Top 10 Cult FAVORITE Fantasy Movies
Summary
TLDRIn this WatchMojo video, we explore the realm of fantasy films that have transcended time to become classics, cherished by fans for their enchanting stories and groundbreaking effects. From 'Willow' to 'The Princess Bride', each film offers a unique blend of adventure, magic, and heart, showcasing the evolution of the fantasy genre and its impact on pop culture. The video pays homage to these cinematic treasures, inviting viewers to relive the magic and discover the enduring appeal of these fan-favorite fantasy films.
Takeaways
- 🌟 'Willow' is a classic high fantasy film directed by Ron Howard, known for its epic adventure and groundbreaking effects, which gained a cult following after its initial underperformance.
- 🗡 'Excalibur' is a film adaptation of the Arthurian legend, featuring ethereal visual style and a strong cast, which helped to establish Ireland as an international filmmaking location.
- 🏙️ 'Big Trouble in Little China' is a playful fantasy by John Carpenter that, despite its box office failure, became a cult classic and influenced pop culture.
- 🦄 'Legend' is a dark fantasy film with surreal special effects and thought-provoking symbolism, which gained appreciation over time and is now considered an ambitious fantasy gem.
- 📚 'The NeverEnding Story' is an adaptation of a beloved novel that became a commercial success and cultural phenomenon, known for its unforgettable visuals and whimsy.
- 🗡️ 'Conan the Barbarian' launched Arnold Schwarzenegger's acting career and became an instant pop culture phenomenon with its ultraviolent machismo and memorable effects.
- 🧞♂️ 'Labyrinth' directed by Jim Henson is a high fantasy film with musical puppetry, featuring David Bowie, which has become a viewing tradition and a staple of 80s fantasy.
- 🦄 'Clash of the Titans' is a Greek epic with iconic stop-motion effects by Ray Harryhausen, which became a mythic pop culture phenomenon and spawned a franchise.
- 🔮 'The Dark Crystal' is a unique fantasy film by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, known for its elaborate art direction and animatronics, hailed as a breakthrough in its genre.
- 💍 'The Princess Bride' is a quintessential fantasy film that has become a pop culture institution for its mix of celebration and spoof of fairy tale tropes, and is considered the ultimate fan-favorite fantasy film.
Q & A
What is the plot of the movie 'Willow'?
-In 'Willow', a novice sorcerer named Willow, played by Warwick Davis, teams up with a mercenary to protect a baby destined to liberate an enchanted kingdom from evil.
How did 'Willow' perform initially at the box office?
-Willow critically and financially underperformed at the box office, but its success on home video spawned sequels in the form of a book series and a Disney Plus show.
What is the significance of 'Excalibur' in the context of film adaptations?
-'Excalibur' is significant as it is one of the few film adaptations of Thomas Malory's definitive literature and art of the Arthurian Legend.
What unique aspect of 'Big Trouble in Little China' contributed to its cult status?
-The unique blend of John Carpenter's creativity in the genre-bending adventure, along with Kurt Russell's charisma and James Hong's nefarious character, contributed to its cult status.
What was the critical and commercial response to 'Legend' upon its release?
-Despite its artistic achievements, 'Legend' was not well-received by mainstream audiences at the box office, but it has since gained appreciation and sparked artistic discussions.
Which novel does 'The NeverEnding Story' adapt and what was its production significance?
-'It The NeverEnding Story' adapts Michael Ende's beloved novel and was the most expensive film ever made in Germany at the time of its production.
How did 'Conan the Barbarian' influence the career of Arnold Schwarzenegger?
-'Conan the Barbarian' marked Arnold Schwarzenegger's transition from bodybuilding to acting, launching him as a leading man and a pop culture phenomenon.
What was the initial reception of 'Labyrinth' and how has its legacy evolved?
-Initially, 'Labyrinth' had an underwhelming run with critics and the box office, but since Jim Henson's death, it has won over audiences and become a viewing tradition with spin-offs in books and video games.
What makes 'Clash of the Titans' stand out among Greek epics?
