youngster ’s alive - actionfantasymovies are some of the most popular within the music genre among audiences of all ages . Just because a cinema is mean for kids does n’t mean it wo n’t connect with adult or prove to be a classic in the decades to come . Darker themes and elements are a cardinal part of any nipper ’s floor , and many of these motion-picture show are so highly rated and well remember because they take kids and their opinions earnestly . comprise chilling moments and more mature themes within a dependable news report is a capital way to connect with younger audiencesand convey deeper message .

Despite it being regard a more tyke - favorable genre , there are plenty ofanimated movies that are pretty dark , demonstrating how versatile the medium is . Similarly , live - action can testify to be just as magical and immersive as animation , produce advanced readiness and creatures withpractical film sets that are n’t CGI . While animation makes magic potential in many instances , the public presentation of actors get to shine in live - activity . In all of these films , the acting is what elevates the project and makes the characters so compelling . watcher identify with the mass they see onscreen and experience seen in the stories they severalise .

10Labyrinth (1986)

Directed by Jim Henson

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Cast

Directed by Jim Henson and written by Monty Python ’s Terry Jones , Labyrinth stars Jennifer Connelly as Sarah , a teenage lady friend whose inadvertent like that her baby brother be taken by the Goblin King results in an epic quest to redeem the child from the King through a immense maze , play along by its habitant . David Bowie also stars as Jareth , the Goblin King , and many of the character are dally by puppets created by Henson .

Labyrinthis afantasy movie that ’s pretty grim , with wager that feel real and urgent when rewatching the Greco-Roman film today . Starring Jennifer Connelly as Sarah , a young girl who gets trammel in the occult maze of the Goblin king , Jareth ( David Bowie),Labyrinthputs Sarah in many dangerous situations . However , thanks to the work of the director , Jim Henson , the practical effects and stylization of the undertaking are eternally memorable .

Labyrinthand other work by the Henson Company have been extremely influential in determine the aesthetic of eighties illusion film .

Imagery-from-The-Princess-Bride-and-The-Princess-Bride

While the dynamic between Jareth and Sarah can get a little uncomfortable inLabyrinth , this does n’t take away from the strongest elements of the movie . Labyrinthand other works by the Henson Company have been highly influential in defining the aesthetics of eighties fantasy pic . However , there ’s more to recommendLabyrinththan the direction it attend . At its heart , Labyrinthblends the coming - of - geezerhood genre with a grotesque journey of love and acceptance , make believe it universally relatable .

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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Heath Ledger as William in A Knight’s Tale

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Labyrinth ( 1986 )

77 %

Jumanji (original), The NeverEnding Story, & Enchanted characters

Image by Ana Nieves

86 %

These famous fancy pic quote are instantly recognized by anyone who get word them , reminding people of grand adventure and magic found in movies .

9Peter Pan (2003)

Directed by P.J. Hogan

Peter Pan ( 2003 ) is an adaption of J.M. Barrie ’s classical tale send by P.J. Hogan . Jeremy Sumpter stars as Peter Pan , who whisk Wendy Darling , played by Rachel Hurd - Wood , and her brothers to the enchanted world of Neverland . Jason Isaacs limn the dual role of Mr. Darling and the malevolent Captain Hook . This film showcases the adventures and conflicts in a land where children never produce up .

Though some of the effects and plot point in the 2003 adaption ofPeter Panare dated , it ’s one of the few picture that captures the spirit of the classic novel so well . Featuring performances from fantastic actors like Jason Isaacs and Olivia Williams , Peter Panfeels as if it sprung straight from a child ’s vision . Through the vivid colors and expert creation - construction , it does n’t take long for the spectator to require to stay in Neverland . However , Peter Panisn’t afraid to show the dark part of the story as well .

Peter Panis unabashedly romanticist and leans into its faery tale roots , which amount through in the look and feel of the world . The bittersweet conclusion of the story hits home in the celluloid ’s final enactment , creating a unassailable emotional appeal to the hearing . WhatPeter Pangets right about the narrative and population where other adaptations give out is in the fashion it treats Peter ( Jeremy Sumpter ) and the other children so in earnest , sympathize that their feelings are real and important .

Labyrinth Movie Poster

Directed by Jim Henson and written by Monty Python’s Terry Jones, Labyrinth stars Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a teenage girl whose accidental wish that her baby brother be taken by the Goblin King results in an epic quest to save the baby from the King through a vast labyrinth, accompanied by its inhabitants. David Bowie also stars as Jareth, the Goblin King, and many of the characters are played by puppets created by Henson.

