(DML Top 20 Lists - Fairytale Fantasy Films ranked)

Honorable Mention

La Belle et Le Bête (1946), Director: Jean Cocteau, not rated (Dad's guess: G)

Do Women Prefer The Beast In Men?

Starring: Jean Marais, Josette Day, Marcel André, Mila Parély, Nane Germon, Michel Auclair, Raoul Marco

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"He suffers, Father. One half of him is in constant struggle with the other half. He's more cruel to himself than he is to human beings." - Belle

Why watch this? The tale of Beauty and the Beast is ageless - this French film is pure magic.

Plot Summary: In line with the classice French fairy tale, a young woman named Belle sacrifices herself to a mysterious Beast to save her father's life. While living at the Beast's castle, Belle begins to see beyond his fearsome appearance and develops feelings for him.

Dad's Preview: For years, I would see movie stills from this film in my monster magazines. I actually thought it was made during in the silent era. Upon my first viewing, I was blown away. The workmanship and detail are astonishing. It has such a surreal, fable-like quality, like peering into the looking glass. The costumes are elaborate, and the special effects are wildly creative.

André Paulvé; DisCina

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #20 Top

The NeverEnding Story (1984), Director: Wolfgang Peterson, Rated PG

A boy who needs a friend finds a world that needs a hero in a land beyond imagination!

Starring: Barret Oliver, Noah Hathaway, Tami Stonach, Patricia Hayes, Sydney Bromley, Gerald McRaney, Moses Gunn

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"He doesn't understand that he's the one who has the power to stop it. He simply can't imagine that one little boy could be that important." - The Empress

Why watch this? Fairytale films are usually just for kids. This will inspire adults as well.

Plot Summary: Young Bastian, escaping from bullies, finds refuge in a bookstore and steals a mysterious book titled "The NeverEnding Story". This magical book transports him to the whimsical world of Fantasia. As Bastian reads, he becomes immersed in the adventures of Atreyu, a young warrior tasked with saving Fantasia from a malevolent force known as the Nothing.

Dad's Preview: This wonderful German fantasy film has it's share of heroic figures, elves and unique creatures. It even has a talking dragon. What separates it from the rest is that there are truly dark and scary moments (all good fairytales should be a little scary). When the story's evil becomes more powerful, all we can do is root for the heroes and pray for a happy ending. By all means, watch this with your kids, just be sure to pull them close when the brave prince Atreyu reaches the lair of the evil Gmork!

Neue Constantin Film, Bavaria Film,
Producers Sales Org.; Warner Bros.

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #19 Top

Frozen (2013), Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, rated PG

An Act of True Love Will Thaw a Frozen Heart

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk, Ciarán Hinds, Chris Williams, Paul Briggs

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"No! Why? Why do you shut me out? Why do you shut the world out? What are you so afraid of?" - Anna to Elsa

Why watch this? It is a wonderful story of sisters and healing old wounds.

Plot Summary: After queen-to-be Elsa accidentally uses her secret cryo-kinetic powers to plunge the kingdom of Arendelle into an eternal winter, she flees to the mountains in fear of her own abilities. Her optimistic younger sister, Anna, teams up with mountain man Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and a living snowman named Olaf to journey through dangerous conditions to find her. Together, they race against time to mend the sisters' broken bond, reverse the icy spell, and save the kingdom from a permanent freeze.

Dad's Preview: This delightful wintry fairytale centers on a feud between two sisters: the ordinary Anna, and the chilling Snow Queen, Elsa. It is into this storyline that Disney injects an entertaining cast of characters centered on all things snowy and Scandinavian. There's talking snow creatures, reindeer, princesses, princes, love, disappointment and betrayal - all a healthy Eskimo needs. There are some really awesome musical numbers. Some critics even compare Frozen to, dare we say, the Disney classics Beauty and the Beast (1991) and The Lion King (1994). I will not go that far, but it's closer than you might think.

Walt Disney Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #18 Top

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016), Director: Travis Knight, Rated PG

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Epic.

