Fantasy films are well regarded for their ability to transport the viewer into an entirely new world, working outside the laws of reality. This type of speculative fiction focuses on relatable human themes while adding fantastical elements throughout the narrative—including unique magic systems, daring quests, and a variety of mythical creatures. With never-ending material to work with, it's no surprise that many top-rated fantasy movies are now considered masterpieces.

While fantasy films that garner high acclaim often offer something new or unique to the genre, some of the best know how to combine both a compelling and intriguing plot with high-stakes action. This element, if not done correctly, can cause a fantasy movie to fail. Too much heavy focus on the dynamics of the fight sequences risks foregoing the overall narrative. There needs to be a careful balance between both elements and thankfully, there are several fantasy movies that...