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Dad's Top
20 Historical Fantasy Films - Ranked!
Countdown from #20 to #1.
This
includes Dad's spoiler-free Mini-Preview!
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Honorable
Mention |
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Sinners
(2025),
Director: Ryan Coogler, rated R for language, sexual
content, violence and gore
Dance with
the devil.
  Starring:
Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack
O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller,
Delroy Lindo, Peter Dreimanis, Lola Kirke, Li Jun Li, Saul
Williams, Yao
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"You keep dancing with
the devil... one day he's gonna follow you home."
– Pastor Jedidiah
Why watch this?
Mudbound meets
From Dusk til
Dawn. Hell yea!
Plot Summary:
Twin brothers, World War I veterans, return to their hometown in
1932 Mississippi hoping to open a juke joint and start a new
life. Their plans for a safe haven in the Jim Crow South take a
dark turn when a sinister, supernatural force descends upon
their community. The brothers and their community are forced to
face this ageless, unexpected evil.
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Dad's Preview:
My prediction is that this film is going to age really well and
become a cinema classic. It is helmed by a young black director,
Ryan Coogler, who certainly brings the goods. It also features a
rising black star in Michael B. Jordan, portraying the dual
roles of twins, Smoke and Stack. That said, this genre-bender
grabs its viewers with a compelling look at the 1930's American
South from the standpoint of the African Americans enduring it:
the field workers, the gangsters, the language and, oh man, the
music. Then it jettisons itself into the blackness of dark magic
and hungry denizens of the night. All that came before is shoved
aside for a battle of survival. I loved every second of this
film's creative vision, musical-centering and visceral action. |
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Proximity Media;
Warner Bros. Pictures |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#20 Top |
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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984),
Director: Steven Spielberg, rated PG
If adventure has
a name, it must be Indiana Jones.
Starring:
Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri, Roshan Seth, Philip
Stone, Dan Aykroyd, Roy Chiao, David Yip
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"The biggest trouble
with her is the noise." –
Indiana Jones regarding
Willie's constant screaming
Why watch this?
It's packed with action, mostly set in the scenic Indian forest
near Mayapore.
Plot Summary:
Dr. Indiana Jones, after barely escaping a dangerous encounter
in Shanghai, finds himself in a desperate Indian village whose
children have vanished along with a sacred artifact.
Accompanying him are his resourceful sidekick Short Round and
the glamorous nightclub singer Willie Scott. Together, they
uncover a sinister cult beneath a nearby palace, delving into a
world of ancient rituals and menacing forces, all while seeking
to recover the lost stone and rescue the kidnapped children.
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Dad's Preview:
Raiders of
the Lost Ark (1981) would have been impossible to outdo.
This second entry certainly has more: more action, more narrow
escapes, more, more more. The result is a film that feels
contrived at almost every turn. Let's put Indy and his traveling
companions on a plane, just so we can drop them out of it. Let's
fill a narrow castle passage with the creepiest bugs on earth,
just to have them them crunch their way through it. I mean, it's
all entertainment, but does it make a good film? I guess,
but it doesn't hold a candle to Raiders. Spielberg simply
over-reached. I found Indy's ten-year-old side-kick, Short Round,
to be annoying. Many
of the stunts were too unbelievable. Perhaps I am nit-picking. All that said, there are some great Indy moments, but as
a whole, it falls a little short by comparison. |
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Lucasfilm Ltd.;
Paramount Pictures |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#19 Top |
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Pan's Labyrinth (2006),
Director: Guillermo del Toro, rated R for
violence, scary images
In darkness,
there can be light. In misery, there can be beauty. In death,
there can be life...
Starring:
Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Ariadna
Gil, Álex Angulo, Manolo Solor
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"I've had so many
names. Old names that only the wind and the trees can pronounce.
I am the mountain,
the forest and the earth. I am... I am a
faun. Your most humble servant, Your Highness." - Pan to
Ofelia
Why watch this? As
wise critic Roger Ebert penned, "It is a fairy tale for grown-ups".
Plot Summary:
Set in Spain during WWII, a young girl, Ofelia, and her pregnant mother
move into the compound where her ruthless father-in-law, Captain
Vidal, resides. Vidal, a sadistic leader, is responsible for
suppressing a band of rebels who resist the Francoist regime. He
is cruel, especially to Ofelia. To cope, the girl escapes to an
imaginary world of fairies and creatures. Within a nearby stone
maze, she encounters the bizarre, horned Pan, a faun who gives
her three tasks to prove her worthiness to become a princess.
