British literature and folklore are heavily associated with theworld of fantasy. So, it’s only natural that there would be plenty of British fantasy films that have a lasting impact on audiences and the overall genre. Some are considered some of the most famous fantasy films of all time and have spawned their own franchises.
Exactly where a film comes from can be complicated. For example, a film from an American production company can shoot in England with English actors, but still be considered American, and vice versa. The designation can depend on things like the film’s production company, cast and crew, and shooting locations.
The Thief of Baghdadis a loose remake of the 1924 film of the same name, based around the tales of the Arabian Nights. Set in ancient Basra, a blind beggar shares a story, revealing he’s the king of Baghdad, Ahmad. He had been tricked by his vizier, Jaffar, a powerful sorcerer, into going into the city incognito. Unfortunately, this was a ploy so Jaffar could usurp the throne while having the real king arrested. With the help of a young thief, Abu, Ahmad escapes to Basra and falls in love with a princess. Unfortunately, the princess' toy-obsessed father arranges for her to marry Jaffar in exchange for a flying horse.
Soon, the evil sorcerer will blind Ahmad, transform Abu into a dog, and have the Sultan killed with a dancing doll. Fortunately, Abu might be able to resolve everything with the help of a genie and a magic carpet. In popular culture, the film is arguably best known forits influence on Disney’sAladdin.
9The Slipper and the Rose (1976)
The Slipper and the Roseretells theCinderellastory starting from the prince’s perspective, opening with his homecoming after a failed arranged marriage. Meanwhile, Cinderella is a young woman enslaved by her stepmother and stepsisters after her father’s death. After Cinderella shows kindness to a stranger, the woman and her dog work to get Cinderella and the prince together. Unfortunately, the threat of war and a need for a political alliance might get in the way of the happy ending, unless the fairy godmother can think up something “spectacular.”
Notably,The Slipper and the Rosewas picked as 1976’s Royal Command Performance by the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, notably attended the performance. The film was shot on location in Austria, notably in Salzburg, though some shooting was done in England.
8Highlander (1986)
Highlanderis an action-adventure fantasy film revolving around immortal warriors. Connor MacLeod is a man born in the Scottish Highlands who has survived through the centuries, fighting in a battle called “The Gathering” against his rival immortals, until only one remains. Hence,the film’s famous tagline, “There can be only one.” As this goes on, the story of his past also begins to unfold.
Considering a U.K. and U.S. co-production, the film was shot in England, Wales, and Scotland, as well as New York City. In particular, Scotland’s Eilean Donan Castle is prominently featured throughout the film. The band Queen also famously provided music for the film. The film did not do well upon its initial release. However, over the years,Highlanderhas gained a cult following and spawned an entire franchise,including an animated series.
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7The Company of Wolves (1984)
The Company of Wolvesis an adaptation of Angela Carter’s story of the same name, featured inThe Bloody Chamber, an anthology offairy tale retellings. Inspired byLittle Red Riding Hood, a young woman named Rosaleen dreams she lives in an 18th-century forest home with her family. When her sister is killed by wolves, her grandmother gives her an ominous warning to adhere to old superstitions. Eventually, when a wolf attacking the local cattle is caught, its corpse transforms into a human, revealing it as a werewolf.
While bringing goods to her grandmother, Rosaleen encounters a bestial huntsman, who soon kills the old woman. Rosaleen shoots the wolf, but soon takes pity on the poor creature. By the time the villagers arrive, the two might have joined forces. Of course, there’s still the matter if the whole adventure was just a dream. Bringing to mind the book that inspired it, different stories can be heard and dramatized throughout the film.
6Ladyhawke (1985)
Ladyhawkeis a fantasy film starting out in Aquila, France. A thief known as Philippe the Mouse escapes from prison. While being chased, he encounters Etienne of Navarre and a mysterious hawk. It soon comes to light that the hawk is a woman named Isabeau, Navarre’s love, and the two suffer under a curse. By day, Isabeau takes the form of a hawk, while Navarre is cursed to become a wolf by night, effectively keeping them apart.
The film was an international co-production between the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom, with much of the filming done in Italy. Early in development, England and Czechoslovakia had both been considered for filming locations before the project was picked up.
5Labyrinth (1986)
Labyrinthsees Sarah, who is resentful of her parents' divorce and father’s remarriage, accidentally wish for her younger brother to be taken by goblins from her book, “The Labyrinth.” She has thirteen hours to save him from the Goblin King, Jareth, before he is made into a goblin. Her only hope is to solve the labyrinth. Along the way, she makes all sorts of colorful allies, but she will have to face Jareth alone.
Most of the film was shot at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, although most of the opening scenes of Sarah running home were actually filmed in New York. However, the first scene of the film, with Sarah “LARPing” in the park, was actually filmed at West Wycombe Park in Buckinghamshire. The film did not do too well at the box office, but has become a cult classic over the years.
4Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather (2006)
Terry Pratchett’s Hogfatheris a live-action adaptation, originally aired as a two-part miniseries, based on the Terry Pratchett novel of the same name. It notably served as the first live-action adaptation of one oftheDiscworldnovels, a series of satirical fantasy books. Pratchett notably appears in the adaptation as a toy-maker towards the end.
The titular Hogfather is the equivalent of Father Christmas or Santa Claus in the Discworld universe, giving out presents during the Hogswatch festival. However, after going missing for one year, Death is tasked with taking his place. He gets involved in various adventures, from filling in for a department store’s Hogfather to getting involved with a doomed little match seller. Meanwhile, Susan, Death’s granddaughter, tries to investigate what’s going on.
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3Willow (1988)
Willowis a high fantasy film revolving around the titular Willow, a Nelwynn farmer, who is tasked with protecting Elora Danan. The child is in danger from the wicked Queen Bavmorda. Luckily, Willow will be aided on his journey, such as the anti-hero swordsman Madmartigan and the bewitched sorceress Fin Raziel, who is trapped in the form of a possum. Eventually, even Bavmorda’s own daughter, Sorsha. In the end, however, it may be Willow’s special tricks that save the day.
WhileWillowis technically considered an American film, shooting was an international affair, with footage shot in England, Wales, Ireland, and New Zealand, as well as California. The cast also featured both British and American actors.
2Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Monty Python and the Holy Grailis the titular comedy troupe’s take on the legend of King Arthur, as he starts to build up his Camelot court. A heavenly vision inspires him to go on a quest to find the Holy Grail. The story takes place in a version of medieval England filled with killer rabbits, a modern documentary crew, and the infamous “Knights Who Say Ni.”
This all leads to the final showdown for the Grail against French soldiers, though the story is famously given an abrupt ending. Despite all this, interestingly enough, the film is otherwise seen as an accurate adaptation of Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur. In popular culture, the film is also known for being the basis of the Broadway showSpamalot!.
1Harry Potter and theSorcerer’sStone (2001)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, also known asHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, is the first film in the originalHarry Potterfilm franchise, adapting the namesake fantasy novels. Harry is a young orphan growing up unloved by his aunt and uncle, but everything changes when he receives a visit from the half-giant, Hagrid. He is told the immortal words, “You’re a wizard, Harry.”
Soon, Harry has enrolled in Hogwarts School ofWitchcraft and Wizardry, where he meets new friends, Ron and Hermione, and makes new enemies. In fact, Lord Voldemort, the dark wizard who was behind the death of Harry’s parents, might be at the school plotting his revenge, possibly hiding in plain sight.
