If you’re looking for some truly dazzling, cinematic magic to lose yourself in,Tubihas you covered with its enormous library that offers something for every mood. The streaming service houses thousands of titles acrossgenres like action, romance, sci-fi, and Westerns. It’s also the perfect place to go to when you’re in the mood to escape into fantastical worlds.
Buried within Tubi’s sparkling crevices is a treasure trove offantasymovies that either make you nostalgic or leave you in complete awe. From classics that fueled our childhood imaginations to contemporary stories about the most impossible feats, the streamer has the very best fantasy movies currently available to stream for free. Of course, combing through so many options of adventures and quests and magic and mythologies is taxing, so we’ve narrowed your choices down to 10 fantasy movies to begin your session with.
13’Jumanji' (1995)
The first installment in theJumanjifilm series, which is followed by a spin-off and two sequels,Jumanjirevolves around two children who come across a mysterious board game, get cursed, and are transported into the dangerous jungle it depicts. As they keep playing, they find themselves battling vicious creatures and navigating hostile terrain. At the same time, they are pursued by a big game hunter named Van Pelt.
Imaginative Take on Board Games
Back in the 1990s, fantasy board games were all the rage andJumanjibrought an incredible world to vibrant life. Under careful direction by Joe Johnson, it feels magical and realistic at the same time.Robin Williams shines as Alan Parrish, a man who has been trapped in Jumanji for the past twenty-six years. He’s supported by Bonnie Hunt and Kirsten Dunst. The fast-paced action, unexpected threats, and humor are what make the movie a wild ride.
12’Penelope' (2006)
Christina Ricci and James McAvoy appeared as star-crossed lovers in the quirky romantic comedyPenelope, in whichtheYellowjacketsalumportrays a young heiress who was born with the snout of a pig after a revenge-seeking witch placed a curse on her family’s bloodline. To overcome the spell, Penelope must find true love with “one of her own kind” as she’s swept off her feet by the charming romantic suitor Max Champion (McAvoy), who harbors mysterious motives.
Ricci & McAvoy Shine in a Modern-Day Fairy Tale
With the additional talents of famous faces like Catherine O’Hara, Peter Dinklage, and Reese Witherspoon,Penelopeoffers up a fun and whimsical take on the traditional rom-com and features captivating chemistry by its decorated lead stars. A romantic modern-day fairy tale,Penelopewill leave you feeling uplifted as it encourages viewers to love themselves while also serving up a heaping dose of magic, humor, and countless heart-warming moments.
11’Dr. Dolittle' (1998)
Doctor Dolittle
Based on the children’s books of the same name,Dr. Dolittlestarscomedian extraordinaire Eddie Murphyas the titular physician John Dolittle who regains his wondrous childhood ability to hear what animals are saying following a car accident, a special gift that causes hilarious hijinks in both his personal and professional life. When John’s erratic behavior worries his family and he’s sent to a mental institution, the good doctor must learn how to cope with his talent with the help of his furry friends.
Murphy Makes Magic at the Box Office
Dr. Dolittleserves up some wholesome family fun and showcases Murphy’s undeniable likability as a leading man, with the comedian’s zippy banter with his animal co-stars like Norm Macdonald and Chris Rock delighting audiences. The film went on to gross over $294 million and spawned a 2001 sequel with Murphy reprising his role, as well as three direct-to-video movies centering on Dolittle’s daughter Maya (Kyla Pratt), who inherits her father’s ability to communicate with animals.
10’Gretel & Hansel' (2020)
Gretel & Hansel
Those wanting a little horror with their fantasy need not look further thanGretel & Hansel, an adaptation of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale that follows the siblings (Sophia Lillis & Sam Leakey) as they are forced to fend for themselves and find supplies and work after their mother descends into madness. When the iconic duo ventures into a dark and foreboding forest, they find themselves at the mercy of a terrifying witch who lures innocent children to their brutal deaths.
A Wickedly Spooky Take on a Brothers Grimm Classic
Directed by Osgood Perkins (son ofhorror icon Anthony Perkins),Gretel & Hanselis a slow-burn coming-of-age story that is jam-packed full of spellbinding visuals and unnerving suspense and includes a commanding performance byItstar Lillis. Fans of all things gruesome and gory will love being immersed in the spooky world and will enjoy seeing the famous tale brought to the big screen as the siblings fight for their lives against the nefarious witch.
9’ParaNorman' (2012)
ParaNorman
Set in the small Massachusetts town of Blithe Hollow where 11-year-old outcast Norman Babcock spends his time communicating with the dead more than the living,ParaNormanfollows the young boy as he discovers that only he has the power to prevent a centuries-old witch’s curse from plaguing the town. Norman and his equally eccentric best friend Neil must take on vengeful ghosts, zombies, and skeptical townsfolk as they try and stop the curse from destroying Blithe Hollow.
