The best thing about the fantasyromance genre is that it allows viewers to escape into a magical world where anything is possible for a few hours. The movies that fall in the ballpark have jaw-dropping visuals and highly emotional stories, epic battles with mystical creatures, or simply a passionate romance between a headstrong heroine and her handsome savior. After all, what more could you want for a light and dreamy night in?
These imaginative movies take the traditional romantic plot and raise the stakes by exposing their characters to lavish worlds of wizardry, time travel, swashbuckling adventures and enchanted lands. By the third act, the lovers have endured so many trials that their bonds are stronger than ever. They earn their happy ending and have us swooning over the breathtaking and epic conclusion.
The 20 movies on this list best capture fantasy romance’s blend of thrill, peril and passion. So, without much ado, let’s take a look at the best fantasy romance movies of all time.
20 Beautiful Creatures (2013)
Ethan White, a shy and introverted bookworm, lives in a small South Carolina town. On his first day of college, he finds himself drawn to a mysterious new girl named Lena Duchannes, who resembles the girl in Ethan’s recurring dreams. As their romance intensifies, Lena begins exhibiting supernatural powers and when Ethan finds out that she comes from a long line of witches, he is willing to do what it takes to break the curse that would bind her to dark magic forever.
Tragic and Bittersweet Love Story
In an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of The Twilight Saga, which concluded just a year before, Beautiful Creatures brought the same kind of star-crossed mystique to the fantasy romance genre. Directed by Richard LaGravenese, the movie features sweeping cinematography and a lore that immerses viewers in the gorgeous, timeless and bittersweet love story. At the center of it all were Alice Englert and Alden Ehrenreich, whose crackling chemistry fueled the narrative.
19 13 Going on 30 (2004)
Set in a suburban wonderland, 13 Going on 30 casts a nostalgic spell on the fish-out-of-water premise. We follow an unpopular girl named Jenna Rink, who is so embarrassed by her teenage life that on her 13th birthday, she wishes we were “30 and flirty and thriving.” Next morning, she wakes up as her 30-year-old self and realizes she has a job and real, adult responsibilities. But the chance to rewrite her past and revisit her former mistakes comes with a small price.
Garner Is Magical in the Role
This 2004 charmer picks a brilliant body-swap concept and delivers equal amounts of belly laughs and romance in its hour-and-a-half runtime, while also imparting poignant lessons about caring less about where you are in life and more about chasing your dreams. Jennifer Garner, who earned nominations from both the MTV Movie Awards and the Teen Choice Awards, shone as a girl rediscovering herself alongside Mark Ruffalo, whose charm as the childhood crush was undeniable.
18 Edward Scissorhands (1990)
In Edward Scissorhands, a sympathetic inventor creates an artificial man named Edward and temporarily gives him scissor-like hands. After the scientist passes away, Edward is found, lonely and abandoned, by a kindly Avon lady. But Edward’s outfit makes him a target in the suburbs and he faces both suspicion and violence. The only picture-perfect thing in his life is Peg’s teenage daughter, Kim, whom he loves.
Features Depp In His Most Endearing Role
Tim Burton is a master of Gothic storytelling. When channeling his talents onto the romance genre, he infuses the fairy tale with empathy and kindness. Burton crafts a socially outcast character, who was immortalized by Johnny Depp.
In one of his most endearing and unusual roles, Depp brings visual poetry to his character through dream-like dialogue and disarming innocence. He is the perfect foil to Winona Ryder’s fascinating heroine. That said, Edward Scissorhands is a terrific movie.
17 Palm Springs (2020)
Palm Springs
- Release Date
- July 10, 2020
- Director
- Max Barbakow
Directed by Max Barbakow for Hulu, Palm Springs is a fantasy romance that follows a carefree young man, Nyles, bonding with a beautiful but reluctant wedding guest, Sarah, at a reception evening in Palm Springs. Their chance encounter forces Sarah into the same infinite time-loop Nyles has been stuck in for a long time. As they repeat the same day over and over, attending the never-ending wedding together, the unlikely duo falls in love.
Quirky Twist on the Time-Loop Trope
With Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti owning the screen with their wonderful and hilarious chemistry, this clever odd-couple movie is both heartfelt and entertaining. The movie is Barbakow’s first foray into directing feature films, and it proves him as a marvelous director capable of bringing out the zaniest versions of his characters. Critics and audiences praised the movie for logic and emotion, as well as the contemporary escapism it offers.
