Fantasy is my favourite genre of film & TV, there’s no doubt about it. Give me magic, dragons, epic scores, whimsical vibes… the lot. I’m here for it. My fantasy movies watch list includes TV shows in the genre that I love, too. Just to cover as much ground as possible for all you spell casting fantasy lovers. Wands at the ready…
Note: I have made note of where to watch each movie or TV show, but availability on streaming services will likely differ in each location.
Contents
- Movies
- Harry Potter
- Your Name. (2016)
- Stardust (2007)
- My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
- The Lord of the Rings
- The Hobbit
- Pixar’s Onward (2020)
- Wicked (2024)
- Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
- The Chronicles of Narnia
- Toy Story
- Spirited Away (2004)
- Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
- Labyrinth (1986)
- Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
- Willow (1988)
- How to Train Your Dragon
- Shrek
- Big Fish (2003)
- Disney’s Enchanted (2007)
- TV Shows
- Grimm (2011 – 2017)
- Wednesday (2022 – )
- Castlevania (2017 – 2021)
- Ghosts U.K. (2019 – 2023)
- Teen Wolf (2011 – 2017)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 – 2008)
- Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)
- House of the Dragon (2022 – )
- Demon Slayer (2019 – )
- Outlander (2014 – )
- Once Upon a Time (2011 – 2018)
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023 – )
- Misfits (2009 – 2013)
- Merlin (2008 – 2012)
- Adventure Time (2010 – 2018)
- Good Omens (2019 – 2025)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (2020 – )
- Penny Dreadful (2014 – 2016)
- One Punch Man (2015 – )
- Fantasy Movies Watch List and TV Recommendations
Fantasy Movies Watch List
Fantasy is one of those interesting genres that blurs its borders and can merge with other genres to create something unique. Quite often we see terms like “dark fantasy” and “supernatural fantasy” as sub-genres, created from the blending together of fantasy and another stand alone genre.
Storytelling itself is a fluid, flexible thing. As a result, it can be difficult to categorise a film or TV show into one individual genre, especially when it draws from multiple concepts that fall into varying genres themselves.
I don’t like to be put in a box myself, so I can absolutely understand why categorising art in this way can be a task.
With that being said, I have tried to keep my fantasy movies watch list concise and high quality. The films and TV shows that I have recommended in this list are more fantasy than anything else. Many fall into a sub-genre, like supernatural fantasy or dark fantasy as previously mentioned, but fantasy nonetheless.
As an example: you won’t see sci-fi movies or TV shows in this list even if they have a fantastical quality about them. Sci-fi and fantasy are often mistaken for one another or regarded as much more similar than they actually are.
Hence my efforts to be concise!
Now that I’ve cleared that up, let’s get to the magic.
Movies
Harry Potter
A natural start to this fantasy movies watch list for any Potterhead. All seven movie adaptations (2001 – 2011) are a must for fans of all things fantasy and magical.
Just in case there is anyone reading this that isn’t aware of the story: Harry Potter discovers at the age of 11 that he is a wizard, having lived his entire life hiding in the mundane following his defeat over a truly dark wizard when he was a baby.
Harry begins his years at Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, learning to harness his powers before he comes face to face with an old foe that returns to claim the magical world for his own.
You can check out my Harry Potter inspired recipes and posts here.
Where to watch them: Sky, Netflix
Your Name. (2016)
One of my favourite anime films of all time. Your Name. (Kimi no na wa.) follows the lives of two teenagers who share a powerful, magical connection. This connection is uncovered after they start waking up in each other’s bodies.
Finding ways to communicate with one another, the two decide to meet in person.
A truly wonderful watch and it genuinely makes me yearn for my time in Japan.
Lots of anime falls into the fantasy category, so you’ll see a few more recommendations as you read on.
Where to watch it: Prime Video
Stardust (2007)
Picture it: English countryside bordered by a magical land where magic exists and fallen stars fall. A young man makes a promise to a young woman he is pursuing to find a fallen star that landed on the other side of the wall.
After getting past the keeper of the wall, the young man discovers a world he never knew existed and goes on the adventure of a lifetime in the process.
