The 10 Best Fantasy Movies Of The 2010s, According To Letterboxd

The magical worlds, compelling characters, and moving stories that often come with movies in the fantasy genre can leave a lasting impression on viewers. Fans on Letterboxd have chosen the must-see fantasy films from the 2010s through their ratings, with only the best ones garnering the highest scores.

The feature films that get near-perfect scores perfectly capture the best the genre had to offer during that decade. Whether it’s blockbusters like Coco or foreign language movies like Ivy, audiences who enjoy being transported into other worlds should check out the highest-rated fantasy films on the platform.

10 Wolf Children (2012) – 4.0

Wolf Children is an underrated animated movie for adults that tells the story of Hana, a single mother who fell in love and had kids with a werewolf. A tragic accident leaves her solely responsible for the health and wellbeing of her two rowdy kids, who prove to be a handful after she realizes they take after their father.

Despite the enchanting premise, the film does a wonderful job of focusing on Hana’s experiences as a mother. Director Mamoru Hosoda thoughtfully portrays her struggles with identity and responsibility in a way that most viewers will be able to relate to.

9 The Lighthouse (2019) – 4.0

Director Robert Eggers thrusts audiences into a grim setting in The Lighthouse, as two keepers find themselves trapped on their remote station thanks to a powerful storm. Things escalate quickly once they realize they won’t be getting off the island anytime soon.

The well-written dialogue and intimate make every gripping moment of the film work. Audiences will feel as if they’re right there with the desperate characters as they discuss everything from their hatred of cooking and magical seagulls. It’s a fantasy, horror, and survival thriller all at once.

8 Ivy (2015) – 4.1

A tense ship full of impatient crew members creates the perfect storm in Director Tolga Karaçelik’s Ivy. Left without their passports, a dwindling supply of food, and a demanding and unreasonable captain, chaos ensues between the ship’s workers who are growing tired of their uncertain situation so close to an Egyptian port.

The movie depicts what isolation and desperation can do to average people. Its closed setting means it relies heavily on well-written dialogue and powerhouse performances to keep viewers glued to their screens until the film’s controversial ending.

7 Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017) – 4.1

Director Masaaki Yuasa gives viewers one of the best rom coms in recent years through Night Is Short, Walk On Girl. More than just a fantastic narrative about young love, the animated film captures a unique feeling that viewers will instantly recognize as the excitement and beauty of youth.

As the charming characters stumble through a bustling town full of old bookstores and buzzing bars, audiences will be transported back to their own carefree years spent meeting and having fun with new people. It’s a feel-good nostalgic movie that captures and perfectly portrays a familiar experience most audiences will easily connect with.

6 Song Of The Sea (2014) – 4.1

Song of the Sea breathes life into ancient folk tales through a moving story about two siblings, Ben and Saoirse. They find themselves in a grand adventure full of selkies and goddesses, as they slowly learn more about their own complicated family and their role in the magical world.

Director Tomm Moore’s masterpiece is undoubtedly the best in the critically acclaimed trilogy, as its beautiful animation and stirring story effortlessly mesmerize viewers from start to finish. While audiences young and old can enjoy the captivating film, more mature viewers will likely have a deeper appreciation of the more poignant parts of its narrative.

5 I Dream In Another Language (2017) – 4.1

Martín, an ambitious linguist, finds himself in the middle of a feud between two old friends who are the only people left in the world capable of speaking their indigenous language in I Dream in Another Language. The non-English language film by director Ernesto Contreras is an intimate look at the relationship between reluctant friends and the irreplaceable knowledge their words carry.

The hard-hitting movie tackles the effects of religion, the mistreatment of indigenous individuals, and the fleeting nature of life. It’s an evocative and thought-provoking film that manages to explore complex themes without being heavy-handed.

4 Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu (2017) – 4.1

The anime film trilogy directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and Tatsuya Oishi ends on an incredibly strong note with Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu. The riveting sequel follows an apparitions specialist’s final battle against a group of lethal vampire hunters.

The film is the perfect example of how to effectively conclude a complicated story full of aggressive vampires and brutal fights. It raises important questions about the nature of light and dark beings, as well as the extent and limits of one’s humanity in the face of impossibly violent situations.

3 The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya (2013) – 4.2

Director Isao Takahata’s The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is an often overlooked Studio Ghibli film. It tells the story of a young princess who emerges from a bamboo stalk and captivates everyone she meets. A darker, more complex aspect of her life looms over her adoptive parents and her new community, which leaves audiences genuinely shocked and moved as it unravels.

The stunning and distinctive art style is more than enough to draw audiences in, but it’s the narrative that becomes the reason they stay until the tear-jerking end. The fantasy film may look like a whimsical fairytale, but viewers should expect an emotive and unforgettable story to go along with its magical setting.

2 Coco (2017) – 4.2

Coco is often considered one of the best Pixar films ever made, and for a good reason. The movie features the incredibly crisp and striking visuals fans have come to expect from the studio, as well as a remarkable story about a young boy’s adventures in the Land of the Dead.

A mysterious ban on music turns out to be rooted in a heartbreaking story that will likely cause viewers to shed a tear or two. The film’s breathtaking and grand scenes are perfectly punctuated by its more intimate and tear-jerking ones, all of which make up the enthralling and memorable journey of a lifetime for its endearing protagonist.

1 Casting Blossoms To The Sky (2012) – 4.2

Endo Reiko visits a war-torn village to document and write about a massive earthquake’s effects on the already bleak location in Casting Blossoms to the Sky. Director Nobuhiko Obayashi masterfully weaves his anti-war message into the setting, and in the story of the protagonist’s messy relationship with her ex-boyfriend.

The way the film unapologetically delves into the dark side of Japanese history may be jarring at first, but it effectively leaves viewers with a better understanding of the effects of war. It’s a must-see for audiences who can appreciate a brilliant juxtaposition of beauty and disaster.

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