Fantasy romance movies have a long history with cinema and a wide range of success at the box office over time. Often focusing on the themes of true love, fantasy romance isn’t afraid to bend time or place to bring two people together. From the genuinely bizarre to the utterly realistic, these are our top 10 Fantasy Romance Movies of All Time.
1. The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride is a classic fairy tale movie that celebrates romance and adventure with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Directed by Rob Reiner and based on William Goldman’s 1973 novel, this film combines humor and fairy tale elements to tell a timeless story of love and loyalty. The plot centers on Buttercup, a beautiful farm girl who falls in love with Westley, a simple-minded farmhand. They eventually marry and are chosen to be brides for Prince Humperdinck, the heir to the throne of Florin.
During the course of their courtship, Buttercup becomes separated from her true love when she is captured by a bunch of pirates, including a Sicilian, a giant and a former alcoholic Spaniard. In order to save Buttercup from her capture, Westley must team up with Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), the master swordsman, and Fezzik, a giant from Greenland.
2. Ladyhawke
Ladyhawke is a classic film that’s gotten under the radar. It’s a weird film that still manages to win over fans today, and it’s one of the Top 10 Fantasy Romance Movies of All Time. Ladyhawke tells the story of a young thief who becomes embroiled in an epic romance with a warrior and his lady. When the couple is hunted by the Bishop of Aquila, they turn to the young thief to help them overcome their evil enemy and break an infernal curse.
While the film is clearly rooted in medieval motifs, there are plenty of elements that make it feel original and contemporary. Perhaps the most notable is its musical score, which blends Gregorian chants with modern synthesizers.
3. The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most iconic Cineb of all time. It tells the story of a young girl named Dorothy Gale, who is swept away to the Land of Oz when her house is blown off by a tornado. When she gets there, she meets with the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion who are all looking for a way to get home. The Wizard promises them he can help them find the means.
While many people might be familiar with the plot of The Wizard of Oz, they might not know that there are a variety of hidden meanings to this classic tale. Some believe that the film has parallels to Populism, Buddhist Taoism and Jungian Psychology. Others argue that it’s an ode to family, friendship and love.
4. The Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is a classic fairy tale that has influenced many movies over the years. This movie focuses on the mermaid’s journey in finding true love. This Chinese-Hong Kong romantic comedy fantasy movie is directed by Stephen Chow. It stars Deng Chao as playboy property tycoon Liu Xuan who uses sonar technology to destroy a coastal wildlife reserve.
But the merfolk in the area feel that the technology is destroying their home and send Shan (Lin Yun) to kill him.
However, they fall in love instead and the duo end up working for a hidden organization. They must find a way to save their community, while saving each other.
5. Pan’s Labyrinth
Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark fantasy film by director Guillermo del Toro. It follows a girl named Ofelia who moves into an old mill with her widowed mother and new stepfather, a leader of the military that resists the rebellion of Nationalists during Spain’s Civil War. The story of Pan’s Labyrinth combines the themes of the Spanish Civil War and a fantasy story into one great film. It also incorporates the Latin American tradition of magical realism and del Toro’s blend of spiritual themes and creature design.
One of the main things that makes Pan’s Labyrinth so great is its thematic deal with moral disobedience. Multiple times throughout the movie, characters disobey direct orders from authority figures.