Fantasy is the oldest form of storytelling, and it remains one of the most imaginative genres in cinema. With the help of modern technology, filmmakers can now create breathtaking worlds that were once only possible in our dreams. But a fantasy film lives or dies by its opening—those crucial first minutes must pull you in and make you believe in the impossible. Here are 10 films that do exactly that, setting the stage for masterpieces from the very first frame.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
The third installment in the swashbuckling saga doesn't waste a second. It opens with a mass hanging, a grim reminder of the stakes as Lord Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander) tightens his grip on the seas. The haunting song sung by the condemned prisoners before the title drop is a chilling moment that sets the tone for the epic adventure to come. From there, we're whisked to Singapore to reunite with our heroes and set sail for the land of the dead. It's a bold, dark opening that promises a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy.
Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki's magnum opus begins quietly, following young Chihiro as she moves to a new home with her parents. But when they stumble into an abandoned amusement park that turns out to be a spirit world, the film transforms into a surreal, enchanting journey. The moment Haku warns Chihiro to flee before sunset, and her parents are turned into pigs, we know we're in for something special. It's a masterclass in building tension and wonder, leaving us desperate to see how Chihiro will navigate this strange new reality.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
DreamWorks' beloved animated film kicks off with a stunning 2D dream sequence that pays homage to Chinese shadow puppetry. Po (Jack Black) imagines himself as a legendary kung fu master, and the stylized animation is a visual feast. When we snap back to reality and see Po as a clumsy panda working in his father's noodle shop, the contrast is both hilarious and endearing. This opening perfectly sets up Po's hero's journey, blending action, humor, and heart in a way that promises greatness.
Shrek (2001)
Shrek revolutionized animated films with its irreverent humor and satirical take on fairy tales. The opening is iconic: Shrek (Mike Myers) uses a fairy tale book as toilet paper, then goes about his daily routine in the swamp while Smash Mouth's "All Star" plays. It's a bold statement that this isn't your typical Disney movie. The scene with the angry mob and the introduction of Donkey (Eddie Murphy) quickly establish the film's themes of otherness and friendship. It's a perfect setup for a story that would become a cultural touchstone.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
After a mediocre spin-off, no one expected much from this sequel. But from the opening narration about the wishing star to the sudden interruption by an angry governor, the film announces itself as something special. The animation style is a bold departure, with a painterly, storybook aesthetic that immediately captivates. Puss's encounter with death—literally—raises the stakes in a way that's both thrilling and surprisingly mature. It's a fantastic opening that sets the stage for a deeper, more emotional adventure.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Disney's animated classic opens with a stunning prologue told through stained-glass windows, recounting how a selfish prince was cursed to live as a beast. The narration, accompanied by a haunting musical score, instantly draws us into a tale as old as time. It's a perfect example of efficient storytelling, establishing the curse and its consequences in just a few minutes. By the time we meet Belle, we're already invested in the world and eager to see how her story unfolds.
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
This sword-and-sorcery epic begins with a powerful voiceover: "Between the years when the oceans drank Atlantis and the rise of the sons of Aryas, there was an age undreamed of." The opening scene, showing Conan's village being destroyed and his parents killed, sets a grim, brutal tone that defines the film. It's a visceral, mythic introduction that establishes Conan's tragic backstory and his quest for vengeance. From the first frame, you know you're watching a fantasy classic.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Peter Jackson's epic trilogy begins with a breathtaking prologue that recounts the history of the One Ring, from its forging to its loss. The narration, combined with sweeping visuals and Howard Shore's iconic score, immediately immerses us in Middle-earth. It's a masterful opening that sets up the stakes and introduces the key players in the battle for the fate of the world. By the time we meet Frodo and the hobbits, we're fully invested in their journey.
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Guillermo del Toro's dark fantasy opens with a haunting image: a young girl, Ofelia, lying on the ground, blood trickling from her nose. The camera pulls back to reveal she's in a labyrinth, and we hear a voiceover about a princess who escaped to the human world. It's a poetic, melancholic start that sets the tone for a story that blends the real and the fantastical. The opening is a promise of the emotional and visual richness to come.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
DreamWorks' dragon saga opens with a thrilling aerial sequence, as Hiccup narrates his desire to be a Viking warrior like his father. The animation is breathtaking, and the music swells as we see the village of Berk and its dragon-fighting culture. The opening establishes the central conflict—Hiccup's struggle to fit in—while also showcasing the stunning world of dragons. It's a perfect setup for a story about friendship, understanding, and breaking tradition.
These films prove that a great opening can be a promise of greatness. Whether through stunning visuals, powerful music, or clever storytelling, they hook us from the first ten minutes and never let go. For more cinematic magic, check out our list of epic finales or explore fantasy series that rival Harry Potter.
