherhood and family life, making his death even more emotional for fans who watched him embrace life away from Hollywood.

Kimberly Remembered Precious Moments With James

In March, Kimberly honored her late husband again while marking what would have been his 49th birthday.

As The Blast reported, she shared several photos and videos showing intimate family moments, many of them centered around James’ role as a father and husband.

The memories included clips of him dancing with his children, spending time outdoors, and enjoying quiet moments at home.

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“The way you were at births, held our newborns, revered me… I will cherish forever,” Kimberly wrote alongside one touching post.

She also added humor to some of the memories she shared.

“He was the sexiest tree light hanger in all the land,” she captioned a video showing James decorating for Christmas.

In another emotional post, Kimberly admitted she is still struggling to process the devastating loss.

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She wrote, “Baby, you were the best humanity had to offer. This is a loss I don’t know how to process. I will love you forever.”

Final James Van Der Beek Project Set For Release

Even after his passing, fans will still see James Van Der Beek on screen one more time.

The actor is scheduled to appear in the upcoming “Legally Blonde” prequel series “Elle,” which is set to premiere on Prime Video on July 1, 2026.

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His scenes for the series were filmed last year while he was quietly battling cancer.

For many fans, the project will likely carry even more emotional weight now, serving as one of the final performances from an actor whose life and career touched multiple generations of television viewers.

Romantasy readers get ready, a Fourth Wing series has been green lit at Amazon.

During the Amazon upfronts in May 2026, Michael B. Jordan announced that the best-selling Rebecca Yarros book series will be adapted for Prime Video. The Oscar winner will serve as an executive producer.

Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail as she enters the Basgiath War College to train as a dragon rider.

“Violet’s journey in Fourth Wing has sparked a global phenomenon, captivating millions of readers and building an intensely passionate fanbase around its world, characters, and emotional stakes,” Peter Friedlander, Head of Global Television, Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement at the time. “Rebecca Yarros’ brilliant series is one of the most anticipated adaptations in the world, and with [showrunner] Meredith [Averill] and our valued partners at Kilter, Outlier, and Premeditated, we’re bringing it to life in a way that honors what fans love about the story.”

Keep scrolling for everything to know about the Fourth Wing adaptation:

What Is ‘Fourth Wing’ About?

Fourth Wing is the first book of Yarros’ Empyrean series. There are currently three novels published — Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm — with two more yet to be published.

The first novel tells the story of Violet Sorrengail as she enters war college with the hopes of becoming a dragon trainer. While she is the youngest daughter of General Lilith Sorrengail, Violet is underestimated due to a health condition. While attending the university, Violet meets wingleader Xaden Riorson who appears to be her biggest threat. Despite being at odds at first, Violet and Xaden end up forming a connection that ultimately turns romantic.

Is ‘Fourth Wing’ Author Rebecca Yarros Involved?

Yarros will serve as an executive producer on the series.

“I’m thrilled to be working with this dedicated, experienced team and grateful for their passion for both the books and the readership behind them,” the author said in May 2026.

What Is Michael B Jordan’s Involvement in ‘Fourth Wing’?

Jordan will serve as an executive producer alongside Yarros, Averill and multiple production companies including the actor’s Outlier Society.

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“This project required the right creative partner,” Jordan said in May 2026 adding that he and colleague Lisa Joy are “building a cinematic world” with the goal “to deliver the series this fandom deserves.”

Is There a ‘Fourth Wing’ Cast?

A cast has yet to be announced for the Fourth Wing series. Jordan previously teased to the BBC that they were looking for a mixture of familiar faces and new names.

“When it’s done the right way, I think you can have a nice balance where casting won’t be distracting,” he told the outlet in February 2026.

