As a seasoned cinephile who has traversed the vast landscapes of cinematic wonderlands for decades, I must say that this collection of films is nothing short of enchanting. From the whimsical to the poignant, these stories have captured my heart and stirred my soul in ways that only the best fantasy films can.
Although Hulu primarily shines in the realm of drama and comedy, rather than fantasy, it boasts several hidden gems and acclaimed titles due to its partnership with Disney. This partnership provides access to some Disney content, but Hulu also offers a substantial number of independent productions that may be overlooked within their extensive library.
Choosing the right movie to watch next can sometimes feel like a daunting task with all the options available. To make it easier for you to decide on your next fantasy adventure, be it a trip back to fond memories, a relaxing film, or something to spice up your viewing experience, here’s our curated list of top-notch fantasy movies that you can stream on Hulu.
10
Coco (2017)
12-year-old Miguel Rivera from Mexico nurtures a deep love for music, but this passion is hindered due to his great-grandfather abandoning the family to pursue his own career in music. When Miguel discovers that his late grandfather played an instrument treasured by his musical hero, Ernesto de la Cruz, on the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), he decides to retrieve the instrument from the family tomb. This action accidentally transports him to the realm of the dead, where he needs to ally with a down-on-his-luck skeleton to locate a deceased relative who can give him permission to return to the world of the living.
A Stand-Out From Pixar Exploring the Rich Culture of Mexico
There’s a clear reason why Pixar Studios is held in such high regard – their impressive collection of standout and award-winning productions never cease to amaze fans, as they consistently manage to create something entirely new yet retain the heart and visual charm that have won so many hearts. Just like Coco, this film immerses viewers in Mexican culture by weaving together unique visuals inspired by local traditions, accompanied by a score influenced by the region’s music. The movie also features an aesthetically darker tone reminiscent of The Day of the Dead, but it steers clear of horror, providing a mature twist that will resonate with older goth or horror enthusiasts who are looking for films to enjoy with younger audiences.
9
Labyrinth (1986)
Sarah finds looking after her newborn baby brother overwhelming, gets exasperated by his endless crying, and secretly yearns for him to be taken away. These desires somehow lead her to a magical realm governed by an enigmatic character named Jareth, who steals the young child. Now, Sarah needs to traverse a labyrinthine maze filled with peculiar creatures in order to retrieve her brother and return home.
A Dose of ’80s Dark Fantasy Nostalgia
Jim Henson played a crucial role in shaping the childhood experiences of numerous children through his contributions to shows like Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, its spin-offs, and The Fraggles, as well as creating enduring properties that continue to resonate. Labyrinth, one of his most exceptional works, stands out for its darker, more mature themes that might have frightened some children but are now cherished by adults. Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie deliver impressive performances, but it’s the intricate puppetry and art direction that keep audiences revisiting this film again and again.
8
I Kill Giants (2018)
12-year-old Barbara Thorson lives a difficult existence in a coastal community, dealing with daily bullying at school and the absence of her ailing mother. To pass the time, she immerses herself in a fantasy realm where she assumes the character of a brave giant slayer armed with a powerful axe. Barbara’s life takes a turn when she meets Sophia, who becomes her ally. Together, they set up and maintain traps throughout town. As Barbara gradually confronts her sorrow over her sick mother, her belief in her protective role begins to waver. However, one stormy night, a troll invades the town, forcing Barbara to take on a significant challenge.
An Underrated Fantasy Exploring Themes of Grief
I Kill Giants didn’t generate much buzz upon its release and quickly faded into relative obscurity. Maybe the attention-grabbing title misled those unaware of the original material into thinking it was a larger fantasy epic. However, I Kill Giants delves deeply into grief through a child’s perspective, using escapism as a coping mechanism; the fantasy aspects are minimal and serve primarily for visual interest towards the end of the film. The movie presents a poignant and thoughtful narrative, supported by strong performances and striking visual style; adjust your expectations, and you will be pleasantly surprised.
7
Cryptozoo (2021)
Nestled within a whimsical recreation of 1960s San Francisco, the story unfolds around Lauren Grey, a vet and cryptozoologist who dedicates her life to preserving mythical beasts at their sanctuary. Tortured by recurring dreams, Grey contemplates capturing a baku, a dream-devouring creature from Japanese folklore, for the zoo as a means to alleviate her sleepless nights. Yet, as she ventures out on this quest to ensnare the elusive mythical beast, ethical dilemmas arise regarding whether it is justifiable for humans to confine such fantastical creatures or if they should be allowed to run wild and free.
A Journey Through the World’s Folklore
In a glance, CryptoZoo’s distinct visual flair stands out remarkably, much like the extraordinary creatures it portrays. However, as the story unfolds and deeper themes are delved into, the movie reveals its true depth. It tackles a broad spectrum of societal issues in a thoughtful and captivating manner, transforming this into an exceptional fantasy journey. The voice-acting is top-notch, featuring a variety of well-known talents.
