Fantasyhas always provided us with an escape from reality. A glimpse into quiet, magical realms, into adventures beyond our wildest imaginations. It is the creativity of filmmakers, screenwriters, and artists that makes it possible for these ingenious ideas to come to life on screen. But a recent addition to the recipe has been streaming services, which have changed how we access these dimensions and travel from the comfort of our home and into faraway worlds.
Max, in particular, has assembled an impressive collection of epic fantasy movies. From the pages of Tolkien to newer subversive comedies like Greta Gerwig’sBarbie, the streamer has movies that will definitely sweep you off your feet and help you unwind for a couple of hours. Apart from featuring intricately-craftedworlds that redefine visual splendor, these movies also have the most complex and relatable characters braving the coldest of storms and eventually emerging victorious. So without further ado, let’s dive right into the list of 10 best fantasy movies you can stream on Max right now.
10Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice
Tim Burton’s Gothic dark fantasy horror centers arounda recently deceased couple, Barbara and Adam, who cannot adjust to the afterlife, so they’re stuck haunting their Connecticut home. When the house is sold and real estate developer Charles Deetz and his family move in, Barbara and Adam try to scare them away, but to no avail. They hire an unorthodox “bio-exorcist” named Beetlejuice, which leads to more chaos and mischief.
A Subversive Twist on the Afterlife
Critically acclaimed,Beetlejuicecombines ghosts and gags to deliver scares and laughter to maximum effect while also delivering a visually stunning Gothic production design. Winona Ryder and Alec Baldwin are perfectly cast as Barbara and Adam, who infuse immense heart into their plight in this offbeat afterlife adventure. But Michael Keaton’s zany title character and his manic energy is the crown jewel of the movie.
9The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Ozfollows the journey of Dorothy Gale, a young girl who is whisked away from her Kansas farm when a tornado hits the town and transported to the magical land of Oz. With her loyal dog Toto by her side, she embarks on a quest to meet the all-powerful Wizard and look for a way to return home. Along the way, she befriends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, who seek their own answers from the Wizard.
A Timeless Tale of Magic and Wonder
The Wizard of Ozis an iconic story of finding courage against all odds. Told against fabulous early Technicolor backdrops, it is a blockbuster fantasy movie that gave us songs like “Over the Rainbow,” adventurous storyline, costumes and characters, and memorable details like the Wicked Witch and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Itleft an indelible mark on pop culturewith its imaginative world-building and marked Judy Garland’s breakout role.
8Barbie (2023)
Directed by Greta Gerwig, this recent award-winning fantasy tells the whimsical tale of Barbie (or “Stereotypical Barbie,” as referred to in the movie), who lives in the perfect plastic paradise, which is a matriarchal society populated by other Barbies and Kens. One morning, however, she begins to question her existence and yearns for something more, eventually setting off on a journey of self-discovery into the real world and learning some hard truths.
Modern Fantasy Through a Feminist Lens
Barbieis believed to be an entertaining, whimsical-looking comedy based on Mattel’s line of fashion dolls. And it is. But it’s also so much more than vibrant, colorful visuals and witty dialogue. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of what it’s like to be human, to experience adolescence and come of age, to learn how to love and to understand beauty and to reject patriarchy amid all the dissonance of the real world.Pushing boundaries and starting important conversationswhile being heartbreaking and funny,Barbieis also supported by a charming cast led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
The 10 Best Animated Barbie Movies to Watch After Seeing Greta Gerwig’s Barbie
Still have that Barbie hangover? Here are 10 animated Barbie movies to check out after seeing Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster.
7Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
First in a series of eight movies that became a global phenomenon and remains beloved to this day,Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stoneintroduced us to the titular 11-year-old orphaned boy who gets a mysterious letter of acceptance from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and learns that he’s a wizard. Harry makes friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and uncovers secrets about his past and his extraordinary destiny.
A Portal into Rowling’s Magical World
Adapting J.K. Rowling’s series of best-selling books and kicking off everybody’s all-too-favorite Wizarding World franchise, the first movie does a beautiful job at bringing Hogwarts to life. The captivating storyline, rich with detail and dark fantasy elements, took audiences on a magical adventure. The movie also launched Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson into their iconic roles and wasan instant classic. Its critical and commercial success paved the way for more fantasy book adaptations in cinema.
6The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Director Peter Jackson translates J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic for the big screen and bringsThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ringto breathtaking life to tell the story of a humble hobbit named Frodo Baggins, who is entrusted with the burden of destroying the One Ring and save Middle-earth from falling into the darkness and corruption brought on by the dark lord Sauron, who seeks the ring to rise to power once again. On his journey, Frodo is accompanied by Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Boromir, Sam, Merry, and Pippin.