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Dad's Preview:
There is a mood that del Toro brings to his films. It is dark,
dirty, and very scary. It is very intentional that the audience
is uncertain whether our young protagonist is dreaming or lucid.
Perhaps it is a little of both. I was impressed with the
performance by Ivana Baquero as Ofelia, a girl searching for
comfort in a world of pain. This
allegorical, fantastic film won buckets of awards, and sits atop
many lists as greatest fantasy film.
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Estudios Picasso,
Tequila Gang, Esperanto
Filmoj,
Sententia Ent.;
Warner Bros. Pictures |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#18 Top |
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Army of Darkness (1992),
Director: Sam Raimi, rated R for violence, gore,
language
Trapped in time. Surrounded by evil. Low on gas
Starring: Bruce
Campbell, Embeth Davidtz, Marcus Gilbert, Richard Grove,
Patricia Tallman, Timothy Patrick, Michael Earl, Bridget Fonda
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Well hello Mister
Fancy-pants. Well, I've got news for you pal, you ain't leadin'
but two things, right now:
Jack and shit... and Jack just left
town." - Ash
Why watch this?
Where the first two films just stayed in one place, this one
goes someplace very interesting - the Middle Ages!
Plot Summary: Ash
Williams is accidentally transported to 1300 A.D. To return to
his own time, he must retrieve the Necronomicon, a book of evil,
and battle an army of the dead it has unleashed. Ash must lead
medieval knights against skeletal forces and use his modern
ingenuity to defeat the supernatural threat.
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Dad's Preview:
This is the third film in the famed "Evil Dead" series
by director Sam Raimi. In my opinion, this is the best. It takes the horror
aspect of the first two films and turns it on its head. Ash is
transported to the Middle Ages and there encounters an
unspeakable evil, all caused by the Book of the Dead. With a
shotgun in one hand and a chainsaw strapped on the other, Ash
revels in this newfound land where a gun can make you a god. "Shop smart, shop S-Mart!" |
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Dino De
Laurentiis Comm., Renaissance Pics,
Introvision
Int.;
Universal Pictures |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#17 Top |
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The Shape of Water (2017),
Director: Guillermo del Toro, rated R for language, zombie
gory violence
A Fairy Tale for
Troubled Times
Starring: Sally
Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael
Stuhlbarg, Nick Searcy, Nigel Bennett
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"When he looks at me, the
way he looks at me... He does not know, what I lack... Or - how
- I am incomplete. He sees me, for what I - am, as I am. He's
happy - to see me. Every time. Every day. Now, I can either save
him... or let him die" - Giles, interpreting Elisa
Why watch this? It's
strange, haunting and a work of extraordinary beauty.
Plot Summary:
In 1962 Baltimore, Elisa, a mute cleaning lady working at a
high-security government laboratory, leads a lonely, isolated
life. Her existence changes forever when she discovers a
mysterious, captured humanoid amphibian creature and forms a
deep, unique bond with him. To save him from a sadistic colonel,
Elisa teams up with her friends to plan a daring escape and set
him free.
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Dad's Preview:
As Guillermo del Toro's career has matured, the director has
shown true mastery of the human condition. As in
Hellboy
(2004), he often uses creatures as conduits of humanity
(defined as the capacity for compassion, empathy and kindness).
The point being that many humans are in fact monsters because of
their lack said humanistic traits. This tender love story occurs
in spite of the cruelty inflicted by many damaged men. It takes
a woman, a true empath, to see the soul and beauty within a
being that may be frightening at first glance. I most enjoyed
that this film conveys an honesty. Nakedness is exposed. True
feelings come forth regardless of the scoffs of prudish,
structured society. As a whole, this amazing film with its
whimsical feel, harkens to older films, yet within a modern
context. It feels old and new. And it is really unforgettable.
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Double Dare You
Prod.; Fox Searchlight Pics |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#16 Top |
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The Seventh Seal
(1957),
Director: Ingmar Bergman, Not Rated (Dad's guess
PG-13)
A film of visual
scope, of imaginative concept, of powerful content, written and
directed by Ingmar Bergman
Starring:
Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe,
Bibi Andersson, Inga Gill, Maud Hansson, Inga Landgré, Gunnel
Lindblom, Bertil Anderberg
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"I want to confess as
best I can, but my heart is void. The void is a mirror. I see my
face and feel loathing and horror. My indifference to men has
shut me out. I live now in a world of ghosts, a prisoner in my
dreams." - Antonius Block
Why watch this?
