2026 has already been a rampaging year for cinematic excellence, with everything from universe-traversing adventure epics like Project Hail Mary to psychologically chilling indie box office hits like Obsession. It shapes as being a monumental year for fantasy in particular, with titles like The Odyssey, Toy Story 5, and even HBO’s small-screen exploits like House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms highlighting the full emotional scope of the genre.
This booming interest in fantasy stories presents a wonderful opportunity for movie lovers to indulge in cinema’s rich history in the genre as well. Whether it’s due to thematic similarities between past classics and cultural hits of this year or celebrating major anniversaries of some of fantasy film’s greatest ever titles, these fantasy masterpieces are all must-see movies in 2026.
‘The Odyssey’ (2026)
Image viaUniversal Pictures
It could be presumptuous to herald The Odyssey as an instant classic, but its widespread fanfare and universal critical acclaim certainly signal that Sir Christopher Nolan’s latest movie will be discussed for many years to come. Powered by the filmmaker’s trademark commitment to practical filming, Homer’s epic poem is brought to the screen with an unmistakable sense of gravitas that stems from its commanding ensemble cast as much as it does from its stunning visuals and bold adaptive storytelling.
Every step of Odysseus’s (Matt Damon) famous journey is depicted with astute craft and imposing magnitude. The Odyssey has enshrined itself as not only the must-see cinematic event of the year, but as one that demands to be watched on the biggest screen possible. Whether it will come to be viewed as Nolan’s greatest film is yet to be seen, but it is undeniable that it features every bit of the gripping cinematic brilliance and enormous scale that have made him the defining director of the 21st century thus far.
‘Nostos: The Return’ (1989)
Image via Mikado Film
While it isn’t a traditional classic of mainstream cinema, Nostos: The Return is something of a revered gem as far as international arthouse movies go, and there has never been a better time to revisit it than right now. Adapting The Odyssey, it follows Odysseus’s (Luigi Mezzanotte) voyage home after the Trojan War. However, it’s more of a spiritual exploration of themes of memory, the passage of time, and humanity’s complex relationship with nature rather than a narrative-driven story.
Dialogue is minimal, and what dialogue there is is a made-up concoction of ancient Greek, Sanskrit, and Latin; the bold creative decision allows the visual storytelling and cinematic poetry to take center stage. While it understandably won’t appeal to everyone, those who love Nolan’s interpretation of The Odyssey and want to delve deeper into Homer’s world and themes would do well to find Nostos: The Return to explore the story in a completely different fashion.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)
Image via New Line Cinema
Originating from the mind of J. R. R. Tolkien, the stories of Middle-earth have become a defining masterpiece of high fantasy storytelling. 2026 marks a significant year for the franchise in media, as it marks the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The magnificent introduction to the fantasy realm for many, it immerses viewers in the majesty, wonder, and danger of Middle-earth.
The film sees Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and the fellowship begin their journey to destroy Sauron’s evil ring of power in the fires of Mount Doom. Beautifully handled by Sir Peter Jackson and his team, the Oscar-winning film is viewed by many as being the single greatest fantasy movie of all time, an utterly enchanting masterpiece that has proven ageless with its emotional depth and technical mastery.
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)
Image via Warner Bros.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is particularly relevant this year, with fans eagerly awaiting the HBO adaptation of this esteemed fantasy series. However, an incredibly high bar has been set by the original 2001 film, which found a perfect balance between childlike wonder, enrapturing adventure, and detailed worldbuilding to be utterly enchanting from start to finish.
From its humor and charm, ability to marry backstory and character depth with propulsive entertainment, and rich allure that is as universally accessible as it is infectious, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a true masterpiece of the genre. Whether it’s diehard fans of the series returning to it for the umpteenth time, adults returning to a childhood favorite decades later, or even a first-ever viewing, the first Harry Potter movie deserves to be celebrated anew in 2026.
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
Image viaWarner Bros. Pictures
Pan’s Labyrinth is the perfect mix of fairy tale awe, dark fantasy horror, and real-world drama. Complimented by director Guillermo del Toro’s trademark Gothic style, it unfolds in Francoist Spain as young Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), along with her heavily pregnant mother, relocates to a remote farmhouse at the behest of her brutish stepfather, a military captain hunting down rebels. Amid the woodland, Ofelia meets a faun who tells her she can return to her rightful place as the Princess of the Underworld if she completes three dangerous tasks.
While it indulges in moments of shocking violence and visceral terror, Pan’s Labyrinth excels. At its heart, it maintains a sense of fairy tale innocence, beautifully complemented by outstanding visuals and a spellbinding score that brings the fantasy allure of the picture to vibrant life. With 2026 signaling 20 years since the movie premiered, now is as good a time as any to rewatch the morbid, mystifying, and majestic masterpiece.
