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Dad's Top
20 Fantasy Adventure 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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Shrek 2
(2004),
Directors: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon, rated PG
Once upon another
time...
 Starring:
(the voice talents of)
Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, Antonio
Banderas, Rupert Everett, Jennifer Saunders, Joan Rivers, Larry
King, Cody Cameron, Conrad Vernon
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Oh, Shrek. Don't
worry. Things just seem bad because it's dark and rainy and
Fiona's father hired a sleazy hitman to whack you." -
Donkey
Why watch this?
Dare I say it's a bit better than the original? There, I said
it.
Plot Summary:
To please Fiona's human parents in the glamorous kingdom of Far
Far Away, Shrek seeks a magical potion to transform himself,
bringing a swashbuckling feline assassin named Puss in Boots
along for the journey. Meanwhile, Fiona's vengeful Fairy
Godmother schemes with her own son to tear the royal couple
apart, using the magic of a twisted fairytale to rewrite their
"happily ever after".
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Dad's Preview:
This delightful sequel, to a surprise DreamWorks animated hit,
has all the original did, plus more. It is at least as good, if
not a smidge better. Here the theme is what really occurs
after "happily ever after", when life goes on and the groom has
to get to know the in-laws. Throw in a scheming father-in-law, a
demented fairy godmother, and an adorable, swashbuckling
assassin-cat and you've got a fast-paced adventure cartoon that
offers fun for children and adults alike. There are several cute
Easter eggs related to pop culture, and the film's music, using
familiar hits and original songs, rings true. Whether you liked
the original or not, this film brings us home to our favorite,
flatulent, green ogre. |
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DreamWorks
Animation, PDI/Dreamworks;
DreamWorks Pictures |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#20 Top |
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Life of Pi
(2012),
Director: Ang Lee, rated PG
Welcome to Pi's
Ark.
 Starring:
Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu, Rafe Spall,
Gérard Depardieu, James Saito, Jun Naito, Andrea Di Stefano
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Faith is a house with
many rooms." - Pi Patel (as an adult)
Why watch this? A
man tells his life story, but it feels more like an inspiring
dream.
Plot Summary:
A young man named Pi survives a shipwreck and finds himself
stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean. He is not alone,
however, as his only companion is a fearsome Bengal tiger named
Richard Parker. Pi must use his wits and resilience to survive
against the harsh elements and the wild animal, forming an
unexpected and profound connection with the tiger along the way.
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Dad's Preview:
Pi Patel, in a recanted story of his life, describes a
disastrous sinking at sea. Director Ang Lee brings
this incredible (and called "un-filmable") book to glorious life
in this visually stunning movie. Nominated for 11 Oscars, this
strange, fantasy-filled movie
brought home four, including Best Director and Best Visual
Effects. |
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Fox 2000 Pics,
Dune Ent., Ingenious
Media,
Haishang Films;
20th Century Fox |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#19 Top |
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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.
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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. |
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Studio Ghibli;
Toho
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#18 Top |
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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.
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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. |
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Walt
Disney Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios
Motion
Pictures |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#17 Top |
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Creature from the Black Lagoon
(1954),
Director: Jack Arnold, rated G
Not since
the beginning of time has the world beheld terror like
this!
 Starring: Richard
Carlson, Julia Adams, Richard Denning, Antonio Moreno, Nestor
Paiva, Whit Bissell, Bernie Gozier
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"I can tell you
something about this place. The boys around here call it "The
Black Lagoon" - a paradise. Only they say nobody has ever come
back to prove it." - Lucas
Why watch this?
Can undiscovered humanoid creatures exist? Bigfoot? Yeti?
A Creature? (My wife thinks so.)
Plot Summary: A
scientific expedition ventures into the Amazon, discovering a
prehistoric amphibious creature in a secluded lagoon. The
creature, known as the Gill-man, becomes fascinated with a
female scientist on the team. This leads to thrilling and
suspenseful encounters as the team attempts to capture the
creature, while also dealing with its attempts to abduct the
woman.
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Dad's Preview:
This addition to Universal Studios' stable of monster films has long
been one of my favorites. The creature's costume design is
organically
intricate. I know this because I constructed the
Aurura model kit of the famed
aquatic humanoid. Campiness never felt so good in this creepy
creature-feature. There is an eerie beauty on display as he
swims beneath the young lady without her knowledge. Of
course, then he kidnaps her, absconding to her lair. |
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William Alland;
Universal-International |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#16 Top |
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7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964), Director: George Pal,
rated Approved
Bolt the
doors! Lock the windows! Dr. Lao's coming to town!