Starring: (the voices of) Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, Brenda Vaccaro, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, George Takei, Rooney Mara, Meyrick Murphy

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"He looked into my eyes and uttered four simple words. These words changed everything... You are my quest." - Monkey

Why watch this? This is a superb, and visually stunning, animated fable.

Plot Summary: In ancient Japan, a young boy named Kubo lives a quiet life caring for his ailing mother and captivating his village with magical origami stories and music. This peaceful existence is shattered when a spirit from the past reignites an old vendetta, forcing Kubo to embark on a perilous journey to find his late father's enchanted armor. Joined by a protective Monkey and an amnesiac Beetle, Kubo faces formidable foes and discovers the power of his family's legacy.

Dad's Preview: The young Kubo, whose left eye was stolen during infancy, must embark on a quest to defeat his mother's evil sisters and greedy grandfather, the Moon King. It features a very complex plot, incredible animation, and wonderful voice performances by all. It's a film made for kids, but equally applicable to adults. It confronts family curses and the true value of our precious memories.

Laika; Focus Features

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #17 Top

Howl's Moving Castle (2004), Director: Hayao Miyazaki, rated PG

A magician, a witch, a castle that has life. A fantastic journey into the world of imagination.

Starring: (the American voice talents of) Emily Mortimer, Jean Simmons, Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Billy Crystal, John Hutcherson, Blythe Danner, Jena Malone, Mari Devon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Knowing you'd be there gave me the courage to show up. That woman terrifies me. I can't face her on my own. You saved me, Sophie. I was in big trouble back there." - Howl's reply to Sophie's question why she had to go meet with the sorceress Suliman

Why watch this? It's a creative, beautiful fantasy to behold.

Plot Summary: After being cursed with old age by a witch, a timid young hat maker named Sophie seeks a cure and finds refuge in the strange, walking castle of the notorious but insecure wizard, Howl. Assuming the role of a cleaning lady, she gradually grows closer to Howl and his quirky companions, while also trying to break a mysterious contract he has with a fire demon that powers the castle. As Sophie begins to develop her own confidence, she helps Howl confront his deepest fears and protect them both from the dangers of a senseless war engulfing their world.

Dad's Preview: After watching of few of Miyazaki's films, you start to realize that you are seeing individual works of art, each one more elaborate than the last. His fantasy world-building skills are second-to-none. Everywhere there are steam-punk contraptions, the bustle of people, and beings from other realms. It is a lot to take in. Here the universal themes at play are war's senseless price, seeing things with different eyes, and the ever-present relationship between man and nature. Though the plot meanders a bit in the second half, there are always new, breathtaking cityscapes, or semi-organic warships or mountain vistas around the next corner. Kids will enjoy the fantastical story, and adults will appreciate the complexities of its plot.

Studio Ghibli; Toho

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #16 Top

A Little Princess (1995), Director: Alfonso Cuarón, rated G

Warner Bros. proudly offers America a second chance to discover a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Starring: Eleanor Bron, Liam Cunningham, Liesel Matthews, Rusty Schwimmer, Vanessa Chester

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Even if they live in tiny old attics, even if they dress in rags, even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young, they're still princesses - all of us! Didn't your father ever tell you that?" - Sara Crewe

Why watch this? Many films are called "magical". This one really is!

Plot Summary: A young girl named Sara is sent to a New York City boarding school after her father enlists in World War I. When news arrives that her father is presumed dead, the headmistress, Miss Minchin, forces Sara into servitude. Despite her hardships, Sara maintains her kindness and imagination, inspiring those around her to persevere and believe in themselves.

Dad's Preview: This film is a remake of the classic 1939 film starring darling child actress Shirley Temple. I feel this one is much better. When a wealthy young girl, Sara, is separated from her father during the War, she is sent to a boarding house run by the cruel Miss Minchin. Though this new life is rough, Sara keeps her spirit's up, helps others, and holds onto hope that her father will return for her. Cinematically, it's wondrous soul-food to behold.

