Top 10 Cult FAVORITE Fantasy Movies

WatchMojo.com

17 Jun 202413:58

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

00:00

🌟 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.

05:00

🎬 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.

10:04

🏰 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

Fantasy films are a genre of cinema that features imaginative and fantastical themes, often involving magic, supernatural events, or mythical creatures. They transport viewers to other worlds or times, allowing for the exploration of complex narratives that are not bound by the constraints of reality. In the video script, fantasy films are the central theme, with a focus on those that have become classics due to their loyal fan base.

💡Willow

Willow is a 1988 high fantasy film directed by Ron Howard and produced by George Lucas. It tells the story of a novice sorcerer who embarks on an epic adventure to protect a special baby from evil forces. The film is mentioned in the script as an example of a fantasy film that, despite initial underperformance, has become a classic due to its loyal fan base and groundbreaking effects.

💡Excalibur

Excalibur is a 1981 British fantasy film that adapts the Arthurian legend, focusing on the rise of King Arthur and the establishment of the Knights of the Round Table. Directed by John Boorman, the film is noted for its ethereal visual style and artistic interpretation of the legend. In the script, Excalibur is highlighted for its unique level of artistry and contribution to the fantasy blockbuster genre.

💡Big Trouble in Little China

Big Trouble in Little China is a 1986 American fantasy adventure film directed by John Carpenter, featuring a blend of action, comedy, and supernatural elements. The film is set in San Francisco's Chinatown and involves a trucker who gets involved in a battle against an immortal sorcerer. Despite initial box office struggles, it has since become a cult classic, as mentioned in the script.

💡Legend

Legend is a 1985 dark fantasy film directed by Ridley Scott, featuring Tom Cruise in his action debut. The story revolves around a hero who must save a mystical realm from the Lord of Darkness. The film is known for its surreal special effects and expressionistic style. In the script, Legend is recognized for its artistic achievements and has become an influential fantasy gem.

💡The NeverEnding Story

The NeverEnding Story is a 1984 West German epic fantasy film based on the novel by Michael Ende. It tells the tale of a young boy who is drawn into the endangered land of Fantasia through a magical book. The film is noted for its unforgettable visuals and whimsy, and it has become a nostalgic favorite among family fantasies, as referenced in the script.

💡Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian is a 1982 film that marked Arnold Schwarzenegger's transition from bodybuilding to acting. The film, based on the pulp character created by Robert E. Howard, follows the quest for revenge of the warrior Conan. Despite its ultraviolent and macho style, it became an instant pop culture phenomenon and launched Schwarzenegger's career, as mentioned in the script.

💡Labyrinth

Labyrinth is a 1986 fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and features music by David Bowie. The story involves a teenager who wishes her baby brother away, only to have to rescue him from the Goblin King within a dangerous labyrinth. Initially underwhelming, the film has since become a viewing tradition and a staple of 80s fantasy, as highlighted in the script.

💡Clash of the Titans

Clash of the Titans is a 1981 British-American fantasy film that draws inspiration from ancient Greek myths. It follows the demigod Perseus on a quest to save Joppa by rescuing its princess. The film is known for its iconic stop-motion effects by Ray Harryhausen and has become a classic Greek epic, influencing later remakes and sequels, as noted in the script.

💡The Dark Crystal

The Dark Crystal is a 1982 fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. Set in the realm of Thra, the story follows a Gelfling's quest to repair an artifact and defeat the evil Skeksis. The film is celebrated for its elaborate art direction and animatronics, creating a unique and immersive world. It has been recognized as a breakthrough in puppetry and fantasy storytelling, as mentioned in the script.

💡The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride is a 1987 romantic comedy fantasy film that has become a cult classic. Based on the novel by William Goldman, the film is a tale of adventure, romance, and humor, featuring memorable characters and quotable lines. Despite modest box office success, it has become a pop culture institution, known for its blend of celebration and spoof of fairy tale tropes, as described in the script.

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.