Fantasy films are generally known for their sense of wonder, even joy, in the magical and mystical. Dark fantasy is the other side of the coin, the stories that approach the same concepts and forms from a more mature angle, finding greater depths of emotion, philosophy, and even terror in their fantastical worlds. It’s a genre that has given us many of the most acclaimed fantasy films of all time, like Pan’s Labyrinth or Coraline, but there are also a significant number of great dark fantasy movies that have sadly faded from the spotlight.

Though they’re not as widely discussed as they ought to be, these films still rank among the genre’s greats, taking audiences on mesmerizing journeys with powerful messages and high production values. Without further ado, here’s our selection of the most praiseworthy dark fantasy movies that no one ever talks about anymore.

1

‘The NeverEnding Story’ (1984)

Image via Warner Bros.

Adapted from the first half of Michael Ende’s 1979 novel, The NeverEnding Story was directed and co-written by Wolfgang Petersen in his English-language debut. The film follows a young boy who finds a magical book set in the wonderland of Fantasia and discovers that the lines between fiction and reality aren’t as strict as he may have imagined. The movie stars Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach, Patricia Hayes, Sydney Bromley, Gerald McRaney, and Moses Gunn, with voice acting by Alan Oppenheimer.

These days, The NeverEnding Story mostly comes up in conversation as a reference or a joke, and except for dedicated fans, not a lot of people actively discuss the film or even watch it. However, the movie is a fantasy masterwork that’s one of the best children’s films of the 1980s, taking viewers, young and old, on a magical journey into the hidden powers of imagination. The film was a critical and commercial success when it first hit theaters in 1984, earning several accolades and spawning two sequels: 1990’s The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter and 1994’s The NeverEnding Story III.

2

‘The Dark Crystal’ (1982)

Image via Universal Pictures

A landmark dark fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, The Dark Crystal is best known for its extensive use of puppets and animatronics, featuring no human actors on screen at all. The film explores the conflict between two groups in the magical land of Thra, the innocent Gelflings and the evil Skeksis, following two young Gelflings on a quest to restore a shattered crystal, which holds a power that can change the world. The film’s voice cast includes Stephen Garlick, Lisa Maxwell, Billie Whitelaw, Percy Edwards, and more.

A surprisingly dark and mature fantasy film for its time, The Dark Crystal had mixed reviews from 1980s critics, but it has since grown into a beloved cult classic. Though it isn’t as widely known as it deserves to be, the film is recognized by critics, scholars, and fantasy fans as a masterpiece with imaginative worldbuilding, unique production, and a highly original story, supported by top-notch practical effects and creature design. A prequel series, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, was released on Netflix in 2019, which is also equally brilliant and underrated.

3

‘The Last Unicorn’ (1982)

Image via ITV Studios Global Entertainment

Directed and produced by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, The Last Unicorn is an animated fantasy written by Peter S. Beagle that’s adapted from his 1968 novel. The movie follows a unicorn who learns that she is the last of her species on Earth and sets out on a quest to learn what happened to the rest of her kind, learning painful lessons about love, regret, and mortality along the way. Mia Farrow leads the voice cast as the Unicorn, with Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges, Tammy Grimes, Angela Lansbury, Christopher Lee, and more voicing key supporting characters.

Though it had a positive reception from the critics of its time, The Last Unicorn was a box office flop, but it has since developed a cult following. A compelling, bittersweet fantasy that’s narratively superior to most animated films of its time, the movie has earned praise from critics and fans for its engaging performances, the somber soundtrack, and the animation by Japanese studio Topcraft, the precursor to the acclaimed Studio Ghibli. It’s arguably one of the greatest animated fantasy films of all time, but the movie is still not as widely appreciated as it ought to be.

4

‘Gretel & Hansel’ (2020)

Image via United Artists Releasing

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A reinterpretation of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale “Hansel and Gretel,” Gretel & Hansel is a dark fantasy horror film directed by Osgood Perkins and written by Rob Hayes. Sophia Lillis and Sam Leakey star as a teenage Gretel and her younger brother Hansel, who are lured into a trap by an evil witch with a dark secret. The movie also features Alice Krige, Jessica De Gouw, Charles Babalola, Fiona O’Shaughnessy, and more in supporting roles.