16 Ghost (1990)
Ghost
- Release Date
- July 12, 1990
- Director
- Jerry Zucker
One of the highest-grossing films of all time during its release, Ghost revolves around Sam Wheat, a banker, and his artist girlfriend Molly Jensen, who have recently moved into a new loft apartment. But when Sam is murdered during a bank robbery, he realizes that there is no way he can protect Molly, who is still in danger. He gets help from a psychic and tries to physically manifest in order to communicate with her and stop the killer.
About Love Beyond Death
Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg are the trio we did not know we needed in a sublime combination of supernatural love story and fast-paced crime thriller until director Jerry Zucker thought it fitting. The movie pulls its viewers in with a universally relatable story, a sizzling chemistry between the leads, and themes of loss, eternal devotion, and the power of second chances. A true pioneer of the genre, Ghost’s influence on pop culture is still felt.
15 The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
An adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger’s 2003 novel of the same name, The Time Traveler’s Wife tells the epic love story of Clare and Henry, who meet and fall in love but are never able to share quality moments like normal couples. Henry suffers from a rare condition where he involuntarily travels to the past and future, always leaving Clare behind during the most important events of their lives.
An Ode to Time and Destiny
Despite being criticized for inconsistencies in the plot at the time of its release, The Time Traveler’s Wife grew in popularity over time. Fans had a lot to praise. For starters, Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana are a powerful and poetic portrait of soulmates.
The artistic cinematography brings the otherworldly premise to life in a stunning manner. While complex because of its jumps from past to present to future, the romance remains the focus of the movie, which is both whimsical and heart-wrenching and imaginative.
14 Avatar (2009)
Avatar
- Release Date
- December 18, 2009
Still considered one of the highest-grossing films ever, Avatar tells the story of a paraplegic former marine named Jake Sully, who takes part in an operation on the lush planet of Pandora, where a valuable mineral is mined. He assumes control of an ‘avatar,’ a remotely controlled body with Na’vi alien DNA. But after he is accepted by the natives as their own, and he falls in love with Neytiri, a Na’vi woman, Sully switches sides and fights for their cause instead.
A Visual Masterpiece Like No Other
Written and directed by James Cameron, the movie was a technical marvel at the time. Its amazing visual effects and mind-blowing cinematography made it a genuinely beautiful intergalactic romance. Playing out against the backdrop of the rainforest of a hostile extraterrestrial moon, it was not only imaginative and adventurous, but it also gave out sobering messages about the environment. An immersive blockbuster like no other, Avatar is worth watching.
13 Labyrinth (1986)
Labyrinth stars Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a teenage girl who secretly wishes her infant half-brother Toby away out of anger. When it actually happens, she is forced to navigate a fantastical medieval-style labyrinth designed by the Goblin King Jareth and rescue her baby brother. In confronting her maturity, Sarah is aided by several allies.
Iconic ’80s Fantasy Romance
Hailed by critics as “a fantasy fan’s gourmet delight,” Labyrinth is a cult classic. It is a surreal coming-of-age movie that features catchy music and splendid visuals. Apart from Connelly, it also features David Bowie, who plays the subversive role of Gareth with effortless charm. Of course, the movie has some dark psychological complexity, but at the same time, its delightful exploration of what it is like to grow up and learn lessons about life adds nostalgia and resonance.
12 The Shape of Water (2017)
This Best Picture Academy Award winner was directed by Guillermo del Toro and written by del Toro and Vanessa Taylor. A magical fantasy, The Shape of Water is set in Cold War-era Baltimore, and it follows Elisa Esposito, a lonely and mute young woman who works as a custodian in a secret government facility. At work, she discovers a mysterious sea creature and develops a special bond with it.
A Unique Cinderella Story
An ode to outcasts, The Shape of Water is del Toro’s visually opulent masterpiece. It stars Sally Hawkins as Elisa, who expresses both torment and tragedy with care. The movie, which bridges land and see, fantasy and reality, is a fairy tale unlike any seen before. For its amazing storytelling, deeply impactful core message, and for demonstrating just how capable the genre is of telling inclusive stories, it deserves all the praise.
11 Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a live-action adaptation of the graphic novels of the same name written by Bryan Lee O’Malley. The title character, Scott Pilgrim is a guitarist in a garage band who wants to win a competition. He falls for Ramona Flowers, an enigmatic American delivery girl. But to win her affection, Scott must defeat her seven evil exes in a battle – literally. In the process, Scott faces over-the-top challenges and learns to fight back.