Baltimore Pictures; Warner Bros.

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #15 Top

Coco (2017), Director: Lee Unkrich, rated PG

The celebration of a lifetime

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía, Edward James Olmos, Alfonso Arau, Selene Luna, Jaime Camil, Natalia Cordova-Buckley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Our memories, they have to be passed down by those who knew us in life - in the stories they tell about us. But there's no one left alive to pass down Cheech's stories... Hey, it happens to everyone eventually." - Héctor

Why watch this? A wonderful children's film about life, and death, and the important in-between.

Plot Summary: A young boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family's long-standing ban on music. On Día de Muertos, a series of events leads him to the vibrant Land of the Dead. There, he embarks on a journey to find his deceased great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer, and uncover the truth about his family's past.

Dad's Preview: Why are we so afraid of death? It is human nature and fear of the unknown. This delightful, colorful Latino-based film explores death, and many more very adult topics such as: the impact a missing father can have, old grudges and the damage they do, and the importance of pursuing your heart's dream, regardless of the many naysayers. Yet, children will love it, too. The Pixar animation, once again, out-does itself. The choice to zip up and infuse brightness, and life, into the land of the dead was brilliant. In many ways it is as creative as Up (2009) or Inside Out (2015). The concept of the hereafter is unique and well-done. We all get to experience Miguel's arduous journey to be himself, while honoring his family. This film is about as good as it gets if you are looking for an experience to make you feel really good inside.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #14 Top

Elf (2003), Director: Jon Favreau, rated PG

This holiday season, discover your inner elf.

Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner, Bob Newhart, Daniel Tay, Faizon Love

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup." - Buddy

Why watch this? You'll fall for Buddy immediately - his innocence is infectious.

Plot Summary: This Christmas fantasy follows Buddy, a human who was mistakenly raised as an elf at the North Pole. Feeling out of place due to his size and lack of elf-like skills, Buddy travels to New York City to find his biological father. Buddy attempts to connect with his cynical father and spread Christmas cheer in a world that has forgotten the magic of the holiday season.

Dad's Preview: Perhaps the most original Christmas movie in the last 20 years. Director Jon Favreau brings us a magical story of an adopted elf, Buddy. Ferrell breathes wonder, humor and life into the character, as only he can. It's heart-warming to watch the 6 ft. 2 in. Buddy embrace people, eat the bubble gum under the railings, and not be embarrassed to show holiday enthusiasm. It's so good, it transcends its Christmas genre and stands well on its own.

Guy Walks Into a Bar; New Line Cinema

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #13 Top

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.

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.

Double Dare You Prod.; Fox Searchlight Pics

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #12 Top

How to Train Your Dragon (2010), Directors: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, rated PG

What started as fire and fury will become friendship.

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Jay Baruchel, Randy Thom, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, David Tennant

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Most people would leave. Not us. We're Vikings. We... have stubbornness issues." - Hiccup

Why watch this? It's a wonderful, action-filled tale about Vikings and air-borne dragons.

Plot Summary: Viking 101: They kill dragons - all of the many kinds. On the island village of Berk, chieftain Stoick the Vast, has a teen son, Hiccup, who is a wiz with creating mechanical devices, yet weak by dad's brawny standards. When Hiccup shoots down a rare Night Fury dragon, nobody believes him. After searching the nearby forest for the dragon's body, Hiccup finds the downed beast very alive and kinda friendly. Meanwhile, Stoick enrolls the lad in dragon-fighting class, as he once sails away to destroy the monsters' nests. Hiccup desperately seeks his dad's approval, but can he actually take a dragon's life?

Dad's Preview: This beloved animated treasure features misunderstood flying monsters, and the Scottish norse-folk, who have killed the beasts for as long as they can remember. There's also a loveable cadre of teenage Vikes who strive to be the best dragon-slayers. However, for me, the core of this film is a broken relationship between a father and his son. Once again, DreamWorks has put forth a delightful, high-quality children's film. It also should resonate with many adults, especially fathers who might have been too hard on their sons. But rest assured folks, in this colorful adventure, all will be put right by the end credits.

DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #11 Top

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.

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!

DC Films, RatPac-Dune Ent., Atlas Ent.,
Cruel and Unusual Films; Warner Bros.

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #10 Top

Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Director: Taika Waititi, rated PG-13

Thunder Will Reign.

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I don't hang with the Avengers anymore. It all got too corporate." - Thor

Why watch this? This takes the Thor story in a fresh, and funnier, direction. I instantly loved it.

Plot Summary: Imprisoned on a distant planet, Thor must escape a gladiatorial contest against the Hulk to return to Asgard. Upon his return, he faces his powerful and ruthless sister, Hela, who seeks to destroy his home world and its civilization. To save his people, Thor must confront Hela and prevent the cataclysmic event known as Ragnarök.

Dad's Preview: Kevin Feige, to keep new ideas coming, decided to turn Thor over to upstart, quirky, director Taika Waititi. It proved to be a wise move. This film is bright, light and so much more fun than the second Thor film. Our blonde hunky Asgardian hero is transported to a slave planet, where he unexpectedly encounters an old friend... The green, raging Hulk, who has been missing. After a massive battle in the gladiator arena, the two devise a plan to get themselves back home to Earth, and back to the Avengers.

Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #9 Top

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.

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).

Studio Ghibli; Toho

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #8 Top

The Dark Crystal (1982), Directors: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, rated PG

Another World, Another Time... In the Age of Wonder.

Starring: Stephen Garlick, Lisa Maxwell, Billie Whitelaw, Percy Edwards, Barry Dennen, Michael Kilgarriff, Sean Barrett, Joseph O'Conor

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"When single shines the triple sun / What was sundered and undone / Shall be whole, the two made one / By gelfling hand or else by none." - Jen

Why watch this? This wonderful fantasy movie is visually stunning.

Plot Summary: This fantasy film, directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, is set on the fantastic alien world of Thra. It tells the story of Jen, a young Gelfling, who is tasked with a quest to find a missing shard splintered from a powerful crystal and heal his world. This endeavor is crucial to ending the tyrannical reign of villainous, bird-like creatures known as the Skeksis.

Dad's Preview: TV's legendary Jim Henson (Sesame Street and The Muppet Show) created this imaginative world for his first film. All scenes, beings, and masterful details are amazing to take in - all characters, beings and creatures were crafted before CGI was a thing. You don't have to be a fantasy or sci-fi nerd to enjoy this treasure, with it's universal themes of good and evil.

ITC Ent., Henson Associates;
Universal Pictures Assoc. Film Dist.

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #7 Top

The Little Mermaid (1989), Directors: John Muskar, Ron Clements, rated G

Somewhere under the sea and beyond your imagination is an adventure in fantasy.

Starring: Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat Carroll, Kenneth Mars, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin, Buddy Hackett

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Hmm... Teenagers. They think they know everything. You give them an inch, they swim all over you." – Sebastian

Why watch this? This film revitalized Disney's animated film reputation.

Plot Summary: A curious young mermaid named Ariel dreams of experiencing life beyond the sea and falls in love with a human prince she rescues from a shipwreck. Desperate to join his world, Ariel makes a dangerous pact with the sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for human legs. With her new form, Ariel embarks on a quest to win the prince's love, but she faces challenges and a ticking clock as Ursula has hidden motives.

Dad's Preview: During the 1980s Disney's animated films had lost something. Then came The Little Mermaid. This gem felt like they had returned to basics, and found the magic again. It has humor and loveable characters, but it is the music that stands out as iconic. Those numbers just make you want to stand up, sing and even dance (or well, swim). So my youngest son did just that - he was selected to portray Sebastian in his high school musical! And, (parental brag warning) he killed it - we were so proud of him and all the play's cast!

