Eight fantasy films that reshaped the genre

Collider highlights eight fantasy movie masterpieces it says became blueprints for the genre, arguing these films transformed fantasy filmmaking and inspired subsequent generations. The selection spans early animation to contemporary dark fantasy and includes Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), The Wizard of Oz (1939), The Princess Bride (1987), Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977), The Dark Crystal (1982), The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), Spirited Away (2001), and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006).

The piece emphasizes their imaginative worlds, memorable characters, and technical achievements. The article notes specific impacts and honors: The Lord of the Rings influenced virtually every high fantasy film and earned four Academy Awards of thirteen nominations; The Wizard of Oz was praised for its Technicolor and won three Academy Awards of five nominations; Spirited Away was the first hand‑drawn, non‑English animated film to win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature; and Pan’s Labyrinth premiered at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival to the festival’s longest standing ovation and went on to receive three Academy Awards and three BAFTAs.

It also highlights Star Wars’ effects on worldbuilding and filmmaking techniques, Snow White as the first U.S. animated feature, and The Dark Crystal’s advances in puppetry and creature design.

Key Topics

Culture, Spirited Away, Pan's Labyrinth, Star Wars, Snow White, Academy Awards