Peter Pan ( 2003 )

74 %

8Jumanji (1995)

Directed by Joe Johnston

Jumanji is an action - risky venture comedy film by theater director Joe Johnston and star Robin Williams . Two orphan siblings move into a base occupied by the former Parrish kinsfolk , whose son vanish years ago . When the two start playing a mysterious board biz known as " Jumanji , " they unknowingly relinquish the missing Alan Parrish later , along with various other jungle - themed danger that can only be verify if they finish the game .

Starring Robin Williams as Alan , the man trapped inside the titulary game inJumanji , the movie inspired a whole spinoff franchise . While these update moving picture are fun , nothing can trounce the originalJumanji​​​​​​ , which packs an emotional lick in accession to its visually piquant level . Williams ' functioning as Alan is both risible and tragic , as the hearing feels profoundly for this poor character who has been trammel in the secret plan for years and suffer everything .

There ’s no question that without Williams , Jumanjiwouldn’t be half as in force and as well call up today .

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There ’s no question that without Williams , Jumanjiwouldn’t be half as good and as well remembered today . Jumanjiinitially received motley revue , but that has n’t stopped it from remaining culturally relevant . While there are scary element , there ’s something conversant and worldwide about playing a board game and see that the players ' imaginations have started to run wild . Though the felicitous ending wrapper up the level neatly , it ’s well - deserve and a classical feel - good conclusion .

Jumanji ( 1995 )

52 %

Peter Pan (2003) - Poster - Peter Pan & TinkerBell

Peter Pan (2003) is an adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale directed by P.J. Hogan. Jeremy Sumpter stars as Peter Pan, who whisks Wendy Darling, played by Rachel Hurd-Wood, and her brothers to the enchanted world of Neverland. Jason Isaacs portrays the dual roles of Mr. Darling and the malevolent Captain Hook. This film showcases the adventures and conflicts in a land where children never grow up.

63 %

7Matilda (1996)

Directed by Danny DeVito

Matilda is the 1996 live - action moving-picture show adjustment of Roald Dahl ’s 1988 novel of the same name . It tells the taradiddle of Matilda Wormwood ( Mara Wilson ) , a child prodigy who develop telekinetic power while treat with her scurrilous family and her school ’s dictatorial corpus Miss Trunchbull ( Pam Ferris ) with the service of her instructor Miss Honey ( Embeth Davidtz ) . Danny DeVito directs the film and plays Matilda ’s male parent , Harry .

Bringing the work of Roald Dahl to life is no sluttish task , butMatildais one of the most successful adaptations of his body of work . Based on Dahl ’s 1988 novel , Matildais a celebration of childrenwho feel a lilliputian different and shows that there ’s something magical and important inside them . Matilda ’s ( Mara Wilson ) wisdom and abilities are brilliantly give tongue to inMatilda , which fit the whimsy and outlandish nature of Dahl ’s book while do the audience care about the case .

Miss Trunchball ( Pam Ferris ) is one of the best villains in any minor ’s movie , trip genuine fear in the interview while keep the sensory faculty of humor required for the theatrical role . Danny DeVito directed the project while also starring as Matilda ’s father and examine that he ’s just as skilled behind the camera as in front of it . Despite her many hardships , Matilda ’s kindness and intensity level inspire the hearing to confront their bulliesand be the best version of themselves .

Headshot Of Jason Isaacs In The PaleyLive NY Series Hollywood Legend Cary Grant: The American

Matilda ( 1996 )

92 %

73 %

Jumanji Movie Poster 1995

Jumanji is an action-adventure comedy film by director Joe Johnston and starring Robin Williams. Two orphan siblings move into a home occupied by the former Parrish family, whose son disappeared years ago. When the two start playing a mysterious board game known as “Jumanji,” they unknowingly release the missing Alan Parrish later, along with various other jungle-themed dangers that can only be stopped if they finish the game.

6Enchanted (2007)

Directed by Kevin Lima

Starring Amy Adams as Giselle , Enchanted trace its heroine as she is mold out of her animated fancy mankind by an evil poove , ending up in the middle of New York City where she encounter Robert , a jaded attorney who reluctantly takes the clueless Giselle in . As Giselle begin to aline to life in the real worldly concern , and her kinship with Robert deepens , she must reconcile what she thought she wanted with where life has taken her . Patrick Dempsey , James Marsden , Idina Menzel , and Susan Sarandon also star .

Enchantedproves that a child ’s film can be subversive and satirical while also deliver a pot of heart . Amy Adams lead the cast as Giselle , the animated princess who gets enthral into the coarse realities of the lively - activity earth . Through this fabric , Enchantedgets to play with the figure and unrealistic story elements of classic Disney fairy story , but the movie does n’t give up on true love . ascertain Giselle assert her independency and detached will while oblige on to her idealism is inspire .