‘ParaNorman’ Becomes a Hit Among Moviegoers & Critics
Lauded for its stunning animation, riveting storyline, and winning blend of horror, humor, and fantasy elements,ParaNormanmade cinema history when it became the first stop-motion film to use a 3-D color printer. It was nominated for numerous accolades, including Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, and becamea certified hit with audiencesboth young, old, and everyone in between, as fans couldn’t help but find the plucky hero endearing as he embarked upon his courageous quest.
8’The Secret of NIMH' (1982)
The Secret of NIMH
Based on Robert C. O’Brien’s children’s novel,Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, this animated classic tells the story of a field mouse named Mrs. Brisby, who is preparing for her family to leave the farm as plowing season approaches. But when her youngest son falls dangerously ill, she turns to seek the aid of some super-intelligent lab rats who escaped the facility and put their extraordinary skills to good use by helping Mrs. Brisby with their survival mission.
Unmatched Animated Adventure
The Secret of NIMHwas Don Bluth’s directorial debut, and he put all of his imagination into crafting a fantasy that entertains all ages. The intricate details, the blend of determination and vulnerability, and the utterly compelling character arcs transformed the story into one about empowerment and standing brave against impossible odds. Intriguing to young minds and rewarding to old minds, it still holds up.
’80s Animated Movies that Raised a Generation
The ’80s were an amazing time to be alive. The music was good, the movies were original and the animation was excellent.
7’Somewhere in Time' (1980)
Somewhere in Time
Richard Collier is a playwright living in Chicago in the 1980s. While on a relaxing retreat at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, he comes across a vintage photograph of Elise McKenna, who was a stage actress back in her day, and becomes utterly transfixed. So much that he somehow time-travels to 1912 to meet her through self-hypnosis. He engrosses himself in a love affair with Elise, much to the dismay of her manager, William Fawcett Robinson.
Captivating and Time-Defying
Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour burn up the screen with their smoldering romance set against the backdrop of an elegant 20th-century resort. The lavish cinematography and the intangible melancholy are befitting their bittersweet romance as they shed light on the fleeting moments when the heart is pulled towards another, and it’s really hard to understand the how and why of it.Somewhere in Timeunderperformed at the box officebut eventually rose as a classic.
6’Ladyhawke' (1985)
In medieval Italy, a clever, youthful, and slippery thief named Phillipe Gaston breaks out of a dungeon and encounters Capt. Navarre. He learns from Navarre about a curse that the evil Bishop of Aquila cast on former lovers – Navarre and his lover Lady Isabeau d’Anjou – which allows them to meet only once a year, at twilight, when each shape-shifts. Phillipe jumps to his aid and tries to break the Bishop’s evil enchantment.
A Satisfying Cult Classic
Combining elements ofromance and adventure with fantasy, director Richard Donner pays tribute to classic swashbuckling tales withLadyhawke. The visually arresting locations paired with the electrifying performances of Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer make every scene a delight to watch. Also, the star-crossed-lovers trope had fans in a spell. While imperfect and underrated, the movie pushed the boundaries of the fantasy genre.
5’The Bishop’s Wife' (1947)
The Bishops Wife
The Bishop’s Wife, a fantasy comedy, follows Bishop Henry Brougham, who is struggling with fundraising for the construction of a new cathedral. His marriage with his wife Julia and their young daughter Debby hits a rough patch due to his obsession. While praying, Henry unwittingly summons an angel named Dudley, who, instead of guiding Henry, tries to ease his troubles by awakening the spirituality of the people around him. But Dudley also falls for Julia, which strains his purpose.
Nothing Short of a Christmas Miracle
Prioritizing themes of faith, family, and service over lavish displays and materialism,The Bishop’s Wifehasestablished itself as a holiday classic. Directed by Henry Kostner, its impact on cinema and viewers has been beautiful, particularly because of Cary Grant’s angelic intervention. David Niven and Loretta Young are just as charming in their roles, delivering optimistic messages on priorities and relationships, everyday interactions, and the wonders of nature.
4’Scrooge' (1951)
Scroogeis one of the earliest adaptations of Charles Dickens’sA Christmas Carol. A musical retelling, it starsAlastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge, an unfulfilled businessman with no desire to celebrate Christmas or contribute to the festive cheer. When he is visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future, Scrooge begins to see just how his cold-hearted ways impact those around him. He confronts his shortcomings and promises to change.
Hauntingly Beautiful Adaptation
As light-hearted as it may sound (andScroogeis, for the most part), the classic fantasy also features some vivid visuals and haunting songs, like “I Saw Three Pines” and “Barbara Allen.” It features a complex and unsentimental protagonist who learns sincerity, hope, and love through the journey of a lifetime. With Brian Desmond Hurst’s dark Victorian setting and Alastair Tim’s soulful performance,Scroogebecomes a rare and timeless adaptation.