‘Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron’ (2002)
Image via DreamWorks Animation
In the Chinese calendar, 2026 is a remarkably rare year as, for the first time since 1966, it stands as the year of the Fire Horse. While the cult classic animated gem Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron may not feature any stallions ablaze, it is the perfect movie to celebrate this incredibly rare milestone. It captures the spirit of the zodiac, which embodies intense passion, strong independence, fearless courage, and nobility in leadership.
Combining fantasy beats with a rich Western setting, Spirit follows mustang stallion Spirit (Matt Damon) as he roams the wild expanses of the American frontier, forming an unlikely friendship and finding love while becoming an unsung hero of the Old West. The 2002 DreamWorks Animation release is largely a forgotten gem of the form, but it remains a childhood favorite for many who grew up in the era, thanks to its tender balance of historical adventure, kid-friendly fantasy, and animated splendor.
‘Labyrinth’ (1986)
Image via Tri-Star Pictures
Even in such a vast and eclectic field of cult classics produced by the 1980s, Labyrinth is a standout, offbeat gem that mixes wondrous puppetry and dark fantasy edge. Bolstered by David Bowie’s unforgettable performance as the Goblin King, it follows young Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) as she ventures into the villain’s labyrinth, having to successfully navigate the mind-boggling maze in 13 hours to save her baby brother.
Despite its middling box office performance and mixed reviews, Labyrinth has emerged as an infectious fan favorite that has aged gracefully. The practical creature designs and Jim Henson’s impressionable puppetry have become tactile and unique in the modern world of CGI effects that strive for realism. Picture theaters the world over will be hosting re-screenings this year to commemorate the film’s 40-year anniversary, making it a perfect time for fans to revisit the cult gem as well as for intrigued fantasy lovers to experience the movie for the first time.
‘Excalibur’ (1981)
When did fantasy cinema stop looking like this? Embracing a sense of stylized eccentricity, John Boorman blends gleaming chrome armor with the gorgeous landscapes of Ireland and eye-catching lighting techniques to conjure a visual spectacle of irresistible majesty. However, far more than just a stunning exercise in style, Excalibur also thrives as one of the best retellings of Arthurian legend ever put to screen, one that isn’t afraid to stray into the moral foibles of dark fantasy to bring a distinct edge to the familiar story.
Even as its efforts to cram the entirety of Arthurian lore into its 141-minute runtime sometimes lead to clunky and hurried storytelling, Excalibur still absorbs viewers with imposing, dreamlike beauty and indulgent excess. It also features an unforgettable operatic soundtrack, several captivating action sequences, and an ensemble cast of young upstarts who went on to become some of the biggest stars of their generation. Excalibur is a treat of ‘80s fantasy awe that is arguably even more enthralling 45 years on.
‘Faust’ (1926)
Image via MGM
Anniversaries are a big deal in cinema. From minor milestones like 10 or 15 years to more substantial landmarks like half-century celebrations, movie lovers always grasp an opportunity to commend the films of yesteryear when such dates arrive. Few movies have had the opportunity to enjoy a centennial sensation, but F. W. Murnau’s silent fantasy classic is one that can hopefully attract some attention, especially given how it delves into religious and moral themes with piercing depth despite not being afforded the luxury of sound.
Instead of dialogue, the German picture leans heavily on ageless expressionist visuals, innovative special effects, and brilliant physical performances. It depicts a grim tale of corruption, redemption, and deceit following a misguided old alchemist led astray by a demon as he tries to help his plague-riddled village. Derived from traditional folklore tales and a portion of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s 1808 play, Faust endures even 100 years later as a striking fantasy-horror movie that all cinema lovers should seek out.
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Image via Studio Ghibli
Another magnificent triumph of animated cinema that is revered by many as being the greatest picture the form has ever seen, Spirited Away is a masterclass in worldbuilding, visual style, and fairy tale storytelling that stands as a magnum opus in Hayao Miyazaki’s illustrious career. Produced by Studio Ghibli, the Japanese film follows a young girl as she finds herself lost in a magical realm and having to work under the thumb of supernatural beings to save her parents, who have been turned into pigs.
Striking a deft balance between sheer otherworldly wonder and softly subdued eeriness, Spirited Away is a transfixing viewing experience, an enrapturing immersion into one of the most magical worlds ever conceived for cinema that is both exciting and wicked. Marking 25 years since the animated family classic was first released, 2026 is a perfect opportunity to return to Miyazaki’s majestic fantasy imagination.