In every scene , it ’s obvious that the histrion are enjoying themselves , and this encourages the consultation to do the same .

Headshot Of Robin Williams In The 2006 AmFAR Cinema

Patrick Dempsey does a great job represent the consecutive - Isle of Man to Adams ' freaky portrayal of Giselle , while James Marsden and the other residents of the fairy tale realm get to have tons of fun onscreen . In every scene , it ’s obvious that the actor are enjoying themselves , and this encourages the audience to do the same . Enchantedis amovie - melodic everyone can relish , as it pokes fun at the literary genre and uses its musical numbers playfully , while also make them well - performed and choreograph .

Enchanted ( 2007 )

93 %

Headshot Of Kirsten Dunst

80 %

5Bridge To Terabithia (2007)

Directed by Gábor Csupó

Bridge to Terabithia is an adaptation of the novel by Katherine Paterson which watch a group of nipper with challenging screen background who create their own phantasy land to miss from the trouble of life .

Bridge to Terabithiais one of the most devastating children ’s novels of all fourth dimension , and the film adaptation makes the event even more tangible . Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robbdden star as the two young friends who imagine / discover the magical human beings of Terabithiawithin the forest . Both looking to escape something in their life , they create a pure and exciting world just for the two of them . However , it ’s leisurely for thing to get in the direction of their hide out universe .

Though there are bullies and monsters both outside Terabithia and within , the history encourages hearing to see the best in the great unwashed and realize that it ’s unacceptable to know what ’s hap in someone ’s home life . Jess ( Hutcherson ) , is quick to judge others and make decisions about them before he make love them at the start of the picture . However , Bridge to Terabithiasees him and the consultation pick up to give others blessing for their error , as well as oneself .

Matilda Movie poster

Matilda is the 1996 live-action movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel of the same name. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a child prodigy who develops telekinetic powers while dealing with her abusive family and her school’s dictatorial principal Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris) with the help of her teacher Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz). Danny DeVito directs the film and plays Matilda’s father, Harry.

Bridge to Terabithia ( 2007 )

85 %

70 %

Headshot of Danny DeVito

4The NeverEnding Story (1984)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

Based on the German novel of the same name , The NeverEnding Story gist on Bastian Bux , a young boy who finds a Good Book about a phantasy worldly concern call Fantasia , and becomes inexplicably connected to the book ’s plot as he set out to take it . Barret Oliver principal as Bastian , with Noah Hathaway , Tami Stronach , and Alan Oppenheimer as part of the master cast .

The NeverEnding Storyis based on the iconic novel of the same name by Michael Ende , but has surpass its root and is one of the best - known children ’s movies of all clip . Using puppetry , massive set bit , and virtual effects , The NeverEnding Storytakes the viewer and the protagonist , Bastian ( Barret Oliver ) , on an epic questthat teaches them about overcome grief and accepting oneself . Though Bastain attempts to lam his circumstances by say the volume inThe NeverEnding Story , he really comes face to face with himself .

The NeverEnding Storytells him that Bastian himself is the hero he ’s been hold off for , and that he has the power to lift up himself from his circumstances .

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Starring Amy Adams as Giselle, Enchanted follows its heroine as she is cast out of her animated fantasy world by an evil queen, ending up in the middle of New York City where she meets Robert, a jaded lawyer who reluctantly takes the clueless Giselle in. As Giselle begins to adjust to life in the real world, and her relationship with Robert deepens, she must reconcile what she thought she wanted with where life has taken her. Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and Susan Sarandon also star.

However , The NeverEnding Storytells him that Bastian himself is the zep he ’s been waiting for , and that he has the power to elate himself from his circumstances . This is n’t to say thatThe NeverEnding Storydoesn’t have its second of dark , asthere is significant loss and forfeit throughout the cinema that will bring a rent to any spectator ’s oculus . Though there are programme for aremake ofThe NeverEnding Story , it will be difficult to one - up the master .

The NeverEnding Story ( 1984 )

84 %

Headshot Of Patrick Dempsey

81 %

3Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Directed by Mel Stuart

Based on Roald Dahl ’s 1964 novel , Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory star Gene Wilder as the titular eccentric candymaker who ask round five nestling into his mysterious mill to show them how he creates his popular candies . The film mostly follows Charlie Bucket , a young male child from a poor mob who miraculously wins one of the five Golden Tickets that allows him access to Wonka ’s manufactory go .

There will never be as synonymous an doer with the office of Willy Wonka as Gene Wilder , and though there have been plenty of other merriment iterations of the story , the 1971 version is often singled out as the best . Like many other big child ’s fantasy celluloid , Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factoryis a musical , butit ’s a much dark and surreal take on the literary genre than viewers might anticipate . However , this edge is what sets the movie apart from the other offerings and has help it maturate so well over the year .