-'Clash of the Titans' stands out due to its divine action adventure, iconic stop-motion effects by Ray Harryhausen, and its status as one of Hollywood's last great Greek epics.
What is the premise of 'The Dark Crystal' and its impact on the genre?
-'The Dark Crystal' is set in a surreal world where a humble Gelfling must repair an artifact to defeat the evil Skeksis. Its elaborate art direction and animatronics have made it a breakthrough in its format and genre, enthralling fans for generations.
What is the enduring appeal of 'The Princess Bride' and its significance in fantasy films?
-The enduring appeal of 'The Princess Bride' lies in its ingenious mix of celebration and spoof of fairy tale tropes, its quotable dialogue, and its status as a pop culture institution and the ultimate fan-favorite fantasy film.
Outlines
🌟 Fantasy Film Classics: Willow and Excalibur
The video script begins by introducing a list of fantasy films that have achieved classic status through their dedicated fan bases. It starts with 'Willow,' directed by Ron Howard, which tells the story of a novice sorcerer and his epic adventure to protect a baby destined to save a kingdom. Despite initial underperformance, the film gained a following and spawned sequels in other formats. 'Excalibur' is highlighted next, a film adaptation of Thomas Mallory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' which showcases the rise of King Arthur and his knights. Noted for its ethereal visual style and contribution to Ireland's film industry, 'Excalibur' stands as a distinct interpretation of British cultural heritage.
🎬 Cult Classics and Artistic Triumphs in Fantasy Cinema
The script continues with a discussion of films that, despite mixed initial receptions, have become influential or gained cult status. 'Big Trouble in Little China' is noted for its unique concept and John Carpenter's creative range, influencing pop culture characters. 'Legend,' directed by Ridley Scott, is praised for its dark fantasy aesthetic and surreal special effects, with Tim Curry's portrayal of the Lord of Darkness being iconic. The section also mentions 'The NeverEnding Story,' an adaptation of a beloved novel that, despite only covering half the book, became a nostalgic favorite with memorable visuals and music.
🏰 Epic Quests and Legendary Heroes in Fantasy Films
This section delves into fantasy films featuring epic quests and legendary heroes. 'Conan the Barbarian' is highlighted for its ultraviolent machismo and Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakout performance, which spawned sequels and a reboot. 'Labyrinth' is recognized for its high fantasy and musical puppetry, with David Bowie's involvement and director Jim Henson's vision making it a viewing tradition. 'Clash of the Titans' is celebrated for its iconic stop-motion effects and status as one of Hollywood's last great Greek epics, leading to a franchise. 'The Dark Crystal' is noted for its unique art direction and animatronics, creating a surreal world that has captivated fans for generations.
🏆 The Ultimate Fantasy Classic: The Princess Bride
The script concludes with 'The Princess Bride,' described as quintessentially fantasy and a perfect blend of celebration and spoof of fairy tale tropes. Adapted from William Goldman's novel by the same author, the film is noted for its comedy, action, and heart, despite modest box office success. It has since become a pop culture institution, beloved for its quotable dialogue and enduring appeal. The video also mentions other notable fantasy films like 'The Last Unicorn,' 'Stardust,' 'Jason and the Argonauts,' and early adaptations of 'The Lord of the Rings,' inviting viewers to subscribe for more content and engage in conversation about their favorite fantasy films.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Fantasy films
💡Willow
💡Excalibur
💡Big Trouble in Little China
💡Legend
💡The NeverEnding Story
💡Conan the Barbarian
💡Labyrinth
💡Clash of the Titans
💡The Dark Crystal
💡The Princess Bride
Highlights
Willow, directed by Ron Howard, is a high fantasy film that became a classic through its loyal fan base and groundbreaking effects.
Excalibur, adapted from Thomas Mallory's Le Morte d'Arthur, is an epic film that brought artistry to the fantasy genre.
Big Trouble in Little China, directed by John Carpenter, is a playful take on the Eastern fantasy genre with a cult following.
Legend, directed by Ridley Scott, is a dark fantasy film with surreal special effects and a unique artistic style.
The NeverEnding Story, based on Michael Ende's novel, is an epic tale of hope and adventure with a lasting impact on pop culture.