It's a classic for incredible visuals and thought-provoking
themes of death and God.
Plot Summary:
A weary medieval knight returns home from the Crusades only to
find his homeland ravaged by the Black Death. When Death appears
to claim him, the knight challenges the entity to a game of
chess, hoping to find answers and perform one meaningful act
before he inevitably dies. The film then follows the knight's
profound journey across the desolate landscape as he engages
with various people and wrestles with existential questions of
faith, suffering, and the meaning of life.
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Dad's Preview:
This Ingmar Bergman masterpiece of cinema yields new meaning
each time I watch it. It is a fable of mortality where man
(portrayed by a disenchanted knight) outwits death (a
white-faced visage in a black robe), and is permitted to ask
questions regarding life, God and the reason we exist. Mortals,
who have no idea if they will die of the plague or live in a
castle, have mostly become acrimonious beings, struggling with
such random uncertainty. Yet some live happily with very little.
This film is aesthetically gripping in its black and white
splendor - no shadow or ray of light is wasted here. There are
subtitles, but that should not deter you from exploring this
film classic, which you will find on just about every "Greatest
films..." list in existence. |
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Allan Ekelund; AB
Svensk Filmindustri |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#15 Top |
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Princess Mononoke (1997), Director: Hayao Miyazaki,
rated PG-13
The Fate Of The World
Rests On The Courage Of One Warrior.
Starring:
(English voice cast:) Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Billy Bob
Thornton, John DeMita, John DiMaggio, Jada Pinkett Smith, Gillian Anderson, Debi
Derryberry, Keith David, Tara Strong
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Now watch closely,
everyone. I'm going to show you how to kill a god. A god of life
and death. The trick is not to fear him."
- Lady Eboshi
Why watch this? It
is yet another wonderful animated treasure from the mind of
Hayao Miyazaki.
Plot Summary:
Set in the Muromachi
period of Japanese history, young Prince Ashitaka is cursed by a
demonized boar god and must journey to the west to find a cure.
There, he becomes embroiled in a conflict between Iron Town, a
community encroaching upon the forest and its inhabitants, and
the forest spirits, led by the enigmatic Princess Mononoke.
Ashitaka attempts to mediate between the opposing forces,
seeking a path to coexistence before the escalating violence
consumes both humans and nature.
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Dad's Preview:
If you enjoyed Dorothy's journey in Oz, or Charlie's adventure
in Willie's factory, then this amazing fantasy fare might be
right up your alley. Director/Writer Miyazaki creates such
incredible visuals that, at first, you might be overwhelmed.
This quest through Japanese mythology, where demons and forest
gods hold considerable power over humans, plays like a Greek
tragedy. As man moves becomes more dominant, nature and the gods
of nature, must be destroyed to enable man to essentially rape
the natural world of its resources. Standing in the way are a
brave warrior, and a wolf whisperer, both determined to stop the
human's rampant destruction. The animation is off-the-charts
amazing, and the story rich with allegory. A visit to this world
will leave you wondering about humankind, and our role in
preserving the natural world we live in. James Cameron said this
film influenced his meta-hit,
Avatar
(2009).
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Studio Ghibli;
Toho |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#14 Top |
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Watchmen
(2009),
Director: Zack Snyder, rated R for
frightening scenes, nudity, violence
Someone's
killing our super heroes.
Starring: Malin
Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle
Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson, Matt Frewer
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"I have witnessed events so
tiny and so fast they can hardly be said to have occurred at
all. But you,
Adrian, you're just a man. The world's smartest
man poses no more threat to me
than does its smartest termite." –
Dr. Manhattan
Why watch this?
Snyder films are so stylistically unique, and this one is
remarkable.
Plot Summary: Set in
an alternate 1985 at the height of the Cold War, the film opens
with the murder of a former costumed hero known as The Comedian.
This event prompts the vigilante Rorschach, who is still
actively fighting crime, to investigate a potential conspiracy
targeting other former superheroes. As Rorschach reconnects with
his former masked allies, they uncover a much larger and darker
plot that could have catastrophic consequences.
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Dad's Preview:
Zack Snyder developed this film from the uber-successful comic graphic
novel by the brilliant
Alan Moore. Some fans were very critical of the film's
adaptation, however it does work. There are great effects, interesting
heroes and a
rock solid, complex plot. I particularly love J. E. Haley's portrayal
of the dark, disturbed Rorschach, an anti-hero, fighting to
maintain his sanity in a violent world.