Imagination is a key feature ofWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factoryand is something that the confect - maker sings about himself . There are aspects of the motion-picture show that are slightly unnerving , but this add itself to the overall ambience and get Wonka an ephermal name that the character ca n’t quite pin down . However , it ’s Charlie ( Peter Ostrum ) that the audience relates to the most as he ’s taken on an unbelievable journeying , but never strays from his morals .

Headshot Of Amy Adams In The BAFTA British Academy Film Awards 2019

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ( 1971 )

87 %

2The Princess Bride (1987)

Directed by Rob Reiner

Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman , The Princess Bride is a comical phantasy adventure film that tells a swaggering tale of a Cuban sandwich and a princess , take to a young , sick boy in bed by his grandfather . The news report itself follows farmhand Westley , who embarks on an heroic journeying to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets unusual but dependable fellow along the way .

The Princess Bridehas only become more beloved and praise in the old age since its sack , transcending the nickname of a cult classic and full transition into a universal favorite . A large part of this is thanks to the incredible plaster bandage who convey the characters to life with equal share empathy and temper . It ’s a rare film that can be so screaming while at the same time telling one of the most moving sexual love storiesof the 20th one C . Full of august escapade and magical elements , there ’s little to criticize aboutThe Princess Bride .

The fantasy genre is more mainstream today than ever before , but there is still nothing quite like a 1980s classic full of magic and wonder .

Bridge to Terabithia Movie Poster Showing Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia RobbNext to a River

Bridge to Terabithia is an adaptation of the novel by Katherine Paterson which follows a group of children with challenging backgrounds who create their own fantasy realm to escape from the troubles of life.

ThoughThe Princess Brideis a little more matured than some other kids ' movies , it ’s still appropriate for most young viewer . Told through a frame narrative , The Princess Bridemanages to incorporate both the fantasy elements of the story while rooting the interest in reality . This is done through the tale of the grandfather reading to his sick grandson . This also grant for good luck in the tenseness during some of the scarier scenes , allow the film to be enjoy by all audiences .

The Princess Bride ( 1987 )

96 %

Headshot Of Josh Hutcherson

94 %

1Mary Poppins (1964)

Directed by Robert Stevenson

base on the classical rule book series by P.L. Travers , Mary Poppins stars Julie Andrews as the famous magical nanny-goat , who arrives under mysterious means to attend after the Banks children in early 1900s London . Considered one of Walt Disney ’s crowning achievements , the photographic film commingle live - natural process and animation with whimsical storytelling and song and has been a staple children ’s movie since its tone ending in 1964 .

Thebest fantasy picture of the 1960shas remained well - know for a reasonableness sinceMary Poppinsprovides all the magic and excitement anyone could expect for . With stellar melodious numbers and a Laputan blend of reanimate sequences in the story , Mary Poppinsseamlessly weaves a powerful content into its delicious tale . Despite being made many decade ago , Mary Poppinshasn’t lost its skin senses or grown excessively dated . It feels as relevant today as it did the mean solar day it premiered .

Julie Andrews is a once - in - a - generation talent , contribute other amazing projects likeThe Sound of MusicandThe Princess Diaries , which are seminal nestling ’s classic . However , within thefantasygenre , nothing can beatMary Poppins . Andrews and Dick Van Dyke work beautifully together , communicating a charming chemistry that jumps off the screen . Disney is at its dear withMary Poppins , and it will doubtless carry on to be the benchmark for films of its class for years to come .

Headshot Of AnnaSophia Robb

Mary Poppins ( 1964 )

97 %

The Neverending Story Movie Poster

Based on the German novel of the same name, The NeverEnding Story centers on Bastian Bux, a young boy who finds a book about a fantasy world called Fantasia, and becomes inexplicably connected to the book’s plot as he begins to read it. Barret Oliver stars as Bastian, with Noah Hathaway, Tami Stronach, and Alan Oppenheimer as part of the main cast.

Headshot Of Noah Hathaway

Article image

Based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory stars Gene Wilder as the titular eccentric candymaker who invites five children into his mysterious factory to show them how he creates his popular candies. The film mostly follows Charlie Bucket, a young boy from a poor family who miraculously wins one of the five Golden Tickets that allows him access to Wonka’s factory tour.

Article image

Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a comical fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows farmhand Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.

Headshot Of Mandy Patinkin

Article image

Based on the classic book series by P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins stars Julie Andrews as the famous magical nanny, who arrives under mysterious means to look after the Banks children in early 1900s London. Considered one of Walt Disney’s crowning achievements, the film blends live-action and animation with whimsical storytelling and song and has been a staple children’s movie since its release in 1964.

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