The Absolute Best Fantasy Movies on Prime Video – CNET [CNET]

October 26, 2022 Steph Panecasio technology

Prime Video‘s list of fantasy movies is relatively sparse, but it does have arguably the biggest name in the genre, Lord of the Rings. That means you can catch up on Peter Jackson’s classic Middle-earth movies in time for Amazon’s new megabucks prequel TV series The Rings of Power.

And there are some stone-cold classics on there too, from sci-fi weirdness to sword ‘n’ sorcery. Whether you’re looking for a brand new release or a classic from the vault, there’s something for everyone.

Check out some of the best fantasy movies below!

Universal Pictures

The Northman isn’t strictly a fantasy, but it has the scope of a fantasy epic. Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård), a Viking warrior prince, sets out on a quest to avenge the murder of his father. With Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy and Ethan Hawke among the cast, The Northman is a tour de force to marvel at from The Lighthouse director Robert Eggers.

Disney

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Whether it’s Halloween or any other time of the year really, this Tim Burton gothic classic is a magical delight. Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest and more star in a story about a young, ageless man created by an inventor who died before being able to give him real hands.

Mark Pokorny

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

While it was a letdown after the majesty of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit still brings an outstanding performance from Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins. Six years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, Bilbo is convinced by Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to accompany 13 dwarves on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).

New Line

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

It’s Lord of the Rings. It’s the best. If you haven’t watched it, time to watch it. The end.

All three of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies are currently on Prime Video. Must watch stuff, all of it.

Just don’t bother with The Hobbit movies!

Paramount

This is one of those titles that really does what it says on the tin. Is there love? Yep. Are there monsters? You betcha. Love and Monsters was an underrated release that showcases Dylan O’Brien as a young man trying to reconnect with his high school girlfriend… after the end of the world, with a bunch of monsters between them.

Amazon Prime Video

Starring Camila Cabello (and yes, James Corden as a giant rat), this Cinderella adaptation is a jukebox musical that is surprisingly enjoyable once you get past how in-your-face it is. It’s a light-hearted time with a feisty Cinderella calling the shots.

Momentum Pictures

Adapted from Oscar Wilde’s classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, this 2009 film tells the story of Dorian Gray (Ben Barnes) and the portrait he keeps hidden away, which becomes older and more tainted while he lives on in eternal youth. The film also stars Colin Firth as Lord Henry Wotton.

01 Distribution

This Italian live-action Pinocchio is one that will stick with you long after you watch it. Starring Federico Ielapi as Pinocchio and Roberto Benigni as Geppetto, the film follows the story of young puppet boy Pinocchio and his quest to become a real boy. It gets dark at times, but it works.

Highlander Productions

There can be only one… top spot on this list, that is. A classic fantasy adventure starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, Highlander tells the story of an immortal warrior destined to fight other immortals in a secret, centuries-old war. It’s one of those movies that has gained cult classic status — it might not be the best, but it’s worth it just to hear Lambert’s undefinable accent.