This super-hero saga is not for kids. Rather, it's a very
gritty film, where the plot is allowed to take us
into new, mature and interesting directions. |
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Paramount
Pictures, Legendary Pictures, DC Ent.,
Lawrence Gordon/Lloyd
Levin Prod.,
Cruel and
Unusual Films;
Warner Bros. Pictures |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#13 Top |
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Wonder Woman
(2017),
Director: Patty Jenkins, rated PG-13 for super-hero
violence
Power. Grace. Wisdom. Wonder.
Starring: Gal Gadot,
Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie
Nielsen, Ewen Bremner, Eugene Brave Rock, Saïd
Taghmaoui
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"I'm going, Mother. I
cannot stand by while innocent lives are lost. If no one else
will defend the world from Ares, then I must. I have to go." -
Diana Prince
Why watch this? It's
more than a great super-hero film... Diana is a superb role model.
Plot Summary:
Princess Diana, raised on the hidden island of Themyscira,
trains as an Amazonian warrior. When an American pilot crashes
on her shores during World War I, he reveals a devastating
conflict consuming the outside world. Convinced she can stop the
war and believing the god Ares is responsible, Diana leaves her
home to join the fight, discovering her true heroic destiny.
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Dad's Preview:
It embarrassingly took Hollywood this long to get one of
their key female super-heroes right. Thank god it was Wonder Woman!
This origin story of Diana Prince is a wonderful epic. The
scenes in Themyscira are beautiful and poignant. The footage
from World War I is powerful. Since her debut in
Batman
v Superman, Gal Gadot has catapulted into international
stardom. Watching this transports me back to my childhood,
where my heroes came alive, and stood for good!
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DC Films, RatPac-Dune
Ent., Atlas Ent.,
Cruel and Unusual
Films;
Warner Bros. |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#12 Top |
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Time After Time
(1979),
Director: Nicholas Meyer, rated PG
A chase through
time -- to catch Jack the Ripper!
Starring: Malcolm
McDowell, David Warner, Mary Steenburgen, Charles Cioffi,
Patti D'Arbanville, Kent Williams, Joseph Maher, Corey Feldman
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"We don't belong here? On
the contrary, Herbert. I belong here completely and utterly.
I'm
home."- Jack the Ripper, on being transported to New
York City, 1979
Why watch this?
As a fan of
The Time Machine (1960), this takes things one more horrifying step.
Plot Summary:
English writer H.G. Wells, having invented a functional time
machine, finds himself chasing notorious serial killer Jack the
Ripper through time. Jack has escaped to the year 1979 in Wells'
own creation. Upon arriving in a future he did not anticipate,
Wells encounters a woman named Amy Robbins and enlists her help
in his pursuit of the infamous murderer, now turned loose in San
Francisco.
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Dad's Preview:
I love the concept of time-travel, so this film caught my eye. In
this creative spin, H.G. Wells' fictional machine is hijacked by none
other than the infamous Jack the Ripper! The London butcher uses it to travel to
current time. Wells, of course, pursues him, feeling
responsible. This hidden
treasure is intelligent and packed with suspense. Kudos to great
performances by the three leads. This compelling crime-drama is a must-see for sci-fi
buffs and time-travel enthusiasts.
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Orion Pictures;
Warner Bros. |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#11 Top |
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The Valley of Gwangi
(1969),
Director: Jim O'Connolly, rated Approved
Cowboys Battle
Monsters in the Lost World of Forbidden Valley!
Starring:
James
Franciscus, Gila Golan, Richard Carlson, Laurence Naismith, Freda
Jackson, Gustavo Rojo, Dennis Kilbane, Curtis Arden
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
DML Top 50
#39 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of The Valley of
Gwangi
"He who takes from
Gwangi the evil one is cursed." – Tia Zorina, the gypsy woman
Why watch this?
... to see the amazing spectacle that is Gwangi!
Plot Summary: When a
struggling Wild West show, in early 20th-century Mexico,
encounters a prehistoric horse, it leads them to a hidden valley
teeming with dinosaurs. Driven by the desire for fame and
fortune, the show's cowboys capture a formidable Allosaurus,
known as Gwangi, intending to exhibit it as a grand attraction.
However, their plans quickly unravel when the captured creature
proves impossible to control.