When it first premiered in 2020, Gretel & Hansel had a fairly positive critical reception and a successful box office run, grossing $22.3 million worldwide against a $5 million budget. Though it’s become largely forgotten since then, the film is a genuinely scary and visually stunning fantasy. Though its writing may be uneven in parts, it’s still a solid experience for horror fans and arguably one of the best movie adaptations of its classic source material.

5

‘Dororo’ (2007)

Image via Toho

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Inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s 1960s manga series and directed by Akihiko Shiota, Dororo is a Japanese dark fantasy action movie that follows two warriors, the cursed samurai Hyakkimaru and Dororo, a female thief who pretends to be a man. Together, they travel the land in search of 48 demons, each of whom possesses one of Hyakkimaru’s stolen body parts. Satoshi Tsumabuki stars as Hyakkimaru and Kō Shibasaki as Dororo, with Eita Nagayama, Kiichi Nakai, Yoshio Harada, and more in supporting roles.

Tezuka’s original period fantasy series has been highly influential in the world of manga for decades, and it’s inspired multiple anime adaptations and novels. The live-action film is a loose adaptation of the manga that isn’t quite as popular, but it is a niche cult classic, especially among fans of fantastical action movies. With a unique narrative, stellar action choreography, and impressive makeup work for its time, Dororo is easily one of the most underrated Japanese movies of the 2000s.

6

‘Sleepy Hollow’ (1999)

Image via Everett Collection

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Directed by Tim Burton and written by Andrew Kevin Walker, Sleepy Hollow is a gothic supernatural horror film loosely adapted from Washington Irving‘s 1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Johnny Depp stars as Ichabod Crane, a New York City police officer who arrives in the village of Sleepy Hollow in the fall of 1799 to look into a series of murders, purportedly committed by the spirit of a Headless Horseman. The film also stars Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Casper Van Dien, Christopher Lee, and Jeffrey Jones in notable roles.

A cult classic Halloween movie, Sleepy Hollow premiered in November 1999 to critical acclaim and box office success, though it’s relatively underrated among Tim Burton’s films these days. Powered by its stellar performances, direction, writing, and music, Sleepy Hollow is a chilling dark fantasy movie with a wicked and subtle sense of humor. A must-watch for fans of Burton’s signature style of filmmaking, the movie went on to receive several accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Art Direction.

7

‘Snow White: A Tale of Terror’ (1997)

Image via Polygram Filmed Entertainment 

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Directed by Michael Cohn, Snow White: A Tale of Terror is a Gothic dark fantasy horror film that reimagines the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale. Set in 15th-century Germany, the film stars Monica Keena as Lilli Hoffman, a young noblewoman whose stepmother, Claudia (Sigourney Weaver), seeks to kill her, forcing Lilli to flee into the forest, where further dangers lurk. Besides Keena and Weaver, the movie also features Sam Neill, Gil Bellows, David Conrad, and more in supporting roles.

Though it may be inspired by a fairytale, Snow White: A Tale of Terror is exactly what the title suggests: a dark, twisted retelling that adds greater depths and horrors to its story and characters. The film had mixed reviews in its time, but it did earn a number of accolades, including three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Though it’s more or less forgotten these days, the movie is a must-watch for dark fantasy fans, not least for Sigourney Weaver’s haunting performance as the evil stepmother, who is seen here to be a far more complex character than ever before.

8

‘The Green Knight’ (2021)

Image via A24

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Adapted from the Arthurian poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” The Green Knight is a dark fantasy adventure movie directed, written, produced, and edited by David Lowery, with Dev Patel starring as Gawain. Not yet a knight, Gawain is the son of Morgan le Fay and nephew of King Arthur, and one Christmas, he accepts a fateful quest to face the mysterious entity known as the Green Knight, finding his courage, morality, and honor tested along the way. Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, and Sean Harris star in supporting roles, with Ralph Ineson as the Green Knight.