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena
Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #6 Top

Beauty and the Beast (1991), Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, rated G

The most beautiful love story ever told.

Starring (voices): Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Angela Lansbury, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Oh, it's no use. She's so beautiful, and I'm... Well, look at me!" - Beast

Why watch this? This magical Disney effort just made the world seem right again.

Plot Summary: In this fairy tale, the beautiful Belle offers her freedom to a cursed prince who has been transformed into a Beast. The Beast, along with his castle and its enchanted staff, are under a spell that can only be broken if he learns to love and be loved in return. Belle gradually gets to know the Beast and sees beyond his outward appearance, while the Beast strives tame his impatient temper.

Dad's Preview: Disney animation had a quality problem in the 1980's. This film changed all that immediately. It's exciting, funny and a beauty to behold. There are many memorable characters and incredible musical numbers. Memorable characters include the French candlestick Lumiere, the British tea kettle Mrs. Potts and the unforgettably conceited huntsman Gaston. This musical is big and bold, yet tender and intimate. It restored Disney's reputation as a quality producer of cinematic animation.

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena
Vista Pictures Distribution, Inc.

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #5 Top

The Princess Bride (1987), Director: Rob Reiner, rated PG

The story of a man and a woman who lived happily ever after. Even though the courtship almost killed them.

Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant, Robin Wright, Peter Faulk, Fred Savage

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”– Indigo Montoya

Why watch this? ... True 'tis a fairy tale, but it's laced with wisdom adults will enjoy.

Plot Summary: The story unfolds as a grandfather reads a fantastical tale to his sick grandson about a beautiful woman named Buttercup and her true love, Westley. After Westley is believed lost at sea, Buttercup is unwillingly betrothed to the nefarious Prince Humperdinck. However, Buttercup is kidnapped by a trio of outlaws, but is relentlessly pursued by a mysterious man in black and Humperdinck himself, leading to a series of unexpected encounters and adventures.

Dad's Preview: This wonder found me late in life, and long after its theatrical debut. I could not believe how much I loved what I thought would be somehow childish. It's directed by Rob Reiner, and has an almost Monty-Python-esc feel to it. Kids will love it, but there's a lot of intelligent wit, too. Each scene is memorable including small cameos from Billy Crystal and Wallace Shawn. And be sure to keep an eye out for the R.U.S.es!

Act III Communications, Buttercup Films;
20th Century Fox

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #4 Top

Edward Scissorhands (1990), Director: Tim Burton; rated PG-13 for mild sexuality, some violence

The Director Of "Batman" & "Beetlejuice" Invites You To Meet His Newest Creation

Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin, Conchata Ferrell

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I don't think it would be snowing now if he weren't still up there. Sometimes you can still catch me dancing in it." - Kim

Why watch this? This odd and sweet film is a lovely journey through Tim Burton's unique brain.

Plot Summary: Edward, an artificial humanoid, is created by an inventor who died before completing him, leaving him with scissors instead of hands. Edward lives in solitude in a Gothic castle until a kind Avon lady brings him to her suburban family's home. While trying to adapt to his new surroundings, Edward uses his unique hands to create beautiful topiaries and hairstyles, becoming a local celebrity. However, his gentle nature and burgeoning love for the family's daughter are eventually challenged by suspicion and misunderstanding from the townspeople.

Dad's Preview: Tim Burton's films have never fit in with standard Hollywood offerings. I love that these often magical oddities blaze their own trail. This is the tale of Edward, a loving soul, cursed with imperfections that make him an outcast. Like all of us, he is searching for love and acceptance, but often only finds fear, cruelty and even violence. Like King Kong or Frankenstein's monster, he is misunderstood, and driven out, leaving behind only the very few who will miss him.

Denise Di Novi, Tim Burton; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #3 Top

The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1974), Director: Gordon Hessler, rated G

Sinbad Battles the Creatures of Legend in the Miracle of Dynarama!