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Dad's Preview:
As a young boy, I loved dinosaur movies and Westerns. You can
imagine my elation when a preview at the local drive-in
advertised Gwangi! I lost my mind. Cowboys discover
dinosaurs in a hidden valley. The film itself did not
disappoint. It features
some of Ray Harryhausen's finest stop-motion animation,
including a tiny horse, and numerous prehistoric beasties. This
hidden gem increased my appetite for more Harryhausen films I am
happy to say.
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Charles H. Schneer
Prod.;
Warner Bros.-Seven Arts |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#10 Top |
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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
(1989),
Director: Steven Spielberg, rated PG-13 for violence
Have the
Adventure of Your Life Keeping Up With the Joneses.
Starring: Harrison
Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John
Rhys-Davies, Julian Glover, River Phoenix, Michael Byrne
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"The quest for the Grail is
not archaeology; it's a race against evil! If it is captured by
the Nazis,
the armies of darkness will march all over the face
of the Earth! Do you understand me?" – Dr. Henry Jones
Why watch this?
It really IS almost as good as
Raiders of
the Lost Ark (1981)!
Plot Summary:
Archaeologist Indiana Jones learns that his estranged father,
Professor Henry Jones Sr., has vanished while searching for the
Holy Grail. Indy follows clues in his father's Grail diary and
teams up with Dr. Elsa Schneider, unaware of her true motives.
They eventually face off against the Nazis (again), who are also
determined to find the Grail for Hitler's own sinister purposes.
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Dad's Preview:
Spielberg and Lucas return to familiar territory to give us
this wonderful third Indy film. Back are loyal sidekicks Sallah and Marcus
Brody, and we're again battling those pesky Nazis. Our
archeologists are searching for another biblical artifact,
but first they must find Indy's father, portrayed wonderfully by
Sir Sean Connery. He puts Indy in his place more than once. Once father and son are reunited, the film
follows a tricky path towards the holy grail, filled with action
and double-crosses. It's so nice to see these seasoned actors
together on screen having such a good time. |
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Lucasfilm Ltd.;
Paramount Pictures |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#9 Top |
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Field
of Dreams
(1989),
Director: Phil Alden Robinson, rated PG
All his
life, Ray Kinsella was searching for his dreams. Then
one day, his dreams came looking for him.
Starring: Kevin
Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Burt
Lancaster, Gaby Hoffman, Timothy Busfield
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Ray, people will come, Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons
they can't even fathom." - Terence Mann
Why watch this?
It's both so American... and so magical.
Plot Summary: Iowa
farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he hears in his
cornfield to build a baseball diamond. Despite skepticism and
financial hardship, he pursues this vision with the support of
his wife. His journey leads him to encounter figures from the
past and present, all linked by their dreams and the game of
baseball.
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Dad's Preview:
In the late '80's Costner was on fire. This
classic followed
Bull
Durham (1988), another flick about baseball. Well, this is more about the
legends of baseball. A good, ordinary man feels called to follow a crazy
idea. And for once, he trusts it, even when things don't make sense.
That is where the magic happens. This sentimental movie is beautifully shot and acted.
Thank you, Burt Lancaster, for your lovely performance as Doc
"Moonlight" Graham. |
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Gordon
Company; Universal Pictures |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#8 Top |
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Highlander
(1986),
Director: Russell Mulcahy,
rated R for violence, language
There can be
only one.
Starring:
Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown, Roxanne Hart,
Alan North, Beatie Edney, Sheila Gish, Jon Polito, Hugh Quarshie
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"The Kurgan. He is the
strongest of all the immortals. He's the perfect warrior. If he
wins the Prize
mortal man would suffer an eternity of darkness."
- Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez
Why watch this? ... the wonderful blend of history
and sci-fi sets this action film apart.
Plot Summary:
Connor MacLeod, a 16th-century Scottish Highlander, discovers
that he is immortal after surviving a seemingly fatal battle
wound. He is trained by another immortal named Ramirez, who
explains that immortals can only be killed by decapitation and
are destined to fight each other until only a few remain for
The Gathering. In 1985 New York City, Connor must face his
ancient nemesis, the evil Kurgan, in a final battle for the
ultimate Prize.
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Dad's Preview:
The mid 80's hatched a sea of action films ranging from good to
bad, most of the bad films being rip-offs of something that was
a surprise success. Highlander was definitely one of the good
ones thanks to its creative plot and, of course, Sean Connery. It
is part old-world adventure, science fiction and gritty crime
drama. It covers a lot ground (and time periods), but never stops being fun. I love
the performances from Connery and the over-the-top Clancy Brown, as the
demonic immortal, Kurgan. |
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Thorn EMI Screen
Ent., Highlander Prod.,
Davis-Panzer Prod.;
20th Century Fox |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#7 Top |
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It's a Wonderful Life
(1946),
Director: Frank Capra, rated PG
The most loved
Christmas film of all time!