Conan the Barbarian, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a sword and sorcery film that launched Schwarzenegger's acting career.
Labyrinth, directed by Jim Henson, is a high fantasy film with musical puppetry that has become a viewing tradition.
Clash of the Titans is a Greek epic film with iconic stop-motion effects by Ray Harryhausen.
The Dark Crystal, co-directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, is a groundbreaking fantasy film with elaborate art direction and animatronics.
The Princess Bride is a quintessential fantasy film that has become a pop culture institution for its humor and quotable lines.
The Last Unicorn is a charming and poetic love story about an endangered unicorn that continues to resonate with audiences.
Stardust is a fantasy film that shines with its mismarked journey of an unlikely hero and a living star.
Jason and the Argonauts is an underdog Greek epic film that showcases the adventures of a prospective king.
The Lord of the Rings animated film was a richly animated spectacle that ruled Tolkien's trilogy before Peter Jackson's adaptations.
The Princess Bride's unique blend of celebration and spoof of fairy tale tropes has made it an ultimate fan favorite fantasy film.
The video discusses the most passionate and pure kisses in fantasy films, highlighting The Princess Bride's memorable scene.
Transcripts
just let me rule you and you can have
everything that you want welcome to
watch Mojo and today we're looking at
Fantasy films that have become classics
through their loyal fan base As You
Wish number 10 Willow War Davis plays
the novice sorcerer Willow who teams up
with a mercenary to protect a baby
destined to liberate an enchanted
kingdom from Evil you can't leave me in
here to die
not when all I want to do is protect her
Ron Howard's reunion with George Lucas
was clearly quite different from
American Graffiti but it confirmed
Howard's capability to direct High
concept genre movies what Willow lacks
in an original story is made up for an
epic adventure with groundbreaking
effects it also stands out among
contemporary fantasies in Striking a
cord with families it's good for you a
tear on your
chest her name is not sticks she's Aura
Danon the future Empress of teras Lee
and alas think she's going to want is a
hairy chest well the movie critically
and financially underperformed its
success on home video spawns sequels in
the form of a book series and a Disney
Plus show now Willow is considered a
true classic by fans of wholesome High
fantasy you are on your way to becoming
a great
sorcerer we love the sorcerer you make
us
proud number nine Excalibur there have
been surprisingly few film adaptations
of Thomas mallerie's definitive
literature and arthan Legend John
borman's Excalibur Chronicles the Epic
rise of King Arthur and his chivalrous
night to the round table muscle bone
blood and the heart that pumps it and a
great heart it is
sanot you will be my Champion future
acting greats like Helen mirin Gabriel
burn and Liam niss held their own with
renowned stars of the British stage
still borman's ethereal visual style
practically dominates the show search
the
and the labyrinths of the
forests to the edge
of within Excalibur brought a unique
level of artistry to the fantasy
Blockbuster without losing any of the
romance or action its success also
helped Propel Ireland as an
international filmmaking location in
Industry some might even say it remains
one of the most distinct screen
interpretations of a British cultural
Touchstone Excalibur cannot be lost
other men do as I command
one day a king will come and the sword
will rise number eight Big Trouble in
Little China what's happening Wang
Chinese standoff a
what don't make a sound Horror in scii
Visionary John Carpenter showed a more
playful side with Big Trouble in Little
China when a trucker and his friend
embark on a Rescue Mission in San
Francisco's Chinatown the encounter an
immortal sorcerer with Sinister plans
it's a bizarre concept hastily produced
to compete with Eddie Murphy's own
Eastern fantasy The Golden Child big
trouble unfortunately bombed to the box
office but was a surprise hit with
critics everybody got that ready Follow
the Leader 1 two
3 we may be trapped the genre betting
adventure shows the full range of
Carpenter's creativity while evenly
matching Kurt Russell's Charisma with
James Hong's nefarious Lan the ladder
even influenced many characters in pop
culture not so fast gentlemen is it too
much to ask Thunder kill him for me as a
whole though Carpenter's daring romp