Starring: John Phillip Law, Tom Baker, Takis Emmanuel, Caroline Munro, Douglas Wilmer, Martin Shaw

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Trust in Allah, but tie up your camel." - Sinbad

Why watch this? This is vintage, wonderful Ray Harryhausen - it may be his best work.

Plot Summary: Sinbad discovers a magical golden amulet that sets him on a dangerous quest to find the legendary Fountain of Destiny located on the uncharted island of Lemuria. He is joined by a vizier and a mysterious slave girl as they embark on a journey filled with mythical creatures, tempests, and dark interference from the evil sorcerer Koura. Sinbad must battle Koura and his magical creations to unlock the amulet's power and reach the fabled fountain.

Dad's Preview: This treasure almost made DML Top50, but lost out to Valley of Gwangi (1969). This is the best of Ray's Sinbad films. As Sinbad and his crew work to restore the Grand Vizier to this rightful throne, they must battle a sorcerer and his powerful magic and monstrous giant creatures. The acting feels natural, the villain is deliciously evil, and the special effects - well... they're freakin' awesome! Also, an un-credited Robert Shaw lent his talents to portray the ghastly "Oracle of All Knowledge" (The British actor felt this cameo was "beneath him", so he insisted on being uncredited).

Morningside Productions; Columbia Pictures

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #2 Top

The Wizard of Oz (1939), Director: Victor Fleming, rated G

Mighty Miracle Show Of 1000 Delights!

Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Margaret Hamilton, Billie Burke, Clara Blandick, Terry (as Toto)

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #29 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Wizard of Oz

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! The Great Oz has spoken!" - The Wizard

Why watch this? Because it has been a warm, wise, family classic - like forever.

Plot Summary: After a tornado sweeps her away from her Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale embarks on a quest to find the powerful Wizard of Oz who can help her return home. Along the Yellow Brick Road, she encounters a Scarecrow seeking a brain, a Tin Man desiring a heart, and a Cowardly Lion longing for courage, who all join her on this journey. Together, they face the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks revenge on Dorothy for an accident upon her arrival.

Dad's Preview: This is one of the greatest fantasy films of all time. On the surface, it's wonderful and magical - a treat for every wide-eyed child, ablaze with a new film enhancement they called Technicolor. It was also lovely escapism that was layered with symbolism and hope, just what America needed after the devastating Great Depression of the early 1930's. Early in the film, a tornado carries Dorothy Gale and her farmhouse into the sky. When the house lands with a thud, Dorothy opens the front door and Oz is revealed in its vivid, fantastical splendor! It is a scene that will always emotionally impact this ol' Texas farm boy.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.

Top 20 Fairytale Fantasy Films #1 Top

Big Fish (2003), Director: Tim Burton, rated PG-13 for language, some scary scenes

From the imagination of director Tim Burton. An adventure as big as life itself.

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Robert Guillaume, Danny DeVito

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #37 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Big Fish

"A man tells so many stories, that he becomes the stories. They live on after him, and in that way he becomes immortal." Will Bloom

Why watch this? It is a visually stunning, creative tale about a wounded son and his eccentric father.

Plot Summary: Will returns home to visit his dying father, Edward Bloom, a man known for his incredible, larger-than-life stories. Frustrated by his father's constant tall tales, Will attempts to uncover the truth behind them, seeking to reconcile the imaginative narratives with the real life his father lived. Through flashbacks and Will's investigation, much is gleaned about the relationship between fact and fiction, the nature of legacy, and a son's journey to understanding his father.

Dad's Preview: Father-Son relationships can be strained. This fantastical, allegorical film deals with this topic. A young man feels he doesn't really know his father. His Dad was an eccentric man who always told wild, farcical stories about his lifey. The Son, now about to be a father himself, is exhausted for the truth. There is a lovely, whimsical quality at play in this true work of cinematic art, and it is thoroughly enjoyable... and Ewan McGregor wins you over.

Columbia Pics, Jinks-Cohen Co., The Zanuck Co.;
Sony Pictures Releasing