Wright’s Love Letter to Comic Books and Gaming
Not only does Scott Pilgrim vs. the World tell an innovative and subversive geek love story, but it also features an outstanding indie rock soundtrack to go with all the action and romance. Directed by Edgar Wright, the movie brings to life a flawless universe and combines it with pop culture references and creative fight sequences. Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead are simply phenomenal in their roles as the witty and driven leads.
10 Meet Joe Black (1998)
Meet Joe Black is a modern reimagining of the 1934 film Death Takes a Holiday, which, in turn, is adapted from Alberto Casella’s 1924 play. The movie stars Brad Pitt as a personification of death. All he wants is to experience life, so when a 65-year-old media mogul, Bill Parrish, feels his end is nearing, Death strikes a deal with him in exchange for extra days of his life. As Joe Black, he also falls in love with Susan, Bill’s daughter.
Packs Up a Truckload of Emotions
The core theme of Meet Joe Black is the delicate line drawn between love and mortality. It balances existentialism with old-fashioned romance and transforms into a story that is unusual but utterly believable. Under the direction of Martin Brest and with stellar supporting performances from Anthony Hopkins and Claire Forlani, the movie asks life’s biggest questions and packs a wallop of emotions. Though received poorly, viewers collectively made it a classic.
9 Midnight in Paris (2011)
There are some movies that are emotionally jarring and others that are visually enchanting. Midnight in Paris falls in the second category. Written and directed by Woody Allen, the romantic fantasy follows Gil, a nostalgic screenwriter, who finds himself visiting Paris with his fiancee and her family.
Transfixed by the city’s beauty, he suddenly gets transported back to the 1920s at midnight and interacts with icons like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. He also falls in love with a young woman named Adriana.
Takes You Back in Time
Allen’s film is a delightful and quotable romance; it encapsulates the director’s love for European history and tickles both the mind and the heart. Midnight in Paris stars Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams as the main characters. They deliver absolutely magical performances, allowing viewers to indulge in the creative and glittery parties of 1920s Paris, the dim-lit streets and funny moments, as well as Allen’s artistic admiration for a time left behind.
8 Twilight (2008)
Based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling novel of the same name, Twilight introduced audiences to Bella Swan, who moves to the gloomy and uneventful town of Forks, Washington, to live with her father after her mother goes on a vacation with her boyfriend. She meets a mysterious and handsome student named Edward Cullen. After Bella learns that Edward has a secret, their romance faces several unconventional circumstances.
A Launching Point for the Genre
Twilight is more than just one of the best fantasy romance movies of all time. It is a movie that reinvigorated the vampire romance trope for the new generation and paved the way for more fantastical YA adaptations. Although considered mid at the time of its release, it became a pop culture phenomenon, catapulting Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson to global fame. Moreover, its influence only grew stronger with the sweeping and adventurous sequels.
7 Ella Enchanted (2004)
A funny, audacious and musical adaptation of Gail Carson’s novel, Ella Enchanted revolves around the titular heroine, who was blessed at birth with the gift of obedience by a misguided fairy. After growing up, Ella finds herself constantly compelled to obey any command only to face comedic consequences. When she meets Prince Charmont, Ella is forced to find a balance between free will and destiny amidst all the escalating confusion around her.
Quirky and Empowering
Praised by Roger Ebert as “the best family film so far this year (2004),” Ella Enchanted puts a fresh spin on the classic fairy tale romance genre by incorporating themes of female empowerment and following one’s dream. Featuring Hugh Dancy and Cary Elwes, its storyline is complex but likable. The sharp humor is balanced by more emotional moments, proving fantasy can preach more things than one at the same time.
6 It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This list would be incomplete without mentioning one of the greatest movies of all time. It’s a Wonderful Life is Frank Capra’s immensely successful Christmas fantasy. It takes place in Bedford Falls, New York, and follows a man named George Bailey, who has given up on his dream of helping others and wishes to end his life. On Christmas Eve, an angel is sent from heaven to show George what life would be like for his loved ones and society without him in it.
Only the Perfect Holiday Classic
The movie was initially unsuccessful at the box office. Its sales were so disappointing that the industry saw Capra as a director who had lost his ability to produce great films. Only after its copyrights expired in 1974 did the movie find acclaim. Ever since then, It’s a Wonderful Live has continued to screen annually across the world and it brings generations together with its simple, universally resonant message about life and how it touches many.