 Starring: Tony Randall, Arthur
O’Connell, Barbara Eden, John Ericson, Noah Berry Jr., Kevin
Tate, Royal Dano
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"This
is the circus of Dr. Lao. We show you things that you don't
know. We've spared no pains and spared no dough, but we wanted
to give you one helluva show!" -
Dr. Lao
Why watch this?
For its time, this was a strange, wonderful film to behold.
Plot Summary:
In the dusty town of Abalone, Arizona, the arrival of a
mysterious circus led by the enigmatic Dr. Lao disrupts the
lives of its inhabitants. Through his fantastical acts and
mythical creatures, Dr. Lao's circus challenges the townspeople
to confront their flaws, desires, and personal truths. Most
people walk away spooked, but a little wiser. For others, the
lesson can be more terrifying.
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Dad's Preview:
As a kid in the 1960's, this delightful film was a rarity. The
genre-bending Western film combined drama, fantasy and comedy.
Tony Randall (of TV's
The Odd Couple) gives an amazing performance as he portrays seven different characters in this
fantastical morality tale. One by one, the film's various
characters are hit upside the head with the truth about who they really are. Still today,
this is a great fantasy film to watch... and don't stare into
the eyes of the Gorgon! |
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George
Pal; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#15 Top |
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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.
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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. |
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Pixar
Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#14 Top |
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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.
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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. |
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ITC Ent.,
Henson Associates;
Universal Pictures
Assoc. Film Dist. |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#13 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
Fantasy Adventure Films
#12 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
Fantasy Adventure Films
#11 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
Fantasy Adventure 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
Fantasy Adventure Films
#9 Top |
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The Lion King (1994),
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, rated G
The greatest
adventure of all is finding our place in the circle of life.
 Starring: Jonathan
Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy
Irons, Moira Kelly, Ernie Sabella, Nathan Lane, Robert
Guillaume, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"When
we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the
grass.
And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life."
- Mufasa
Why watch this? ...
It is one of the best of the 90's Disney classics.
Plot Summary:
A young lion cub, Simba, is destined to rule the Pride Lands,
but his bitter uncle, Scar, plots against him and his father,
King Mufasa. Simba is led to believe he is responsible for his
father's death and flees into exile, where he befriends Timon
and Pumbaa. Years later, his past returns to haunt him, and he
must decide whether to reclaim his rightful place and face his
demons.
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Dad's Preview:
We wore out this Disney VHS tape. Our kids were mesmerized by
the cute animals and catchy tunes. It really is a magical
story of families and growing up to face responsibility. To that, you only have
to add a wise mandrill, a witty lemur and a smelly warthog. And
viola! - A great animated classic is born! Today, I still cry numerous times
during this musical romp through scenic Africa. |
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Walt Disney
Feature Animation;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist. |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#8 Top |
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Spirited Away (2001,
U.S. release date
2002),
Director: Hayao Miyazaki, rated PG
Prepare to be
spirited away.
 Starring:
Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takeshi Naito, Yasuko
Sawaguchi
English dub - Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne
Pleshette, Lauren Holly, Michael Chiklis, David Ogden Stiers
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Three days of eating our
food and her smell will go away. And if she doesn't work hard,
roast her, boil her,
do whatever you want. Now get back to work." -
Haku
Why watch this?
You need to experience this visual wonder conveyed by Hayao
Miyazaki.
Plot Summary:
During her family's move, a sullen 10-year-old girl named
Chihiro wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches, and
spirits. Her parents are transformed into pigs after eating
unattended food in an abandoned amusement park, leaving Chihiro
trapped in this strange realm. To survive and find a way back,
Chihiro must secure employment at a bathhouse for spirits, where
she encounters various magical beings and faces numerous
challenges.
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Dad's Preview:
Though this was released by Disney, it's not a Disney film,
and I suggest that it's not really for small children. It is a
wonderful fable about a young girl's dream-like transition from child to
young adult. Throw in a lot of creative symbolism, some of
which has meaning, some not so much. It is visually wild, and
you'll wonder, "Who thinks up this stuff?" Director Miyazaki
apparently, and thank goodness for his unique perspective. Who
also loved it was the Academy, rewarding this with the Oscar for
Best Animated Feature Film. |
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Studio Ghibli;
Toho |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#7 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
Fantasy Adventure 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
Fantasy Adventure Films
#5 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
Fantasy Adventure Films
#4 Top |
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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.
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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). |
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Morningside
Productions; Columbia Pictures |
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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#3 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
Fantasy Adventure Films
#2a 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
Fantasy Adventure Films
#2b 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
Fantasy Adventure Films
#2c 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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Top 20
Fantasy Adventure Films
#1 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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