Children's Fantasy

List creator: AFleming Created on: October 19, 2004 - 8:43 AM PDT Description: I keep thinking of great fantasy films I saw as a child that I really want my daughter to have a chance to enjoy also. This list is meant for me to compile them as I remember them.

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	movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
	Time Bandits (Criterion Collection) (1981)
I saw this one in the theater when I was 6. Thus began my love for Terry Gilliam. It's a great adventure story about a little boy and a few of God's servants who steal a map of the universe's errors.
	The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1989)
Another great Terry Gilliam film. The imagination and creativity in these films still captivates me. This story revolves around Baron Munchausen and his adventures gathering his aging allies to defend a town under attack.
	The Princess Bride (1987)
A romance comedy that has also stood the test of time. A classic fantasy story of the brave pirate who rescues the princess from the evil king. It hilarious, off the wall, and is full of memorable characters.
	The Dark Crystal (1982)
When muppets were the epitome of special effects. The last two gelflings go on a dark adventure to save the world from the evil Skeksis.
	The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Another great childhood adventure to save the world. The "effects" are very dated, but if you can get past that, it's a great story of bravery and perseverance.
	Labyrinth (1986)
Come on, it's David Bowie! Sarah fights muppet monsters in a fantasy world labyrinth to save her little brother from goblins. Lots of fun from the 80's muppet maddness.
	Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Harry finds out he's a wizard and goes on to discover a new world hidden within our own- the wizarding world. I want to be a wizard too! Being a muggle stinks.
	Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Well, it's Harry Potter again. Second in the series of these great children's books made into film.
	Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Probably my favorite book in the series so far, but my least favorite film of the three. It's still a great film and worth seeing.
	Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
The sci-fi classic. I still get all emotional during the long shot at the beginning of the film with Luke looking out over the sunset on Tatooine. So good!
	Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
As an adult, this is my favorite film in the series. "Luke, I am your father." "No, it can't be, that's impossible." Heehee. When we played Star Wars as kids, I always had to be Han. I wanted to be Princess Leia! Grrr.....
	Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
My favorite film in the series as a child. Hey, I was 8 when this came out and those ewoks are just so darn cute! It does have a nice space battle at the end.
	The City of Lost Children (1995)
A great French fantasy film for the more mature viewer. It's very dark, but incredible. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. The story is too weird to summarize in one sentence. Also, I've never heard the English dub, so I can't vouch for it.
	Legend: Ultimate Edition (Disc 1 of 2) (Director's Cut) (1985)
Jack and his fae fight Darkness to save the unicorns, his love, and the world. Features Tom Cruise when he was a wittle boy! The costumes and set are great.
	The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
	The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
	The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
My daughter loves these films. Jackson does a pretty good job bringing this classic novel to the screen. The first and third films are much better than the second one (which I didn't like that much).
	Willow (1988)
Yet another world saving adventure where the characters learn to believe in themselves. This one is pretty sugary, but has great imagery and good pacing for little people.
	Alice In Wonderland (1999)			Not Rated
One of my favorite childhood stories. Of the versions I've seen over the years, I like this one best. It has a great cast and the sets and costumes are top-notch.
	The Wizard of Oz (70th Anniversary Special Edition) (1939)
We used to watch this one every year on tv. My daughter has never actually seen it, probably because I always thought singing in films was boring.
	Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Greek mythology a la Harryhausen. A childhood favorite of my husband's. An exciting fantasy adventure and rated 'G'.
	Clash of the Titans (1981)
One of several great fantasy films with special effects by Ray Harryhausen. The adventure is based on the story of Perseus from Greek mythology.
	Wonderworks - The Chronicles of Narnia V. 1 - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1988)
	Wonderworks - The Chronicles of Narnia V. 2 - Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1989)			Not Rated
	Wonderworks - The Chronicles of Narnia V. 3 - The Silver Chair (1990)
I actually saw these on PBS when I was a kid, but I don't remember much about them except that I enjoyed the books more.
	Matilda (1996)