Where to watch it: Paramount+, Prime Video
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
One of Studio Ghibli’s finest! Join two young girls who discover forest spirits living nearby and befriend them during a beautiful Japanese summer.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Check out my deliciously cute Totoro cinnamon bread recipe here.
The Lord of the Rings
A must in my fantasy movies watch list! I’m talking about the WHOLE trilogy, friends.
The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003). Peter Jackson’s adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale really are the ultimate fantasy films.
A Hobbit and eight companions from all walks of Middle Earth life set out on a journey to destroy the One Ring in its place of creation and save their world from evil.
Where to watch them: NOW, Sky, Prime Video
You can find my The Lord of the Rings inspired recipes here!
The Hobbit
Another Middle Earth set trilogy that I really enjoy. Perhaps not quite on the same level as The Lord of the Rings, but The Hobbit films certainly have their charm.
An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Desolation of Smaug (2013), and The Battle of the Five Armies (2014).
Bilbo Baggins joins Thorin and his company of dwarves on their quest to reclaim the Misty Mountain – their homeland. The journey may be the focus for the story, but it’s all a lead up to the inevitable battle over the mountain.
Where to watch them: Sky
Pixar’s Onward (2020)
One of my favourite Disney films and absolutely one of Pixar’s most underrated films in my opinion!
Two elf brothers set out on a quest to find a phoenix gem that will help them complete a spell that will reunite them with their late father for one day.
The tears are so real with this one – it’s such a heartwarming story. The colour palette is also BEAUTIFUL.
Like anime, Disney has a lot in the fantasy genre, so I’ve picked a few of my favourites, but this list is likely to grow as the years go on!
Where to watch it: Disney+
I made a painted buttercream cake inspired by Onward for my 26th birthday cake; you can find the recipe for it here.
Wicked (2024)
A massive hit in 2024, which we love to see.
Wicked is the origin story of Elphaba and Galinda, first introduced to us as the opposing witches in The Wizard of Oz, but who were actually friends in their university days.
This is the screen adaptation of the massively popular stage musical, songs and all. It’s also only part one of the origin story; we’re getting another part in the second half of 2025!
Where to watch it: Sky Store, Prime Video
Check out my Wicked inspired elegant cake here.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Guillermo Del Toro’s dark fantasy tale is centred around a young girl in 1944 Spain who has a fascination with fairytales. After being sent away, she meets a fairy in the night who takes her to a faun.
The old faun tells her she is a princess, but she must prove her royal lineage by surviving three intense and ruthless tasks. If she fails, she will never see her father, the king, again.
Where to watch it: Prime Video, BBC iPlayer
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) is the first and, in my opinion, the best of the three films that were made based on C.S. Lewis’ timeless tales.
This adaptation feels epic and grand, yet wholesome and cosy all at the same time.
After being evacuated during the Second World War, the Pevensie siblings are led by the youngest of them: Lucy, into a wardrobe where the magical land of Narnia awaits.
They discover that their fates were always tied to Narnia as its saviours and protectors.
Where to watch it: Disney+
Toy Story
How many of the Toy Story (1995, 1999, 2010, 2019) films you watch is entirely your choice, friends. The reason I have included Pixar’s Toy Story franchise in my fantasy movies watch list is because you can’t get much more magical than children’s toys coming to life.
Another instalment is scheduled for a 2026 release!
Where to watch them: Disney+
Spirited Away (2004)
It’s another Studio Ghibli nugget of joy!
A young girl moves to the suburbs with her parents and discovers an entire world of spirits, gods, and witches. Humans are transformed into beasts in this world; a fact that hits home in more than one way for this young girl.
Where to watch it: Netflix
If you’re hungry for peach buns like the ones offered to No Face in Spirited Away, you can find my recipe for a batch here.
Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
A young boy with an incredible imagination dreams of escaping. After an incident with his sister and her friends and a confrontation with his mum, he runs away from home and lands on an island inhabited by large creatures who take him in as their king.
This lovely story is adapted from the illustrated story by Maurice Sendak and is actually hailed as one of the best children’s stories ever!
