15 Best Fantasy Romance Movies Ever Made

Summary

• The best fantasy movies often focus on relationship dynamics between characters, showcasing the complications of love and overcoming mistreatment.
• Fantasy romances can vary in definition, from mythical creatures to human struggles, but they generally offer a cheerful or less extreme portrayal of love.
• Movies like
  The Princess Bride
  ,
  Legend
  , and
  The Shape of Water
  exemplify the blend of fantasy and romance, creating magical and heartwarming love stories.

The combination of fantasy and romance, especially in movies, is a magical one. The cinematic universe has introduced all manner of whimsical and beautiful stories in this subgenre, but some stand out more than others. Many of these titles come from books that perfectly blend fantasy and romance and are then adapted for the silver screen, bringing some of the most beloved fictional characters to life. However, fantasy, especially in regard to romance, can vary in definition. Not every fantasy movie includes mythical creatures or a duel between the hero and villain.

The majority of the best fantasy movies of all time focus on relationships or have a subplot that delves into the complications of love. But sometimes, the definition of the concept is murky. Some movies about cheating and infidelity are considered romance because a character overcomes their mistreatment and finds someone better. However, in fantasy, romances are generally more cheerful or, at least, less extreme. While a stunning and mystical world is life-changing enough, some movie characters are also fortunate enough to find their true love.

15 The Princess Bride (1987)

The Ultimate Fantasy Comedy

The Princess Bride not only merges fantasy and romance but also includes some amazing comedy for good measure. The journey to save Buttercup from the abhorrent Prince Humperdinck is an enjoyable one, and it becomes even better with hilarious lines like Westley’s repetitive “As you wish” quote.

The Princess Bride’s main romance, which is set in the backdrop of the fictional kingdom of Florin, makes the film not only exhilarating and action-packed but also endearing. Buttercup and Westley’s love story, while comedy-focused, is relatable and heartfelt throughout, making it easy to root for the pair.

14 Legend (1986)

A Classic Tale Of Good Fighting Bad

Legend, Tom Cruise’s only box office bomb, is a fabulous tale about the romance between Jack and Lili. While Legend’s story of good vs. evil isn’t an original idea, Jack and Lili’s love story raises the stakes significantly. Jack’s compelling battle against the Lord of Darkness results in some brilliant pacing in Legend, but the hero’s motivation to save the world and Lili makes it even better. The use of fantasy creatures is prominent in Legend, too, with Jack crossing paths with elves, unicorns, and even an ogre throughout the film.

13 The Shape Of Water (2017)

A Difference In Species Can’t Stop Love

The relationship between mute cleaner Elisa and the enigmatic Amphibian man in Guillermo del Toro’s masterpiece is deeply emotional.

The Shape of Water features one of the most unconventional love stories in a movie ever. The relationship between mute cleaner Elisa and the enigmatic Amphibian man in Guillermo del Toro’s masterpiece is deeply emotional. Despite being set in a version of the real world, the translation of the Amphibian Man’s mistreatment and his developing romance with Elisa is perfection.

Their lack of communication makes their story much more impactful, and the lengths Elisa goes to protect him is a brilliant commentary on appearances, so it makes sense that The Shape of Water is an Oscar Best Picture winner.

12 Enchanted (2007)

A Disney Princess Learns To Live In The Real World

Enchanted is a fascinating take on a naive heroine thrust into a new world. In fact, Enchanted‘s director’s commentary reveals that it tries to offer a new angle on the typical Disney Princess. Giselle’s abrupt arrival in the real world and her interactions with the straight-thinking Robert highlight the tropes of romance stories, but it embraces them in such a way that it teaches audiences to want more from a partner. Their contrasting views are both correct and even though Giselle is from a fairytale land, she teaches Robert how to take life a little less seriously.

11 Labyrinth (1986)

Love From A Distance

Labyrinth isn’t an immediately obvious romance movie, but the budding fondness between Jareth and Sarah is subtle. While the one-sided connection between the Goblin King and a 16-year-old isn’t exactly appropriate, it’s apparent that Jareth feels something for Sarah that is more than just general approval.

Sarah’s creativity and love for her brother attract Jareth’s attention, a refreshing change of pace for him, but his failure to defeat her fuels the fire even more so. Labyrinth celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, honoring one of the most fantastical and eerie films of all time.

10 Stardust (2007)

An Ethereal Love Story

Stardust focuses on the love story and often bickering of human Tristan and star Yvaine. The contrast between the fictional town of Wall and the fantasy kingdom of Stormhold illuminates the differences in its characters, but despite the world’s attempts to keep them apart, their romance blooms.

Tristan’s quest before and after meeting Yvaine is dramatic and enthralling, especially because of the threats he faces along the way, such as the witches and even his romantic rival Humphrey, Henry Cavill’s Stardust character. The Neil Gaiman adaptation is heartwarming and wholesome, with a happy ending that is impossible to argue with.