Starring:
James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell,
Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Ward
Bond, Frank Faylen, Gloria Grahame
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#11 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of It's a Wonderful
Life
"Strange isn't
it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around
he
leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" - Clarence the angel
Why watch this? ...
You're kidding, right? This holiday classic is so much more than
that.
Plot Summary:
This holiday classic follows George Bailey, a man who has always
put the needs of his small town and its residents before his own
ambitions. Through a series of selfless acts, he inadvertently
creates a life that, despite its challenges, has a profound
impact on those around him. When faced with a crisis that pushes
him to his breaking point, an unexpected intervention shows him
the true value of his existence and the indelible mark he has
made on his community.
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Dad's Preview:
This really is a wonderful film about a humble man named George
Bailey. The world can be cruel to folks who live right and try
to always do good things. George, in his despair, feels he has
failed everyone, his father, his wife, his town, and most
importantly, his dreams. On a snowy night, he prays for help. His
answer: a visit from his guardian angel, the kind Clarence
Odbody, who
grants George his wish to see what life would be like if "I'd
never been
born". I treasure this Capra film with all my soul. It's
message is like life's manna. |
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Liberty Films; RKO
Radio Pictures |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#6 Top |
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Time Bandits
(1981),
Director: Terry Gilliam, rated PG
... they didn't
make history, they stole it!
Starring:
John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Ian Holm, Katherine Helmond, Michael
Palin, David Warner
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"God is not interested in
technology... He's obsessed with making the grass grow and
getting rainbows right.
Look at what he spends his time on:
Forty-three species of parrot! Nipples for men!" - Evil
Why watch this?
It's a fantasy comedy. Plus most of the Monty Python players have roles!
Plot Summary:
Kevin, a young boy fascinated by history, is unexpectedly drawn
into a fantastical adventure through time when a group of
thieving dwarfs escape into his bedroom through a time portal.
The dwarfs, former employees of the Supreme Being, have stolen a
map detailing all of the time holes, which they use to jump
through different eras to steal treasures. Pursued by both the
Supreme Being and the powerful Evil Genius, Kevin joins the
dwarfs on their journey, encountering various historical figures
along the way.
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Dad's Preview:
Written and directed by the creative mind of Monty Pythoner Terry Gilliam, this
magical journey takes us to many places in both history and
fantasy, each populated by a cast of quirky characters.
You will wonder, "Did this film's creator do some
mushrooms?!" We witness Napoleon's madness, an Ogre with a
backache, and heck, even Sean
Connery battles a towering Minotaur! David Warner is
excellent as the personification of evil. It's witty, imaginative
fun for the whole family.
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HandMade Films;
HandMade Films Dist. Ltd. |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#5 Top |
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Excalibur (1981),
Director: John Boorman, rated PG for some nudity,
Medieval violence
Forged
by a god. Foretold by a wizard. Found by a King.
Starring:
Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Nicol Williamson, Liam
Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Cherie Lunghi
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#38 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Excalibur
"You will be the land, and
the land will be you. If you fail, the land will perish;
as you
thrive, the land will blossom." - Merlin
Why watch this?
... because it is the Arthurian legend in vivid, wonderful detail.
Plot Summary:
Told here is the epic tale of King Arthur, tracing his journey
from humble beginnings to the throne of a unified Britain.
Guided by the enigmatic wizard Merlin, Arthur establishes the
legendary Round Table and builds the realm of Camelot, ushering
in an era of peace and prosperity. However, the kingdom's glory
is threatened by internal strife, including betrayal, forbidden
love, and the insidious plots of Arthur's treacherous
half-sister, the sorceress Morgana.
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Dad's Preview:
You've heard the stories... the wise King Arthur... the sword in
the stone... the mysterious sorcerer Merlin... Sir Lancelot the
brave. British director John Boorman masterfully wrought this
film about those legends, and it is perfection to behold. Like a
spell's dream, we witness each event in many instances through
Merlin's eyes. It's hypnotic, heroic, tragic, and wonderfully
allegorical. It really is a fable come to life. |
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Orion
Pictures, Cinema '84; Warner Bros. |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#4 Top |
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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003),
Director: Gore Verbinski, rated PG-13 for undead violence, scary scenes
Prepare to be
blown out of the water.