Sometimes I feel like sailing away somewhere for a while. Sounds dreamy.
Where to watch it: Prime Video
Labyrinth (1986)
David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly in a cult classic.
A teenage girl works through a maze to save her baby brother, who she was forced to babysit, from the Goblin King.
Where to watch it: Pluto TV, Prime Video, ITVx
Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
This one is one I grew up loving. Nicholas Cage plays a protege of the legendary Merlin and is tasked with training Merlin’s successor… once he has found him.
Said successor turns out to be an introverted physics wiz, one who finds himself destined to save the world from the return of Morgana.
Where to watch it: Disney+
Willow (1988)
A young dwarf farmer finds a baby in a river and, alongside a disgraced swordsman and a sorceress, undertakes a perilous journey in order to protect her from an evil queen and help her fulfill her destiny.
I was introduced to Willow only a couple of years ago, so you could say I wasn’t the target demographic. However, I thought it was absolutely charming.
Some may say it shows its age, but that’s part of the charm! Warwick Davis is brilliant in it.
Where to watch it: Disney+
How to Train Your Dragon
Some of DreamWorks’ best! I thoroughly enjoy all three of these animated fantasy films (2010, 2014, 2019).
In a Viking world where dragons are seen as the enemy, a young man attempts to begin hunting dragons as his people do. After shooting down a rare dragon, he finds himself making a new friend instead.
I’m looking forward to the live action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon!
Where to watch them: Prime Video, Sky
Shrek
Rolling with the DreamWorks’ theme. Shrek is an absolute must in my fantasy movies watch list! Particularly Shrek (2001) and Shrek 2 (2004).
Ogres, princesses, talking animals. All the fairytale things you could imagine, except the ogres are the protagonists. I’m here for it.
Where to watch them: Sky, Netflix
Check out my recipes for a Shrek inspired tart and my fun Shrek cookies.
Big Fish (2003)
A man returns to his father upon hearing about his impending death. As his father regails the stories of his life, the man attempts to determine these stories as fact or fiction.
Tim Burton brings adventure and fantasy together in Big Fish, which also has a superb soundtrack.
Where to watch it: Prime Video, Tubi
Disney’s Enchanted (2007)
Imagine cartoon fairytale worlds colliding with this one! Enchanted brings us fun musical numbers, charmingly funny situations, and an unexpected romance blossoming.
Pure charm and a bit of fun.
Where to watch it: Disney+
TV Shows
Grimm (2011 – 2017)
Set in Portland, Oregon, a homicide detective discovers that he comes from a long line of hunters who fight to keep supernatural forces at bay.
You’ve likely guessed it already, but Grimm is inspired by the fairytale stories written by The Grimm Brothers. The supernatural element of this show takes its inspiration from the creatures that feature in Grimm fairy tales, which is brilliant.
It’s 123 episodes of cop drama meets dark fantasy and I love it. I rewatch the entire show when autumn comes around. It’s the vibe.
Where to watch them: NOW, Sky
Wednesday (2022 – )
Inspired by The Addams Family stories, Tim Burton’s hit Netflix series follows a young Wednesday Addams as she navigates life at her new boarding school.
This new boarding school is where her parents met and also happens to be hiding a lot more than Wednesday anticipated.
It’s dark, witty, and funny. I’m ready for the second season which is set for a 2025 summer release!
Where to watch it: Netflix
Also, my Wednesday inspired brownie slab makes for a deliciously rich treat whilst watching the show.
Castlevania (2017 – 2021)
This one isn’t for those who don’t like horror! This is about as dark as fantasy will get. At least in an adult animation sphere.
After Dracula’s wife is accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, he declares war on the city that killed her. A man from a well known disgraced family of monster hunters fights to save the city, which is overrun by an army of creatures under Dracula’s command.
The animation style really is excellent! Castlevania: Nocturne is a spin off that is also available on Netflix.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Ghosts U.K. (2019 – 2023)
More supernatural fantasy for you! Depending on what you believe of course.
A young woman inherits a huge property from a distant aunt. Her and her husband move in with plans to renovate the property and turn it into a hotel. After an accident, the woman realises that she is able to see the ghosts still inhabiting the house she has inherited.
