The captivating allure of the Fantasy genre stems primarily from the immense possibilities it introduces. Audiences are treated to a breathtaking array of elements, including majestic dragons, intricate magic, and extraordinary realms. This genre empowers creators to design costumes and set pieces that harmonize contemporary styles with historical elements, ultimately culminating in a visually enchanting experience. Crafting a fantasy film transcends merely populating it with magnificent supernatural beings; it demands a meticulous balance of artistic elements integral to effective filmmaking.
In recent years, several of the most successful animated fantasy films have embraced a distinctive approach. These films construct their worlds from the ground up, sometimes eschewing realism in favor of pure visual magic. Filmmaking in the 2020s often leans heavily on CGI, yet the standout fantasy films of this era showcase the ability to leverage technology effectively while still prioritizing practical effects and traditional design elements for a richer aesthetic experience.
10 Dune: Part Two (2024)
Denis Villeneuve Captures a Sprawling World with Remarkable Detail
Set predominantly on the stark desert planet of Arrakis, Dune: Part Two conjures an imposing atmosphere where endless stretches of sand conceal fearsome sandworms and ambitious leaders. The film excels in its special effects, particularly in bringing the sandworms to life. However, much of its visual splendor results from meticulous costume designs and expertly executed cinematography. The Fremen’s attire, crafted from rugged materials and moisture-retentive technologies, is accentuated by their striking blue eyes, creating an enigmatic and compelling visual.
The starkness of Arrakis is beautifully juxtaposed with the lavish nobility seen throughout the universe, showcasing elegant armored dresses and innovative color palettes. Director Denis Villeneuve skillfully orchestrates grand battle scenes, rich with imaginative landscape visuals, while maintaining a blend of futuristic styles.
9 Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022)
James Cameron Expands the Intricate Universe of Pandora
James Cameron made cinematic history in 2009 with the debut of Pandora, an untouched paradise of vibrant flora and fauna. Notably, Avatar: The Way of Water, which magnifies the underwater environment, pushes the boundaries of CGI while still presenting breathtakingly beautiful visuals. The character interactions with dazzling marine life and their evolving bond with Pandora enrich the narrative significantly. Throughout this film, we revisit the lush jungles of the previous installment, presenting an impressive visual montage that highlights the variety of Pandora’s ecosystems.
8 Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
DreamWorks Delivers a Fresh, Stylized Take on the Shrek Universe
The wave of stylized animation is reshaping contemporary filmmaking, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish embodies this evolution. With whimsical brushstrokes and vibrant palettes, it elevates the iconic Shrek franchise to new artistic heights. The striking aesthetic blends contrasting visuals, as characters traverse dreamlike landscapes reminiscent of a whimsical Candyland. The gritty designs of Goldilocks and the Three Bears add an unexpected layer, along with the foreboding presence of the Wolf, introducing elements of danger within the narrative. While The Last Wish retains the unapologetic fantasy of its origin, it carves out its distinct, otherworldly identity.
7 Mickey 17 (2025)
Dystopian Beauty Captured in Bong Joon-ho’s Latest Work
Mickey 17 presents a haunting vision, rich in artistic merit, under the direction of Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. The protagonist and his companions navigate a cold, metallic world, starkly contrasting the icy expanse of an alien landscape with lavish but unattainable luxuries. The film weaves together striking sci-fi imagery with a more realistic aesthetic, beautifully aligning with a narrative focused on themes of exploitation. Although it may not provide a comforting environment, the film’s intricate design and dystopian elements are compelling, echoing the thematic exploration established in Joon-ho’s earlier work, Snowpiercer.
6 Luca (2021)
Pixar’s Vibrant Exploration of the Italian Riviera
While Luca faces stiff competition among Pixar’s offerings, its unique artistic inspiration drawn from the picturesque Cinque Terre is among the studio’s finest. This animated masterpiece introduces a fictional coastal Italian town, filled with delightful colors and charm. The animation beautifully reflects a vibrant, sun-soaked world. The pleasant character designs, characterized by rounder faces, enhance this positive atmosphere, offering an inviting visual experience.
Rich and vivid colors saturate the film, from lush greens to azure waters, complemented by an air of fantasy as the main characters occasionally transform into sea monsters. This aesthetic intertwines seamlessly with the breathtaking scenery of the Italian Riviera, ultimately supporting a heartwarming narrative laced with unexpected twists.
5 The Green Knight (2021)
The Medieval Epic We’ve Long Anticipated
The Green Knight excels in delivering a grim yet beautifully rendered medieval aesthetic that is hard to match. The film’s interpretation of the titular character adheres closely to the source material while manifesting a supernatural allure. Its architectural elements consist of foreboding stone castles, with subtly understated costume designs that break away from traditional expectations of the genre.
As Gawain ventures into the vast wilderness, audiences are treated to a broad spectrum of captivating visuals, from towering giants to misty forests filled with enchanting oddities characteristic of great fantasy narratives. The film’s contrast between the wild nature of the Green Knight and the stark environment of Gawain’s court cleverly underscores the larger themes at play.
4 Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
Del Toro’s Transition to Animation Offers Mesmerizing Visuals
Renowned for his visually striking monster films, Guillermo del Toro seamlessly enters the realm of animation with Pinocchio, a project that embraces his unique artistic vision. The film is alive with texture and echoes a blend of whimsy and horror, showcasing a storyline infused with deeper emotional stakes than traditional adaptations. The contrasting tones create an exquisite visual journey that juxtaposes the warm environment shared by Pinocchio and Geppetto against the ethereal glow of the afterlife set against Mussolini-era Italy.
3 Wicked (2024)
A Vivid Portrayal of Color and Contrast
Much of the visual splendor in Wicked emerges from the contrast between Glinda’s whimsical pink attire and Elphaba’s striking dark greens and blacks. The production design draws inspiration from the vibrant world of the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, blending this with sleek, modern architectural elements to reimagine it for contemporary audiences. A rich palette of blues, greens, and yellows enhances the whimsical atmosphere, underscoring the thematic tension of time and inevitability crucial to the narrative.
2 Come Away (2020)
A Hidden Gem of Fairy Tales and Visuals
Come Away is a lesser-known fantasy film featuring Angelina Jolie, illuminating the struggles of a family in turmoil after the loss of their eldest child. The remaining siblings embark on transformative adventures, with one assuming the role of Peter Pan and the other embodying Alice from Wonderland. The film’s aesthetic uniquely intertwines various styles, creating a world that blends elements of cottagecore, steampunk, and classic fairy tales, evoking a sensation of nostalgia and wonder. With a charming low-budget style reminiscent of film classics, this exploration of familiar characters offers a refreshing take on beloved myths.
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With character reimaginings including the Mad Hatter and Captain Hook, the film emerges as both intriguing and heartwarming, infusing life into these beloved tales with a refreshing perspective.
1 Wolfwalkers (2020)
The Finest in Irish Folklore Animation
Cartoon Saloon excels at crafting stunning backdrops, as demonstrated in its powerful entry into the Irish folklore narrative via Wolfwalkers. This animated feature not only builds upon its predecessors but also introduces a dazzling array of new characters, enhancing the storytelling experience. The film’s unique painting style, paired with intricate character designs—like Robyn’s agile form and Mebh’s flowing mane—creates an unrepeatable aesthetic.
Highlighting sublime sequences of wolves traversing illuminated forests beneath a moonlit sky, this masterpiece underscores the potential of fantasy animation to create unforgettable artistry that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll.