Are you a fan of the eerie and macabre? Do you like imaginary worlds full of mystery and intrigue? If so, you're likely a fan of dark fantasy. But what are some of the best movies in this genre? Join me as we explore some of the best dark fantasy movies out there to fit every mood.
Whether you're looking for a truly spooky experience or a stirring romance, these movies are sure to satisfy!
Coraline (Selick, 2009)
Coraline tells the story of a young girl who discovers an alternate world that is eerily similar to her own. As she explores this new world, she discovers that it holds some dark secrets, and a mother figure who's anything but maternal.
Coraline is a visually stunning film that features some truly creepy moments. The characters are wonderfully designed, and the voice acting is top-notch.
Selick masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspense and menace, and the film's climax is genuinely chilling. If you're looking for a fright, Coraline is definitely worth a watch.
The Dark Crystal (Henson and Oz, 1982)
The Dark Crystal is one of the great fantasy films of the 20th century. Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, it is a masterpiece of puppetry and world-building.
The film tells the story of Jen, a Gelfling who must fulfill a prophecy and restore order to the world of Thra. Along the way, he makes allies and enemies, learns about the true nature of his world, and confronts the evil Skeksis.
The Dark Crystal is a many-layered film with themes of loss, betrayal, and corruption. But it is also a beautiful film, with stunning visuals and an unforgettable score. It is a classic example of what fantasy can be: a journey into another world that is at once familiar and strange, dangerous and enchanting.
Legend (Scott, 1985)
Scott's 1985 film Legend is a true classic, and part of its enduring appeal is due to the stellar performance of Tim Curry as the Lord of Darkness. Curry brings a chilling malevolence to the role, making the character both terrifying and magnetic. It's a truly iconic performance, and one that helped to make Legend one of the most memorable films of the 80s.
Black Sunday (Bava, 1960)
Black Sunday is a 1960 Italian gothic fantasy film directed by Mario Bava. The film stars Barbara Steele as Princess Asa Vajda, a woman who is resurrected from the dead and seeks revenge on her killers.
The film was a huge success upon its release and has since become a cult classic. It is widely regarded as one of the best gothic horror films ever made, and its influence can be seen in many subsequent films in the genre. If you're a fan of gothic horror, then Black Sunday is a must-see!
Labyrinth (1986)
Labyrinth is a dark fantasy movie released in 1986, directed by Jim Henson and starring David Bowie. The story follows Sarah, a young girl who is sent to live with her stepmother, and becomes bored until she is given a cryptic message that tells her to go into the Labyrinth to save him from the Goblin King. The film is filled with strange creatures and twisted landscapes, and culminates in a spectacular battle between Sarah and the Goblin King. Labyrinth is a must-watch for any dark fantasy fan.
The Love Witch (Biller, 2016)
The Love Witch is a lush and ethereal film that tells the story of a young woman who is trying to find love.
Elaine, the love witch of the title, is a beautiful and talented witch who uses her powers to try and find the man of her dreams. However, her magic always seems to go wrong, leading to disastrous results.
Despite her best intentions, Elaine finds herself in a downward spiral as she becomes more and more desperate to find love. The Love Witch is a fascinating film that explores the dark side of love and relationships. It's visually stunning, with lush cinematography and beautiful costumes. If you're looking for a film that's different from anything you've seen before, The Love Witch is definitely worth a watch.
The Wicker Man (Hardy, 1973)
The Wicker Man is one of the most unique and unnerving films ever made. It tells the story of a puritan Police Sergeant who arrives on a remote Scottish island in search of a missing girl. The villagers claim that the girl never existed, and as the Sergeant begins to investigate, he realizes that the island is home to a dark pagan cult. The film is atmospheric and suspenseful, with a shocking ending that will leave you reeling.
Director Robin Hardy creates an unforgettable world, and the performances by Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee are both haunting and brilliant. If you're looking for a film that will challenge your preconceptions, then The Wicker Man is a must-see.
The Witch (Eggers, 2015)
When Thomas Wood and his family move from the city to a remote farmhouse, they are hoping for a simpler life. However, they soon find themselves plagued by strange occurrences. Their youngest son goes missing, their crops begin to fail, and their livestock is slaughtered.
As he grows more obsessed with uncovering the truth, Thomas finds himself driven to the brink of madness. In The Witch, Eggers has crafted a chilling tale of paranoia and suspense. Drawing on folktales and New England lore, he has created a modern classic of horror that is sure to send shivers down your spine.
Portrait of Jennie (Dieterle, 1948)
Portrait of Jennie is a 1948 American fantasy film based on a 1938 novella by Robert Nathan. The film stars Jennifer Jones as a mysterious young woman who appears in the life of a struggling artist and seems to have a magical effect on his work. It was directed by William Dieterle and produced by David O. Selznick, with cinematography by Joseph H. August and music by Victor Young. The film was Selznick's final production before he retired from filmmaking and sold his studio, Vanguard Films, to Paramount Pictures. Although it was not a box office success at the time of its release, the film has since garnered a cult following and is considered one of Selznick's most personal works.
Portrait of Jennie is the perfect Halloween movie the same way Die Hard is the perfect Christmas movie. Although it seems like a tonal mismatch, it has a wonderful atmosphere with just enough spookiness to make it work as a Halloween film.
Kiki's Delivery Service (Miyazaki, 1989)
Kiki's Delivery Service is a charming 1989 animated film from Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows thirteen-year-old witch Kiki, who must leave her home to undergo her Witch Training. She arrives in a new town and sets up a delivery service with her black cat, Jiji. Although she struggles at first, she quickly learns that with hard work and determination, she can succeed at anything she puts her mind to.
With its themes of independence and perseverance, Kiki's Delivery Service is an inspiring film for people of all ages. charming visuals and lovable characters, it is no wonder that the film has become a timeless classic.
Nosferatu (Murnau, 1922)
What makes a good gothic fantasy movie? For me, it's a combination of atmosphere, suspense, and a dash of the supernatural. And Fasut has all of that in spades.
Based on Faust by Goethe, the movie tells the story of a doctor who sells his soul to the devil. In return, he gets incredible powers. But when he can't heal a plague victim who's wearing a cross, he's chased out of town. Soon, the price of this deal becomes much higher than he anticipated.
The movie is visually stunning, with beautiful set design and cinematography. The acting is also top-notch, with Conrad Veidt giving an especially chilling performance as Mephistopheles. If you're a fan of gothic fantasy, then Murnau's Faust is a must-see.
Faust (Murnau, 1926)
What makes a good gothic fantasy movie? For me, it's a combination of atmosphere, suspense, and a dash of the supernatural. And Fasut has all of that in spades.
Based on Faust by Goethe, the movie tells the story of a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. The price of this deal is much higher than he anticipated.
The movie is visually stunning, with beautiful set design and cinematography. The acting is also top-notch, with Conrad Veidt giving an especially chilling performance as Mephistopheles. If you're a fan of gothic fantasy, then Murnau's Faust is a must-see.
Vampyr (Dreyer, 1930)
Vampyr is one of the earliest and most influential gothic horror films. Directed by Danish filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer, the film follows a young man who discovers a sickly teenage girl who is slowly becoming a vampire.
Though it was not commercially successful at the time, Vampyr has since gained a cult following thanks to its atmospheric visuals and eerie, dreamlike quality. If you're a fan of gothic horror, then Vampyr is definitely a must-see.
That’s it for our list of favorite spooky fantasy movies! What’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter. And don’t forget to get into the spirit by watching some of these great films. Happy haunting!