Top 10 Cult FAVORITE Fantasy Movies

Summary

In 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.