Starring: Johnny Depp,
Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Pryce,
Jack Davenport, Kevin R. McNally, Zoe Saldana
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#49 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Curse of the
Black Pearl
"You
best start believin' in ghost stories, Miss Turner. You're in
one!" - Capt. Barbossa
Why watch this?
It's piraty. It's spooky. It's Knightley. It's Deppy.
Plot Summary:
Blacksmith Will Turner and eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow
team up to rescue Elizabeth Swann, the daughter of Governor
Swann, after she is kidnapped by pirates of the Black Pearl.
This perilous journey involves commandeering a ship, recruiting
a motley crew, and confronting the treacherous Captain Barbossa,
a former ally of Jack, who stole his ship.
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Dad's Preview:
I like heroes. I also like them covered in dirt. They need a
murky past. Tattoos are good - and a quirky personality. This
film struck a gold mine by casting Johnny Depp (BTW, Hugh
Jackman was the first choice) as Captain Jack Sparrow, and his
performance knocks the film out of the Disney theme park ride
that inspired it. The plot and special effects are superb in
this swashbuckling, supernatural, pirate adventure. |
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Walt Disney
Pics, Jerry Bruckheimer Films;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist. |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#3 Top |
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Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(1975),
Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, rated PG for
mild violence, rabbit-induced gore
Sets the Cinema
Back 900 Years!
Starring:
Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Connie
Booth, Carol Cleveland, Neil Innes, Bee Duffell
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#22 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Rabbit Hole of Monty Python
and the Holy Grail
"We better not risk
another frontal assault. That rabbit's dynamite!" - King
Arthur
Why watch this? This
irreverent, Medieval comedy from Python is legendary.
Plot Summary:
King Arthur gathers his Knights of the Round Table and is
instructed by God to embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail.
Their journey is filled with absurd and surreal encounters,
including taunting French soldiers, the Black Knight, a killer
rabbit, and the Knights Who Say Ni. The film follows their
individual and collective misadventures as they brave various
obstacles in pursuit of the mythical relic.
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Dad's Preview:
This may seem adolescent, but I am certain there is genius
within some offensive comedies. Said genius is on par with
classic films, the likes of
Casablanca (1942),
Pulp Fiction
(1994),
Tucker & Dale
vs. Evil (2010). However, critics will always dismiss these
gems as
"in poor taste", "vulgar" or "you need therapy". I get it - not classy enough... One too
many jokes about flatulence. Fie! What a disservice! Holy
Grail is entertaining from start to finish. It will always
make ME laugh, and therein lies its genius. |
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Python Pictures,
Michael White Prod., National
Film Trustee Co; EMI Films |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#2 Top |
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Raiders of the Lost Ark
(1981),
Director: Steven Spielberg, rated PG for violence,
disturbing scenes
Indiana Jones
- the new hero from the creators of JAWS and STAR WARS.
Starring:
Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#6 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Raiders of
the Lost Ark
"An army which carries the Ark before
it... is invincible." - Marcus Brody
Why watch this? This
ode to actions serials of the past combined the '80's
hottest star and director.
Plot Summary:
In 1936, archaeologist Indiana Jones is tasked by the U.S.
government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis, who
believe its power could make their army invincible. He embarks
on a thrilling adventure, navigating treacherous locations like
Nepal and Egypt while facing off against dangerous adversaries
and overcoming perilous obstacles. Joined by his spirited
ex-flame Marion Ravenwood, Indy races against time to secure the
legendary relic and prevent its devastating power from falling
into the wrong hands.
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Dad's Preview:
George Lucas (Star Wars) and Steven Spielberg (Jaws) worked
together on this little side project for the hunky Harrison Ford. The result was a cinematic
homage to the one-reel, action-packed serials of the 1930's.
Raiders transcends its own genre and stands alone as a
masterpiece of the white-knuckle adventure film. It features a
stellar supporting cast and an amazing John Williams' soundtrack. The
result was solid
gold. This film catapulted Ford's career as a
legitimate international superstar, and gave Spielberg the power
to make any film he wanted.
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Lucasfilm Ltd.;
Paramount Pictures |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#1a Top |
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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001),
Director: Peter Jackson, Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence
ONE RING TO
RULE THEM ALL.
Starring:
Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy
Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Sean
Bean, Ian Holm
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#5a -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of LOTR: The
Fellowship of the Ring
"It is a strange fate that
we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing.