Hilarity ensues. This one is a very, very funny show. A U.S. version of Ghosts was also made.
Where to watch it: BBC iPlayer
Teen Wolf (2011 – 2017)
High school but it’s supernatural. This series is based on the 1985 film with Michael J. Fox, only darker and more intense.
The first three seasons are by far the best of the lot, I have to say. A good watch nonetheless if werewolves in particular are your thing.
The movie (2023) is also a fun watch and was made for the fans.
Where to watch it: Prime Video (series), Paramount+ (movie)
I made a triskelion urn cake celebrating this show – you can find the recipe for it here.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 – 2008)
One of my favourite animated series of all time!
A young boy reawakens from a one hundred year absence and works to fulfil his destiny as the avatar: the only person able to bend all four main elements, in the effort to restore peace to a war-torn world.
Three seasons of pure animated genius. I’m rewatching the show at the time of writing this list of fantasy movies watch list!
Where to watch it: Netflix
Take a look at my recipes for Avatar: The Last Airbender cupcakes and Appa bento cake, which are brilliant for any A:TLA fan.
Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)
Arguably HBO’s most successful series to date (with The Last of Us in a close second, I reckon).
Noble families all battle to claim control over the land of Westeros and take their seat on the iron throne, all while a terrifying enemy returns to lay waste to everything they know.
Dragons, epic battles, a truly frightening frozen enemy, family drama. I’ve yet to see a show do this many plot threads in one story so well.
Where to watch it: HBO, Sky, NOW
My Game of Thrones cupcakes make a great GoT party treat, too!
House of the Dragon (2022 – )
I had to follow Game of Thrones with the very well made prequel. Set 172 years before the Mother of Dragons herself was even born, House of the Dragon tells of the internal war between the two halves of the Targaryen family at the very peak of their power.
They’re always fighting over the iron throne, aren’t they?
Where to watch it: HBO, NOW, Sky
Demon Slayer (2019 – )
I’ve got another dark fantasy for you and this one is in my top ten favourite anime shows. It really is VERY good.
After finding nearly his entire family dead after a demon attack, a young man keeps his now demon sister hidden and sets out to become a demon slayer, while trying to find a cure for his last remaining sibling.
Be sure to watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train (2020) as well so that you don’t miss anything!
Where to watch it: Crunchyroll
For a fun Demon Slayer recipe, try my Nezuko bamboo bites!
Outlander (2014 – )
I love me some Outlander. This show is included in my fantasy movies to watch list because of its time travel element. That’s really the only fantastical quality about it – one that I debated with myself as to whether I would class it as sci-fi over fantasy.
As you can see, the fantasy side won out.
An English World War II nurse suddenly goes back in time to 1743, where she finds herself in the midst of the Scottish/English tensions of the time. She meets a young Highland warrior and… well, I guess you could say the rest is history.
Based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon, this TV adaptation is on its eighth season!
Where to watch it: MGM+, Prime Video (with a Starz subscription, which is super cheeky so watch out for that)
No Outlander themed birthday is complete without my Craigh na Dun inspired landscape cake.
Once Upon a Time (2011 – 2018)
Funnily enough, this and Outlander were both shows that I got into during my university years.
Like Grimm, Once Upon a Time is inspired directly by fairy tales. The story is set in Maine, where fairy tales are the real thing.
A young woman is at the forefront of it all after the son she put up for adoption turns up at her doorstep and tells her that he believes she is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. They head to Maine for answers and get much more than they bargained for.
The first few seasons are really great, but it seems to drip off a little (in my opinion, of course), but still worth a watch, especially if you’re a fan of fairy tales.
Where to watch it: Disney+
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023 – )
Another anime featuring in this fantasy movies watch list that is in my top ten favourites.
Seriously, this one is worth a watch if you’re a general anime fan, but even more so if medieval fantasy is of interest to you.
After saving the world during her last quest, an elf mage by the name of Frieren finds herself back on the road. Only this time, her motives are different and her companions are, too. On this journey, Frieren comes to confront the opportunities she missed to get to know her original quest party before they all passed away.