The Quintessential Fantasy Saga
It goes without saying that the movie was a cinematic triumph that captured the grandeur, heart, wonder, and complexity of Tolkien’s books. Jackson makes sure the visuals are stunning and there’s rich character development, accuracy to the books, unforgettable dialogue, and a jarring ending in order to fully realize a fantasy universe that still holds up andcontinues to spawn spin-offs. At the Academy Awards, the movie received 13 nominations, including Best Picture, and won four.
517 Again (2009)
Infusing elements of comedy and romance into its fantastical narrative,17 Againtells the story of Mike O’Donnell, a middle-aged man who finds himself stuck in a monotonous pattern in life and feels unhappy about it. He’s given a second chance at life when he miraculously transforms into his 17-year-old self. Teenage Mike then reconnects with his estranged children and tries to mend his broken relationship with his wife, all while living his high school life to the fullest.
Charming Comedy About Second Chances
Directed by Burr Steers and starring Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Matthew Perry, and Michelle Trachtenberg,17 Againis a delightful movie that also offers poignant lessons about the human experience. Efron is charming as ever in his performance as young Mike, who is living his teenage life with the wisdom of his former adult self. The movie also navigates themes of second chances and family dynamics, which is both heartwarming and introspective.
4Wonka (2023)
Adapted from Roald Dahl’sCharlie and the Chocolate Factory,Wonkais an origin story with a modern twist. It stars Timothée Chalamet as the titular character, a young chocolatier Willy Wonka, who wishes to create the world’s most extraordinary chocolate factory. But on his journey to pursue this wild dream, he also meets all sorts of characters and overcomes difficulties, ultimately understanding the power of imagination.
Sweet and Funny Origin Story
Lauded by critics as an adaptation that puts “a suitably sweet spin on the classic character while still leaving some room for the source material’s darker undertones,”Wonkawas received with welcoming arms because of its whimsical tone, quirkiness, and emotional depth. Director Paul King always had Chalamet in mind to play Wonka, and he turned out to be equal parts refreshing and endearing. The movie’s imaginative set designs and magical storytelling, paired with Hugh Grant’s turn as Oompa-Loompa is what makes it so fascinating to watch.
3The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
The Time Traveler’s Wife
This romantic fantasy, based on Audrey Niffenegger’s novel of the same name, takes place in a world where something truly unimaginable becomes reality. A man named Henry DeTamble has a rare genetic disorder that causes him to travel through time involuntarily. So he often finds himself thrust from the present to different phases of his own life. Clare Abshire is a woman he’s known his entire life due to his time traveling, and in the movie, their love story unfolds at a non-linear pace.
Heartfelt Exploration of Love and Time
For a story that defines the logic and boundaries presented by time,The Time Traveler’s Wifedoes a remarkable job of telling a love story that’s so deeply impactful. It’s a captivating tale of romance and destiny and how a relationship is tethered to one unpredictable aspect in the main character’s life. Speaking of which, Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams share a palpable and authentic chemistry that anchors this poignant love story and makes it unique.
20 Best Fantasy Romance Movies of All Time
The movies on this list best capture fantasy romance’s blend of thrill, peril, and passion and are well worth watching over and over again.
2The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
The Legend of Tarzan
InThe Legend of Tarzan, Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic character is no longer the tree-swinging jungle man he was before. His story picks up years after he has left Africa and assumed his aristocratic identity as John Clayton, now known as Lord Greystoke. Summoned to Congo once again, Tarzan is unaware of the schemes of ruthless Belgian Captain Léon Rom and soon thrust into the world of danger where he has no choice but to reclaim his primal roots and rescue his kidnapped wife.
A Gorgeous Reimagining of a Classic
Under David Yates’ direction, this fantasy adventure turns out to be a surprising hit as it compels you to lose yourself in the untamed wilderness and the many forces that govern it. With Alexander Skarsgård at the center playing a fierce yet compassionate hero, it’s impossible not to be swept into an adventure that’s classic and modern at the same time. Overall,The Legend of Tarzancombines amazing visuals and heart-pounding action with a sentimental story.
1Hereafter (2010)
Written by Peter Morgan and directed by Clint Eastwood,Hereafteris a fantasy drama that interweaves three separate stories of three individuals connected to each other because of their experiences with the afterlife. George is a psychic who can talk to the dead, Marie is a French journalist who had a near-death moment during a tsunami, and Marcus is a London schoolboy struggling with the grief of losing his twin brother.
Takes You on a Journey Through the Afterlife
Thoughtful, piercing, subversive, and tender are all the words that describeHereafter. Starring Matt Damon, whodelivers a subtle yet powerful performanceas George, Cécile de France and Frankie and George McLaren, who add depth and intensity to the narrative, the movie takes a more contemplative approach towards the fantasy genre. Eastwood’s direction and the film’s visuals were praised greatly by fans and critics alike.