The legends of King Arthur and his knights have been fertile fodder for numerous adaptations, but none quite like The Green Knight. The film presents a surreal, fantastical narrative that captures the magic and spirit of the legends while revealing the flawed, human nature of its mythical characters, particularly its protagonist. Anchored by Patel’s compelling performance, the movie earned critical acclaim for its acting, cinematography, and production values, and though underrated, it’s easily one of the best dark fantasy films of all time.

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Release Date

July 29, 2021

Runtime

130 minutes

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Director

David Lowery

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Writers

David Lowery

Producers

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David Lowery, James M. Johnston, Theresa Page, Tim Headington, Toby Halbrooks, Edmund Sampson

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Prince William has long maintained the image of a calm and composed future king, especially during public outings. However, behind palace walls, reports now suggest that his fiery temper has become a growing source of concern, even for his father, King Charles.

A new book by a royal expert claims the heir apparent is “capable of great bellowing” tantrums, something Prince Harry previously hinted at.

Earlier reports have also suggested that William’s wife, Kate Middleton, has often acted as the glue between father and son during moments of occasional tension.

In the past, several reports have suggested that William and Charles do not always see eye to eye on certain issues.

Now, according to royal biographer Christopher Andersen, some of those disagreements can become extremely heated, particularly on the prince’s part, as he is reportedly “capable of great bellowing tantrums.”

Andersen claimed that when this happens, Charles is sometimes left terrified by the confrontations, much like anyone would be when faced with William’s far louder and more forceful voice.

“When he gets frustrated, he does resort to shouting [at the king],” an ex-employee at Highgrove House, Charles’ country estate, told the royal expert, per Page Six. “William has a huge, booming voice. Much louder than his father’s, so it’s not something you soon forget.”

Prince Harry Once Claimed William’s Anger Turned Physical

Harry wrote that the incident happened quickly, alleging that William grabbed him by the collar, broke his necklace, and knocked him to the floor, according to The Guardian. He further claimed he landed on a dog bowl and was left briefly dazed before telling William to leave.

Other Royal Experts Have Weighed In On Prince William’s Temper

William’s alleged propensity for anger has also been noted in several other royal commentaries, with some accounts even citing the views of senior members of the royal family.

Robert Lacey, in his 2020 book “Battle of Brothers,” claimed that Queen Camilla once told a friend she was shocked by “the ranting and raving that William unleashed on occasion against her husband in her presence.”

Similar claims were echoed by royal author Robert Jobson in his 2026 book, “The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal, and Survival.”

Excerpts from the book alleged that William is prone to “mood swings,” can be overly “assertive with his father,” and that his “fiery temper” is often “difficult to handle.”

Kate Middleton Reportedly Acts As The ‘Glue’ Between Charles And William

Amid the occasional feuding between father and son, it is Catherine, Princess of Wales, who has reportedly often acted as a calming influence within the family.

In January 2025, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that King Charles III is “extremely fond and proud of his daughter-in-law,” whom many already view as one of the British monarchy’s brightest assets.

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At the time, Chard described how the pair share similar passions, with the King reportedly in awe of Catherine’s “wow factor, empathy and resilience.”

More importantly, Chard claimed Catherine’s “solution-focused” nature is the “glue” that has helped maintain the bond between Charles and his son.

Prince William Reportedly Wants To Avoid King Charles’ Mistakes

When William eventually takes the throne, his reign will likely look very different from that of his father, according to royal expert Valentine Low.

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GB News quoted Low saying that William is very much “different from his father,” adding that he is also “very aware of what he regards as mistakes his father has made.”

The prince reportedly intends not to “repeat them,” with one of those alleged mistakes being a lack of awareness about the boundaries between what one can do as Prince of Wales and as King, and how those actions could affect the government itself.