Fantasy is a genre that takes its audience through astonishing worlds of magic and power. People of all ages can escape their hustle and bustle through this genre of cinema. This genre has the biggest potential to take the audience into a separate land full of dragons and unicorns. Today, we will be discussing the top 5 fantasy film series and their legacies.
Be it Hogwarts or District 12, fantasy movies have created a lot of safe spaces for people. Anyone can watch these movies and escape to a land of magic and peace. Let’s dive deep into the best fantasy film franchises that have given us a tour of magic, wonder, and adventure. Let’s explore these fantasy film series from this article!
[ Also Read: Top 10 Best Sci-Fi Movies to Watch and Where to Watch Them ]1. Harry Potter (2001-2011)
The Harry Potter film series is based on the fan-favorite book series by J.K. Rowling. It tells the story of a young wizard named Harry Potter who survives the deadly attack of Voldemort, the nose-less villain. The film series takes us on an adventurous ride into the world of Hogwarts. Hogwarts is a school where students from all over the world come to learn witchcraft and wizardry. This film series explores the world of flying cards, magic, supernatural powers, and even creatures like dragons.
The film series deals with the concepts of good versus evil, the power of love, and the gift of friendship. Ron, Hermione, and Harry have captivated the audiences of every generation and influenced music, fashion, and popular culture. The fanbase of Harry Potter keeps growing every day and has proved the strength of imagination and the hold magic and fantasy have on all of us.
[ Also Read: Harry Potter HBO Series: New Adaptation Expectations ]2. The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
The Lord of the Rings fantasy film series is a cinematic masterpiece directed by Peter Jackson. The trilogy is based on the fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien. It takes the audience on the adventures of Frodo Baggins who tries to overthrow the One Ring. It takes a dramatic and stunning view of different landscapes and creatures like elves, dwarves, and Hobbits. The film series takes the audience from the majestic Shire to the dangers of Mordor.
The fantasy film series combines epic storytelling with stunning visuals and memorable characters. It has captivated audiences all over the world and inspired generation after generation. The fanbase is so strong that no matter how many movies of The Lord of the Rings come out, they will rush to the cinemas to watch!
[ Also Read: Isildur & Estrid: Expanding Tolkien’s Lore ]3. Chronicles of Narnia (2005-2010)
Chronicles of Narnia is based on the book series by C.S. Lewis. The film series takes us on an enchanting adventure of four siblings named Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund. Four of them have different personalities and out of curiosity they discover the land of Narnia. Narnia is a land that exists beyond the wardrobe. It has talking animals and a lot of mythical creatures including a Snow Queen.
Chronicles of Narnia is a very popular fantasy film series. The films also touch on the issues of good and evil, courage, and the power of love. The love between the siblings saves Narnia from their evil queen. The films have captured the imagination of the writer so well that all ages can watch them and be transported to a wonder-filled world of adventure!
4. The Hunger Games (2012- )
The Hunger Games is based on the best-selling novel series by Suzanne Collins. It is a dystopian sci-fi story that has elements of fantasy. It explores a world called Capitol that controls the 12 districts of Panem. Each year the Capitol selects two children from each district, one boy and one girl, to compete in a survival game called the Hunger Games. The movies explore the themes of capitalism, rebellion, and power.
The movie series has a lot of fantasy elements. It explores a world that has high technology and the idea of a totalitarian government. The Panem is an imaginary place and has 12 districts. Each district signifies the different classes of people. District 1 and 2 have rich people with a lot of connections with the higher authorities. The poorest of all districts is District 12. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen is from District 12.
5. Dune (2021-2024)
Based on the works of Frank Herbert’s famous science fiction novels, the Dune films explore a future world. The fantasy film series takes place on a planet called Arrakis. It unravels the harsh and unforgiving rule that the spice has over the world. Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet, has been deployed to watch over Arrakis. The movie series takes us on a ride to understand the politics and government of the planet.
While the series is sci-fi, it contains a number of fantasy elements like magic powers, prophetic dreams, and even expanded mythology. The series looks into the ecology, politics, and interpersonal relationship while elaborating on the supernatural and metaphysical powers!