Fantasy cinema has been on a remarkable run over the last five years, delivering everything from intimate character studies to sprawling epic adventures. Whether you're a fan of animated wonders, live-action spectacles, or genre-bending dramas, there's been no shortage of magical storytelling. Here, we rank the 17 best fantasy movies released since 2021, highlighting the films that have captivated audiences and critics alike.
The Cream of the Crop
Topping our list are films that have redefined what fantasy can be. All of Us Strangers blends supernatural elements with a deeply emotional narrative about grief and connection, earning its place as a modern masterpiece. Meanwhile, Three Thousand Years of Longing offers a visually stunning and intellectually rich tale of a scholar and a djinn, proving that fantasy can be both thought-provoking and beautiful.
Other standout titles include The Boy and the Heron, Hayao Miyazaki's latest triumph, which weaves a coming-of-age story with surreal, hand-drawn imagery. For those who love action-packed fantasy, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brought the beloved tabletop game to life with humor and heart, while Everything Everywhere All at Once used multiverse chaos to explore family and identity in ways that feel both fresh and deeply human.
Underrated Gems Worth Seeking Out
Not every great fantasy film gets the attention it deserves. The Green Knight reimagines Arthurian legend with a slow-burn, atmospheric approach that rewards patient viewers. Similarly, Mad God is a stop-motion nightmare that pushes the boundaries of the genre, offering a dark, wordless journey through a hellish landscape. These films may not have dominated the box office, but they've left a lasting impression on those who discovered them.
If you're looking for something lighter, Turning Red and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile prove that fantasy can be family-friendly without sacrificing creativity. And for fans of anime, Suzume delivers a road-trip adventure with a supernatural twist, blending Japanese folklore with modern storytelling.
Why These Films Matter
The last five years have been a golden age for fantasy, with filmmakers using the genre to explore everything from grief and trauma to joy and wonder. Everything Everywhere All at Once became a cultural phenomenon, winning multiple Oscars and proving that fantasy can be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Meanwhile, All of Us Strangers showed how a ghost story can be a vehicle for profound emotional catharsis.
For those who prefer epic world-building, Avatar: The Way of Water expanded James Cameron's Pandora with breathtaking visuals and a deeper dive into its ecosystem. And The Batman, while often classified as superhero, incorporates gothic fantasy elements that make it feel like a dark fairy tale.
Ranking the Best
Our ranking considers critical reception, cultural impact, and sheer entertainment value. Here are the top 17 fantasy movies of the last five years, from underrated gems to undeniable classics:
- All of Us Strangers (2023)
- Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)
- The Boy and the Heron (2023)
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
- Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
- The Green Knight (2021)
- Mad God (2021)
- Suzume (2022)
- Turning Red (2022)
- Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
- The Batman (2022)
- Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)
- Pinocchio (Guillermo del Toro, 2022)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
- The Northman (2022)
- Wendell & Wild (2022)
- Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)
For more fantasy rankings, check out The Ultimate Ranking of the Best Fantasy Action Movies Ever Made and Top Fantasy Novels of the Last Decade: A Definitive Ranking. And if you're in the mood for something different, explore Hidden Gems: 8 Sci-Fi TV Shows That Are Underrated Masterpieces.
Whether you're a longtime fantasy fan or new to the genre, these films offer something for everyone. From the emotional depth of All of Us Strangers to the wild creativity of Everything Everywhere All at Once, the last five years have proven that fantasy is one of the most versatile and powerful genres in cinema.
