The Best Movies Like Damsel to Stream Right Now

Netflix recently got a whole lot more adventurous, thanks to the release of Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s Damsel. The movie is a brilliant fantasy drama starring the Stranger Things superstar Millie Bobby Brown. In Damsel, she plays a young girl, Elodie, from a barren land who agrees to marry the prince of Aurea in exchange for them to save her impoverished people, only for her to discover that it was all a trap. Right after the wedding, she’s driven to the mountains and ceremoniously thrown into a fire-breathing dragon’s lair. Elodie uses every tool at her disposal to survive and find a way out.

Damsel offers a refreshing twist on the classic damsel-in-distress trope. It has us rooting for the inexperienced princess to kick some butt and defeat dragons. Brown delivers a stunning performance, making the adventure both gripping and empowering until the very dramatic conclusion. If you’ve already watched Damsel and are jonesing for more girl power, fortunately, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime, have no shortage of movies with similar narratives. From epic quests and hidden magical worlds to evil foes and very brave women saving the day, these movies will satisfy your fantasy cravings.

10 The Princess Bride (1987)

Disney+

The one fantasy romance that has endured for generations on end, The Princess Bride, is actor-turned-director Rob Reiner’s most precious work of all time. It tells the tale of a beautiful Princess Buttercup and a swashbuckling farmhand, Westley. The two are deeply in love but are separated by insurmountable odds when Westley goes out in search of employment and is shortly declared dead. Princess Buttercup, finds herself betrothed to the dreadful Prince Humperdinck, but is willing to fight battles of epic proportions and reunite with Westley.

A Timeless Masterpiece

This classic has it all – romance, comedy, action, and fantasy. With these elements so sublimely woven together, the fairy tale world unfolds on screen in a grand fashion. Rather lighthearted and more magical when compared to Damsel, The Princess Bride brings forward an unafraid protagonist in the form of Robin Wright (who also plays the mysterious Queen Isabelle in Damsel), memorable fights, as well as enough whimsical adventure to transport you into a glorious world.

9 Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Apple TV+

Pan’s Labyrinth is a historical dark fantasy movie written, co-produced, and directed by Guillermo del Toro. Lush in visuals, the movie takes you to Spain, during the summer of 1944, where young Ofelia lives with her pregnant mother and new stepfather, the evil and ruthless Captain Vidal. At night, Ofelia is visited by a fairy who leads her to a magical underworld – a dark and ancient labyrinth filled with mystical creatures that become vital to her understanding of the real world and the fantastical world. As the looming threat of Vidal grows, Ofelia must make sense of what’s real and what isn’t.

Del Toro drew inspiration for Pan’s Labyrinth from fairy tales, but he always wanted to create a multidimensional world with haunting imagery and a lucid atmosphere. The idea of the creatures – the faun and the Pale Man – came from doodles and scribbles in his notebook. Much like Damsel, the movie uses practical effects and artistic elegance to fashion creatures that leave you in awe. Moreover, like Millie Bobby Brown, Ivana Baquero’s protagonist is also emotional, dazzling, honest, sensitive, and brave. Definitely a fantasy worth watching.

8 Stardust (2007)

Prime Video

In the magical kingdom of Stormhold, a young man named Tristan Thorn makes a promise to his beloved Victoria – that he will venture into the dangerous lands beyond the Wall and bring her a fallen star to prove his love and devotion. However, when he does get the star, he discovers that it is a beautiful young woman named Yvaine who is being hunted by various forces, including witches, princes, and pirates. Tristan embarks on an adventure like no other; the journey pushing him to the edge as he fights magical creatures and triumphs.

Watching A Fairy Tale Come to Life

Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, Stardust is a wonderfully vibrant fairy tale. Claire Danes and Charlie Cox star as Yvaine and Tristan. They share a sweet chemistry which is evident in their witty banter, but they’re also expert fighters and make a great team. Michelle Pfeiffer steals every scene as the wicked Lamia, but it is Robert De Niro’s charming role as Captain Shakespeare of the Caspartine that surprises all and compares well with the unexpected plot twists offered by Netflix’s Damsel. Overall, the imaginative sets and glorious designs make Stardust a thrill to watch.

7 Snow White & The Huntsman (2012)

Starz and Apple TV+

Another twist on the traditional fairy tale romance, Snow White & The Huntsman is the directorial debut of Rupert Sanders. It follows our beloved Snow White imprisoned by her stepmother, the Evil Queen. But when the pure-hearted princess manages to escape and flee into the forest, Queen Ravenna enlists Eric the Huntsman to capture her and bring her back alive. Instead of killing her. Eric protects and mentors Snow White, and they form an unlikely alliance in their common goal of overthrowing Queen Ravenna.

Puts A Feminist Twist on a Classic Tale

Far from the original take, this dark and gritty reimagining of Snow White allows the princess to show off her skills with a bow and a sword. Kristen Stewart is absolutely marvelous in the lead role. Her entire personality conveys inner strength, empowerment, and solidarity. In the same vein as Damsel, Snow White & The Huntsman manages to infuse just the right blend of darkness and fantasy, elements of magic and betrayal, to let its protagonist shine bright. Both movies also have a villain in the form of a queen, with Charlize Theron portraying the wicked Queen Ravenna with chilling poise.

6 Maleficent (2014)

Disney+

A dazzling and unforgettable retelling of Walt Disney’s 1959 animated film Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent takes you to a magical kingdom that borders an enchanted forest called Moors, where Maleficent resides. After several horrific acts that led to Maleficent being divided from humans, the fiercest of moors lost her wings and began living in isolation. Years later, when her young love and betrayer Stefan’s daughter Aurora crosses her path, Maleficent realizes that she could be the key to bringing peace between the two worlds.