9 The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)

Marriage Is Complicated Enough, Let Alone In The Wrong Order

The Time Traveler’s Wife is one of Rachel McAdams’ multiple time travel movies. McAdams plays Clare, a woman who meets librarian Henry, who has a genetic disorder that makes him time travel at random. From the get-go, their relationship becomes increasingly more complicated, especially after they marry.

While Henry’s lack of control over his movements is far from ideal, the fact that they have to appreciate every second they have together strengthens their bond. However, Henry meeting his wife out of order also allows him to be the ultimate romantic and to commit fully.

8 Ladyhawke (1985)

Animalistic Needs Has A Brand New Meaning

The medieval fantasy movie Ladyhawke introduces an unusual love story to the screen. The relationship between Lady Isabeau and Captain Etienne Navarre is eternally doomed due to a curse that keeps them in the form of a hawk and a wolf, respectively, but at different times of the day.

The sacrifices the two make are heartbreaking, but the journey they take across the imaginary kingdom of Aquila to defeat the villainous Bishop and hopefully break the curse provides hope. Luckily, the two succeed in their efforts, which makes their near-supernatural experience even more satisfying upon every rewatch.

7 Mirror Mirror (2012)

Snow White’s Stepmother Plays A Much Bigger Role In Her Love Story

The 2012 movie Mirror Mirror is an intriguing retelling of Snow White, with the princess fighting back against her evil stepmother, Queen Clementianna. However, Mirror Mirror abruptly cuts off certain fairytale tropes, most notably in the relationship between Snow and Prince Alcott.

Snow faces Clementianna as a romantic rival, and although her primary goal is to regain her throne, she falls in love with Alcott. While there are several fantastical elements in Mirror Mirror, like magical creatures and curses, the development of feelings between Snow and Alcott never becomes more important than their quest at hand.

6 Shrek (2001)

Happily Ever Afters Come In Many Shapes And Sizes

The hit children’s movie establishes that any creature, no matter their size or appearance, is deserving of affection and that true love is about what’s within.

Every Shrek movie is famous for subverting many romance tropes on its head, but the original breaks the mold. The hit children’s movie establishes that any creature, no matter their size or appearance, is deserving of affection and that true love is about what’s within. Even dragons and donkeys find happiness.

The titular character and Fiona’s relationship is realistic yet endearing, and the fact that they don’t fall for each other immediately makes it easy to cheer for them. Their fairytale world is stubborn, but their feelings are powerful enough to scrap its standards and form a new society.

5 Ella Enchanted (2004)

An Unintentional Boyfriend On The Hunt For Freedom

Ella Enchanted is a loose retelling of Cinderella. While Ella doesn’t set out with the intention to meet someone, as she seeks out her fairy godmother Lucinda in the hopes of having her powers of obedience reversed, she becomes smitten with Prince Char.

Ella’s main motivation is initially to be free of her woes, but it eventually becomes a rescue mission to save Char from poisoning. Even though the kingdom of Lamia is full of various beasts and all types of magic, Ella and Char’s love ensures that the focus of the film is on their relationship and seeking justice.

4 The Age Of Adaline (2015)

Eternal Life Makes Relationships Difficult

The touching moral of The Age of Adaline is directly connected to the relationship between the titular character and philanthropist Ellis. After a freak accident, Adaline is stuck in time and spends decades watching her loved ones grow old around her.

She struggles with her developing feelings for Ellis, as she knows he can’t know the truth about her and, like everyone else she knows, will eventually die. Adaline is living a bizarre fantasy in an otherwise normal world with no end in sight. Thankfully, The Age of Adaline‘s ending makes her generations of watching life passing by worth it.

3 About Time (2013)

Changing The Past Isn’t Always For The Best

About Time is another film that uses the time travel sci-fi trope but in a mythical way. Tim’s ability to jump across timelines is fully within his control, but the lessons he learns while reliving crucial moments in his life make him discover that nothing else matters other than focusing on the present with the dazzling Mary.

While there aren’t any enigmatic figures or supernatural creatures in About Time, Tim’s changes to his past create his own ideal fantasy. Tim’s love for Mary is his driving force for traveling in time, and it also becomes his reason for stopping, too.

2 Yesterday (2019)

Love Is More Important Than The Beatles

The implementation of fantasy in Yesterday is subtle. Jack Malik’s story after waking one day to find that the iconic music group The Beatles never soared to fame is easy to invest in. One thing that remains from his original life, however, is that he is deeply in love with his childhood friend Ellie.

He achieves his dream of being a famous performer, but Ellie’s absence stops Jack from being truly happy. Unlike similar movies like Yesterday, Jack never reverses the changes in the world, but he learns that he isn’t the person he wants to be without Ellie.

1 Twilight (2008)

Fantasy Creature Love Triangles

Twilight is an unforgettable teen romance movie about vampire Edward Cullen and human Bella Swan and the hardships they face as a mixed-species couple. The tension between the two as Bella tries to break down Edward’s walls is nothing short of spectacular, especially considering the risks he takes to be with her.

Bella’s normal life changes forever after she discovers the existence of vampires and werewolves. Bella’s love triangle with Edward and Jacob keeps things interesting in all the Twilight movies, and the angsty tone is a great twist on the fantasy romance genre.