Best Fantasy Movies for Kids

This film is the definition of cross-generational magic, perfectly balancing swashbuckling adventure, genuine romance, and self-aware humor. The witty dialogue, instantly quotable lines, and the sheer joy of its fairy-tale structure make it a cornerstone of family fantasy. It’s a movie that understands the power of a good story being told well, making it endlessly rewatchable and fun for every age.

This is where the greatest modern fantasy world begins. The sheer scale and detail of bringing Hogwarts to life—from the moving staircases to the sorting hat—is breathtaking. It successfully introduces complex themes of friendship and courage against creeping darkness, setting a high bar for world-building that captivated a generation. It's the essential entry point into a richer literary universe.

While sci-fi adjacent, E.T. is pure fantasy rooted in childhood emotion: wonder, friendship, and the heartache of saying goodbye. The bond between Elliott and the gentle alien is deeply moving, and the sense of secret, shared magic is palpable. It champions innocence and the idea that profound connections can be made across impossible divides.

This masterpiece from Studio Ghibli is a visual journey into a complex, sometimes unsettling, spirit world. It demands imagination, rewarding viewers with incredible creature design and a powerful story about a young girl finding her worth through hard work and empathy. It’s complex fantasy that treats its young audience with intelligence.

The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is one of cinema’s great depictions of unlikely friendships. The film’s fantasy element—dragons that are not just beasts but intelligent companions—is fully realized through groundbreaking animation. It’s a thrilling, emotionally resonant story about looking beyond prejudice to find your true purpose.

This is the quintessential 'story within a story' fantasy. It perfectly captures the feeling of being completely absorbed by a book, blurring the lines between reality and the world of Fantasia. While some creature designs lean into 80s camp, the adventure with Atreyu and Falkor is earnest and speaks directly to the power of imagination to save worlds.

While technically a 'live-action' film with CGI, Paddington's earnest belief in kindness and his fish-out-of-water adventures in London feel entirely magical. His polite dignity amidst comic mayhem is genius. It’s a vibrant escape focused on finding a home and the magic of found family, making it one of the most delightful family films ever made.

This sequel doubles down on the infectious optimism of the first, adding a layer of Victorian-era visual fantasy through the bizarre prison sequence. Paddington’s unwavering belief in seeing the good in everyone, even a washed-up actor, is a powerful, uplifting fantasy message. It’s cinematic joy executed flawlessly.

Hayao Miyazaki delivers an unforgettable mechanical marvel. The castle itself is a character—a chaotic, fantastical machine powered by magic and a grumpy fire demon. It’s a beautiful, sweeping narrative about defying expectations and finding love and courage when you least expect it, all with visually spectacular set pieces.

This is the definitive portal fantasy for many families. The introduction to Narnia—a world of talking animals, eternal winter, and a battle between pure good and evil—is handled with grand, epic scope. The visual effects for Aslan and the creature army bring C.S. Lewis's vision vividly to life.

This classic is required viewing for its sheer, boundless optimism. The magic isn't hidden; it's delivered via song and dance, turning mundane reality into a joyous spectacle. From the chalk-drawing landscapes to the tea party on the ceiling, it’s a masterclass in making the impossible feel utterly delightful and accessible.

Gene Wilder’s Wonka brings an essential edge of unpredictable, almost mischievous magic to this candy-coated world. The sheer creativity of the factory—the edible wallpaper, the eternal gobstopper machine—sparks serious imagination. It’s a fantastic moral lesson disguised as a tour of unimaginable sweets, though some scenes are wonderfully weird.

This film brings the jungle fantasy violently into suburbia—the ultimate expression of 'be careful what you wish for.' The practical effects of the jungle animals running rampant are still effective and thrilling. It’s a powerful fantasy about the danger and responsibility that comes when play crosses the line into reality.

Tim Burton excels at making the fantastical feel emotionally real. This movie explores the space between truth and legend, presenting fatherly tales as vivid, living fantasies—from a town that never ages to a genuine witch. It’s a visually rich film for families with older kids who appreciate nuanced emotional storytelling alongside magic.

This adaptation perfectly captures the feeling of discovering a hidden world of folklore right in your own backyard. The creatures, from tiny sprites to frightening goblins, are realized with fantastic practical and digital effects. It provides the perfect level of 'appropriate darkness' for kids ready for a genuinely mysterious adventure beyond the standard fare.

Jareth's Goblin Kingdom is a showcase of pure, bizarre 80s fantasy imagination, thanks to Jim Henson’s creature shop and David Bowie’s unforgettable performance. The quest to rescue a baby brother forces Sarah to mature through fantastical challenges. It's weird, musical, and visually inventive, rewarding viewers who embrace the strange.

This is the pinnacle of 'dark fantasy for kids.' The stop-motion animation creates a richly textured, beautiful world that slowly reveals its sinister intent. It’s a powerful story about recognizing superficial appeal versus genuine love, though the button eyes and shadowy figures demand maturity.

This film expertly satirizes and celebrates the Disney princess trope by physically transplanting a perfectly earnest animated princess into gritty, modern New York. The clash of pure, song-filled fantasy ideals with cynical reality creates wonderful comedy and heart, proving that true magic is about finding wonder in the everyday.

Eli Roth manages the impossible: a spooky, genuinely magical film with a PG rating. It leans into gothic aesthetics and classic warlock lore, giving kids a taste of thrilling, atmospheric fantasy without going overboard on gore. The chemistry between Jack Black and Cate Blanchett elevates the magical hijinks.

This movie is a softer, environmental take on the 'hidden creature' fantasy. Elliot is a magnificent, furry dragon whose existence relies on secrecy, giving the film a grounded, touching core about protecting what is precious. It's less epic quest and more heartfelt story about the magic of unconditional love and stewardship.