wound up bigger than anyone expected
number seven Legend are you afraid to
kiss me Jack I'm afraid you'll break my
heart and steal your
heart you're dear to me as life itself
alien and Blade Runner director Ridley
Scott was sure to realize Dark Fantasy
as pure art with Legend he does owe a
lot to Tim Curry's iconically chilling
portrayal of the Lord of Darkness was it
not your sin trapped the Unicorn
even now the evil seed of what you have
done germinates within you Tom Cruz also
made his action debut as the hero
destined to save an enchanted realm from
being stripped of all light but the real
stars of the show were The Surreal
special effects expressionistic style
and thought-provoking symbolism the box
office suggested it was a tough cell to
mainstream audiences but cam Curiosity
has turned into artistic discussions
especially since Scott released his
director's cut you belong
here you're my
[Music]
prince I'm only Jack Legend has now
passed into its namesake as an ambitious
fantasy gem that's still worth
remembering number six the never- Ending
Story you would be willing to go on a
quest yes of
course what kind of a quest to find a
cure for the empress a 10-year-old
becomes a figure of Hope when a book
pulls him into the endangered land of
Fantasia and so begins this adaptation
of Mall enda's beloved novel the
never-ending story which is so epic that
the movie ironically just tells half of
the story the English language
production was still the most expensive
film ever made in Germany at the time
what would you like to wish for
[Music]
next the investment paid off as critical
and Commercial Success inspired a sequel
to complete end of saga then the never-
Ending Story 3 appropriately kept the
story going still the original carries
more 80s Nostalgia than most
contemporary family fantasies with
Unforgettable visuals Whimsy and the
mall's infectious theme song the never-
Ending Story has a permanent place in
pop
[Music]
culture is the answer to a Never Ending
Story
number five Conan the Barbarian Arnold
Schwarzenegger had just retired from
bodybuilding when he flexed more than
his muscles in Conan the Barbarian based
on Robert E Howard's groundbreaking pulp
character the Epic follows A Warrior's
quest for revenge against a mystical
cult two snakes coming
together facing each
other but they won audiences were
ultimately taken back by the effects
heavy ultraviolent machismo of it all
for fans though it was an instant pop
culture phenomenon that launched
Schwarzenegger as a leading man my
father took me into the
forest and we ate wild
blueberries more than 20 years ago I was
just a boy of four or five the
successful sequel Conan the Destroyer
cemented this breakout the mighty Legacy
of these movies eventually gave Jason
Mamoa his own break as an action lead
with a 2011 reboot of course there's
nothing like the quotable spectacle of
John ms's cone of the bar bar Arian or
it's Sterling star for that matter grant
me
revenge and if you do not
listen then the hell with you number
four Labyrinth a tough night of
babysitting gets tougher when a teen
wishes for goblins to take her brother
away I can bear no longer Goblin King
Goblin King wherever you may be take
this child of mine far away from me when
the Goblin King realizes that terrible
wish it can only be undone by soling in
his dangerous Labyrinth director Jim
Henson's last feature skillfully
navigates his passion for high fantasy
and musical puppetry it also can't hurt
to have music legend David Bowie as the
cast
[Music]
headliner what kind of magic to still
Labyrinth had an initially underwhelming
run with critics and the box office
since Henson's death however its Majesty
has won over audiences to become a
viewing tradition it's still being spun
off into books video games and more
after four decades my kingdom is
[Music]
great you have no power over me despite
the initial trials Henson's Labyrinth
has come out a staple of 80s fantasy
number three Clash of the Titans
inspired by ancient Greek myths Clash of
the Titans follows the demigod perseus's
quest to save japa without the sacrifice
of its princess there will be no more
bonfires no more
nightmares light has conquered Darkness
you're free Divine action adventure
ensues with iconically designed stop
motion Effects by The Immortal Ray Harry
Housen his final project was a hit but
it's clash with Blockbusters like
Raiders of the Lost AR meant an
uncertain Legacy ultimately Clash of the
Titans thrived as one of Hollywood's
last great Greek epics it had such an
imp impct on pop culture that the god