6
The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes (2022)
High school friends Kaoru Touno and Anzu Hanashiro are at pivotal moments in their lives. Kaoru is grappling with the heartbreaking death of his younger sister in an accident, while Anzu yearns to become a manga artist, but financial troubles within her family hinder her ambition. They find comfort in each other and their bond guides them towards the “Urashima Tunnel,” a mystical passage that lets someone forfeit their remaining years for their deepest wishes to manifest.
Anime Excellence For Any Audience
Following in the footsteps of Makoto Shinkai, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes delivers an intensely emotional coming-of-age adventure that includes a wondrous self-exploration voyage. This film masterfully combines fantasy and drama elements, making it accessible to all audiences regardless of their interest in anime. Be prepared for a watery ending; this tale has the potential to bring on the tears.
5
The Princess Bride (1987)
According to William Goldman’s novel, “The Princess Bride” is a timeless romance that introduces us to an assortment of unusual characters. The narrative primarily revolves around Buttercup and Westley, whose paths diverge at the beginning of the story. Westley, presumed dead, takes on the alias of the Dread Pirate Roberts and reappears in the kingdom of Florin. Under this guise, he aims to reclaim Buttercup, who is now betrothed to Prince Humperdinck, a man with sinister intentions towards his fiancée.
Inconceivable!
In a delightfully oddball ensemble of characters that are frequently memorable, The Princess Bride masterfully combined fantasy and wit to achieve such acclaim that it has since become an adored cult favorite often revisited. By utilizing classic storytelling techniques to depict a fairy tale come alive, the movie adds a charming touch. For numerous viewers, this represents the epitome of 80s cinema, steeped in nostalgia, making it worth another watch (or initial viewing) on Hulu.
4
Ferngully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
The animated tale unfolds in an imaginary Australian woodland called FernGully, where fairies coexist peacefully with nature. It chronicles the escapades of a budding sorceress named Cryst, who discovers that humans, believed extinct, are planning to cut down their sanctuary for logging. Her initial encounter with a human happens when she rescues Zak from a tumbling tree, reducing him to her size. A bond develops between them, and over time, Zak comes to appreciate the enchantment of his species’ impending destruction.
An Animated Movie with a Strong Message
The enchanting movie “Ferngully: The Last Rainforest” has left a lasting impact on children, encouraging them towards environmental activism. Decades after its release, the visually stunning animation continues to captivate viewers. The voice actors in this film are exceptional, with Robin Williams portraying the friendly Batty Koda and Tim Curry voicing the malevolent Hexxus, representing pollution and human greed. To top it off, the film includes catchy musical sequences that you’ll find yourself humming to.
3
Freaky Friday (2003)
Tess Coleman, portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis, finds herself in conflict with her wayward daughter Anna (played by Lindsay Lohan). Their bond is tense due to upcoming nuptials for Tess, frequent disagreements about how Anna lives her life, and their general estrangement. The situation becomes more complex when they mysteriously swap bodies, forcing them both to adapt to the other’s lifestyle while gaining insight into each other’s struggles.
A Relatable Fantasy/Comedy
In “Freaky Friday,” Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan deliver standout performances, portraying a realistic, tense mother-daughter bond. Their acting offers a heartwarming examination of familial ties, showcasing the hurdles and victories that can transpire. The plot twist involving body swapping adds numerous comical moments, as they grapple with various situations and decisions while inhabiting each other’s bodies.
2
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Edward is a partially completed invention belonging to a deceased inventor, who left the unfinished being alone in a gothic mansion with only scissors for hands. Later, this solitary creation is welcomed into society by Peg Boggs, who introduces him to her family and acquaintances in suburban surroundings. However, matters become complex when Edward develops affections for Peg, while also facing harassment from her boyfriend, Jim.
A Tim Burton Classic
In much the same vein as A Nightmare Before Christmas, the film Edward Scissorhands offered chilling gothic imagery softened with a family-friendly touch for the holiday season, cementing it as one of Tim Burton’s most cherished works. This cinematic piece unfolds like a fairy tale with an undercurrent of darkness, interspersed with lighthearted humor. However, its endearing romantic elements and Edward’s emotional struggles have endeared it to audiences, making it a film that many revisit during the holiday season.
1
The Place of No Words (2018)
As his father is terminally ill, young Bohdi creates an imaginary world where they can spend extended time together and traverse a mystical terrain. In essence, this fantasy serves as a means for him to cope with the harsh reality that he will soon lose his father.
A Philosophical Fantasy Feature Dealing with Loss
The Silent Realm is a movie with some flaws. It lacks a conventional storyline, occasionally misses the mark in relation to the themes it aims to address, and tends to move at a leisurely pace. Nevertheless, what makes it an intriguing addition to the fantasy genre is its dedicated examination of losing a parent from a child’s viewpoint. Director Mark Webber, who appears in the film alongside his family, also infuses a deeply personal touch into this exploration that amplifies the emotional impact. The Viking-inspired fantasy further provides visually distinctive scenes for those yearning for a more unconventional fantasy journey.
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2024-11-17 21:32