5 About Time (2013)
Time travel romances are always charming. Directed by Richard Curtis is a movie that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, comedy, drama, and a whole lot of romance. We follow Tim Lake, who, like all the men in his family, has the unusual gift of time travel – the ability to not only return to the past but also alter the events. When he turns 21, Tim is searching for love, and using his cunning little trick, he makes a woman named Mary fall in love with him.
Why It’s Important to Cherish Every Moment
If you have heard of the Butterfly Effect, then you are probably aware of how undoing and redoing history at will has consequences. About Time is Curtis’ way of putting a delightful spin on the theory. While it cleverly infuses elements of fantasy into the narrative, the movie stays focused on Tim and Mary’s journey – the ups and downs of their relationship and the time-travel dilemmas they face. Overall, the movie is a complete crowd-pleaser.
4 The Age of Adaline (2015)
In The Age of Adaline, Blake Lively plays Adaline Bowman, a woman who suffered a nearly fatal accident in her youth but was revived after being struck by lightning, following which she stopped aging and has remained 29 for eight decades now. Having adopted new identities and addresses to hide her condition, she ultimately started living in isolation until one day, a chance encounter with philanthropist Ellis Jones forced her to make peace with her immortality.
Lively’s Most Moving Performance
Lively single-handedly carries this poignant romance. Under Lee Toland Krieger’s sublime direction, it features the kind of visuals that transport audiences into Adaline’s melancholic world. Her chemistry with Michiel Huisman and a remarkable supporting turn from Harrison Ford bring out the drama and emotion of it all. For some, it is the theme of eternal youth that’s thought-provoking; for others, it is the artful and devastating longing for love that’s worth praising.
3 All of Us Strangers (2024)
Finding a top spot on the list is this recent masterpiece directed by Andrew Haigh, who adapts the story from the 1987 novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada. It follows a lonely televison screenwriter named Adam living in his near-empty London tower block. One night, he is visited by his mysterious neighbor, Harry, and the two develop an intensely romantic relationship.
Meanwhile, Adam finds himself revisiting his past over and over again, stopping by at their parents’ place from the time they died 30 years ago.
A Modern Tearjerker
The independent British romantic fantasy film garnered massive praise for its emotionally devastating storytelling, sending both critics and viewers in awe of what Haigh is able to achieve in less than two hours.
Being lauded as “a film so personal, emotional and resonant, yet also so satisfying within its place in a genre,” All of Us Strangers manages to deliver a truly epic love story; one that is ripe with trauma, shock, complexity, and mesmerizing performances from Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal.
2 Stardust (2007)
Based on Neil Gaiman’s 1999 novel of the same name, Stardust is an enchanting fantasy movie that centers around shop assistant Tristan. All he wants is to win the heart of his beloved Victoria, so he ventures into a stormy mysterious realm beyond the Wall to fetch a fallen star for her. But the star turns out to be a beautiful young woman named Yvaine. Tristan protects Yvaine from a witch and together, they embark on an adventure involving princes, flying ships, and more.
Combines Action, Adventure, and Romance
Director Matthew Vaughn translates Gaiman’s beautiful novel into a cinematic wonder. He creates its imaginative world and brings in an all-star cast made of Claire Danes and Charlie Cox as the leads and Henry Cavill, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro in incredible supporting turns. The production design and true-to-time costumes made the transition to magical worlds easier. Overall, Stardust tells an uplifting story about human connection.
1 The Princess Bride (1987)
Part adventure comedy and part classic fantasy romance, The Princess Bride tells the story of farmhand Westley, princess Buttercup, and their timeless tale of true love.
After Westley leaves the kingdom of Florin to pursue wealth overseas, news of his death reaches Buttercup and she has no choice but to marry Prince Humperdinck. The mysterious Man in Black comes to her rescue. The time apart and the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin stand in their way, but Westley and Buttercup manage to reunite at last.
The Fantasy Romance That Endured
Featuring a great cast including Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Andre the Giant and more, The Princess Bride is simply a perfect movie. Rob Reiner directs the hilarious, swashbuckling parody with exceptional grace, knowing not to fix what’s not broken and structuring it like a book you read. Every line is quotable thanks to William Goldman’s genuinely sharp and funny script. Even newer audiences continue to be in awe of the movie, proving it has aged like fine wine.