Zeus is almost synonymous with a decree
release the Ken it also spawned a
franchise featuring a 20110 remake and
its sequel Wrath of the Titans but the
phenomenon that started it all has
become Mythic itself among fantasy copil
what a dangerous precedent what if one
day there were other Heroes like him
what if courage and Imagination were to
become everyday mortal qualities what
would become of us number two The Dark
Crystal but master I'm only a
gelfling I should have told you these
things long ago Muppet fans were
probably expecting Jim Henson and Frank
Oz to direct a lighter fantasy flick in
fact The Dark Crystal lives up to its
title in the realm of thw where a humble
gelfling must repair an artifact to
defeat the evil skis hensen's Tolan
vision is uniquely realized by elaborate
art Direction and animatronics that make
this surreal World feel real your
village
I wish I'd never heard of this
Shard
no even with this playful format the
movie manages to be as epic and Artful
as any fantasy adventure of its era as
audiences came to appreciate this
ambitious aesthetic The Dark Crystal was
hailed as a serious breakthrough in its
format and genre it's hardly kid stuff
but Hensen and Oz's gem has enthralled
fans for Generations what was sued and
undone Shall Behold the two made one
before we unveil our top pick here are a
few honorable mentions The Last Unicorn
Nostalgia lives on for Ranken bass's
charming and poetic love story about an
endangered unicorn unicorns are in the
world again no sorrow will live in me as
long as that Joy save
one and I thank you for that part too
Stardust the mismarked journey of an
unlikely hero and a living star still
shines for Fantasy fans he told me that
my true
love was right in front of my
eyes he was right Jason and the
Argonauts a prospective king must find
the Golden Fleece in this Indie produced
Underdog of a Greek epic but for Jason
there are other
Adventures I have not yet finished with
Jason let us continue the game another
day the Lord of the Rings Before Peter
Jackson one film ruled tolk's Trilogy
with concise richly animated spectacle
Valiant friends of
Frodo as their Gallant battle ended so
too ends the first great tale of the
Lord of the
Rings The Fall two hospital patients
spin a tail with astonishing visuals and
heart to stun a growing audience he
wasn't her father
either she loves
him just
survive she's
I just want you to die before we
continue be sure to subscribe to our
Channel and ring the bell to get
notified about our latest videos you
have the option to be notified for
occasional videos or all of them if
you're on your phone make sure you go
into your settings and switch on
notifications number one The Princess
Bride it doesn't get much more
quintessentially fantasy Than The
Princess Bride an old man tells his
grandson a bedtime story about Outlaws
rescuing a fair Maiden from a villainous
Prince the prince's
bride by S Morgan Stern chapter 1
William Goldman adapts his own novel
with an ingenious mix of Celebration and
spoof of fairy tale tropes director Rob
Riner naturally Nails the comedy while
living up sincere production values
action and heart give us the gate key I
have no gate key phic there his arms off
Oh you mean this gate key the movie was
instantly beloved despite having only a
modest box office performance home video
and the internet turned it from a niche
critical darling to a pop culture
institution endlessly dazzling funny and
quotable The Princess Bride is not only
one of the great Classics of the80s it
may be the Ultimate Fan Favorite fantasy
film since the invention of the kiss
there have been five kisses that were
rated the most passionate the most pure
this one left them all behind what cold
fantasy flicks do you worship are there
any that deserve more appreciation
conjure a conversation in in the
comments true love is the greatest thing
in the world except for nice MLT mutton
lettuce and tomato sandwich when the
mutton is nice and lean did you enjoy
this video check out these other clips
from watch Mojo and be sure to subscribe
and ring the bell to be notified about
our latest videos
[Music]
[Music]
تصفح المزيد من مقاطع الفيديو ذات الصلة
Top 20 Adrenaline Fueled Action Movies of 2024 (So Far)
Satoshi Kon: The Illusionary Artist
PRÍNCIPE LU ESTÁ PERDIDO NA CIDADE!
Quentin Tarantino's Favorite 20 Movies from 1992 to 2009
🔥12 Animes ISEKAI DUBLADOS COM UM PROTAGONISTA RANK SS OVERPOWER🔥
The definitive list of Japanese Cyberpunk films! From Akira to Tetsuo: The Iron Man
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)