Equally wholesome as it is badass, which is one heck of a balance to achieve.
Where to watch it: Netflix, Crunchyroll
For a really great Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End watch party, take a look at my themed menu!
Misfits (2009 – 2013)
Oh, this one is a British classic. Especially the first two to three seasons.
Following being struck by lightning during an intense thunderstorm, a group of young offenders carrying out their community service discover they are now developing special powers.
The superhero fantasy genre, but gritty, dark, and unafraid of pushing boundaries when it comes to the conversation of morality.
Where to watch it: Fawesome, Channel 4
Merlin (2008 – 2012)
Another superb British production. I grew up watching Merlin and have loved it since.
It’s by no means factual or historical: King Arthur and the knights of the round table with the great and powerful sorcerer Merlin are legends, friends. As much as I would love them to have been real stories (I genuinely do still wish dragons were real), they aren’t historical texts.
That makes the fantasy element of Merlin all the more brilliant. This show is packed with charm and loveable characters. It gives me the warm fuzzies.
Where to watch it: Disney+, BBC iPlayer
Adventure Time (2010 – 2018)
A cartoon so kooky and, at times, absurd that it works.
A young human boy (sometimes) and his best pal, a 28 year old dog gifted with magical powers, go on regular adventures in a surreal version of the future.
There was a trend of really weird kids cartoons back in the day and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
Where to watch it: YouTube, Prime Video
Good Omens (2019 – 2025)
Recent revelations surrounding this show have unfortunately left a sour note on it, but that shouldn’t take away from the fact that so many other brilliant artists made it what it is: a genuinely great piece of telly.
With the end of the world approaching, an uptight angel and a loose cannon of a demon team up to prevent Armageddon from happening.
Tennant and Sheen are always a duo I want to see.
Where to watch it: Prime Video
For a viewing treat, my Good Omens inspired sugar cookies are perfect.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020 – )
Another insanely popular anime for you, friends.
Intrigued by demons, a school boy swallows a cursed talisman (which happens to be the finger of a demon) to protect himself and his friends, only to bring the curse upon himself in the process.
He’s admitted to a shaman’s school and trains with sorcerer’s who can manipulate energy for their own purpose, all the while searching for the remaining demon fingers so that he can exorcise the demon whose curse holds him hostage.
Don’t forget to watch Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie (2021), too!
Where to watch it: Crunchyroll, Netflix
If you fancy making your own curse-free version of Sakuna’s demon fingers, you can find my recipe here.
Penny Dreadful (2014 – 2016)
Dark fantasy just hits differently.
An explorer, an American gunslinger, a medium, and a scientist all work together to fight the supernatural threats running riot in Victorian London.
Victorian London just suits dark fantasy, but I can’t quite put my finger on why. Thoughts?
Where to watch it: Netflix, Prime Video
One Punch Man (2015 – )
I thought I’d round this list of fantasy movies to watch off with another brilliant anime.
The title is pretty self-explanatory. Saitama, a man with an incredibly powerful punch, turns superhero just for the fun of it and defeats his enemies with one single punch.
What’s really entertaining is when he gets frustrated at the lack of challenge from it all. One punch isn’t all that much in the grand scheme of things.
Where to watch it: Crunchyroll
Fantasy Movies Watch List and TV Recommendations
There are 39 recommendations (if you don’t count sequels) in this list, which is a decent number to start you off if you are yet to delve into the genre.
As you can see, I like to cover both cinema and TV when it comes to my recommendations, mostly because it gives more scope for fans of one or both.
There are lots of more fantasy movies and TV shows out there, but when it comes to quality, they aren’t all up there. Sometimes these things are made solely with the intention of making money, rather than art, which SUCKS.
So, whilst people will have varying degrees of taste and what they see as good quality, I try to help seed out those on the lower scale.
Art should always be top priority. Until it becomes that again (at least more so than it is now), I find that it’s more important to celebrate the gems that are genuinely made for creative reasons above anything else.
Thank you for reading, friends. Let me know what your favourite fantasy movies and TV shows are in the comments!
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