Villain Reborn as an Icon

Much like Elodie, Maleficent is a misunderstood protagonist who is betrayed by the people she trusts most. Angelina Jolie mesmerizes the audience by breathing new life and adding layers to a character that was so far only seen as evil. Her dark horns and glowing eyes make for astounding visuals, with the backdrop of lavish realms adding more to the story. Damsel and Maleficent both have feminist themes and are imaginative in showcasing their backstories. What’s interesting about the latter, however, is that it dives further into the villain’s origin story as well.

5 Crimson Peak (2015)

Netflix

The story of Crimson Peak is set in Edwardian-era England, where, in the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author named Edith is swept away to a mysterious remote mansion in the English countryside with her new husband, Sir Thomas Sharpe. However, within the mansion’s crumbling and grumbling walls, nothing is as it seems. She soon discovers that her husband’s estate is ripe with dark secrets and ancient ghosts. The closer she gets to learning the truth, the clearer her husband’s intentions become.

A Gothic Ghost Story Like no Other

Much like his previous works, Crimson Peak is a feast for the senses. During production, Guillermo del Toro pitched the movie as a “ghost story and gothic romance.” What he chose not to reveal was the fact that it would be lush with period details and production design, brimming with authentic and unforgettable performances from the likes of Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, and Mia Wasikowska, and thrilling in action and atmosphere. Like Damsel, this horror fantasy navigates themes of deception and perseverance in a way that is truly enthralling.

4 A Monster Calls (2016)

Apple TV+

More poignant and meaningful than other fantasy movies on the list, A Monster Calls centers around a twelve-year-old Conor O’Malley, who is dealing with the consequences of his mother’s terminal illness and being bullied at school for being a social outcast. When a strange monster appears in a yew tree outside his bedroom one night, Conor finds himself drawn towards it. The Monster proceeds to tell Conor stories and helps him process his complex emotions. As their relationship deepens, Conor begins to accept painful truths and reconciles with his grief.

Explores Themes of Empathy and Grief

Based on a screenplay written by Patrick Ness from his own book and directed by J.A. Bayona, this fantasy drama may be light on action and adventure, but its story is big on providing catharsis. Lewis MacDougall is excellent at conveying emotions like grief and loneliness, while Liam Neeson embodies the Monster with warmth and sincerity. Lauded by critics as a masterpiece that is “brave and beautiful, full of compassion,” A Monster Calls, much like Damsel shows undertones of our human need to face life’s harshest truths and learn meaningful lessons.

3 I Kill Giants (2018)

Hulu

In I Kill Giants, Madison Wolfe stars as Barbara Thorson, a loner who is obsessed with fantasy worlds and battling giants that threaten her perfect little town. Because of her constant struggle to fit in at school and have a relationship with her older sister, she finds herself seeking refuge in an imaginary world. Barbara reaches a point where she can no longer distinguish fantasy from reality and realizes that in order to save herself, she must figure out a way to belong in the real world before it’s too late.

Finding Magic in the Ordinary

Damsel is all about dark fantasy and treacherous fate. I Kill Giants, on the other hand, is about a teenager’s quest towards self-acceptance. While Elodie is forced to face unexpected adversaries in the form of evil queens and dragons, Barbara’s vivid imagination is a coping mechanism for her to quietly deal with everyday struggles. Both the protagonists use their creativity, connection, and understanding of emotions to emerge victorious. I Kill Giants also features Zoe Saldaña in an outstanding supporting role.

2 The School for Good and Evil (2022)

Netflix

Read Our Review

A breathtaking adaptation of Soman Chainani’s 2013 novel of the same name, The School for Good and Evil was Netflix’s attempt at expanding its library of original fantasy films. The story follows best friends Sophia and Agatha. The former wishes deeply to become a princess and the latter longs for a modest life in a small village. They face their biggest challenge yet when they’re swept away to the mysterious School for Good and Evil, where ordinary boys and girls are tried to be fairy tale heroes and villains. Their friendship takes a sharp turn when Sophia and Agatha are placed in opposing towers.

Netflix’s Take on Magical Boarding Schools

Paul Feig’s ambitious retelling of Chainani’s wildly popular book series was met with mixed reviews. For some reason, its dazzling visuals and spectacular plot twists couldn’t make up for the lack of depth in its narrative. However, the enchanting and contrasting worlds of glittering pink and gothic towers are a sight to behold. Sophia Anne Caruso and Sofia Wylie play the unlikely best friends with charm and grace, with the movie exploring themes of deception and friendship. It reminds you of Damsel’s familiar spirit of magic and fantasy.

1 The Princess (2022)

Apple TV+

Read Our Review

Directed by Le-Van Kiet, The Princess follows the titular character residing in a medieval realm under the watchful eye of the King and the Queen. Strong-willed and trained in combat, she refuses to marry the sociopath her father chooses for her and leaves him at the altar. This enrages the cruel prince, who orders a violent seizure of the king’s throne and holds the royal family captive. Now, the Princess must use her intelligence and strength to protect her family and reclaim their land.

A Fighter Forged by Betrayal

The Princess is a somewhat lighter version of Damsel. The movie has a fiercely independent heroine who puts her full action skills to dazzling use in order to fight a foe. It uses practical wirework and meticulous choreography to add effect to the narrative. Moreover, it is anchored by a powerful performance from Joey King, who grabs the audience’s attention from the get-go. Seen through her eyes, the acts of bravery and compassion are truly inspiring. The Princess, overall, proves that fairy tales can reflect on heroines in a novel way.