Such a little thing." - Boromir, about the ring Frodo
has found
Why watch this? The
first of Jackson's Tolkien film adaptations will lock you in for
more.
Plot Summary:
The fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance as the Dark Lord
Sauron seeks to regain the One Ring, a powerful object
containing a part of his might. The Ring has fallen into the
hands of young hobbit Frodo Baggins, who learns from the wizard
Gandalf that it must be destroyed. Frodo and eight companions,
forming the Fellowship of the Ring, embark on a perilous journey
to Mordor, the only place where the Ring can be unmade in the
fires of Mount Doom.
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Dad's Preview:
This is the first film in the most wonderful fantasy trilogy ever made.
Here, Middle Earth's diverse main characters are
introduced, and the epic journey begins. It starts in the green
shire, home to the peaceful Hobbits, then traverses fields, quiet hamlets, dank forests,
expansive plains,
snowy mountains, and finally the dark, goblin-infested
labyrinths of the Mines of Moria. It's epic and emotionally taxing, as the
fragile Fellowship trudges onward on its quest to destroy the
one thing that is evil manifested - the ring of power, which makes it a target of the burning eye of Sauron, the evil Lord
who craves it the most. |
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WingNut Films; New
Line Cinema |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#1b Top |
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The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002),
Director: Peter Jackson, Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence
THE BATTLE FOR
MIDDLE-EARTH BEGINS!
Starring:
Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood,
Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy
Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo
Weaving, Karl Urban, Bernard Hill
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#5b -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of LOTR: The Two
Towers
"So much death. What
can men do against such reckless hate?" – King Théoden
before the Battle of Helm's Deep
Why watch this? The
second film perfectly stands on its own with attention to story
and amazing battle sequences.
Plot Summary:
The Fellowship is now scattered as the fight against Sauron and
his allies intensifies. Frodo and Sam continue their perilous
journey to destroy the One Ring, while being trailed by the
enigmatic creature Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and
Gimli unite with a resurrected Gandalf to rally the forces of
Rohan against Saruman's growing army and defend the stronghold
of Helm's Deep. The hobbits Merry and Pippin find themselves in
the ancient Fangorn Forest and encounter the tree-like Ents,
whom they must convince to join the fight against the
encroaching darkness.
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Dad's Preview:
The brave Fellowship has been torn asunder, their wise leader dragged
into fiery darkness. Director Peter Jackson continued his
beloved film adaptation of J. R. Tolkien's
The Lord of the
Rings with determination to get it right. The middle film adds richness to each Fellowship
member, and brings new players (some heroic, some tragic)
into focus. We also are introduced to a key antagonist, the sinister
Golem, who desires the return of his ring. The massive battle at
Helm's Deep is unforgettable. But the war is not over and we are
left wanting a conclusion to this fantastical tale. |
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WingNut Films; New
Line Cinema |
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Top 20
Historical Fantasy Films
#1c Top |
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003),
Director: Peter Jackson, Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence
THE EYE OF THE
ENEMY IS MOVING.
Starring:
Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood,
Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy
Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo
Weaving, Karl Urban, Bernard Hill
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#5c -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of LOTR: The
Return of the King
"We come to it, at
last. The great battle of our time." - Gandalf the White
Why watch this?
After two massive films, this delivers on all open plot threads
and every moment is a treasure.
Plot Summary:
The forces of good launch a final, desperate struggle against
Sauron's overwhelming armies as Frodo and Sam undertake the
harrowing final stages of their quest to destroy the One Ring.
Aragorn embraces his destiny as the rightful king of Gondor and
leads the forces of men in battle, while Frodo and Sam, guided
by the treacherous Gollum, navigate the perilous lands of Mordor
towards Mount Doom. As the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the
balance, each character faces their own trials of courage,
loyalty, and sacrifice in the hope of defeating the Dark Lord
and restoring peace to the land.
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Dad's Preview:
As the principal characters inch ever closer to their fates, we
feel the weight, Frodo's weight, and it is almost too much to bear.
With Gimli, Legolas and Aragon lost inside the mountain pass,
the army of man, led by Gandalf and King Théoden, must
prevail in the final battle at the foot of towering Minas Tirith,
the White City. All this is to buy time for two hobbits, Frodo
and Sam, to reach the fires of Mount Doom and destroy the ring.
They encounter danger at every turn, the worst being the
betrayal of Golem.This Oscar-winning final chapter is without
question the finest fantasy film ever made. |
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WingNut Films; New
Line Cinema |
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