Everyone Has Opinions
Creating a “best of all time” list for movies is a tricky business. Everyone has their own favorites and unique tastes, which often leads to disagreements. The main goal of these lists is to encourage people to discover films they might not have seen before, but as is often the case, they can spark passionate debates instead.
Rotten Tomatoes has published its own list of the Best Fantasy Movies of All Time, and unsurprisingly, it has garnered mixed reactions. While I believe it’s a strong selection overall, the ranking raises some eyebrows. For instance, films like Godmothered at #77 and Nanny McPhee Returns at #69 seem out of place. Additionally, some films featured, such as Sleepy Hollow and The Seventh Seal, might not even fit the fantasy genre for many viewers.
Critiquing the List
I find it somewhat ironic to critique a list I didn’t create. However, what stands out to me is the diversity among the top-ranked movies. One is an iconic classic, another a modern live-action remake, and the third wraps up a beloved franchise. Let’s take a closer look at these top three fantasy films.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
The final chapter in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II, stands out as the most successful entry in the franchise. It grossed an impressive $1.3 billion worldwide. In addition to being the highest-grossing Harry Potter film, it also claimed the title of the highest-grossing movie of 2011 and was, at one point, the third highest-grossing film in history. Even now, it ranks as the 21st highest-grossing film.
This film holds the highest ratings from critics and audiences, with a critics’ score of 96% and an audience score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics describe it as “thrilling, powerfully acted, and visually dazzling,” highlighting how it delivers a satisfying conclusion to the franchise. While previous installments like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban are often hailed as standout films, this final entry pulls together all the narrative threads, resulting in a rewarding culmination of the series.
The Jungle Book (2016)
Another surprising contender in the top three is the 2016 remake of Disney’s The Jungle Book. This film made a significant impact with its stunning photorealistic CGI that brought Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 stories to life in a way never seen before.
The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes is glowing, stating that the film is “lovely to behold” and “engrossing to watch.” It’s noted as a rare remake that not only respects its classic origins but improves upon them, setting a new benchmark for CGI in filmmaking.
Summary
In many ways, lists like Rotten Tomatoes’ Best Fantasy Movies spark conversation about what we love in cinema. While some films may seem misplaced or controversial, it’s really all about personal taste. The mix of classics and modern interpretations in their top three highlights the diversity in the fantasy genre. Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter or find magic in The Jungle Book, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
These films encourage viewers to look deeper into the fantasy realm, and that’s what it’s all about—opening doors to stories that can inspire wonder and imagination.
